Atypical Antipsychotics: Impact on Overall Health and Quality of Life

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. S9-S17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Ann Boyd
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Drug Therapy ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Psychiatric Nurses ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Detailed Assessment ◽  
Concomitant Medications ◽  
Gait Disturbances

The use of antipsychotic medications for the treatment of schizophrenia requires a detailed assessment of patient history, including comorbidities and concomitant medications. Because all antipsychotics may produce a complex array of adverse effects, the patient’s drug therapy may lead to exacerbation of pre-existent health problems and impaired quality of life. The occurrence of drug-related side effects such as cardiac disturbances, diabetes, and obesity is important to document for these patients, especially if they are already at increased risk because of underlying disease, substance abuse, or smoking. Antipsychotics may also cause anticholinergic effects, gait disturbances, and excessive sedation, which are particularly important reactions to monitor in elderly patients. Psychiatric nurses need to be aware of the risk for these side effects in relation to patients’ new or ongoing medication so that potentially serious events can be recognized and corrected. Appropriate patient education about medication is also an important component in helping patients to recognize and manage side effects and to gain the most from their drug therapy.

scholarly journals The Difficult Task of Diagnosing Depression in Elderly People with Cancer: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 295-306
Author(s):  
Elena Massa ◽  
Clelia Donisi ◽  
Nicole Liscia ◽  
Clelia Madeddu ◽  
Valentino Impera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Diagnosis Delay ◽  
Keywords Depression ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Anticancer Treatment

Background: Depression is a common psychiatric problem in the elderly and oncology patients. In elderly people with cancer, depression has a peculiar phenomenology. It has a significant impact on the quality of life. Moreover, it is associated with poor adherence to treatments, increased risk of suicide, and mortality. Nevertheless, the topic of depression in elderly people with cancer remains unexplored. Objective: The main goal of this article is to review the literature from the past 20 years on the relationships between depression, cancer, and aging. Methods: The methods followed the Prisma model for eligibility of studies. The articles in which the keywords “depression”, “cancer”, “ elderly, aging, or geriatric” were present, either in the text or in the abstract, were selected. 8.056 articles, by matching the keywords “depression and elderly and cancer,” were identified. Only 532 papers met the eligibility criteria of search limits and selection process. Out of 532 papers, 467 were considered irrelevant, leaving 65 relevant studies. Out of 65 suitable studies, 39 (60.0%) met our quality criteria and were included. Results: The risk factors associated with depression in elderly people with cancer can be divided into 4 groups: 1) tumor-related; 2) anticancer treatment-related; 3) patients-related; 4) number and type of comorbidity. The main obstacles in diagnosing depression in elderly patients with cancer are the overlap of the symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment with the symptoms of depression but also the different ways of reporting depressive symptoms of elderly people and the different clinical types of depression. There is a lack of data regarding validated scales to assess depression in geriatric patients with cancer. Any mental illness, specifically co-occurring anxiety and depression, increases the risk of diagnosis delay and anticancer treatment adherence. Cancer and the diagnosis of mental disorders prior to cancer diagnosis correlate with an increased risk for suicide. A non-pharmacological therapeutic approach, pharmacological treatment and/or a combination of both can be used to treat elderly patients with cancer, but a detailed analysis of comorbidities and the assessment of polypharmacy is mandatory in order to avoid potential side-effects and interactions between antidepressants and the other drugs taken by the patients. Conclusion: Future research should be conducted with the aim of developing a modified and adapted assessment method for the diagnosis and treatment of depression in elderly people with cancer in order to improve their clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Assessment of the Therapeutic Effect of Physiotherapy on Minimizing Imbalances of Geriatric Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-91
Author(s):  
Justyna Pawlak ◽  
Małgorzata Dudkiewicz ◽  
Łukasz Kikowski
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Therapeutic Effect ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Climbing Stairs ◽  
Tinetti Test

Introduction: The progressing aging process and comorbidities worsen the efficiency of the balance system in the elderly, which leads to a weakening of stability and, as a consequence, to falls and injuries. The first ones lead to: worsening of functioning, reduced mobility, an increased risk of disease and mortality, therefore systematic physical activity and shaping the balance using physiotherapy, which can prevent dangerous falls is very important. Aim: Assessment of the therapeutic effect of physiotherapy on minimizing imbalances in geriatric patients. M aterial and Methods: The study group consisted of 46 people, including 32 women (69.6%) and 14 men (30.4%); average age of respondents – 72.5 years. They were patients of the Department of Rehabilitation of Poddębice Health Center, Ltd. The researchers used a self-made questionnaire, body mass to height index (BMI) and the Tinetti Test. Results: Patients with an elevated BMI (89.1%), as well as those taking more than 4 medication (78.3%), have had more falls over the past year (respectively 91.4% and 81.4%). After the use of comprehensive therapy, none of the patients achieved a worse result than before the physiotherapy while 91.3% of the respondents had an increase in the number of points scored in the Tinetti Test. The percentage of patients at high risk of falling reduced from 67.4% to 37%. There was also a decrease in the fear of walking (in 58.7%), falling (in 57.7%) and climbing stairs (in 47.9%). According to 78.3% of respondents, physiotherapy positively affected their independence and quality of life. Conclusions: The use of comprehensive physiotherapy reduces the fear of walking, climbing stairs and falling, which can be a good predictor of prevention. Both polypragmasia and an elevated body mass index (BMI) increase the risk of falling. Comprehensive physiotherapy of geriatric patients helps to improve balance and gait stereotype. Physiotherapy for the elderly helps improve the quality of life, independence, minimize imbalances, and thus reduce the risk of falls. Balance exercises play an important role in preventing falls.

Lung Function and Quality of Life in Workers with Chemical and Dust Exposure

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Ruxandra Otelea ◽  
Oana Cristina Arghir ◽  
Corina Zugravu ◽  
Eugenia Naghi ◽  
Sabina Antoniu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Chronic Lung Diseases ◽  
Respiratory Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Occupational Settings

Regarding the widely distribution of respiratory exposure hazards in occupational settings, workers have an increased risk for chronic lung diseases. For assessing the quality of life and lung function in workers exposed to chemicals and dust, St George�s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and spirometry were performed among 40 patients, admitted in Occupational Clinic Department of Colentina Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, during February, 2017. SGRQ showed different predictors for patients according to their occupational exposure and total symptoms score correlated better with decreased spirometric parameters in defining lung function deterioration. Quality of life is earlier affected than lung function deterioration and emphasises the need of more sensitive methods for an earlier identification and better evaluation of respiratory hazards in different workplaces.

Biopsychosocial Patterning of Multimorbidity and Its Consequences

2018 ◽  
pp. 220-236
Author(s):  
Elliot Friedman ◽  
Beth LeBreton ◽  
Lindsay Fuzzell ◽  
Elizabeth Wehrpsann
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
The United States ◽  
Chronic Medical Conditions ◽  
Quality Of Life Research ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Over Time

By many estimates the majority of adults over age 65 have two or more chronic medical conditions (multimorbidity) and are consequently at increased risk of adverse functional outcomes. Nonetheless, many older adults with multimorbidity are able to maintain high levels of function and retain good quality of life. Research presented here is designed to understand the influences that help ensure better functional outcomes in these older adults. This chapter presents findings that draw on data from the Midlife in the United States study. The independent and interactive contributions of diverse factors to multimorbidity and changes in multimorbidity over time are reviewed. The degree that multimorbidity increases risk of cognitive impairment and disability is examined. The role of inflammation as a mediator is considered. Multimorbidity is increasingly the norm for older adults, so better understanding of factors contributing to variability in multimorbidity-related outcomes can lead to improved quality of life.

Proton Pump Inhibitors in 2021: Pros, Cons, and Everything in Between

2021 ◽  
pp. 263451612110217
Author(s):  
Joshua A. Sloan ◽  
Philip O. Katz
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Proton Pump Inhibitors ◽  
Proton Pump ◽  
Drug Class ◽  
Life Threatening

The medical and lay literature has exploded with reports of adverse events associated with proton pump inhibitors over the last 10 to 15 years. The dissemination of these reports to patients and clinicians have created substantial concerns regarding what has been an exceptionally valuable drug class, dramatically improving patient quality of life, and in many cases preventing life threatening side effects of other medication. Patients are more frequently seeking to avoid these medications, and practitioners are reducing or discontinuing them to the patient’s detriment due to a misunderstanding of the data. This review will discuss the data regarding the most commonly publicized adverse events and attempt to put them in perspective.

scholarly journals Potential of Beetroot and Blackcurrant Compounds to Improve Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors

Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 338
Author(s):  
Cameron Haswell ◽  
Ajmol Ali ◽  
Rachel Page ◽  
Roger Hurst ◽  
Kay Rutherfurd-Markwick
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Metabolic Abnormalities ◽  
Dietary Nitrate ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Concentrations

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of metabolic abnormalities, which together lead to increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as reduced quality of life. Dietary nitrate, betalains and anthocyanins may improve risk factors for MetS and reduce the risk of development of CHD and T2DM. Beetroot is a rich source of dietary nitrate, and anthocyanins are present in high concentrations in blackcurrants. This narrative review considers the efficacy of beetroot and blackcurrant compounds as potential agents to improve MetS risk factors, which could lead to decreased risk of CHD and T2DM. Further research is needed to establish the mechanisms through which these outcomes may occur, and chronic supplementation studies in humans may corroborate promising findings from animal models and acute human trials.

scholarly journals Quality of life, symptoms and dietary habits in oncology outpatients with malnutrition: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mira Sonneborn-Papakostopoulos ◽  
Clara Dubois ◽  
Viktoria Mathies ◽  
Mara Heß ◽  
Nicole Erickson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Mini Nutritional Assessment ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
European Organization

AbstractCancer-related malnutrition has a high prevalence, reduces survival and increases side effects. The aim of this study was to assess oncology outpatients and risk of malnutrition. Reported symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in patients found to be at risk of malnutrition or malnourished were compared to patients without malnutrition. Using a standardized questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Questionnaire for Quality of Life and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), patients in an outpatient cancer clinic undergoing chemotherapy treatment at a German University Hospital were assessed for nutrition, risk of malnutrition and quality of life. Based on the MNA, 39 (45.9%) patients were categorized as malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Loss of appetite (n = 37.6%, p < 0.001) and altered taste sensation (n = 30,3%, p < 0.001) were the symptoms most frequently associated with reduced food intake. Patients with risk of malnutrition scored lower on the global health status (n = 48.15%, p = 0.001). Side effects of cancer treatments lead to a higher risk of malnutrition and as a consequence lower QoL. These side effects should be addressed more efficiently in cancer care.

scholarly journals Early and Late Postoperative Seizures in Meningioma Patients and Prediction by a Recent Scoring System

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 450
Author(s):  
Peter Baumgarten ◽  
Mana Sarlak ◽  
Daniel Monden ◽  
Andrea Spyrantis ◽  
Simon Bernatz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Total Risk ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Temporal Location ◽  
Meningioma Surgery ◽  
Impaired Quality

Seizures are among the most common symptoms of meningioma. This retrospective study sought to identify risk factors for early and late seizures in meningioma patients and to evaluate a modified STAMPE2 score. In 556 patients who underwent meningioma surgery, we correlated different risk factors with the occurrence of postoperative seizures. A modified STAMPE2 score was applied. Risk factors for preoperative seizures were edema (p = 0.039) and temporal location (p = 0.038). For postoperative seizures preoperative tumor size (p < 0.001), sensomotory deficit (p = 0.004) and sphenoid wing location (p = 0.032) were independent risk factors. In terms of postoperative status epilepticus; sphenoid wing location (p = 0.022), tumor volume (p = 0.045) and preoperative seizures (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors. Postoperative seizures lead to a KPS deterioration and thus an impaired quality of life (p < 0.001). Late seizures occurred in 43% of patients with postoperative seizures. The small sub-cohort of patients (2.7%) with a STAMPE2 score of more than six points had a significantly increased risk for seizures (p < 0.001, total risk 70%). We concluded that besides distinct risk factors, high scores of the modified STAMPE2 score could estimate the risk of postoperative seizures. However, it seems not transferable to our cohort

scholarly journals Severe reflux, sleep disturbances, and health-related quality of life after esophageal cancer surgery

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pernilla Lagergren ◽  
Asif Johar ◽  
Helen Rosenlund ◽  
Lars Arnberg ◽  
Lena Haglund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Esophagectomy For Cancer

Abstract Purpose Esophagectomy for cancer is an extensive procedure often followed by severe complications. This study investigated whether patients with severe symptoms of reflux are more likely to have sleep disturbances and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQL) after esophagectomy. Methods This Swedish nationwide prospective cohort study encompassed all patients who had undergone esophagectomy for cancer between 2013 and 2018. One year after surgery, the patients responded to three questionnaires on reflux (EORTC QLQOG25), sleep disturbances (KSQ), and HRQL (EORTC QLQ-C30). Multivariable logistic regression provided odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for sleep disturbance/reduced HRQL between patients with and without reflux, adjusted for potential confounders. Results Among 241 esophagectomy patients, 66 (27%) reported severe reflux. Patients with reflux had an increased risk of sleep disturbances (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3–4.3) compared to patients without reflux. More specifically, these patients were more likely to suffer from poor sleep quality (OR 4.9, 95% CI: 1.9–12.4). Patients with reflux and sleep disturbances reported reductions in global quality of life, role function, emotional function, social function, and more symptoms in all scales, except for dyspnea. Conclusions This study suggests that patients with severe symptoms of reflux after esophagectomy have an increased risk of sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality, which in turn are associated with reduced HRQL. Implications for Cancer Survivors Alleviating reflux after oesophageal cancer surgery is important, since this common symptom might reduce HRQL and well-being.

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