Conclusion

Author(s):  
Maria A. Sullivan

Addiction in older adults very often goes unrecognized, for several reasons: social biases about the elderly, age-related metabolic changes, and the inappropriate use of prescription benzodiazepines and opioids to address untreated anxiety and mood conditions. Alcohol or substance-use disorders (SUDs) in older individuals may present in subtle and atypical ways. Strategies to overcome such difficulties include systematic screening using validated instruments, patient education regarding the impact of psychoactive substances on health, and cautious prescribing practices. Relying on standard DSM criteria may result in a failure to detect an SUD that presents with cognitive symptoms or physical injury, as well as the absence of work or social consequences. Older individuals can benefit from the application of risk-stratification measures, and they can be referred, e.g., to age-appropriate group therapy and non-confrontational individual therapy focusing on late-life issues of loss and sources of social support, as well as be offered medication management for alcohol or substance use disorder. Although research has been limited in this population, treatment outcomes have been found to be superior in older adults than younger adults.

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Sohn ◽  
Joe C. Hong ◽  
Michael W. Yeh ◽  
Tara A. Russell ◽  
Marcia M. Russell

The most rapidly growing segment of the elderly population corresponds to persons age 85 and over. As of 2006, elderly patients accounted for 35.3% of the inpatient and 32.1% of the outpatient surgical procedures occurring in the United States. Because age-related changes occur in each organ system in all elderly individuals, this population merits special consideration when undergoing surgical procedures. Furthermore, there is a high probability that older adults will have multiple chronic medical problems, which may present a complex medication management challenge. This review covers the pharmacologic impact of physiologic changes associated with aging, preoperative assessment, preoperative medication management, delirium and the impact of perioperative medications in the elderly, anesthesia and related medications, and specific drug classes and their use in the elderly surgical patient. Figures show an overview of the management of the elderly surgical patient, and preoperative medication management. Tables list medications that should be avoided in older patients with reduced renal function, drugs that exhibit additive adverse effects, medications with high anticholinergic activity, medications that inhibit and induce the CYP450 system, herbal supplements, 2015 Beers Criteria summary of potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults, drugs associated with postoperative delirium, risk factors for postoperative delirium, and clinical pharmacology of commonly used anesthetic agents.   This review contains 2 highly rendered figures, 9 tables, and 61 references


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Sohn ◽  
Joe C. Hong ◽  
Michael W. Yeh ◽  
Tara A. Russell ◽  
Marcia M. Russell

The most rapidly growing segment of the elderly population corresponds to persons age 85 and over. As of 2006, elderly patients accounted for 35.3% of the inpatient and 32.1% of the outpatient surgical procedures occurring in the United States. Because age-related changes occur in each organ system in all elderly individuals, this population merits special consideration when undergoing surgical procedures. Furthermore, there is a high probability that older adults will have multiple chronic medical problems, which may present a complex medication management challenge. This review covers the pharmacologic impact of physiologic changes associated with aging, preoperative assessment, preoperative medication management, delirium and the impact of perioperative medications in the elderly, anesthesia and related medications, and specific drug classes and their use in the elderly surgical patient. Figures show an overview of the management of the elderly surgical patient, and preoperative medication management. Tables list medications that should be avoided in older patients with reduced renal function, drugs that exhibit additive adverse effects, medications with high anticholinergic activity, medications that inhibit and induce the CYP450 system, herbal supplements, 2015 Beers Criteria summary of potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults, drugs associated with postoperative delirium, risk factors for postoperative delirium, and clinical pharmacology of commonly used anesthetic agents.   This review contains 2 highly rendered figures, 9 tables, and 61 references


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A165-A165
Author(s):  
Mayra Silva ◽  
Dalva Poyares ◽  
Luciana Oliveira ◽  
Monica Andersen ◽  
Sergio Tufik ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Although age per se has been considered a risk factor for OSA, evidence suggest OSA in older adults may be less severe and OSA diagnostic criteria might be adjusted for this age group. Concurrently, it is likely the late-onset OSA is a distinct phenotype having different pathophysiological mechanisms, as well as clinical manifestations and consequences. We sought to investigate the clinical consequences of OSA severity in older adults from a representative sample of the older population living in the São Paulo city. Methods From the baseline survey including 1042 participants in 2007, 715 were reassessed in 2016 completing full in-lab PSG, health-related questionnaires, blood tests, and blood pressure measurements. Individuals > 60 y.o. (n=199) of both genders were included in the analysis. Participants were stratified according to OSA presence and severity in 3 groups G1 (non and mild OSA n=83); G2 (moderate OSA n=56); G3 (severe OSA n=60). General Linear Model (GLM) tests and Chi-square were carried out. Results Participants mean age was 70.02±7.31 and mean body mass index (BMI) 28.61±5.39, 40.71% of men. The only comorbidity associated with OSA severity was arterial hypertension occurring in 61.7% of G3, 46.4% of G4 and 41% of G1 (p=0.04). Severe OSA participants were more likely to use a higher (>2/day) number of medications (p=0.03). Finally, out of all blood tests only cortisol was significantly higher in severe OSA group (p<0.001) Conclusion Severe OSA in older individuals of the general population is not associated with metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, but it was associated with hypertension. Severe OSA may be a stressful condition, since it was associated with higher cortisol in this population. Support (if any) Associaçao Fundo Incentivo a Pesquisa (AFIP)


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi-Hsun Chang ◽  
Dan Nemrodov ◽  
Natalia Drobotenko ◽  
Adrian Nestor ◽  
Andy C. H. Lee

AbstractExtensive work has demonstrated a decline in face recognition abilities associated with healthy aging. To date, however, there has been limited insight into the nature and the extent of aging-related alterations in internal face representations. Here, we sought to address these issues by using an image reconstruction approach that capitalizes on the structure of behavioral data to reveal the pictorial content of visual representations. To this end, healthy young and older adults provided similarity judgments with pairs of face images. Facial shape and surface features were subsequently derived from the structure of the data for each participant and combined into image reconstructions of facial appearance. Our findings revealed that image reconstruction was successful for every participant, irrespective of age. However, reconstruction accuracies of shape and surface information were lower for older individuals than young individuals. Specifically, facial features diagnostic for face perception, such as eye shape and skin tone, were reconstructed poorly in older adults relative to young adults. At the same time, we found that age-related effects only accounted for a relatively small proportion of individual variability in face representations. Thus, our results provide novel insight into age-related changes in visual perception, they account for the decline in facial recognition occurring with age and they demonstrate the utility of image reconstruction to uncovering internal representations across a variety of populations.


Author(s):  
Aisha F. Badr

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> In Saudi Arabia; it is estimated that the elderly (aged 60 and above) would reach up to (22.9%) by 2050, compared to (5.6%) in 2017. Simulation games have proven to be a useful and effective method of education in pharmacy schools, as it actively involves participants in the learning process. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the modified geriatric medication game on community pharmacists’ awareness and attitudes toward older adults with common disabilities. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A modified geriatric medication game was adopted to stimulate both physical and sensory disabilities in older adults. A total of 9 community pharmacists were gathered in 1 room and were asked to play 2 scenarios each. Self-reflection was assessed and ground theories were analyzed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> All pharmacists felt frustration and anger playing the game (100%), followed by becoming more aware of the extra time and guidance needed with older adults and realized how disabling chronic diseases could be, and felt they needed to improve common perceived attitude towards the elderly (88.89%). Pharmacists also felt empathy, sympathy, and compassion towards this population, needed improvement of common perceived attitude towards older adults, and felt the need to double check with older adults if they have any disabilities before counseling (77.78%). Finally, over half pharmacists (55.5%) wished they had more training on geriatrics during pharmacy school and the need for further review of Beer’s criteria. All pharmacists were satisfied with the game and recommended it to all community pharmacists. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Simulation games are a great way to strengthen awareness and change practice accordingly. Pharmacists improved their awareness and attitude towards the elderly and reported a positive perceived value of this learning activity; with a 100% satisfaction rate. Adding a geriatric course with simulation component is recommended for better geriatric care.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 54-54
Author(s):  
Peter Treitler ◽  
Stephen Crystal ◽  
Richard Hermida ◽  
Jennifer Miles

Abstract High rates of opioid prescribing and comorbid medical conditions increase risk of overdose among older adults. As the US population ages and the rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) increase in the elderly population, there is a need to characterize trends and correlates of overdose in order to more effectively target policy and practice. Using a ~40% random sample of 2015-2017 Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 and older with Part D pharmacy coverage, this study examined medically treated opioid overdoses among US older adults. The sample included 13-14 million beneficiaries per year. The rate of medically treated opioid overdoses among elderly Medicare beneficiaries increased by 15% from 6 per 10,000 in 2015 to 6.9 per 10,000 in 2017. Those with overdose were disproportionately female (63%), non-Hispanic white (83%), with diagnoses of pain conditions (96%), with diagnoses of major depression (63%), and with high rates of conditions that decrease respiratory reserve such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 13% had co-occurring diagnosed alcohol use disorder, 36% were diagnosed with opioid dependence or abuse, and 12% were diagnosed with hepatitis C. Older individuals with overdose represent a complex mix of risk factors; identifying those most at risk (as well as those who have very low risk, whose pain management may be compromised by overly-rigid interpretation of opioid use guidelines) is key in order to address multiple risks, balancing risk reduction with appropriate pain management.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 176-176
Author(s):  
Hiroto Yoshida ◽  
Yuriko Kihara

Abstract This study examined the impact of frailty on medical and long-term care expenditures in an older Japanese population. The subjects were those aged 75 years and over who responded to the survey (March 2018) in Bibai, Hokkaido, Japan (n=1,203) and have never received certification of long-term care insurance at the survey. We followed up 867 individuals (72.1%) until the end of December 2018 (10 month-period). We defined frailty as a state in performing 4 items and over of 15 items which were composed of un-intentional weight loss, history of falls, etc. Among 867 subjects, 233 subjects (26.9%) were judged to be frailty group, and 634 subjects (73.1%) non-frailty group. We compared period to the new certification of long-term care insurance (LTCI), accumulated medical and long-term care expenditures adjusted for age and gender between the two groups during the follow-up period. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association between baseline frailty and the new certification of LTCI. The relative hazard ratio (HR) was higher in frailty group than non-frailty group (HR=3.51, 95% CI:1.30-9.45, P=.013). The adjusted mean accumulated medical and long-term care expenditures per capita during the follow-up were significantly (P=.002) larger for those in the frailty group (629,699 yen), while those in the non-frailty group were 450,995 yen. We confirmed strong economic impact of frailty in the elderly aged 75 or over in Japan.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 214-214
Author(s):  
Michael McKee ◽  
Yunshu Zhou ◽  
Joshua Ehrlich ◽  
Elham Mahmoudi ◽  
Jennifer Deal ◽  
...  

Abstract Age-related hearing loss (HL) is both common and associated with elevated risk for cognitive decline and poorer health. To care for an aging population, it is critical to understand the effect of coexisting HL and dementia on functional activities. The effect of co-existing dementia and self-reported HL on daily functioning were assessed. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using nationally-representative data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study consisting of U.S. adults 65+. The sample included 1,829 adults with HL (22.8%) and 5,338 adults without HL. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to model the independent effects and interaction of self-reported HL and dementia status on three validated functional activity scales (self-care, mobility, and household). All analyses adjusted for sociodemographic and medical factors. HL participants were more likely to be white, older, male, less educated (p &lt;0.01). 8.4% had possible dementia and 6.5% had probable dementia. Respondents with HL or possible or probable dementia had significantly lower mobility, self-care, and household activity scores (p&lt;.001 for all comparisons) compared to their peers. A small yet significant interaction was present in all models, suggesting that HL respondents with co-occurring dementia had lower mobility, self-care, and household activity scores than predicted by the independent effects of dementia and self-reported HL (p&lt;.001 for all comparisons). Older adults with co-occurring dementia and HL are at increased risk for poor functioning and should be screened by healthcare providers. Future work should consider the impact of intervention in this vulnerable/at-risk population.


Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
George Howard ◽  
Mary Cushman ◽  
Maciej Banach ◽  
Brett M Kissela ◽  
David C Goff ◽  
...  

Purpose: The importance of stroke research in the elderly is increasing as America is “graying.” For most risk factors for most diseases (including stroke), the magnitude of association with incident events decreases at older ages. Potential changes in the impact of risk factors could be a “true” effect, or could be due to methodological issues such as age-related changes in residual confounding. Methods: REGARDS followed 27,748 stroke-free participants age 45 and over for an average of 5.3 years, during which 715 incident strokes occurred. The association of the “Framingham” risk factors (hypertension [HTN], diabetes, smoking, AFib, LVH and heart disease) with incident stroke risk was assessed in age strata of 45-64 (Young), 65-74 (Middle), and 75+ (Old). For those with and without an “index” risk factor (e.g., HTN), the average number of “other” risk factors was calculated. Results: With the exception of AFib, there was a monotonic decrease in the magnitude of the impact across the age strata, with HTN, diabetes, smoking and LVH even becoming non-significant in the elderly (Figure 1). However, for most factors, the increasing prevalence of other risk factors with age impacts primarily those with the index risk factor absent (Figure 2, example HTN as the “index” risk factor). Discussion: The impact of stroke risk factors substantially declined at older ages. However, this decrease is partially attributable to increases in the prevalence of other risk factors among those without the index risk factor, as there was little change in the prevalence of other risk factors in those with the index risk factor. Hence, the impact of the index risk factor is attenuated by increased risk in the comparison group. If this phenomenon is active with latent risk factors, estimates from multivariable analysis will also decrease with age. A deeper understanding of age-related changes in the impact of risk factors is needed.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document