scholarly journals Exploring the affective toxicity of commonly prescribed medications in the elderly

1999 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-128
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Drug Approval ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Behavioral Consequences ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Daily Affect

Adverse effects of medications that occur at low frequency or low severity are often not detected in the current framework of drug approval and monitoring. Of particular concern are potential behavioral consequences such as depression or cognitive dysfunction that may occur from commonly prescribed medications. This study explores the use of measuring daily affect, both positive and negative, as a method for detecting clinically relevant affective toxicity from medications commonly prescribed to older adults. Findings from this study suggest that metoclopramide may have the potential for causing significant changes in affect among healthy elderly adults. This may suggest that more vulnerable or disabled adults may be at even greater risk for affective changes related to this medication.

scholarly journals Aging is associated with increased propensity for central apnea during NREM sleep

2018 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susmita Chowdhuri ◽  
Sukanya Pranathiageswaran ◽  
Hillary Loomis-King ◽  
Anan Salloum ◽  
M. Safwan Badr
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Nrem Sleep ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Central Apnea ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep ◽  
Controller Gain ◽  
Central Apneas

The reason for increased sleep-disordered breathing with predominance of central apneas in the elderly is unknown. We hypothesized that the propensity to central apneas is increased in older adults, manifested by a reduced carbon-dioxide (CO2) reserve in older compared with young adults during non-rapid eye movement sleep. Ten elderly and 15 young healthy adults underwent multiple brief trials of nasal noninvasive positive pressure ventilation during stable NREM sleep. Cessation of mechanical ventilation (MV) resulted in hypocapnic central apnea or hypopnea. The CO2 reserve was defined as the difference in end-tidal CO2 ([Formula: see text]) between eupnea and the apneic threshold, where the apneic threshold was [Formula: see text] that demarcated the central apnea closest to the eupneic [Formula: see text]. For each MV trial, the hypocapnic ventilatory response (controller gain) was measured as the change in minute ventilation (V̇e) during the MV trial for a corresponding change in [Formula: see text]. The eupneic [Formula: see text] was significantly lower in elderly vs. young adults. Compared with young adults, the elderly had a significantly reduced CO2 reserve (−2.6 ± 0.4 vs. −4.1 ± 0.4 mmHg, P = 0.01) and a higher controller gain (2.3 ± 0.2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 l·min−1·mmHg−1, P = 0.007), indicating increased chemoresponsiveness in the elderly. Thus elderly adults are more prone to hypocapnic central apneas owing to increased hypocapnic chemoresponsiveness during NREM sleep. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The study describes an original finding where healthy older adults compared with healthy young adults demonstrated increased breathing instability during non-rapid eye movement sleep, as suggested by a smaller carbon dioxide reserve and a higher controller gain. The findings may explain the increased propensity for central apneas in elderly adults during sleep and potentially guide the development of pathophysiology-defined personalized therapies for sleep apnea in the elderly.

scholarly journals Sexuality in Elderly Adults: Study on Knowledge and Attitudes Related to Sexuality in Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 184
Author(s):  
Saldarriaga G. Guillermina ◽  
Ruydiaz G. Keydis ◽  
Jiménez A. Sindy ◽  
Fernández A. Shirley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Natural Phenomenon ◽  
Elderly Adult ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

INTRODUCTION: Aging is a universal and natural phenomenon that causes structural and physiological changes. It is a process of deterioration, progressive and intrinsic. OBJECTIVE: Determining the level of knowledge and attitudes about sexuality in older adults living in three centers. MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross- sectional descriptive study in 80 elderly adults enrolled and attending three life centers on the City of Cartagena, Questionnaires about Knowledge on Sexual Health of the Elderly (2007) and the Attitude Scale towards Sexuality were applied in the Elderly Adult (Scale ACASAM-MM-2013). RESULTS: On a population of elderly adults, female sex predominated 58%, average age of 74 years, adults widowers 35% of the total population, and 31% maintain a relationship. Older adults reported having inadequate knowledge in relation to the three sessions evaluated, the access section to a couple predominated, they reflected having an average general attitude, being the cognitive and volitional component those of greater significance. CONCLUSION: The attitudes that reflect the elderly is favorable, being so, that the elderly are clear that society notice them regarding sexuality, and are autonomous to express and experience it.

scholarly journals “Neurocovid”: An Analysis of the Impact of Covid-19 on the Older Adults. Evolving Psychological and Neuropsychological Understanding

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Palermo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Frailty ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

When SARS-CoV-2 began to spread, older adults experienced disproportionately greater adverse effects from the pandemic, including exacerbation of pre-existing physical and cognitive frailty conditions. More severe complications, higher mortality, and concerns about disruptions to their daily routines and access to care. Knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 on the brain is rapidly accumulating and this is reflected in the increasing use of the term “neurocovid”. Co-involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system had already been observed in SARS patients, but COVID-19 seems to invade it with greater affinity than other coronaviruses. This chapter provides an overview of the expanding understanding of the multiple ways in which COVID-19 affects the human brain, discuss the likelihood of long-term sequelae of neurocovid, and their implications for cognitive functions and behaviors in the elderly.

scholarly journals Determining Whether Tai Chi Chuan is Related to the Updating Function in Older Adults: Differences Between Experts and Novices

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Yang ◽  
Tingting Chen ◽  
Xiaoxia Yuan ◽  
Xiaoke Zhong ◽  
Shoufu Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tai Chi Chuan ◽  
Novice Group ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Back Task

Abstract Background: Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is one effective method used to delay cognitive decline in older adults. However, the relationship between the long-term practice of TCC and the crucial working memory updating function of the brain in the elderly has not been comprehensively researched.Objective: This cross-sectional study explores how behavioral performance in a laboratory setting is related to long term practice of TCC on the updating function in older people using reaction times (RTs) of N-back tasks. Methods: 26 healthy elderly people participated in this experiment. According to the length of time TCC was practiced, 13 subjects in the TCC group had more than 5 years’ experience of TCC exercise, and 13 elderly subjects who had not been systematically exposed to mind-body exercise were assigned to the novice group. The N-back task was administered to every participant to evaluate the updating function. Results: The TCC group had faster RTs compared to the novice group (p<0.05); For the 1-back task, the TCC group showed faster RTs than the novice group. For the 2-back task, the novice group exhibited faster RTs than the TCC group. Conclusions: TCC experts exhibit greater updating function as compared to TCC novices. Long-term TCC appears to be positive associated with the updating function of older adults, making it an effective exercise to maintain cognitive function in the elderly.

scholarly journals Sound Effects on Standing Postural Strategies in the Elderly via Frequency Analysis Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (16) ◽  
pp. 5539
Author(s):  
Yun-Ju Lee ◽  
Chang-Hsu Chen ◽  
Chao-Che Wu ◽  
Yu-Jung Chen ◽  
Jing Nong Liang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Power Spectrum ◽  
Frequency Analysis ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Analysis Approach ◽  
Medium Frequency ◽  
Dual Tasking ◽  
Frequency Bands ◽  
Sound Effects

Sound and sound frequency could improve postural sway in the elderly. The power spectrum intervals of the center of pressure (COP) displacement are associated with different postural regulations, which could be revealed by frequency analysis. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of sound on dual-tasking postural control and conduct frequency analysis to distinguish postural regulations in the elderly. Fifteen young and 15 older healthy participants were instructed to stand on a force platform and performed the Purdue Pegboard test while hearing 50 dB sounds with sound frequencies of 250 Hz, 1000 Hz, 4000 Hz, or no sound. The total excursion, velocity, sway area, and power spectrum of low-, medium-, and high-frequency bands of the COP displacement were calculated in the anterior–posterior and medial–lateral directions. The percentages of low-frequency and medium-frequency bands in both directions were significantly different between with and without sound conditions, but not affected by sound frequency. Older adults showed a smaller percentage of low-frequency, larger percentage of medium-frequency, larger total COP excursion, and faster velocity in the medial–lateral direction. The outcome of the study supports the frequency analysis approach in evaluating sound effects on postural strategies in dual-tasking and reveals older adults utilize vestibular regulation as the primary postural strategy when the dual-task required visual attention.

scholarly journals Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Potential Moderators Associated with All-Cause Mortality in a Representative Sample of Spanish Older Adults

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1794
Author(s):  
Olaya ◽  
Moneta ◽  
Lara ◽  
Miret ◽  
Martín-María ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Time To Death

This study sought to determine the association between levels of fruit and vegetable consumption and time to death, and to explore potential moderators. We analyzed a nationally-representative sample of 1699 older adults aged 65+ who were followed up for a period of 6 years. Participants were classified into low (≤3 servings day), medium (4), or high (≥5) consumption using tertiles. Unadjusted and adjusted cox proportional hazard regression models (by age, gender, cohabiting, education, multimorbidity, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and obesity) were calculated. The majority of participants (65.7%) did not meet the recommendation of five servings per day. High fruit and vegetable intake increased by 27% the probability of surviving among older adults with two chronic conditions, compared to those who consumed ≤3 servings per day (HR = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.21–0.69). However, this beneficial effect was not found for people with none, one chronic condition or three or more, indicating that this protective effect might not be sufficient for more severe cases of multimorbidity. Given a common co-occurrence of two non-communicable diseases in the elderly and the low frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption in this population, interventions to promote consuming five or more servings per day could have a significant positive impact on reducing mortality.

scholarly journals Consumption ofBifidobacterium lactisBi-07 by healthy elderly adults enhances phagocytic activity of monocytes and granulocytes

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sujira Maneerat ◽  
Markus J. Lehtinen ◽  
Caroline E. Childs ◽  
Sofia D. Forssten ◽  
Esa Alhoniemi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Phagocytic Activity ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Oxidative Burst Activity ◽  
Carry Over

AbstractElderly adults have alterations in their gut microbiota and immune functions that are associated with higher susceptibility to infections and metabolic disorders. Probiotics and prebiotics, and their synbiotic combinations are food supplements that have been shown to improve both gut and immune function. The objective of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over human clinical trial was to study immune function and the gut microbiota in healthy elderly adults. Volunteers (n37) consumed prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS; 8 g/d), probioticBifidobacterium lactisBi-07 (Bi-07; 109colony-forming units/d), their combination (Bi-07 + GOS) and maltodextrin control (8 g/d) in four 3-week periods separated by 4-week wash-out periods. Immune function was analysed by determining the phagocytic and oxidative burst activity of monocytes and granulocytes, whole-blood response to lipopolysaccharide, plasma chemokine concentrations and salivary IgA levels. Gut microbiota composition and faecal SCFA content were determined using 16S ribosomal RNA fluorescencein situhybridisation and HPLC, respectively. Primary statistical analyses indicated the presence of carry-over effects and thus measurements from only the first supplementation period were considered valid. Subsequent statistical analysis showed that consumption of Bi-07 improved the phagocytic activity of monocytes (P < 0·001) and granulocytes (P = 0·02). Other parameters were unchanged. We have for the first time shown that the probiotic Bi-07 may provide health benefits to elderly individuals by improving the phagocytic activity of monocytes and granulocytes. The present results also suggest that in the elderly, the effects of some probiotics and prebiotics may last longer than in adults.

Consequences of Driving Reduction or Cessation for Older Adults

2003 ◽  
Vol 1843 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayodele Harrison ◽  
David R. Ragland
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Driving Cessation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Reduced Activity ◽  
Comprehensive Literature Search

The purpose of this study was to understand the adverse consequences of driving reduction or cessation among elderly adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted for studies that ( a) included information on driving by an elderly population, ( b) included results from a qualitative or quantitative (or both) study of the elderly and driving cessation, and ( c) provided information to evaluate consequences surrounding driving reduction or cessation. The selected subjects of the studies included men and women over the age of 55 years. Driving reduction or cessation is associated with a number of adverse consequences, including reduced activity out of the home and decreased life satisfaction. However, determining causality of the associations is difficult because of unidentified third variables (such as health). Understanding the adverse consequences will aid researchers and policy makers to develop better strategies to help people anticipate and prepare for reduced driving and to develop and improve transportation alternatives.

Depression in Older Adults

2017 ◽  
pp. 138-145
Author(s):  
Myrna M. Weissman ◽  
John C. Markowitz ◽  
Gerald L. Klerman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Medical Illness ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnoses ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Medical Evaluation

Depression ranks among the most common psychiatric diagnoses in older adults. This chapter gives an overview of the use of IPT for depression in older adults. Older patients presenting for treatment of major depression should undergo a complete medical evaluation to rule out comorbid general medical illness that may account for the symptoms. Older adults find the medical model of depression used in IPT appealing because their other health problems often render it familiar. They may be less acquainted with the view of depression as a medical illness and may need psychoeducation about depression and its treatment. Therapists who are treating geriatric patients need to fight negative, ageist views of the elderly. Ample evidence from controlled clinical trials shows that psychotherapy, particularly IPT, is a useful, efficacious, and accepted treatment in depressed elderly adults. A case example of the use of IPT in a widower is provided.

Incentives as a Treatment Variable for Facilitation Performance of Elderly Adults on Concrete Piagetian Tasks

1987 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-508
Author(s):  
Kenneth Robinson ◽  
Steven M. Ross
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Treatment Variable ◽  
Incentive Group ◽  
Younger Age

Reduced cognitive functioning of older adults is viewed by some researchers as mainly a problem of performance rather than of competence. To further explore this issue, the present study assessed performance of 52 elderly subjects on Piagetian tasks, with or without provision of incentives as a motivating condition. Although the incentive group scored higher than the no-incentive group on all tasks, differences did not reach significance. Contrary to the expected pattern, conservation of volume scores were higher than conservation of surface area scores. One interpretation is that elderly adults might be more influenced than younger age groups by extrinsic properties of conservation task stimuli. Implications of these and other findings for further research with the elderly are discussed.

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