Search

Objective: To investigate the association between diet quality, nutritional status, and sarcopenia in a sample of the oldest old. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, individuals aged ≥ 80 years were enrolled. To determine their energy and macronutrient intake, 24-hour dietary recall was used to calculate the Healthy Eating Index. Nutritional status was categorized based on Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using both the 2010 and 2018 EWGSOP criteria. Electrical bioimpedance was used to calculate the muscle mass index. Muscle strength was measured through handgrip dynamometry, and muscle performance was determined with a 4-m gait speed test. To test the association between the HEI with sarcopenia, means of HEI scores were compared between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic participants using indendent t-tests. Prevalence rate ratios were calculated using a Poisson Regression model with robust estimation of standard errors. Results: The study population consisted of 119 participants, predominantly women (n = 67; 56.3%), with a mean age of 83.4 (SD, 3.0) years. The prevalence of sarcopenia varied significantly according to the classification criteria, being higher according to EWGSOP 2010 than EWGSOP 2018 criteria (46.7 vs. 17.6%), as expected. Female participants and those categorized as malnourished presented higher prevalence of sarcopenia. Nutrition quality, estimated by the Healthy Eating Index, was not associated with the outcome. Reduced total energy and high protein intake were independently associated with both sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia, regardless of the diagnostic criteria. Conclusions: The Health Eating Index was not associated with sarcopenia in this sample of older adults ≥80 years. Sarcopenia prevalence, as defined by the EWGSOP 2018 criteria, was higher in thosewith MNA≤24 and with reduced daily total energy comsumption independently of age, sex and education attainment. Higher protein intake, oposed to expected, was indenpendently associated with sarcopenia, possibly due to protopathic bias. Large longitudinal studies are still required to investigate the relationship between nutrition quality and Sarcopenia in 80+ aged adults.

This scoping review investigates peer-led programs as a strategy to promote physical activity (PA) among older adults, addressing a gap in the literature concerning in-depth assessment of the characteristics, components, and effectiveness of such programs. Seven databases were searched for articles published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish on peer-led initiatives aimed at encouraging PA in older adults. A total of 53 studies were included, with a notable increase in publications since 2018, primarily focusing on randomized clinical trials involving participants of both sexes. The findings highlight that peer leaders typically have an average age of 65.2 years, with a minority having prior training in PA, although over half received specific training for leading PA programs. These programs, which predominantly span 1 to 4 months, often involve resistance exercises, walking, and flexibility/stretching/mobility activities, conducted in homes and community spaces. Despite the substantial number of studies utilizing peer-led approaches, a consistent lack of detailed reporting on the specific characteristics of peer leaders was observed, underscoringa need for more comprehensive documentation to enhance the understanding and implementation of these programs for older adults.

Objective: To identify how antimicrobials are prescribed in long-term care facilities from the perspective of nurses. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted using an online survey. Participants were selected through conventional sampling methods and online recruitment. Data were collected through a 2-section self-administered questionnaire: the first section characterized the respondent and the institution, while the second investigated the antimicrobial prescription and usage in the institution. Results: Thirty-five responses were received, representing institutions from every state in Brazil. Sixty percent of the institutions had a part-time physician. More than 90% of the respondents said they contacted a prescriber to report signs and symptoms suggestive of infection, which led to subsequent antimicrobial use. Conclusions: The opinion of nurses has a significant impact on the prescriber’s decision to begin antibiotic therapy in long-term care facilities, which indicatesthat nurses need training about the rational use of antimicrobials.

Abstract Background Postoperative pain delays ambulation, extends hospital stay, reduces the probability of recovery, and increases risk of long-term functional impairment. Pain management in hip fractured patients poses a challenge to the healthcare teams. Older adults are more vulnerable to opioid-associated side effect and it is primordial to minimize their exposure to opioids. Acetaminophen is associated with reduced opioid use so we need to focus on acetaminophen use in first-line analgesia. Methods We conducted a controlled before/after study to assess the ability of an audit and feedback (A&F) intervention built with nurses to improve the quality of perioperative pain management in older patients hospitalized for hip fracture in an orthogeriatric unit (experimental group) versus a conventional orthopedic unit (no A&F intervention). The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who received 3 g/day of acetaminophen during the three postoperative days, before and after the A&F intervention. Secondary endpoints included nurses’ adherence to medical prescriptions, clinical data associated with patients and finally factors associated with intervention. The significative level was set at 0.05 for statistical analysis. Results We studied data from 397 patients (mean age 89 years, 75% female). During the postoperative period, 16% of patients from the experimental group received 3 g/day of acetaminophen before the A&F intervention; the percentage reached 60% after the intervention. The likelihood of receiving 3 g/day of acetaminophen during the postoperative period and adhering to the medical prescription of acetaminophen were significantly increased in the experimental group as compared with the control group. The patient’s functional status at discharge (assessed by Activities of Daily Living scores) was significantly better and the length of hospital stay significantly reduced after the A&F intervention. Conclusion Our controlled before/after study showed that an A&F intervention significantly improved perioperative pain management in older adults hospitalized for hip fracture. Involving teams in continuous education programs appears crucial to improve the quality of pain management and ensure nurses’ adherence to medical prescriptions.

Abstract Background To establish and validate the criterion-referenced standards of functional fitness in predicting physical independence in 80 + years. Methods A group of 2,749 older community dwellers (60–84 years) were recruited, and 2,050 were identified with moderate-to-high independent living ability according to the proposed minimum composite physical function score. The Senior Fitness Test battery was applied to measure functional fitness at five-year intervals. The declining rate for each fitness dimension was calculated based on the differences between any two adjacent age groups and was adjusted according to the reported degradation rate differences between the cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Results The age-and-sex-specific criterion-referenced standards were identified for muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, and dynamic balance that older adults should possess at 60–79 to maintain independent living abilities. Moderate to high consistency (k = 0.622–0.650) and associations (φ = 0.641–0.694) were found between the predicted physical independence by criterion-referenced standards of functional fitness and the results from the composite physical function scale. Moreover, the predicted independent living abilities in later years from the criterion-referenced standards of functional fitness showed high test-retest reliability (P a = 0.90–0.96). Conclusion The criterion-referenced standards for functional fitness are valid and reliable to predict independent living abilities in later years, and provide the threshold to identify the limitations in physical fitness and detect the risks of functional disabilities among older adults in an early stage.

Abstract Background This study aimed to analyze the needs and utilization of the home and community integrated healthcare and daily care services (“home and community care services” for short) among older adults in China and to investigate the inequity in services utilization. Methods Cross-sectional data were obtained from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Needs and utilization rates of the home and community care services in older adults of 60 years old and above were analyzed. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors associated with services utilization among older adults with limited mobility. Concentration index, horizontal inequity index, and Theil index were used to analyze inequity in services utilization. Decomposition analyses of inequity indices were conducted to explain the contribution of different factors to the observed inequity. Results About 32.6% of older adults aged 60 years old and above had limited mobility in China in 2018, but only 18.5% of them used the home and community care services. Among the single service utilization, the highest using rate (15.5%) was from regular physical examination. Limited mobility, age group, income level, region, self-assessed health, and depression were statistically significant factors associated with utilization of any one type of the services. Concentration indices of any one type service utilization and regular physical examination utilization were both above 0.1, and the contribution of income to inequity were both over 60%. Intraregional factor contributed to about 90% inequity of utilizing any one type service, regular physical examination and onsite visit. Conclusions This current study showed that older adults with needs of home and community care services underused the services. Pro-rich inequities in services utilization were identified and income was the largest source of inequity. The difference of the home and community care service utilization was great among provinces but minor across regions. Policies to optimize resources allocation related to the home and community care services are needed to better satisfy the needs of older adults with limited mobility, especially in the low-income group and the central region.

Abstract Background We estimated the short-term effects of an educational workshop and 10-week outdoor walk group (OWG) compared to the workshop and 10 weekly reminders (WR) on increasing outdoor walking (primary outcome) and walking capacity, health-promoting behavior, and successful aging defined by engagement in meaningful activities and well-being (secondary outcomes) in older adults with difficulty walking outdoors. Methods In a 4-site, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, two cohorts of community-living older adults (≥ 65 years) reporting difficulty walking outdoors participated. Following a 1-day workshop, participants were stratified and randomized to a 10-week OWG in parks or 10 telephone WR reinforcing workshop content. Masked evaluations occurred at 0, 3, and 5.5 months. We modeled minutes walked outdoors (derived from accelerometry and global positioning system data) using zero-inflated negative binomial regression with log link function, imputing for missing observations. We modeled non-imputed composite measures of walking capacity, health-promoting behavior, and successful aging using generalized linear models with general estimating equations based on a normal distribution and an unstructured correlation matrix. Analyses were adjusted for site, participation on own or with a partner, and cohort. Results We randomized 190 people to the OWG (n = 98) and WR interventions (n = 92). At 0, 3, and 5.5 months, median outdoor walking minutes was 22.56, 13.04, and 0 in the OWG, and 24.00, 26.07, and 0 in the WR group, respectively. There was no difference between groups in change from baseline in minutes walked outdoors based on incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) at 3 months (IRR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.47, 1.14) and 5.5 months (IRR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.44, 1.34). Greater 0 to 3-month change in walking capacity was observed in the OWG compared to the WR group (βz-scored difference = 0.14, 95% CI 0.02, 0.26) driven by significant improvement in walking self-efficacy; other comparisons were not significant. Conclusions A group, park-based OWG was not superior to WR in increasing outdoor walking activity, health-promoting behavior or successful aging in older adults with difficulty walking outdoors; however, the OWG was superior to telephone WR in improving walking capacity through an increase in walking self-efficacy. Community implementation of the OWG is discussed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03292510 Date of registration: September 25, 2017.

Abstract Background Exercise interventions are highly effective at preventing falls in older people living in the community. In residential aged care facilities (RACFs), however, the evidence for effectiveness is highly variable, warranting exploration of drivers of successful trials. This study aims to identify the conditions of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that are associated with reducing falls in RACFs and test whether it can explain the variability. Methods RCTs testing exercise interventions in RACFs compared to usual care, reporting rate or risk of falls from the 2018 Cochrane Collaboration review and a search update to December 2022 were included. Two authors independently extracted and coded trial conditions and outcomes according to a theory developed from prior Intervention Component Analysis. Trial outcomes were coded as successful or unsuccessful based on point estimates for the rate or risk ratio for falls, or p value. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), utilising Boolean minimisation theory, was conducted to determine the key conditions driving trial success. A subgroup meta-analysis and the GRADE approach was applied to the final theory. Results Eighteen trials undertaken in 11 countries with 2,287 residents were included. Participants were predominately ambulant females aged 70 to 80 with cognitive impairment. Most interventions were fully supervised or supervised at the start of the intervention. QCA identified two configurations as drivers of successful exercise falls prevention programs: (i) group exercise that is moderate or low intensity, or (ii) for independent ambulatory residents, exercise for more than 1 h per week. The combination of configuration (i) and (ii) had consistency and total coverage scores of 1, indicating all trials were explained. This combination was associated with a reduction in falls (rate ratio 0.45, 95%CI 0.34 to 0.59; risk ratio 0.66, 95%CI 0.53 to 0.82; low certainty evidence). Conclusion To successfully reduce falls in RACFs, exercise programs should provide continuous supervised moderate-intensity group exercise. For programs that mostly include independent ambulatory residents, exercise for at least 80 min per week should be provided. As many current residents are frail, tailored exercise is likely necessary and an individualised dose may be required. Future trials should test exercise interventions for less mobile residents.

Abstract Background Chronic pain is a major health issue and rapid population ageing exacerbates the burden to health systems in countries like Germany. Nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) are essential in pain care and the prioritization of active NPIs is emphasized in guidelines. This paper examines the utilization of NPIs for chronic pain management in community-dwelling older adults with a certified need of care in Berlin, Germany. Methods Cross-sectional data was collected through standardized face-to-face surveys with older adults (≥65 years), using validated instruments (e.g., Brief Pain Inventory), and structured lists for NPI utilization. Categorization into active and passive NPIs was performed through a literature-based, iterative process by an interdisciplinary team. For not normally distributed data, non-parametric tests were used as appropriate. Logistic regression was conducted for multivariate analysis. Results In total, 250 participants were included in this analysis (aged 65-104, x̅ = 81.8, 68.8% female). Most (92%) use NPIs for chronic pain management: 85.6% use active NPIs, 50.4% active movement and only 5.6% use solely passive approaches. Most common NPIs are distraction, thermotherapy/compresses, and physiotherapy. The odds of utilizing physiotherapy are three times higher for those with high educational status when compared to those with low education while those with low educational status had higher odds of using thermotherapy/compresses. Conclusions In our sample, most community-dwelling older adults with a certified need of care use active NPIs for chronic pain management with about half using active movement approaches. Considering the high vulnerability of this population, physiotherapy (in the form of therapeutic exercise) is a particularly appropriate intervention, and it was the third most frequent NPI in our sample. However, there is a social gradient in the utilization of physiotherapy for chronic pain management which might be rooted in issues around awareness, appeal, and access to such measures. It is important to take socioeconomic differences into account when planning the care for older chronic pain patients but also when designing research or user-friendly guidelines for this target group. Trial registration Ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (EA1/368/14) and study registration with the Central Study Register (ZSR no. 20009093).

Abstract Background Central obesity was considered as a risk factor for falls among the older population. Waist circumference (WC), lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and the Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) are considered as surrogate markers for abdominal fat deposition in increasing studies. Nevertheless, the longitudinal relationship between these indices and falls among the older population remains indistinct. This study aimed to explore the association between abdominal obesity indices and falls among older community-dwellers. Methods Our study included 3501 individuals aged ≥ 65 years from the Guangzhou Falls and Health Status Tracking Cohort at baseline in 2021 and then prospectively followed up in 2022. The outcome of interest was the occurrence of falls. The Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox regression analysis were used to explore the associations between abdominal obesity indices and falls. Moreover, the restricted cubic spline analysis (RCS) was conducted to test the non-linear relationships between abdominal obesity indices and hazards of falls incident. Results After a median follow-up period of 551 days, a total of 1022 participants experienced falls. The cumulative incidence rate of falls was observed to be higher among individuals with central obesity and those falling within the fourth quartile (Q4) of LAP, VAI, and CVAI. Participants with central obesity and those in Q4 of LAP, VAI, and CVAI were associated with higher risk of falls, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.422 (HR 95%CI: 1.255–1.611), 1.346 (1.176–1.541), 1.270 (1.108–1.457), 1.322 (1.154–1.514), respectively. Each 1-SD increment in WC, LAP, VAI, and CVAI was a significant increased risk of falls among participants. Subgroup analysis further revealed these results were basically stable and appeared to be significantly stronger among those females, aged 65–69 years, and with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m2. Additionally, RCS curves showed an overall upward trend in the risk of falls as the abdominal indices increased. Conclusions Abdominal obesity indices, as WC, LAP, VAI, and CVAI were significantly associated with falls among older community-dwellers. Reduction of abdominal obesity indices might be suggested as the strategy of falls prevention.

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) were especially vulnerable, and modes of medical care delivery shifted rapidly. This study assessed the impact of the pandemic on care for people with ADRD, examining the use of primary, emergency, and long-term care, as well as deaths due to COVID and to other causes. Methods Among 4.2 million beneficiaries aged 66 and older with ADRD in traditional Medicare, monthly deaths and claims for routine care (doctors’ office and telehealth visits), inpatient/emergency department (ED) visits, and long-term care facility use from March or June 2020 through December 2022 are compared to monthly rates predicted from January–December 2019 using OLS and logistic/negative binomial regression. Correlation analyses examine the association between excess deaths — due to COVID and non-COVID causes — and changes in care use in the beneficiary’s state of residence. Results Increased telehealth visits more than offset reduced office visits, with primary care visits increasing overall (by 9 percent from June 2020 onward relative to the predicted rate from 2019, p

Abstract Background Oral health has been associated with general health conditions, but few longitudinal studies evaluated the effect of dentition status on gait speed. Objective This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between different time-varying measures of dentition status (i.e., number of teeth, the presence of periodontal pockets and the functional impact of oral health) and gait speed (outcome) in older Brazilian adults. Materials and methods This was a prospective study using data from the Health, Well-being and Aging cohort study (SABE) from 2006, 2010 and 2015. The gait speed was the dependent variable and the independent variables of interest were dentition status evaluated using the number of teeth, use of dental prostheses, presence of periodontal pocket, clinical attachment loss and self-perceived poor functional oral health. Dentition status measures were obtained through clinical oral examinations, performed by trained dentists using standardized criteria proposed by the World Health Organization. Self-perceived poor functional oral health was evaluated using the functional domain of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. The longitudinal effect of dentition status on gait speed was evaluated using mixed-effects linear models. The effect of the number of teeth/periodontal pocket/attachment loss on gait speed change over time was evaluated by including an interaction term between these variables. The effect of periodontal pocket was tested only among dentate individuals. Results Data for the complete sample included 3,306 observations from 1,964 individuals. The analyses for dentate individuals included 1,883 observations from 1,149 individuals. There was a positive association between the number of teeth and mean gait speed. Individuals using dental prostheses also had higher means of gait speed than those without dental prostheses. Gait speed was lower among individuals with periodontal pockets and with attachment loss. No interaction was found between any of the indicators of dentition status and time. Conclusion Gait speed was associated with dentition status and this association was constant over time.

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to develop a Quality of Life (QOL) assessment scale for older patients with Neuro-co-Cardiological Diseases (NCCD) and to evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale. Method The study participants were derived from the Elderly Individuals with NCCD Registered Cohort Study (EINCCDRCS), a multicenter registry of patients with NCCD. The preliminary testing of the questionnaire was conducted among 10 older individuals aged 65 years and older who had NCCD and were recruited from the registry. Other patients who met the inclusion criteria participated in the field testing. After verifying the unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity assumptions of the scale, we employed the Rasch model within Item Response Theory framework to assess the quality of the scale through methods including internal consistency, criterion validity, Wright map, and item functioning differential. Subsequently, we assessed the construct validity of the scale by combining exploratory factor analysis with confirmatory factor analysis. Results Based on well-validated scales such as the short-form WHOQOL-OLD, HeartQOL, IQCODE, and SF-36, an original Neuro-co-Cardiological Diseases Quality of Life scale (NCCDQOL) was developed. 196 individuals from the EINCCDRCS were included in the study, with 10 participating in the preliminary testing and 186 in the field testing. Based on the results of the preliminary testing, the original questionnaire was refined through item deletion and adjustment, resulting in an 11-item NCCDQOL questionnaire. The Rasch analysis of the field testing data led to the removal of 21 misfitting individuals. The NCCDQOL demonstrated a four-category structure, achieved by combining two response categories. This structure aligned with the assumptions of unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity. The NCCDQOL also exhibited good validity and reliability. Conclusion The revised NCCDQOL questionnaire demonstrated good reliability and validity in the Rasch model, indicating promising potential for clinical application.

Abstract Background Formal home and community-based care are often considered as the preferable option to institutional care, offering older individuals the convenience of receiving care in their homes. Although research has found that these services may alleviate the burden on informal caregivers, there is a lack of research on which specific types of formal home and community-based care influence informal care provision. Methods Employing fixed-effects and quantile regression models, this study seeks to explore the effects that various formal home and community-based care services have on reducing the burden of informal care. This study draws data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2018. Results Our findings indicate that two types of formal care substantially influence the provision of informal care. The availability of daily living assistance services correlates with reduced informal caregiving hours, especially for those with extensive care needs. The availability of community-based health care services is linked to a reduction in the direct expenses incurred from informal caregiving, especially for those incurring greater direct caregiving costs. These effects are more prominent among urban residents. Other services, such as mental health support and legal advice services, do not demonstrate significant effects on reducing informal care hours and costs. Conclusions Daily living assistance and community-based health care services play a crucial role in benefiting informal caregivers. It is important to prioritize the expansion of these services, especially among those with greater care needs.

Abstract Background The number of frail older people is increasing worldwide, and all countries will be confronted with their growing needs for healthcare and social support. The aim of this umbrella review was to summarize the evidence on the factors associated with frailty in older people, using a socioecological approach. Methods PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Hinari (research4life), and the Trip database were systematically searched up to April 2023. Systematic reviews of observational studies that explored factors associated with frailty in older adults aged 60 years and over were considered for inclusion. No language, geographical or setting restrictions were applied. However, we excluded systematic reviews that investigated frailty factors in the context of specific diseases. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses and the ROBIS tool were used to assess the quality and risk of bias in the included studies. Results Forty-four systematic reviews were included, covering 1,150 primary studies with approximately 2,687,911 participants overall. Several risk factors, protective factors and biomarkers were found to be associated with frailty, especially in community-dwelling older people, including 67 significant associations from meta-analyses. The certainty of the evidence was rated as moderate or reached moderate levels for seven factors relevant to older people. These factors include depression (OR 4.66, 95% CI 4.07 to 5.34), loneliness (OR 3.51, 95% CI 2.70 to 4.56), limitations in activities of daily living (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.71 to 3.48), risk of malnutrition (OR 3.52, 95% CI 2.96 to 4.17), Dietary Inflammatory Index score (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.33), maximal walking speed (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) -0.97, 95% CI -1.25 to -0.68), and self-reported masticatory dysfunction (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.18). Additionally, only greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet showed a high level of evidence (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.64). Conclusions This umbrella review will provide guidance for prevention strategies and clinical practice by promoting healthy lifestyles and addressing all modifiable risk factors associated with frailty. Future systematic reviews should consider heterogeneity and publication bias, as these were the main reasons for downgrading the level of evidence in our review. Registration PROSPERO 2022, CRD42022328902.

Abstract Background Malnutrition and sarcopenia significantly increase the risk of intra-hospital delirium, particularly among older adults. Given the potential correlation between calf circumference (CC) and these conditions, CC emerges as a promising predisposing factor for delirium. This study aims to investigate the independent association between delirium and anthropometric parameters, focusing on evaluating CC’s predictive capacity for intra-hospital delirium risk. Additionally, it aims to compare CC’s predictive performance with the widely used Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), while also considering potential gender disparities. Methods This is a retrospective study which enrolled patients aged ≥ 65 years from September 2021 to March 2022 at the Padova Hospital (Italy). Physical characteristics, intra-hospital delirium incidence, and body composition were assessed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the 2019 European Consensus criteria. Results Among 207 subjects, delirium affected 19% of patients. CC showed a significant association with intra-hospital delirium among the analyzed anthropometric parameters. ROC curves indicated that CC’s predictive capacity for delirium onset was comparable to MNA (p = 0.98), particularly in women. In a multivariable logistic regression model, female gender and higher cognitive and CC scores emerged as protective factors against delirium onset, with each unit increase in CC associated with a 24% reduction in the odds of delirium. Conversely, sarcopenia did not significantly influence delirium onset. Conclusions CC shows promise as a predisposing factor for intra-hospital delirium, similar to MNA, albeit with significant gender differences. CC could serve as a valuable tool for assessing delirium risk among female patients. Further validation of these findings is necessary through larger-scale studies.

Abstract Aim The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between anemia and basic and instrumental activities of daily living in older female patients. Methods 540 older female outpatients were included in this cross-sectional study. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin below 12 g/dL. Patients’ demographic characteristics, comorbidities, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were also recorded. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured with a hand dynamometer to detect dynapenia. Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaires were used to evaluate functional capacity. Results The mean age of the participants was 77.42 ± 7.42 years. The prevalence of patients with anemia was 35%. A significant difference was observed between anemic and non-anemic groups in terms of age, presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), malnutrition, dynapenia, and MMSE, BADL and IADL scores (p

Abstract Background Malnutrition is common in older patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and often accompanies a deterioration of their condition. The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is used as an objective indicator to evaluate nutritional status, but relevant research in this area is limited. This study aimed to report the prevalence, clinical correlates, and outcomes of malnutrition in elder patients hospitalized with chronic HF. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 165 eligible patients admitted to the Department of Cardiology at Huadong Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022. Patients were categorized based on their CONUT score into three groups: normal nutrition status, mild risk of malnutrition, and moderate to severe risk of malnutrition. The study examined the nutritional status of this population and its relationship with clinical outcomes. Results Findings revealed that malnutrition affected 82% of the older patients, with 28% experiencing moderate to severe risk. Poor nutritional scores were significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay, increased in-hospital mortality and all-cause mortality during readmissions within one year (P

Abstract Objective To analyze the influential factors of frailty in elderly patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), develop a nomogram-based risk prediction model for this population, and validate its predictive performance. Methods A total of 592 elderly patients with CHD were conveniently selected and enrolled from 3 tertiary hospitals, 5 secondary hospitals, and 3 community health service centers in China between October 2022 and January 2023. Data collection involved the use of the general information questionnaire, the Frail scale, and the instrumental ability of daily living assessment scale. And the patients were categorized into two groups based on frailty, and χ2 test as well as logistic regression analysis were used to identify and determine the influencing factors of frailty. The nomograph prediction model for elderly patients with CHD was developed using R software (version 4.2.2). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were employed to assess the predictive performance of the model. Additionally, the Bootstrap resampling method was utilized to validate the model and generate the calibration curve of the prediction model. Results The prevalence of frailty in elderly patients with CHD was 30.07%. The multiple factor analysis revealed that poor health status (OR = 28.169)/general health status (OR = 18.120), age (OR = 1.046), social activities (OR = 0.673), impaired instrumental ability of daily living (OR = 2.384) were independent risk factors for frailty (all P

Abstract Background Low physical activity among older adults is related to adverse health outcomes such as depression and loneliness, poor physical function and increased risk of falls. This study was designed to increase physical activity through a digital, group-based, physical activity and music intervention and to examine its effectiveness on social, mental and physical health outcomes. Methods Participants were 34 older adults (65 years +) recruited across four care homes in Scotland to a pilot study. Surveys were administered at baseline and post-intervention, comprising measures of fear of falling, depression and anxiety, loneliness, sleep satisfaction and quality of life. A battery of physical function tests and saliva sampling for cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone hormone analysis were also conducted at each time point. Additionally, process evaluation measures (recruitment, intervention fidelity, attendance, retention rates and safety) were monitored. The intervention comprised 12 weeks of three prescribed digital sessions per week: movement and music (n = 2) and music-only (n = 1), delivered by an activity coordinator in the care home. Post-intervention interviews with staff and participants were conducted to gain qualitative data on the acceptability of the intervention. Results An average of 88% of prescribed sessions were delivered. Pre- to post-intervention intention-to-treat analysis across all participants revealed significant improvements in anxiety, salivary DHEA, fear of falling and loneliness. There were no significant improvements in health-related quality of life, perceived stress, sleep satisfaction or physical function tests, including handgrip strength. Qualitative analysis highlighted benefits of and barriers to the programme. Conclusions The digital movement and music intervention was deemed acceptable and delivered with moderate fidelity, justifying progression to a full-scale trial. Although a proper control group would have yielded more confident causal relationships, preliminary psychosocial and biological effects were evident from this trial. To show significant improvements in physical function, it is likely that a bigger sample size providing sufficient power to detect significant changes, greater adherence, longer intervention and/or higher exercise volume may be necessary. Trial registration The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT05601102 on 01/11/2022.

Abstract Background Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults. Environmental objects (such as furniture, walls, and handrails) may act as hazards or facilitators to balance maintenance and safe landing. There is lack of objective evidence on how older adults interact with objects during falls. We addressed this gap by characterizing body part contacts with objects other than the floor during real-life falls in long-term care. Methods We analyzed videos of 1759 falls experienced by 584 residents to characterize the prevalence of contacts with objects before, during, and after fall initiation. Using generalized estimating equations, we compared the prevalence of falls with versus without contact to objects after fall initiation. Using linear mixed models, we tested for differences across body parts in the probability of contacting objects after fall initiation. Results In nearly one-third of falls, interactions with objects (e.g., trips over objects, loss of support with objects) or with other people (e.g., being pushed by another person) had a primary role in causing imbalance and initiating the fall. After fall initiation, participants contacted objects in 60% of falls, with intentional hand contacts to objects via reach-to-grasp or bracing being the most common type of interaction (Probability ± SE = 0.32 ± 0.01), followed by unintentional impacts to the torso (0.21 ± 0.01) and head (0.16 ± 0.01). Intentional hand contact to an object was more common during forward than backward falls (p

Abstract Introduction This study investigated the effects of falls on self-rated health and anxiety symptoms and the moderating role of psychological resilience in Chinese older persons with chronic multimorbidity. Methods Data were taken from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). We used a linear regression model to evaluate the associations among falls and self-rated health and anxiety symptoms, the moderating role of psychological resilience was verified by moderation analysis, and we also used a replacement model to test robustness. Finally, the results of the study were further verified via heterogeneity analysis through subgroup regression. Results A total of 2933 people aged 60 years or older with chronic multimorbidity were included in our study. The linear regression results revealed that falls were significantly negatively correlated with the self-rated health symptoms of older Chinese people with chronic multimorbidity (β = -0.1703, p

Abstract Background Microglial activation is one hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) neuropathology but the impact of the regional interplay of microglia cells in the brain is poorly understood. We hypothesized that microglial activation is regionally synchronized in the healthy brain but experiences regional desynchronization with ongoing neurodegenerative disease. We addressed the existence of a microglia connectome and investigated microglial desynchronization as an AD biomarker. Methods To validate the concept, we performed microglia depletion in mice to test whether interregional correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO)-PET change when microglia are cleared. Next, we evaluated the influence of dysfunctional microglia and AD pathophysiology on TSPO-PET ICCs in the mouse brain, followed by translation to a human AD-continuum dataset. We correlated a personalized microglia desynchronization index with cognitive performance. Finally, we performed single-cell radiotracing (scRadiotracing) in mice to ensure the microglial source of the measured desynchronization. Results Microglia-depleted mice showed a strong ICC reduction in all brain compartments, indicating microglia-specific desynchronization. AD mouse models demonstrated significant reductions of microglial synchronicity, associated with increasing variability of cellular radiotracer uptake in pathologically altered brain regions. Humans within the AD-continuum indicated a stage-depended reduction of microglia synchronicity associated with cognitive decline. scRadiotracing in mice showed that the increased TSPO signal was attributed to microglia. Conclusion Using TSPO-PET imaging of mice with depleted microglia and scRadiotracing in an amyloid model, we provide first evidence that a microglia connectome can be assessed in the mouse brain. Microglia synchronicity is closely associated with cognitive decline in AD and could serve as an independent personalized biomarker for disease progression.

Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial innate immune cells that provide defense against viruses and tumors. However, aging is associated with alterations in NK cell composition and compromised cell functions. Melatonin, known for its anti-tumor effects, has been reported to improve NK cell function. However, the molecular mechanism underlying melatonin’s effect on senescent NK cells remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which melatonin enhances the function of senescent NK cells. Our findings revealed that melatonin significantly increased the number and function of NK cells in aging mice. The results suggest that melatonin enhances NK cell proliferation, degranulation, and IFN-γ secretion. Further investigations demonstrated that melatonin promotes NK cell maturation and activation, mainly via the JAK3/STAT5 signaling pathway, leading to increased expression of T-bet. These discoveries provide a theoretical basis for potential immunotherapy strategies based on melatonin-mediated modulation of NK cell function in aging individuals.

Silvia Ottaviani,1,2 Eleonora Rondanina,1,2 Floriana Arnone,3 Virna Brucato,3 Roberto Campigli,3 Massimo Della Bona,3 Luca Tagliafico,1,2 Ennio Ottaviani,4 Alessio Nencioni,1,2 Fiammetta Monacelli1,2 1Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, 16132, Italy; 2IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; 3ASL5 Ospedale San Bartolomeo, Sarzana, Italy; 4Department of Mathematics (DIMA), University of Genoa, Genoa, 16132, ItalyCorrespondence: Fiammetta Monacelli, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche (D.I.M.I.) - Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, Genova, GE, 16132, Italy, Tel/Fax +39-010-353-7545, Email fiammetta.monacelli@unige.itPurpose: In recent times, growing uncertainty has emerged regarding the effectiveness of standard pressure ulcer (PU) risk assessment tools, which are suspected to be no better than clinical judgment, especially in the frail and comorbid elderly population. This study aimed to identify the primary clinical predictive variables for PU development and severity in hospitalized older adults, utilizing a multidimensional frailty assessment, and compare them with the Braden scale.Patients and methods: The population consisted of 316 patients, admitted to the Geriatric Unit and Transitional Care of San Bartolomeo Hospital in Sarzana (Italy) during the period 21/02/22-01/07/22. The collected information included both anamnestic and laboratory data. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed, including also anthropometric and physical performance measurements. Multivariate logistic analysis was used, both in a binary classification test and in the subsequent ordinal classification test of severity levels. The final performance of the model was assessed by ROC curve estimation and AUC comparison with the Braden scale.Results: Within the population, 152 subjects (48%) developed PU at different levels of severity. The results showed that age, Braden scale (subscales of mobility and friction/shear), Barthel scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment, hemoglobin, and albumin are predictors associated with the development of PU (AUC 85%). The result is an improvement over the use of the Braden scale alone (AUC 75%). Regarding the identification of predictive factors for PU severity, 4AT also emerges as potentially relevant.Conclusion: Assessing the subject’s nutritional status, physical performance, and functional autonomies enables the effective integration of the Braden scale in identifying patients most susceptible to developing PU. Our findings support the integration of a comprehensive set of methodologically robust frailty determinants into traditional risk assessment tools. This integration reflects the mutual interplay between patients’ frailty, skin frailty, and PU development in very old hospitalized patients.Keywords: chronic wounds, nutrition, pressure injury, health analytics, precision medicine, chronic diseases

Jun-Peng Liu,1 Yatong Zhang,2 Zinan Zhao,2 Tianqi Zhang,2 Yifan Na,2 Yao Luo,1 Yuhao Wan,1 Ning Sun,1 Cheng Wu,1 Hua Wang,1 Jiefu Yang1 1Department of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Hua Wang, Department of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1, Da Hua Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13911680467, Email wh74220@aliyun.comObjective: To evaluate the impact of adverse health conditions, including multimorbidity, frailty, malnutrition, cognitive impairment, and polypharmacy, on clinical outcomes in older people with atrial fibrillation (AF).Patients and Methods: This prospective cohort study focused on patients aged 65 years and older with AF. They were admitted to the hospital between September 2018 and April 2019 and followed up for 1 year. We evaluated these participants for adverse health conditions including multimorbidity, frailty, malnutrition, cognitive impairment, and polypharmacy. The primary clinical outcome measured was a combination of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization.Results: 197 older patients (≥ 65 years) with AF (mean age, 77.5± 7.1 years; 57.4% men) were enrolled. During 1-year follow-up, Primary endpoint events (all-cause mortality or rehospitalization) occurred in 82 patients (41.6%). Compared with the non-event group, the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was higher (2.5± 1.9 vs 1.7± 1.3, p=0.004), more heart failure (32.9% vs 17.4%, p=0.01) and chronic kidney disease (17.1% vs 7.0%, p=0.03), with lower systolic blood pressure (125.3± 18.3 mmHg vs 132± 17.9 mmHg, p=0.005) in the event group. On multivariate Cox regression showed that the CCI was associated with a higher odds ratio of the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.02– 1.56, p=0.03). Other adverse health conditions showed no significant association with the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization.Conclusion: Among adverse health conditions in older people with AF, multimorbidity appears to be a significant determinant of adverse clinical outcomes.Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR1800017204; date of registration: 07/18/2018.Keywords: atrial fibrillation, older people, multimorbidity, prognosis

Abstract Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome associated with a decline in reserve capacity across multiple organ systems involving physical, psychological, and social aspects. Weakness is the earliest indicator of the frailty process. Multi‐morbidity is the state of presence of two or more chronic diseases. Frailty and chronic diseases are interlinked as frail individuals are more prone to develop chronic diseases and multi‐morbid individuals may present with frailty. They share common risk factors, pathogenesis, progression, and outcomes. Significant risk factors include obesity, smoking, aging, sedentary, and stressful lifestyle. Pathophysiological mechanisms involve high levels of circulating inflammatory cytokines as seen in individuals with frailty and chronic diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and anemia. Hence, frailty and chronic diseases go hand in hand and it is of utmost importance to identify them and intervene during early stages. Screening frailty and treating multi‐morbidity incorporate both pharmacological and majorly non‐ pharmacological measures, such as physical activities, nutrition, pro‐active care, minimizing polypharmacy and addressing reversible medical conditions. The purpose of this mini‐review is to highlight the interrelation of frailty and chronic diseases through the discussion of their predictors and outcomes and how timely interventions are essential to prevent the progression of one to the other.

Abstract Objectives Parkinson disease (PD) is the third leading cause of mortality among middle‐aged and older individuals in China. This study aimed to explore the trends and distribution features of PD mortality in China from 2013 to 2021 and make predictions for the next few decades. Methods Relevant data were obtained from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Disease Surveillance Point system. The joinpoint regression model was used to evaluate trends. The R software was used to predict future trends. Results Age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of PD increased from 0.59 per 100,000 individuals to 1.22 per 100,000 individuals from 2013 to 2021, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 9.50 (95% CI: 8.24–10.78). The all‐age ASMR of PD were higher in male individuals than in female individuals, and ASMR increased with age. The number of deaths and ASMR increased gradually from west to east and from rural to urban areas. Furthermore, ASMR is expected to increase to 2.66 per 100,000 individuals by 2040. Conclusions The heightened focus on the ASMR of PD among male individuals, urban areas, eastern China, and individuals aged ≥85 years has become a key determinant in further decreasing mortality, thereby exhibiting novel challenges to effective strategies for disease prevention and control.

Abstract Objectives Hypertension is one of the major modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Increased life expectancy leads to increase prevalence of non‐communicable diseases among the elderly people including Bangladesh. However, different studies reported high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension ranging from 52.6% to 67.9% among the elderly people in different countries. With this view, we aimed to assess the frequency of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) among the elderly hypertensive people and its associated risk factors and treatment pattern in Bangladesh. Methodology This cross‐sectional type of observational study recruited 246 eligible hypertensive elderly patients attending in 250 Bedded General Hospital, Jashore, Bangladesh dated from 1st July to 31st December 2022. A structured questionnaire was developed and data on associated risk factors, treatment pattern and current blood pressure (BP) measurement were collected by face‐to‐face interview for the purposive sampling technique. Results The mean age of our study patients was 72 ± 7 years with a male and female ratio nearly 1:1. Of the total hypertensive patients aged over 65 years or more, 56.5% remained with uncontrolled hypertension even on their prescribed antihypertensive medications. The mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were significantly high (P

Abstract Aging is a multifaceted process impacting cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of the body. Like other systems, aging affects both the adaptive and the innate components of the immune system, a phenomenon known as immunosenescence. The deregulation of the immune system puts elderly individuals at higher risk of infection, lower response to vaccines, and increased incidence of cancer. In the Western world, overnutrition has increased the incidence of obesity (linked with chronic inflammation) which increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Aging is also associated with inflammaging a sterile chronic inflammation that predisposes individuals to age‐associated disease. Genetic manipulation of the nutrient‐sensing pathway, fasting, and calorie restriction (CR) has been shown to increase the lifespan of model organisms. As well in humans, fasting and CR have also been shown to improve different health parameters. Yet the direct effect of fasting and CR on the aging immune system needs to be further explored. Identifying the effect of fasting and CR on the immune system and how it modulates different parameters of immunosenescence could be important in designing pharmacological or nutritional interventions that slow or revert immunosenescence and strengthen the immune system of elderly individuals. Furthermore, clinical intervention can also be planned, by incorporating fasting or CR with medication, chemotherapy, and vaccination regimes. This review discusses age‐associated changes in the immune system and how these changes are modified by fasting and CR which add information on interventions that promote healthy aging and longevity in the growing aging population.

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study is to understand the role of vitamin B12 supplementation in improving skeletal muscle function among the elderly. Methods A literature review in the Medline database was conducted to understand the association between vitamin B12 and muscle function in Section A. In Section B, 28 healthy elderly participants aged ≥60 years were recruited in a cross‐sectional design for estimation of plasma vitamin B12 status and assessment of upper limb muscle strength Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and muscle quality (expressed as MVC/total muscle mass). Participants were grouped based on vitamin B12 status into vitamin B12‐depleted (

Abstract Cancer poses a significant health threat to the elderly, accounting for a substantial proportion of cancer patients aged 65 and above. As life expectancy continues to rise and the population ages, the incidence of cancer in the elderly is expected to increase further. Age is a major risk factor for the majority of common cancers, with the incidence and prevalence rising as individuals grow older. Factors such as chemoprevention and environmental carcinogen elimination may influence the process of carcinogenesis. Studies reveal that the incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in the elderly and extremely old individuals are on the rise worldwide, with most types peaking around the age of 75 to 90, followed by a sharp decline. Birth cohort and period effects also play a complex role in the connection between aging and cancer risk. Clinical trials often exclude older individuals, limiting our understanding of cancer treatments' effects on this particular age group. More research is needed to focus on the unique requirements of older adults with cancer.

Abstract Dementia is characterized by a progressive decline in cognition, behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), and quality of life (QoL). The lack of curative therapies has led to a psychosocial discourse prioritizing QoL of people thriving with dementia (PTD). Group reminiscence therapy (RT) is a relatively inexpensive intervention, with music prompts being a preferred choice, owing to robust musical memory in the early disease stage. However, a synthesis of current evidence is needed to inform research and clinical use of group music RT in dementia care. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review on PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, and APA PsycArticles to critically appraise published randomized controlled trials examining group music RT to improve cognition, BPSD, and QoL in PTD. Of 14,725 articles, two RCTs involving 102 PTD were included. All studies used prerecorded music for group music RT. All studies were deemed of good quality, adhering to intention‐to‐treat analysis and assessor blinding. Based on the American Academy of Neurology guidelines, we assigned a Level C recommendation for group music RT for cognition and Level B recommendations for BPSD and QoL (ineffective). In conclusion, group music RT may be useful for symptomatic management in PTD. However, heterogeneous study designs, disease severity, dementia subtype, and outcome measures are likely barriers to meaningful clinical translation. Therefore, the rating of recommendations only serves as a point of reference. Future avenues include live performances as prompts for group music RT.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation using short‐term heart rate variability (HRV) and compare it among frailty statuses in older Indian adults. Methods A total of 210 subjects aged 60 years and above were recruited into three groups: frail (n = 70), pre‐frail (n = 70), and non‐frail (n = 70) from the outpatient department of Geriatric Medicine at a tertiary care hospital in India. Frailty status was assessed using the Rockwood frailty index (FI) criteria. HRV was derived from a 5‐min ECG recording of standard limb leads and assessed using time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear analysis of cardiac interval variability. Results The HRV parameters indicative of parasympathetic modulation such as SDNN, SDSD, rMSSD, NN50, pNN50, absolute HF power, and SD1 were significantly lower in frail subjects compared with both pre‐frail and non‐frail subjects (P

Abstract Objectives Patients undergoing a prior failed attempt of chronic total occlusion‐percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO‐PCI) represent a challenging subgroup across all patients undergoing CTO‐PCI. There are limited data on the effects of a prior failed attempt on the outcomes of subsequent CTO‐PCI. We aimed to compare the procedural results and 24‐month outcomes of prior‐failed‐attempt CTO‐PCI with those of initial‐attempt CTO‐PCI. Methods Patients who underwent attempted CTO‐PCI between January 2017 and December 2019 were prospectively enrolled. We analyzed the procedural results and 24‐month major adverse cardiac events (MACE) between patients who underwent prior‐failed‐attempt and initial‐attempt CTO‐PCI. MACE was defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel‐related myocardial infarction, and ischemia‐driven target vessel revascularization (TVR) during follow‐up. Results In total, 484 patients who underwent CTO‐PCI (prior‐failed‐attempt, n = 49; initial‐attempt, n = 435) were enrolled during the study period. After propensity score matching (1:3), 147 patients were included in the initial‐attempt group. The proportion of the Japanese‐CTO (J‐CTO) score ≥2 was higher in the patients who underwent prior failed attempt than in those who underwent initial attempt (77.5% vs. 38.8%, p

Abstract As a sensitive and non‐invasive method for assessing changes in renal cortical blood perfusion in the elderly, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can indirectly reflect changes in kidney filtration and reabsorption function, thus providing feasibility for early evaluation of renal function changes. However, significant differences exist among researchers in terms of operational methods, contrast agent selection, post‐data analysis, and many other aspects, leading to substantial heterogeneity in results. This hinders horizontal comparisons and greatly limits the clinical application of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound for evaluating renal cortical blood flow perfusion. Based on the latest domestic and overseas literature and discussions with clinical experts, this consensus provides recommended guidelines for the evaluation of renal cortical blood flow perfusion using contrast‐enhanced ultrasound. It is hoped that this consensus will promote a better understanding of CEUS among medical practitioners at all levels and standardize the examination of renal cortical blood flow perfusion with CEUS.

Abstract Physical exercise is recognized for its beneficial effects on brain health and executive function, particularly through the careful manipulation of key exercise parameters, including type, intensity, and duration. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to delineate the optimal types, intensities, and durations of exercise that improve cognitive functions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. A comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed from their inception until December 2023. The methodological quality and publication bias of the included studies were assessed using the PEDro scale and Egger’s regression test, respectively. Separate meta-analyses were performed to assess the overall impact of exercise on cognitive assessments and to explore the effects of different exercise types (i.e., aerobic, resistance, dual-task, mind-body, and multi-component exercises) and intensities (i.e., low, moderate, and high) on executive function. Results were presented as standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A meta-regression analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between exercise duration and mean effects. In total, 15,087 articles were retrieved from three databases, of which 35 studies were included in our final analyses. The results indicated high overall methodological quality (PEDro score = 8) but a potential for publication bias (t = 2.08, p = 0.045). Meta-analyses revealed that all types of exercise (SMD = 0.691, CI [0.498 to 0.885], p

Abstract Background Social support is widely recognized as a protective factor against psychological distress, especially for the elderly with chronic diseases. Therefore, effective tools for measuring social support are of great significance for both research and clinical practice. This study aims to cross-culturally adapt the German Social Support Scale (F-SozU) into Chinese and assess its psychometric properties among older adults with chronic diseases. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Chinese tertiary hospital. Four hundred ninety-six older adults that were approached via a convenience sampling method completed the Chinese version of the F-SozU. Content validity was evaluated using the two-round Delphi method. Psychometric properties, including item analysis, content validity, structure validity, convergent and discriminant validity and reliability were examined. Result The final version of C-F-SozU is a three-factor structure consisting of 23 items. All indicators of item analysis are acceptable. Adequate content validity was ensured by the expert panel (I-CVI = 0.80–1.00, S-CVI = 0.965) and participants. The confirmatory factor analysis model revealed that the factor structure of the C-F-SozU fitted the original scale (χ 2 /df = 2.088, CFI = 0.998, GFI = 0.943, TLI = 0.997, IFI = 0.998, RMSEA = 0.064 and SRMR = 0.043). The total Cronbach’s α was 0.956, and the test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.887. The convergent validity (average variance extracted = 0.517–0.995) and discriminant validity were found to be satisfactory. No floor/ceiling effect was found. Conclusion The 23-item C-F-SozU demonstrates robust reliability and validity, rendering it a valuable instrument for evaluating social support among older adults with chronic diseases in China. The three-factor structure of the scale allows for a more detailed assessment of the social support, with the scores of each dimension and the total score being of significant reference value. More comprehensive studies may be required to confirm its effectiveness and applicability.

Abstract Background With the rapidly aging population in China, there is an urgent need to understand and address the community care needs of older adults. This study sought to examine these unmet community care needs of older adults in China and the factors influencing them, with the goal of providing essential groundwork for the development of community care health policies. Methods This study used data from the 2018 China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey of 8,870 adults aged 65 years and older. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors related to unmet community care needs. Results The results showed that lower number of children, increased years of schooling, poorer self-perceived economic and health status, residing in an institution rather than living with household members, not having public old-age pensions, and not having activity due to daily living impairments were associated with a higher likelihood of unmet community care needs among older adults. Conclusions These findings indicate the necessity for crafting policies that consider the factors affecting unmet community care needs of older adults, including their health vulnerabilities and individual needs. Implementing national initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of services delivered to older adults is crucial, along with establishing programmes to proactively address their vulnerabilities and individual needs. This study can contribute to the formulation of policy measures aimed at enhancing community care services of older adults in China.

Abstract Background Latinos are more likely than non-Latino Whites to develop dementia and be prescribed antipsychotics for dementia-related behavioral symptoms. Antipsychotics have significant risks yet are often overprescribed. Our understanding of how Latino caregivers of Latino older adults living with dementia perceive and address behavioral issues is limited, impeding our ability to address the root causes of antipsychotic overprescribing. Methods We interviewed Latino older adults’ caregivers and community-based organization workers serving older adults with cognitive impairment (key informants), focusing on the management of behavioral symptoms and experiences with health services. Results We interviewed 8 caregivers and 2 key informants. Caregivers were the spouses, children, or grandchildren of the older adult living with cognitive impairment; their ages ranged from 30 to 95. We identified three categories of how caregivers learned about, managed, and coped with behavioral symptoms: caregivers often faced shortcomings with dementia care in the medical system, receiving limited guidance and support; caregivers found community organizations and senior day centers to be lifelines, as they received relevant, timely advice and support, caregivers often devised their own creative strategies to manage behavioral symptoms. Conclusion In-depth interviews suggest that the healthcare system is failing to provide support for behavioral symptoms from dementia; caregivers of Latino older adults rely on community organizations instead.

Abstract Background Geriatric rehabilitation aims at increasing physical and social activity and maintaining the functional reserve of older people. However, the continuity of geriatric rehabilitation in the outpatient setting is limited due to a lack of structured aftercare programs. In order to overcome this, a three-month multimodal home-based intervention program (GeRas) was implemented. The aim of this early qualitative process evaluation was to assess GeRas in terms of perceived reach, effectiveness/efficacy, adoption/uptake, implementation, and maintenance/sustainability (Domains within the RE-AIM Framework) from the perspective of patients who received the intervention and healthcare providers who were involved in the delivery of the intervention. Methods In a qualitative process evaluation, 13 healthcare providers and 10 patients were interviewed throughout the beginning of the implementation period of GeRas to capture early experiences using a semi-structured interview guide. The interview guide and qualitative content analysis was guided by the RE-AIM Framework. Results The GeRas program was perceived to be largely well implemented and beneficial by healthcare providers and patients. According to healthcare providers, GeRas showed more advantages compared to usual care. Additionally, outcome expectations were mainly met (Domain 1: Effectiveness). However, the implementation of the intervention delivered via the eHealth system was perceived as challenging (Domain 2: Adoption). Nevertheless, the outpatient physical exercise, the outpatient counselling, and the continuous care after discharge improved perceived well-being regardless of the intervention type (Domain 3: Implementation). To facilitate the continued use of GeRas, technical requirements should be created to increase user-friendliness and to motivate patients to continue the training in the long term (Domain 4: Maintenance). Conclusion Although initial experiences with the implementation and effectiveness of GeRas were positive in general, organisational and technical issues need to be resolved to enhance sustainable and successful implementation of the GeRas program. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00029559). Registered 5/10/2022.

Abstract Background Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are the leading causes of death and disability. Loneliness is linked to a greater risk of chronic disease. However, the lack of loneliness may change this relationship. Methods The 4th Survey of the Aged Population in Urban and Rural China (SSAPUR) was performed. 222,179 people over 60 years old were recruited. Chronic disease was defined by self-reported tumble incidents using the fourth SSAPUR questionnaire. We found that the residuals were well normally distributed. Subsequently, we analyzed the association between each studied factor and chronic disease by univariate logistic regression analysis. Finally, we stratified the population by age, gender, and urban and rural. Results 77,448 individuals experienced loneliness, while 137,593 did not. Loneliness correlated significantly with urban-rural classification, age, and gender (P

Abstract Background & aims Body weight is one of the essential indicators of nutritional status, and body weight management is vital in nutritional care. In addition, low body mass index (BMI) was included as a phenotypic criterion in the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Furthermore, low BMI has been used in grading the severity of malnutrition (moderate or severe malnutrition) in the GLIM criteria. A recent cross-sectional study reported that muscle mass of the quadriceps in older inpatients with severely low BMI is less than those of older inpatients with moderately low BMI and non-low BMI. However, the longitudinal relationship between body weight and muscle mass of the quadriceps in older inpatients in each BMI category according to the GLIM criteria remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between body weight and muscle mass of the quadriceps in older inpatients in each BMI category according to the GLIM criteria. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 179 older inpatients (aged ≥ 70 years) (median [IQR] age: 84.0 [79.0–89.0]). The period of this study was between January 2017 and March 2020. In accordance with the cut-off value of a low BMI for patients aged ≥ 70 years in the Asian population according to the GLIM criteria, the participants were divided into the following three groups: the severely low BMI group (

Abstract Background Delirium and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are common causes of cognitive dysfunction among older adults. These neurodegenerative diseases share a common and complex relationship, and can occur individually or concurrently, increasing the chance of permanent mental dysfunction. However, the common molecular pathophysiology, key proteomic biomarkers, and functional pathways are largely unknown, whereby delirium is superimposed on AD and dementia. Methods We employed an integrated bioinformatics and system biology analysis approach to decipher such common key proteomic signatures, pathophysiological links between delirium and AD by analyzing the gene expression data of AD-affected human brain samples and comparing them with delirium-associated proteins. The present study identified the common drug target hub-proteins examining the protein–protein interaction (PPI) and gene regulatory network analysis. The functional enrichment and pathway analysis was conducted to reveal the common pathophysiological relationship. Finally, the molecular docking and dynamic simulation was used to computationally identify and validate the potential drug target and repurposable drugs for delirium and AD. Results We detected 99 shared differentially expressed genes (sDEGs) associated with AD and delirium. The sDEGs-set enrichment analysis detected the transmission across chemical synapses, neurodegeneration pathways, neuroinflammation and glutamatergic signaling pathway, oxidative stress, and BDNF signaling pathway as the most significant signaling pathways shared by delirium and AD. The disease-sDEGs interaction analysis highlighted the other disease risk factors with delirium and AD development and progression. Among the sDEGs of delirium and AD, the top 10 hub-proteins including ALB, APP, BDNF, CREB1, DLG4, GAD1, GAD2, GFAP, GRIN2B and GRIN2A were found by the PPI network analysis. Based on the maximum molecular docking binding affinities and molecular dynamic simulation (100 ns) results, the ALB and GAD2 were found as prominent drug target proteins when tacrine and donepezil were identified as potential drug candidates for delirium and AD. Conclusion The study outlined the common key biomolecules and biological pathways shared by delirium and AD. The computationally reported potential drug molecules need a deeper investigation including clinical trials to validate their effectiveness. The outcomes from this study will help to understand the typical pathophysiological relationship between delirium and AD and flag future therapeutic development research for delirium.

Abstract Background Dementia is a leading factor in the institutionalization of older adults. Informal caregivers’ desire to institutionalize (DI) their care recipient with dementia (PwD) is a primary predictor of institutionalization. This study aims to develop a prediction model for caregivers’ DI by mining data from an eHealth platform in a high-prevalence dementia country. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from caregivers registering on isupport-portugal.pt. One hundred and four caregivers completed the Desire to Institutionalize Scale (DIS) and were grouped into DI (DIS score ≥ 1) and no DI (DIS score = 0). Participants completed a comprehensive set of sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial measures, pertaining to the caregiver and the PwD, which were accounted as model predictors. The selected model was a classification tree, enabling the visualization of rules for predictions. Results Caregivers, mostly female (82.5%), offspring of the PwD (70.2), employed (65.4%), and highly educated (M 15 years of schooling), provided intensive care (Mdn 24 h. week) over a median course of 2.8 years. Two-thirds (66.3%) endorsed at least one item on the DIS (DI group). The model, with caregivers’ perceived stress as the root of the classification tree (split at 28.5 points on the Zarit Burden Interview) and including the ages of caregivers and PwD (split at 46 and 88 years, respectively), as well as cohabitation, employed five rules to predict DI. Caregivers scoring 28.5 and above on burden and caring for PwD under 88 are more prone to DI than those caring for older PwD (rules 1–2), suggesting the influence of expectations on caregiving duration. The model demonstrated high accuracy (0.83, 95%CI 0.75, 0.89), sensitivity (0.88, 95%CI 0.81, 0.95), and good specificity (0.71, 95%CI 0.56, 0.86). Conclusions This study distilled a comprehensive range of modifiable and non-modifiable variables into a simplified, interpretable, and accurate model, particularly useful at identifying caregivers with actual DI. Considering the nature of variables within the prediction rules, this model holds promise for application to other existing datasets and as a proxy for actual institutionalization. Predicting the institutional placement of PwD is crucial for intervening on modifiable factors as caregiver burden, and for care planning and financing.

Abstract Background Family caregivers of persons with dementia are faced with complex caregiving management needs. This study had two aims: (1) to identify caregiving management needs of family caregivers of persons with dementia and (2) identify any variables that might influence these needs. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited family caregivers of persons with dementia (N = 250) through referrals from clinicians at a dementia outpatient clinic in Northern Taiwan. Data were collected with a 32-item researcher-developed instrument, the Caregiving Management Needs Scale (CMNS), to identify management needs specific to family caregivers of persons with dementia. The CMNS was comprised of questions about the types of assistance or support family caregivers would like to receive to facilitate caregiving. Results CMNS scores indicated caregivers had moderate management needs. Caregivers of relatives with a moderate severity of dementia had significantly higher scores on the CMNS compared with caregivers of persons with very mild dementia (p

Abstract Background Perioperative neurocognitive disorders are often neglected and undiagnosed. There are known risk factors for these disorders (e.g., higher levels of frailty, cognitive decline before surgery). However, these factors are usually not assessed in the daily clinical setting. One of the main reasons for this lack of examination is the absence of a suitable cognitive function test that can be used in acute clinical settings. The primary aim of this study was to determine correlations between preoperative and postoperative scores on three cognitive tests (the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) and the Test of Gestures (TEGEST). Methods This was a prospective, monocentric, observational study that included one cohort of patients aged 65 years and older. Patients underwent acute or elective surgical operations. Preanaesthesia tests were administered. After the operation, the patients completed the same tests between the 2nd postoperative day and discharge. Preoperative and postoperative cognitive test scores were assessed. Results This study included 164 patients. The arithmetic mean age was 74.5 years. The strongest correlations were observed between MMSE scores and TEGEST scores (r = 0.830 before and 0.786 after surgery, P

Abstract Background This study aims to investigate the awareness rate of six common geriatric syndromes and related influencing factors among the older adults aged 65 and above in China. Methods This is a multicenter cross-sectional study involving 6,653 participants aged 65 and older from four regions who completed a questionnaire on geriatric syndrome awareness. The questionnaire covered demographic data, health information, medication usage, and an assessment scale for knowledge of six geriatric syndromes (GS Awareness Scale). Results A total of 6,653 respondents were surveyed, with 5,318 valid questionnaires collected (79.93%), including 1,311 from Zhejiang (24.7%), 1,356 from Beijing (25.5%), 1,373 from Sichuan (25.8%), and 1,278 from Fujian (24.0%). The highest awareness was for falls, with 3,295 individuals (62.0%), followed by dementia with 2,929 individuals (55.1%), malnutrition with 2,907 individuals (54.7%), frailty with 2,156 individuals (40.5%), urinary incontinence with 2,006 individuals (37.7%), and sarcopenia with 1,914 individuals (36.0%). Univariate analysis showed that factors such as region, age, marital status, living situation, educational level, source of respondents, income status, and smoking had statistically significant differences in awareness rates (P