scholarly journals Does Preoperative Cognitive Optimization Improve Postoperative Outcomes in the Elderly?

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 445
Author(s):  
Yumiko Ishizawa
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Postoperative Delirium ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Cognitive Optimization

Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a growing concern, affecting several million elderly patients each year in the United States, but strategies for its effective prevention have not yet been established. Humeidan et al. recently demonstrated that preoperative brain exercise resulted in a decrease in postoperative delirium incidence in elderly surgical patients, suggesting the potential of presurgical cognitive optimization to improve postoperative cognitive outcomes. This brief review summarizes the current knowledge regarding preoperative cognitive optimization and highlights landmark studies, as well as current ongoing studies, as the field is rapidly growing. This review further discusses the benefit of cognitive training in non-surgical elderly populations and the role of cognitive training in patients with preexisting cognitive impairment or dementia. The review also examines preclinical evidence in support of cognitive training, which can facilitate understanding of brain plasticity and the pathophysiology of PND. The literature suggests positive impacts of presurgical cognitive optimization, but further studies are encouraged to establish effective cognitive training programs for elderly presurgical patients.

Prospective Memory Development Across the Lifespan

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
Matthias Kliegel
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Present Model ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Integrative Framework

Abstract. Prospective Memory (PM; i.e., the ability to remember to perform planned tasks) represents a key proxy of healthy aging, as it relates to older adults’ everyday functioning, autonomy, and personal well-being. The current review illustrates how PM performance develops across the lifespan and how multiple cognitive and non-cognitive factors influence this trajectory. Further, a new, integrative framework is presented, detailing how those processes interplay in retrieving and executing delayed intentions. Specifically, while most previous models have focused on memory processes, the present model focuses on the role of executive functioning in PM and its development across the lifespan. Finally, a practical outlook is presented, suggesting how the current knowledge can be applied in geriatrics and geropsychology to promote healthy aging by maintaining prospective abilities in the elderly.

scholarly journals The Role of Empathy in Experiential Learning: A Case Study of Empathy as an Interior Design Learning Tool

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Lilia Gomez-Lanier
Keyword(s):  
Interior Design ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The United States ◽  
Learning Tool ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Design Learning ◽  
Design Students ◽  
Interior Environments ◽  
Interior Design Students

Empathy definitions do not adequately reflect the realities of empathy in the context of interior design for the elderly or disabled. This mixed research methods study explored the role that empathy as a design learning tool may have on the design process and learning experiences of interior design students, whom ultimately will design spaces for the elderly and disabled. To explore the use of empathy as a learning tool prior to commencing a renovation design project for three disabled farmers and their families in the southeast area of the United States, interior design students participated in class exercises that simulated various physical disabilities. After completing the exercises students reported high levels of emphatic concern for physically disabled older adults that made them more in tuned with the program needs of their clients, the farmers. Additionally, the students acknowledged that they had gained a greater understanding of inclusive design, whereby all end users of spaces regardless of physical and mental capabilities are to be considered when designing interior environments. Lastly, students enhanced their problem-solving skills by gaining insights into the importance of considering all details in design, ranging from the addition of coat hooks to door hardware selection and floor finish materials to furniture placements. This study is significant because two of the fastest growing sectors for interior design is healthcare and aging in place.

scholarly journals Asthma Linked with Rhinosinusitis: An Extensive Review

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. ar.2014.5.0083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne Frieri
Keyword(s):  
Early Recognition ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The United States ◽  
Arachidonic Acid Metabolism ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Extensive Review ◽  
Immune Genes

Current literature related to asthma diagnosis, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment linked with rhinosinusitis is important. Asthma is very heterogeneous; new theories and treatments are emerging. It is a growing epidemic among children and adults in the United States and the severity of asthma is caused by many factors such as lack of education, poor early recognition, decreased symptom awareness, improper medications, and phenotypic changes. Genetic variation, innate immune genes, those involved in tissue remodeling and arachidonic acid metabolism, and inflammatory mediators might contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) linked with asthma. This extensive review addresses concepts of the burden of asthma and sinusitis, altered innate immunity, adaptive immunity, asthma remodeling, the airway epithelium, the role of airway smooth muscle cells, united allergic airway, genetics, an integral part in asthma, and CRS. In addition, the role of vitamin D in both asthma and CRS in the elderly and pediatric population, various treatment options, and exhaled nitric oxide are briefly addressed.

Oxford Handbook of U.S. Social Policy

2014 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Policy ◽  
Social Insurance ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The United States ◽  
Colonial Era ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
The Government ◽  
Public Private Mix

This Oxford Handbook pulls together much of our current knowledge about the origins, development, functions, and challenges of American social policy. After the introduction, the first substantive part of the handbook offers a historical overview of U.S. social policy from the colonial era to the present. This is followed by a set of chapters on different theoretical perspectives for understanding and explaining the development of social policy in the United States. The four following parts of the volume focus on concrete social programs for the elderly, the poor and near-poor, the disabled, and workers and families. Policy areas covered include health care, pensions, food assistance, housing, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, workers’ compensation, family support, and programs for soldiers and veterans. The final part of the book focuses on some of the consequences of the U.S. welfare state for poverty, inequality, and citizenship. Many of the chapters comprising this handbook emphasize the disjointed patterns inherent in U.S. policy-making and the public-private mix of social provision in which the government helps certain groups of citizens directly (e.g., social insurance) or indirectly (e.g., tax expenditures, regulations). The contributing authors are experts from political science, sociology, history, economics, and other disciplines.

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic: current knowledge about the role of pets and other animals in disease transmission

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulugeta Kiros ◽  
Henok Andualem ◽  
Teklehaimanot Kiros ◽  
Wasihun Hailemichael ◽  
Sisay Getu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), a disease caused by a pathogen called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pandemic. This ongoing pandemic has now been reported in 215 countries with more than 23 million confirmed cases and more than 803 thousand deaths worldwide as of August 22, 2020. Although efforts are undergoing, there is no approved vaccine or any specific antiretroviral drug to treat COVID-19 so far. It is now known that SARS-CoV-2 can affect not only humans but also pets and other domestic and wild animals, making it a one health global problem. Several published scientific evidence has shown that bats are the initial reservoir hosts of SARS-CoV-2, and pangolins are suggested as an intermediate hosts. So far, little is known concerning the role of pets and other animals in the transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, updated knowledge about the potential role of pets in the current outbreak will be of paramount importance for effective prevention and control of the disease. This review summarized the current evidence about the role of pets and other animals in the transmission of COVID-19.

Pharmacologic Considerations in the Elderly Surgical Patient

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Sohn ◽  
Joe C. Hong ◽  
Michael W. Yeh ◽  
Tara A. Russell ◽  
Marcia M. Russell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Postoperative Delirium ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The United States ◽  
Surgical Patient ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Preoperative Medication

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

Pharmacologic Considerations in the Elderly Surgical Patient

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Sohn ◽  
Joe C. Hong ◽  
Michael W. Yeh ◽  
Tara A. Russell ◽  
Marcia M. Russell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Postoperative Delirium ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The United States ◽  
Surgical Patient ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Preoperative Medication

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

scholarly journals The Role of Extensive Green Roofs in Sustainable Development

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 1276-1285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin L. Getter ◽  
D. Bradley Rowe
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Weight Restrictions ◽  
Green Industry ◽  
Island Effect ◽  
Urban Heat ◽  
Extensive Green Roofs

As forests, agricultural fields, and suburban and urban lands are replaced with impervious surfaces resulting from development, the necessity to recover green space is becoming increasingly critical to maintain environmental quality. Vegetated or green roofs are one potential remedy for this problem. Establishing plant material on rooftops provides numerous ecological and economic benefits, including stormwater management, energy conservation, mitigation of the urban heat island effect, and increased longevity of roofing membranes, as well as providing a more aesthetically pleasing environment in which to work and live. Furthermore, the construction and maintenance of green roofs provide business opportunities for nurseries, landscape contractors, irrigation specialists, and other green industry members while addressing the issues of environmental stewardship. This paper is a review of current knowledge regarding the benefits of green roofs, plant selection and culture, and barriers to their acceptance in the United States. Because of building weight restrictions and costs, shallow-substrate extensive roofs are much more common than deeper intensive roofs. Therefore, the focus of this review is primarily on extensive green roofs.

scholarly journals Role of Vitamin C in Osteoporosis Development and Treatment—A Literature Review

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2394
Author(s):  
Olga Brzezińska ◽  
Zuzanna Łukasik ◽  
Joanna Makowska ◽  
Konrad Walczak
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Dietary Calcium Intake ◽  
Osteoporosis Prevention ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Medline Search

Osteoporosis and associated low energy fractures are a significant clinical problem, especially in the elderly population. The occurrence of a hip fracture is associated with significant mortality and a high risk of disability. For this, apart from the treatment of osteoporosis, effective prevention of both the development of the disease and related fractures is extremely important. One aspect of osteoporosis prevention is proper dietary calcium intake and normal vitamin D3 levels. However, there is some evidence for a potential role of vitamin C in osteoporosis and fracture prevention, too. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the role of vitamin C in osteoporosis development, prevention and treatment. The PubMed/Medline search on the role of vitamin C in bone metabolism database was performed for articles between 2000 and May 2020. Reports from in vitro and animal studies seem promising. Epidemiological studies also indicate the positive effect of high vitamin C content in the daily diet on bone mineral density. Despite promising observations, there are still few observational and intervention studies and their results do not allow for unequivocal determination of the benefits of high daily intake of vitamin C or its long-term supplementation.

scholarly journals Globe rupture: a single-center retrospective study of demographic patterns and outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janejit Choovuthayakorn ◽  
Susama Chokesuwattanaskul ◽  
Phit Upaphong ◽  
Pongsant Supreeyathitikul
Keyword(s):  
Road Traffic ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Tertiary Referral Centre ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Globe Rupture ◽  
Open Globe ◽  
Minimum Angle ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Demographic Patterns

Abstract Globe rupture is one of the severe mechanisms of eye injury. This study aimed to describe an epidemiologic patterns and visual outcomes of the open globe injury from globe rupture at a tertiary referral centre. Medical records of 167 patients (173 eyes) were retrospectively reviewed. Overall, males were predominant (82%). Road traffic- (26.3%) and work- (23.4%) were the major contributors. However, falling was the main mechanism in the elderly aged over 60 years. At presentation, 91.4% of eyes had initial visual acuity (VA) of worse than 20/200. The mean (SD) VA in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) unit at final [1.8 (1.1)] was significantly improved from presenting VA [2.4 (0.6)] (p ˂ 0.001). Predictors for final VA of worse than 20/400 included poor initial VA, presence of relative afferent pupillary defect, and endophthalmitis. In conclusion, this study observed the peak incidence of globe rupture in young teen to early adult patients, with unique characteristics in each age group. Even with significant visual improvement following the treatments, profound visual loss was still a common consequence. Thus, the role of effective prevention along with a multidisciplinary team together with timely and prompt ophthalmic management should be emphasised.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document