LETTER TO THE EDITOR: COVID-19 AND THE CHALLENGES OF FRAILTY SCREENING IN OLDER ADULTS

We read with interest the recent editorial examining the relationship between geriatric syndromes and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of Covid-19 (1), particularly the authors recognition of the need to identify frailty among older adults presenting with suspected symptoms and the importance of mobilising a range of healthcare professionals to tackle this disease (1). However, the identification of frailty and the utilisation of screening instruments by those without geriatric training and especially in acute care is challenging. Frailty is a complex condition. While age-associated, it is multi-dimensional and remains difficult to define (2). Although the Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected older adults (1), data are lacking and pathophysiological mechanisms and the impact of differential management strategies on the course of the disease among older adults is uncertain (1). Further, the prevalence of frailty among those diagnosed, admitted or dying is not clearly reported at present. Nevertheless, the rationale for using frailty to identify those at risk and to allocate care has been correctly highlighted (1). We suggest however, that the use of instruments such as the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) (3) and particularly by non-specialised staff in this setting warrants more careful examination.

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The Impact of Weather and Seasons on Falls and Physical Activity among Older Adults with Glaucoma: A Longitudinal Prospective Cohort Study

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21103415 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (10) ◽

pp. 3415

Author(s):

Hursuong Vongsachang ◽

Aleksandra Mihailovic ◽

Jian-Yu E ◽

David S. Friedman ◽

Sheila K. West ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Fall Prevention ◽

Regression Models ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Injurious Fall ◽

Multivariable Regression ◽

Multivariable Regression Models ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Understanding periods of the year associated with higher risk for falling and less physical activity may guide fall prevention and activity promotion for older adults. We examined the relationship between weather and seasons on falls and physical activity in a three-year cohort of older adults with glaucoma. Participants recorded falls information via monthly calendars and participated in four one-week accelerometer trials (baseline and per study year). Across 240 participants, there were 406 falls recorded over 7569 person-months, of which 163 were injurious (40%). In separate multivariable regression models incorporating generalized estimating equations, temperature, precipitation, and seasons were not significantly associated with the odds of falling, average daily steps, or average daily active minutes. However, every 10 °C increase in average daily temperature was associated with 24% higher odds of a fall being injurious, as opposed to non-injurious (p = 0.04). The odds of an injurious fall occurring outdoors, as opposed to indoors, were greater with higher average temperatures (OR per 10 °C = 1.46, p = 0.03) and with the summer season (OR = 2.69 vs. winter, p = 0.03). Falls and physical activity should be understood as year-round issues for older adults, although the likelihood of injury and the location of fall-related injuries may change with warmer season and temperatures.

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The Relationship Between Daily Rapid-Eye Movement Sleep and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.518 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 159-159

Author(s):

Tiana Broen ◽

Tomiko Yoneda ◽

Jonathan Rush ◽

Jamie Knight ◽

Nathan Lewis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Eye Movement ◽

Rem Sleep ◽

Cognitive Tests ◽

Rapid Eye Movement ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Previous cross-sectional research suggests that age-related decreases in Rapid-Eye Movement (REM) sleep may contribute to poorer cognitive functioning (CF); however, few studies have examined the relationship at the intraindividual level by measuring habitual sleep over multiple days. Applying a 14-day daily diary design, the current study examines the dynamic relationship between REM sleep and CF in 69 healthy older adults (M age=70.8 years, SD=3.37; 73.9% female; 66.6% completed at least an undergraduate degree). A Fitbit device provided actigraphy indices of REM sleep (minutes and percentage of total sleep time), while CF was measured four times daily on a smartphone via ambulatory cognitive tests that captured processing speed and working memory. This research addressed the following questions: At the within-person level, are fluctuations in quantity of REM sleep associated with fluctuations in next day cognitive measures across days? Do individuals who spend more time in REM sleep on average, perform better on cognitive tests than adults who spend less time in REM sleep? A series of multilevel models were fit to examine the extent to which each index of sleep accounted for daily fluctuations in performance on next day cognitive tests. Results indicated that during nights when individuals had more REM sleep minutes than was typical, they performed better on the working memory task the next morning (estimate = -.003, SE = .002, p = .02). These results highlight the impact of REM sleep on CF, and further research may allow for targeted interventions for earlier treatment of sleep-related cognitive impairment.

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SOCIAL NETWORKS, HEALTH, AND WELL-BEING AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.277 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S71-S71

Author(s):

Eleanor S McConnell ◽

Kirsten Corazzini ◽

T Robert Konrad

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Networks ◽

Well Being ◽

Sensor Technology ◽

Web Based ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Care Partners ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Although the impact of dementia on the health and well-being of those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related Disorders (ADRD) and their care partners has been widely studied, less attention has been paid to how the disease impacts individuals within the context of their larger social networks. This symposium presents findings from a series of integrated studies aimed at strengthening measurement of health and well-being among older adults with living with dementia and well-being among members of their social networks. Findings will be presented from five studies: (1) a scoping review of social network measurement in older adults in chronic illness, including dementia, that emphasizes the use of technology in measuring older adults’ social networks; (2) a simulation study to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of sensor technology to measure social interaction among a person living with dementia and others in their immediate surroundings; (3) development of a web-based application that allows older adults to map and activate their social networks; (4) a qualitative analysis of interviews from persons living with dementia, their unpaid caregivers, and paid caregivers from an adult day health program concerning well-being focused outcomes; and (5) a mixed methods analysis of the feasibility of using both traditional and novel measures of health and well-being deployed among networks of people living with dementia. Emerging technologies for measuring social networks health and well-being hold promise for advancing the study of the relationship-based nature of care for people living with dementia.

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The relationship between memory complaints and age in normal aging

Dementia & Neuropsychologia ◽

10.1590/s1980-57642009dn30200005 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 94-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Thaís Bento Lima-Silva ◽

Mônica Sanches Yassuda

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Digit Span ◽

Normal Aging ◽

Screening Tests ◽

Memory Complaint ◽

Memory Complaints ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Normal aging can be characterized by a gradual decline in some cognitive functions, such as memory. Memory complaints are common among older adults, and may indicate depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. Objectives: To investigate the association between memory complaints and age in cognitively unimpaired older adults, and the relationship between memory complaints and memory performance. Methods: Cognitive screening tests as well as memory complaint questionnaires validated for the Brazilian population were used: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q), Memory test of 18 pictures, Forward and Backward Digit Span (WAIS-III). Fifty seven regular members of the SESC social club participated (50 women), having a mean age of 71.4 years, and 4 to 8 years of education - 34 from 4 to 7 years and 23 with 8 years of education. Results: Results revealed no significant association between cognitive complaints and age or cognitive performance. Older participants in this sample did not show worse performance or a higher level of complaints. There was no significant association between age and GDS scores. Conclusions: The studied sample constitutes a particular group of older adults whose participation in activities may be protecting them from cognitive decline, thus highlighting the impact of lifestyle on cognitive performance during the aging process.

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Micronutrients and Infection with COVID-19: A Critical Mini-Review

Critical Comments in Biomedicine ◽

10.18502/ccb.v2i1.5868 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zahra Yaghtin ◽

Richard Webb ◽

Sayyed Saeid Khayyatzadeh

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Micronutrient Intake ◽

Severity Of The Disease ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship ◽

Low Serum

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been the cause of a global pandemic. Given the impact of nutritional status upon immune function, it is crucial to understand the relationship between micronutrient intake and severity of the disease. This mini-review aimed to summarize the known associations between specific micronutrients (vitamin A, D, E, C and zinc, selenium and magnesium) and the health of coronavirus-infected patients. Low serum levels of these micronutrients are associated with the incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the outcomes of supplementation with these nutrients.

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Management of the Geriatric Patient

10.2310/im.1556 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Michelle Martinchek

Keyword(s):

Weight Loss ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Outpatient Setting ◽

Nursing Facilities ◽

Geriatric Syndromes ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Team Members ◽

Patients At Risk ◽

Management Techniques ◽

The Impact

Geriatric syndromes are complex conditions in older adults that often have many contributing factors. Examples of common geriatric syndromes include cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, frailty, weight loss, and pressure ulcers. Identifying the patients at risk for these syndromes and enacting preventive measures are also important to try to reduce the impact that many of these syndromes may have on outcomes. These syndromes can happen across many different care settings including in the community, outpatient setting, hospital, and nursing facilities. Once these syndromes are identified, management techniques often include multifactorial approaches and use both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic means. Management strategies may include assistance from interdisciplinary team members, families, and caregivers of the patient. This review contains 30 references, 4 figures, and 4 tables. Key Words: cognition, delirium, dementia, fall, frailty, gait, geriatric, malnutrition, pressure ulcer, weight loss

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The Impact of Frailty on the Relationship between Life-Space Mobility and Quality of Life in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The journal of nutrition health & aging ◽

10.1007/s12603-020-1532-z ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

M. D. Saraiva ◽

D. Apolinario ◽

T. J. Avelino-Silva ◽

C. De Assis Moura Tavares ◽

I. F. Gattás-Vernaglia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Life Space ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

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AGE, EXPERIENCE OF RACIAL MICROAGGRESSIONS, AND DISTRESS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2613 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S711-S712

Author(s):

Shayla Thompson ◽

Broderick Sawyer ◽

Suzanne Meeks

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Well Being ◽

Racial Microaggressions ◽

Amazon Mechanical Turk ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Younger Adults ◽

Anger Rumination ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Racial microaggressions are a common form of racial discrimination consisting of subtle or interpersonal slights. Racial microaggressions are linked to various kinds of psychological distress in younger adults, but have not been studied across the lifespan. We examined the relationship of racial microaggressions with psychological distress and anger rumination among younger and older adults identified as racial or ethnic minorities. We hypothesized that age would moderate the relationship between racial microaggressions and psychological distress and anger rumination, that is, the relationship would be weaker for older than for younger adults. Participants were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk and were compensated $1 for their participation. Preliminary tests of the hypotheses (N=220), using multiple regression analyses to test for moderation, failed to support the hypothesis that age would mitigate the impact of microaggressions on symptom severity. Both age and microaggressions were related to psychological distress and anger rumination, but contrary to prediction, older adults showed more exacerbation of distress in the face of microaggressions than younger adults. The results also differed by gender and ethnic groups, suggesting the importance of examining intersectional experiences of race, gender, and age in response to discrimination. These cross-sectional findings lend support to the importance of considering both subtle and overt discriminatory experiences in understanding the mental health challenges for minority groups in the U.S., but more work is needed to examine the intersection of ethnicity with other demographic variables, and to understand how the lifelong experiences of discrimination may shape older adults’ vulnerability, well-being, and resilience.

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Benevolent Ageism: Exploring Its Boundary Conditions, Generalizability, and Correlates

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1882 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 568-569

Author(s):

Toni Bisconti ◽

Jennifer Sublett ◽

Alison Chasteen

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Boundary Conditions ◽

Cognitive Outcomes ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Chinese Sample ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Stereotype Content ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Ageism is one of the few prejudices that is still socially condoned (Nelson, 2016). Given the aging population and the impact of internalizing ageist thoughts, this construct needs to be at the forefront for scientific examination. The long-term effects of ageism, particularly negative self-perceptions, lead to negative health and cognitive outcomes (Chasteen et al., 2015; Levy et al., 2002). One of the intricate components of ageism, however, is that it is often “benevolent”. Cuddy and colleagues developed the Stereotype Content Model (SCM) to describe how individuals are categorized based on varying degrees of warmth and competence. Unlike many devalued members of society who are viewed as low on both, older adults are viewed as having high warmth and low competence, leading to more overaccommodative treatment. The goal of the present symposium is to overview the ways in which researchers have dissected this more nuanced type of ageism. Specifically, two of the presenters will cover some of the boundary conditions of understanding age-based stereotypes and their malleability, examining them across ages and across genders. Additionally, one of our presenters will overview the validation of the Ambivalent Ageism Scale on a Chinese sample, lending support to its generalizability. Finally, our last presenter will overview the relationship between benevolent ageism and self-compassion to predict metamemory, given the pervasive stereotype that older adults suffer from severe cognitive decline. Themes and implications of these presentations will be discussed.

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Exploring the Connections between Land Use and Transportation: A Case Study of Shaheb Bazar to Rail Gate Road, Rajshahi City

LOGI – Scientific Journal on Transport and Logistics ◽

10.2478/logi-2019-0004 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 30-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dulal Sarker ◽

Abdur Rouf Khan ◽

Muhaiminul Islam

Keyword(s):

Land Use ◽

Traffic Congestion ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Travel Behaviour ◽

Reciprocal Relationship ◽

Land Use Pattern ◽

Common Technique ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship ◽

Rajshahi City

Abstract Land use-transportation comprehensive planning has become an increasingly common technique in regional and sub-regional planning processes. Since land use management strategies act as an effective tool to achieve transportation planning objectives, it is important to identify the relationship between land use pattern and travel behaviour. This study examined the relationship between transportation and land use in Rajshahi city. Rajshahi is a major urban, commercial and educational centre of Bangladesh. In Rajshahi, Shaheb bazaar zero points to New Market road is one of the most important roads. After construction of this road in 2013 intense development has taken place beside it. To identify this primary relationship data has been collected from different types of field survey. Then the impact of land use and transportation has been determined by comparing with the previous database. The findings of the study show that there exist a reciprocal relationship between land use and transportation system and the impacts on both. The study also notes that the impact of transportation on land use is more than the impact of land use on transportation. The study will help to control the haphazard growth and traffic congestion of the concerned area in the future.

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