Pharmacoepidemiology and disability in older adults: can medications slow the age-related decline in physical function?

2004 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 407-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Savo ◽  
Pierangela Maria Maiorano ◽  
Graziano Onder ◽  
Roberto Bernabei
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Age Related

scholarly journals Aging With HIV: Inflammation Is Associated With Pain, Poorer Physical Function, and Frailty

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 334-334
Author(s):  
Heather Derry ◽  
Carrie Johnston ◽  
Chelsie Burchett ◽  
Eugenia Siegler ◽  
Marshall Glesby
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cognitive Complaints ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Comorbidity Burden ◽  
Ifn Γ

Abstract With advances in antiretroviral therapies, people living with HIV have life expectancies similar to their HIV-negative peers. Yet, they experience elevated multi-morbidity that can compromise quality of life as they age. Links between inflammation and accelerated aging may inform interventions, but these links are understudied in older adults with HIV. We investigated cross-sectional relationships between inflammation, well-being, and geriatric syndromes among 161 HIV-positive older adults. Participants provided fasting blood samples (for serum cytokines and CRP) and completed surveys (MOS-HIV; falls) and cognitive (MoCA) and frailty assessments (using Fried criteria). Adjusted linear and logistic regression models tested relationships between inflammatory markers and age-related health outcomes, controlling for age, gender, BMI, race, comorbidity burden, statin use, and smoking status. 93% had suppressed viral load. 11% had CRP levels suggesting possible acute illness (>10 mg/L) and were excluded from analyses. Participants with higher IFN-γ reported greater pain (p=0.003), greater cognitive complaints (p=.02), and worse physical function (p=0.04), than those with lower IFN-γ. Similarly, higher IL-6 levels were related to worse physical function (p=0.01) and slightly greater cognitive complaints (p=0.06), but were not significantly related to pain in adjusted models. Compared to those with lower IL-6, those with higher IL-6 levels were more likely to be frail (p=0.04). CRP was not significantly related to these outcomes. Six-month fall history and objective cognitive scores were not significantly related to the assessed inflammatory markers. Our results illustrate key, expected links between inflammatory processes, frailty, physical function, and pain among older adults with HIV.

scholarly journals Effects of Obesity Reduction on Physical Function, Inflammation and Osteoarthritis in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1041-1041
Author(s):  
Michael Borack ◽  
Kathryn Porter Starr ◽  
Connie Bales ◽  
Jamie Rincker ◽  
Lou DeFrate ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Cartilage Damage ◽  
Blood Biomarkers ◽  
Inflammatory Damage ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Novel Biomarkers

Abstract Age-related increases in chronic inflammation lead to reduced physical function via damage to muscle and joints and contribute to osteoarthritis (OA) risk. Obesity in older adults with OA further exacerbates inflammatory damage. Whether obesity reduction can lessen inflammation and improve OA is unknown; however, novel biomarkers may provide an answer. We completed a 6-mo. weight loss intervention (-500 kcal/day), studying blood biomarkers of inflammation and cartilage damage along with physical function in obese older adults with (OA+; n=39) and without an OA diagnosis (OA-; n=20). Participants were aged > 60 yrs (mean = 70.2±6.0) and obese (BMI =34.6±4.7 kg/m2). At endpoint, weight loss was -6.3±4.0% and -5.8±4.1% in OA+ and OA-, respectively, with no group difference. Change scores for function for OA+ and OA- were: Short Physical Performance Battery score (+1.7±1.3 and +2.1±1.5), 8 ft up and go (-0.7±1.0 and -0.9±1.12 sec) and 6 min walk (+31.4±105.1 and +39.5±57.4 meters). All improved from baseline (p<0.05), with no group difference. Concerning blood biomarkers, there was a decrease (p<0.05) in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP: OA biomarker), indicating a potential benefit for OA. Change in COMP also differed between groups; OA- had a greater (p<0.05) reduction than OA+. Pooled results showed improved adiponectin (p<0.05), with no group difference. There were no changes for CRP, CTX-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. Our novel findings link early intervention with better reduction of OA risk and inflammation in obese older adults and also show important benefits for improved physical function regardless of OA status.

scholarly journals The Role of Psychological and Social Well-being on Physical Function Trajectories in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1579-1585
Author(s):  
Marguerita Saadeh ◽  
Anna-Karin Welmer ◽  
Serhiy Dekhtyar ◽  
Laura Fratiglioni ◽  
Amaia Calderón-Larrañaga
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
National Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Combining Data ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Rate Of Decline

Abstract Background Psychological and social well-being are emerging as major determinants in preserving health in old age. We aimed to explore the association between these factors and the rate of decline in physical function over time in older adults. Methods Data were gathered from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). The study population consisted of 1,153 non-demented, community-dwelling men and women free from multimorbidity or impairments in basic or instrumental activities of daily living at baseline. They were followed over 12 years to capture the rate of decline in physical function, which was measured by combining data on walking speed, balance, and chair stands. The association between baseline psychological and social well-being and decline in physical function was estimated through linear mixed models, after multiple adjustments including personality and depressive symptoms. Results Higher levels of psychological (β = .007; p = .037) and social (β = .008; p = .043) well-being were significantly associated with a decreased rate of decline in physical function over the follow-up. There was a significant three-way interaction between psychological well-being*time*sex (female vs male) (β = .015; p = .047), showing that a slower decline in physical function was observed only among women and not in men. The association was strongest for individuals with high levels of both psychological and social well-being (β = .012; p = .019). Conclusion High levels of psychological and social well-being may slow down the age-related decline in physical function, which confirms the complexity of older adults’ health, but also points towards new preventative strategies.

scholarly journals PREDICTING FUNCTIONAL DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS: MORE ACTIVITY NOW EQUALS LESS DECLINE LATER

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S519-S519
Author(s):  
Brenda Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Physical Conditioning ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Social Clubs ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Aging Attitudes ◽  
And Function

Abstract According to the Function Spiral Model (Whitehead, 2017), aging attitudes influence activity engagement, which impacts functional ability via physical conditioning (or deconditioning). This study tests the activity ♢ conditioning ♢ function segment of the model using 59 older adults aged 61-92 (Mage = 76 at Time 1) who participated in 2 in-person assessments of physical health, gait, and function, spaced 3 years apart. Participants also completed mail-in questionnaires, reporting engagement in activities (walking, gardening, household chores, social clubs, etc.) at each time point. Hypotheses were 1) a lower activity level at Time 1 would predict greater decline in physical function across the 3-year span, and 2) that this effect would be mediated by changes in physical conditioning. Dependent t-tests revealed that both physical function—as indicated by the timed Get Up and Go test—and physical conditioning—as indicated by peak respiratory flow—declined during the period. The regression model testing the effect of activity engagement at Time 1 on decline in physical function (controlling for age, baseline function, and activity change) supported hypothesis 1 (-0.43, p = .003): more activity at Time 1 predicted less decline in physical function over time. Instead of supporting the mediation hypothesis, the model including both activity and conditioning demonstrated the strength of the activity at Time 1 effect, which actually increased in magnitude (-0.48, p = .001). Although the hypothesized mediation was not supported, the findings highlight current activity engagement as an important mechanism for slowing the progression of future age-related functional decline.

scholarly journals Age-related differences in lower extremity tissue compartments and associations with physical function in older adults

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas W. Buford ◽  
Donovan J. Lott ◽  
Emanuele Marzetti ◽  
Stephanie E. Wohlgemuth ◽  
Krista Vandenborne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Tissue Compartments

scholarly journals Effect of Taichi Softball on Function-Related Outcomes in Older Adults: A Randomized Control Trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Lou ◽  
Liye Zou ◽  
Qun Fang ◽  
Huiru Wang ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Age Related

The purpose of this present study was to examine the effect of Taichi softball (TCSB) on physical function in Chinese older adults. Eighty Chinese older adults were randomly assigned into either an experimental group experiencing four 90-minute TCSB sessions weekly for seven consecutive weeks or a control group. At baseline and 7 weeks later, all participants were asked to perform physical functional tests for both lower and upper limbs. Multiple separate Analyses of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures were applied to evaluate the effects of TCSB on function-related outcomes between baseline and postintervention in the two groups. The findings indicate that a short-term and intensive TCSB training program does not only improve low limb-related physical function such as dynamic balance and leg strength, but also strengthen upper limb-related physical function (e.g., arm and forearm strength, shoulder mobility, fine motor control, handgrip strength, and fine motor function). Health professionals could take into account TCSB exercise as an alternative method to help maintain or alleviate the inevitable age-related physical function degeneration in healthy older adults. In addition, researchers could investigate the effect of TCSB exercise on physical function in special populations such as patients with different chronic diseases or neurological disorder (e.g., Parkinson’s disease).

scholarly journals Effect of Weight Loss, Exercise, or Both on Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin and Insulin Secretion in Frail, Obese Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgia Colleluori ◽  
Nicola Napoli ◽  
Uma Phadnis ◽  
Reina-Armamento Villareal ◽  
Dennis T. Villareal
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Insulin Secretion ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Diet Group ◽  
Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Long Term Effect ◽  
Exercise Induced

Background. Obesity exacerbates age-related decline in glucometabolic control. Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (UcOC) regulates pancreatic insulin secretion. The long-term effect of lifestyle interventions on UcOC and insulin secretion has not been investigated. Methods. One hundred seven frail, obese older adults were randomized into the control (N=27), diet (N=26), exercise (N=26), and diet-exercise (N=28) groups for 1 year. Main outcomes included changes in UcOC and disposition index (DI). Results. UcOC increased in the diet group (36 ± 11.6%) but not in the other groups (P<0.05 between groups). Although similar increases in DI occurred in the diet-exercise and diet groups at 6 months, DI increased more in the diet-exercise group (92.4 ± 11.4%) than in the diet group (61.9 ± 15.3%) at 12 months (P<0.05). UcOC and body composition changes predicted DI variation in the diet group only (R2=0.712), while adipocytokines and physical function changes contributed to DI variation in both the diet (∆R2=0.140 and 0.107) and diet-exercise (∆R2=0.427 and 0.243) groups (P<0.05 for all). Conclusions. Diet, but not exercise or both, increases UcOC, whereas both diet and diet-exercise increase DI. UcOC accounts for DI variation only during active weight loss, while adipocytokines and physical function contribute to diet-exercise-induced DI variation, highlighting different mechanisms for lifestyle-induced improvements in insulin secretion. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00146107.

scholarly journals Effects of Power-Oriented Resistance Training With Heavy vs. Light Loads on Muscle-Tendon Function in Older Adults: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Rodriguez-Lopez ◽  
Julian Alcazar ◽  
Jose Losa-Reyna ◽  
Noelia Maria Martin-Espinosa ◽  
Ivan Baltasar-Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Older People ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Limb Immobilization

BackgroundPower-oriented resistance training (PRT) is one of the most effective exercise programs to counteract neuromuscular and physical function age-related declines. However, the optimal load that maximizes these outcomes or the load-specific adaptations induced on muscle power determinants remain to be better understood. Furthermore, to investigate whether these adaptations are potentially transferred to an untrained limb (i.e., cross-education phenomenon) could be especially relevant during limb-immobilization frequently observed in older people (e.g., after hip fracture).MethodsAt least 30 well-functioning older participants (&gt;65 years) will participate in a within-person randomized controlled trial. After an 8-week control period, the effects of two 12-week PRT programs using light vs. heavy loads will be compared using an unilateral exercise model through three study arms (light-load PRT vs. non-exercise; heavy-load PRT vs. non-exercise; and light- vs. heavy- load PRT). Muscle-tendon function, muscle excitation and morphology and physical function will be evaluated to analyze the load-specific effects of PRT in older people. Additionally, the effects of PRT will be examined on a non-exercised contralateral limb.DiscussionTailored exercise programs are largely demanded given their potentially greater efficiency preventing age-related negative consequences, especially during limb-immobilization. This trial will provide evidence supporting the use of light- or heavy-load PRT on older adults depending on individual needs, improving decision making and exercise program efficacy.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT03724461 registration data: October 30, 2018.

scholarly journals Genetic influence on exercise-induced changes in physical function among mobility-limited older adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 149-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas W. Buford ◽  
Fang-Chi Hsu ◽  
Tina E. Brinkley ◽  
Christy S. Carter ◽  
Timothy S. Church ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers ◽  
Functional Responses ◽  
Weinberg Equilibrium ◽  
Genotype Frequencies ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium ◽  
Treatment Interaction

To date, physical exercise is the only intervention consistently demonstrated to attenuate age-related declines in physical function. However, variability exists in seniors' responsiveness to training. One potential source of variability is the insertion (I allele) or deletion (D allele) of a 287 bp fragment in intron 16 of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene. This polymorphism is known to influence a variety of physiological adaptions to exercise. However, evidence is inconclusive regarding the influence of this polymorphism on older adults' functional responses to exercise. This study aimed to evaluate the association of ACE I/D genotypes with changes in physical function among Caucasian older adults ( n = 283) following 12 mo of either structured, multimodal physical activity or health education. Measures of physical function included usual-paced gait speed and performance on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). After checking Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, we used using linear regression to evaluate the genotype*treatment interaction for each outcome. Covariates included clinic site, body mass index, age, sex, baseline score, comorbidity, and use of angiotensin receptor blockers or ACE inhibitors. Genotype frequencies [II (19.4%), ID (42.4%), DD (38.2%)] were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium ( P > 0.05). The genotype*treatment interaction was statistically significant for both gait speed ( P = 0.002) and SPPB ( P = 0.020). Exercise improved gait speed by 0.06 ± 0.01 m/sec and SPPB score by 0.72 ± 0.16 points among those with at least one D allele (ID/DD carriers), but function was not improved among II carriers. Thus, ACE I/D genotype appears to play a role in modulating functional responses to exercise training in seniors.

Age-Related Differences in Processing Dynamic Information to Identify Vowel Quality

1992 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 892-902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Allen Fox ◽  
Lida G. Wall ◽  
Jeanne Gokcen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Vowel Quality ◽  
Perceptual Cues ◽  
Dynamic Information ◽  
Process Dynamic ◽  
Center Condition ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Control Version ◽  
Older Subjects ◽  
Whole Word

This study examined age-related differences in the use of dynamic acoustic information (in the form of formant transitions) to identify vowel quality in CVCs. Two versions of 61 naturally produced, commonly occurring, monosyllabic English words were created: a control version (the unmodified whole word) and a silent-center version (in which approximately 62% of the medial vowel was replaced by silence). A group of normal-hearing young adults (19–25 years old) and older adults (61–75 years old) identified these tokens. The older subjects were found to be significantly worse than the younger subjects at identifying the medial vowel and the initial and final consonants in the silent-center condition. These results support the hypothesis of an age-related decrement in the ability to process dynamic perceptual cues in the perception of vowel quality.

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