The New Geriatric Syndromes

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-36
Author(s):  
Animesh Gupta ◽  
Soumya K. Inamadar ◽  
Ashish Goel
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Present Review ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
Geriatric Syndromes ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Clinical Conditions

Geriatric syndromes consist of common clinical conditions affecting the elderly population. They lead to multiple, interacting medical and social deficits that increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, including dependence, institutionalization and also death. Research over the last few decades, in this area of medicine, has led to evolution of newer syndromes that pose a greater challenge to the physician. The present review aims to provide a synopsis of some of the newer syndromes like frailty, osteosarcopenia, sleep disorders and oropharyngeal dysphagia that have emerged in geriatric literature in recent times.

Sleep Quality and Cognitive Function in the Elderly Population

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Valiollah Mousavi ◽  
Elham Montazar ◽  
Sajjad Rezaei ◽  
Shima Poorabolghasem Hosseini
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Sleep Latency ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Subjective Sleep Quality ◽  
Subjective Sleep

Background and Objective: Physiological process of sleep is considered as one of the influential factors of human’s health and mental functions, especially in the elderly. This research aimed at studying the association between sleep quality and the cognitive functions in the elderly population. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 elderly people (65 years and older) who were the members of retirees associa-tion in Mashhad, Iran, participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants were asked to answer the questionnaire of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Correlation between the total scores of PSQI and MoCA was evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient. In order to predict the cognitive func-tion based on different aspects of PSQI, multiple regression analysis by hierarchical method was used after removing confounding variables. Results: A significant association was found between PSQI and MoCA (P < 0.001, r = -0.55) suggesting that the com-ponents of use of sleeping medication (P < 0.001, r = -0.47), sleep disorders (P < 0.001, r = -0.37), sleep latency (P < 0.001, r = -0.34), subjective sleep quality (P < 0.001, r = -0.32), sleep duration (P < 0.001, r = -0.27), sleep effi-ciency (P < 0.001, r = -0.26), and daytime dysfunction (P < 0.001, r = -0.15) had significant negative correlation with cognitive function, and the four components of subjective sleep quality (P = 0.010, β = -0.15), sleep latency (P = 0.040, β = -0.13), sleep disorders (P = 0.010, β = -0.26), and use of sleeping medication (P = 0.010, β = -0.26) played a role in prediction of cognitive function in regression analysis. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality, sleep latency, insomnia, sleep breathing disorder, and use of sleeping medication play a determining role in cognitive function of the elderly. Thus, taking care of the sleep health is necessary for the elderly.

scholarly journals Corruption and Covid-19’s Lethality: “So What?”

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 28-38
Author(s):  
Arthur do Nascimento Ferreira Barros ◽  
◽  
Lucas Libini Ramos dos Santos ◽  
Raul Antonio de Lemos Bernardo ◽  
Louise de Oliveira Xavier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Quantitative Approach ◽  
Pearson’S Correlation ◽  
Pearson's Correlation

We aim to verify if there is an association between the level of corruption and the lethality on countries due to COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies provide evidence that corruption can harm health outcomes, especially in developing and under-developing countries where resources are already scarce. We apply a strictly quantitative approach using dispersion graphics analysis and Pearson’s correlation on 171 countries. On countries from America, Africa, Asia and Oceania we observed that as more corrupt the country, higher its lethality, although in Europe this association is inverted. We attribute this last result to the continent possess the elderly population among other continents, the fact that countries loosened to earlier measures of physical distancing and cases of corruption were reported in some countries with a low perception of corruption. Therefore, corruption remains an issue that needs more understanding so we can decrease its effects on health outcomes and save lives, particularly in countries with weak healthcare systems. Besides, the next pandemic is coming and we need to be prepared. Keywords: Corruption, Healthcare system, Health outcomes, COVID-19, Lethality.

Validatie van de EAT-10 in het Nederlands ter screening van orofaryngeale dysfagie in een oudere populatie

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Clinical Environment ◽  
Good Internal Consistency ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Symptoms And Signs

The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in the elderly population >76y is estimated at 26%. OD can lead to malnutrition, depression, diminished quality of life and increased mortality in the elderly. Despite these important complications, OD is still underdiagnosed due to a lack of a reliable and easily applicable screening tool. The Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaire consists of ten statements about symptoms and signs of OD. In the current literature, a cut-off value of ≥3 points is preferred to be considered as in risk for OD. The EAT-10 questionnaire shows good internal consistency and reliability and is validated in different languages with comparable results. The purpose of this study is to validate the EAT-10 questionnaire in Dutch. The results show a strong test-retest reliability (Spearman's rho 0.841) and an internal consistency of 0.917 via Cronbach's alpha. The Dutch EAT-10 questionnaire is well applicable in a clinical environment with a mean duration of 2 minutes and 28 seconds (± 1 minute and 32 seconds) to complete the test. Validation of the Dutch EAT-10 questionnaire makes screening of OD in the Dutch (elderly) population possible.

scholarly journals Common Sleep Disorders Increase Risk of Motor Vehicle Crashes and Adverse Health Outcomes in Firefighters

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (03) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura K. Barger ◽  
Shantha M.W. Rajaratnam ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Conor S. O'Brien ◽  
Jason P. Sullivan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Motor Vehicle Crashes ◽  
Vehicle Crashes ◽  
Adverse Health ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Increase Risk

Trial of a Survey Instrument to Establish the Hurricane Preparedness of and Medical Impact on a Vulnerable, Older Population

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Paul Cherniack ◽  
Lauran Sandals ◽  
Linda Brooks ◽  
Michael J. Mintzer
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
American Red Cross ◽  
Hurricane Wilma ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Hurricane Preparedness ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
The Status ◽  
Vulnerable Elderly

AbstractIntroduction: Millions of vulnerable, elderly individuals live in coastal areas susceptible to hurricanes and are at risk for adverse health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of preparedness for and possible health consequences of a hurricane on a vulnerable, but experienced, elderly population.Problem: Preparedness guidelines have been published, but it is unclear how well-prepared elderly individuals are for hurricanes, and what impact hurricanes may have on their health.Methods: Five hundred forty-seven ambulatory patients who attended an urban teaching hospital's geriatrics clinic in Florida were surveyed. A 25-question survey that asked whether subjects followed the American Red Cross guidelines for hurricane preparation was developed. The participants were asked what hurricane supplies they had, and whether they would need to evacuate or utilize storm-proof window shutters. They also were queried about definitions and their understanding of hurricane warnings. Three possible health impacts during the two weeks following Hurricane Wilma in 2005 were asked: (1) falls; (2) missed medication; and (3) missed doctor's appointments. An additional 105 patients in the same clinic were asked about the same three health outcomes one and one-half years after the hurricane struck.Results: Two-thirds of respondents were missing at least one supply item. A multivariate analysis indicated that there was no relationship between the subjects' demographic characteristics and the possession of the suggested disaster supplies. Although 36% would need to evacuate, only 56% of these 36% had a plan. Only 63% had storm-proof windows or shutters, and of these, only 46% could install them. Gasoline-powered electrical generators can be useful, but also a source of morbidity or mortality following a hurricane. For example, this study found that 28% of respondents had generators, but only 46% knew how to use them. Subjects immediately after the hurricane rmsstdfewerdoses of medication than at other times (3.4% vs. 6.7%;p<0.0001) and fell slighdylessoften (8.8% vs. 12.9%;p<0.0001). However, there were significandy more missed doctors appointments after the hurricane (11.6% vs. 0.1%,p<0.0001).Conclusions: The survey indicated that even a well-experienced population lacks adequate hurricane preparation. Most still are vulnerable in at least one aspect of preparation. The elderly may be more likely to miss medical appointments immediately following a hurricane. Interventions to improve hurricane preparedness should be piloted.

scholarly journals Indications and results of osteosynthesis for proximal humerus fragility fractures in elderly patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Murena ◽  
Gianluca Canton ◽  
Chiara Ratti ◽  
Bramir Hoxhaj ◽  
Gioia Giraldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Proximal Humerus ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Fragility Fractures ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Postoperative Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Protocols ◽  
Clinical Conditions

Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are common injuries in the elderly population. Conservative treatment is indicated for undisplaced and stable fractures, which account for almost 80% of the cases. More complex fracture patterns might need surgery, with a wide variety of indication criteria and surgical techniques described in the literature. Surgical treatment should be reserved for patients in good clinical conditions, autonomous in daily living activities and able to adhere to postoperative rehabilitation protocols. In the elderly population with severe osteoporosis, cognitive impairment and clinical comorbidities, the risk of surgical failures is high. In these patients, the choice between surgical and conservative treatment, as well as for the type of procedure, is even more difficult, with no general consensus in the literature. Final indication is usually conditioned by surgeon’s experience and preference. Two independent reviewers (B.H and G.G) independently extracted studies on proximal humeral fractures. All selected studies were screened independently (B.H and G.G) based on title and abstract. Then the full text of any article that either judged potentially eligible was acquired and reviewed again. Any disagreement was resolved by discussing the full text manuscripts. Aim of the present paper is to review the literature about indications and results of osteosynthesis for proximal humerus fragility fractures in the elderly population.

scholarly journals Nutrition and immunity in the elderly

1999 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 685-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Lesourd ◽  
Lynda Mazari
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Humoral Immunity ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Present Review ◽  
Cell Mediated Immunity ◽  
T Helper ◽  
Immune Changes

Immune function declines with age, leading to increased infection and cancer rates in aged individuals. In fact, recent progress in the study of immune ageing has introduced the idea that rather than a general decline in the functions of the immune system with age, immune ageing is mainly characterized by a progressive appearance of immune dysregulation throughout life. Changes appear earlier in life for cell-mediated immunity than for humoral immunity. Thus, agerelated modifications in cell-mediated immunity, i.e. changes in naive: memory T-cells, mature: immature T-cells, T-helper 1: T-helper 2 cells are more important in the elderly than changes in humoral immunity, i.e. CD5: CD5+ cells or length of antibody responses. Such evolution of the immune system has been linked to declining thymus function and to accumulative antigenic influence over the lifespan. In contrast, innate immunity (macrophage functions) is preserved or even increased during the ageing process. This finding shows that the ‘primitive’ immune system is less affected by the ageing process than the sophisticated specific immune system. The present review focuses on innate and cell-mediated immune changes with ageing. It provides evidence that primary changes (intrinsic modifications in the immune system) and secondary changes (resulting from environmental influences during the lifespan) exert different influences on the immune system. Primary changes, occurring in healthy individuals, seem less important nowadays than they were considered to be previously. For example, interleukin 2 secretion in some very healthy aged individuals is comparable with that in younger adults. Primary immune changes may not explain the increased incidence and severity of infections observed in the elderly population. Secondary immunological changes are far more frequent and are certainly responsible for most of the immune modifications observed in the elderly population. Environmental factors leading to secondary immune dysfunctions include not only antigenic influence, which is a reflection of diseases experienced over the lifespan, but also many other factors such as drug intake, physical activity and diet; factors for which important changes occur in the elderly population. Nutritional factors play a major role in the immune responses of aged individuals and the present review shows that nutritional influences on immune responses are of great consequence in aged individuals, even in the very healthy elderly.

Associations Between Potentially Inappropriate Medications and Adverse Health Outcomes in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (10) ◽  
pp. 1005-1019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Xuan Xing ◽  
Chen Zhu ◽  
Hua Yu Liang ◽  
Ke Wang ◽  
Yan Qi Chu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Adverse Drug Events ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Beers Criteria ◽  
Potentially Inappropriate Medications ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Adverse Health ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Inappropriate Medications

Background: Adverse drug outcomes in the elderly have led to the development of lists of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), such as the Beers criteria, and these PIMs have been studied widely; however, it is still unclear whether PIM use is predictive of adverse outcomes in older people. Objective: To qualitatively examine the associations between exposure to PIMs from the general Beers criteria and the Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Prescriptions list and adverse outcomes, such as adverse drug reactions (ADRs)/adverse drug events (ADEs), hospitalization, and mortality. Methods: Specified databases were searched from inception to February 1, 2018. Two reviewers independently selected studies that met the inclusion criteria, assessed study quality, and extracted data. Data were pooled using Stata 12.0. The outcomes were ADRs/ADEs, hospitalization, and mortality. Results: A total of 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. The combined analysis revealed a statistically significant association between ADRs/hospitalizations and PIMs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.33-1.56; OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.20-1.35), but no statistically significant association was found between mortality and PIMs (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.75-1.45). It is interesting to note that the results changed when different continents/criteria were used for the analysis. Compared with the elderly individuals exposed to 1 PIM, the risk of adverse health outcomes was much higher for those who took ≥2 PIMs. Conclusion and Relevance: We recommend that clinicians avoid prescribing PIMs for older adults whenever feasible. In addition, the observed associations should be generalized to other countries with different PIM criteria with caution.

scholarly journals Epidemiology, diagnosis, and assessment of diabetes mellitus in the elderly population: a purposive review

2022 ◽  
Vol 6 (13) ◽  
pp. 9-21
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Functional Dependence ◽  
International Diabetes Federation ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cardiovascular Complications ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Geriatric Syndromes ◽  
Social Burden

The elderly population with diabetes mellitus is rapidly growing worldwide and has become a major social burden with significant impact on health and economics. This social category requires considerations that are not traditionally associated with diabetes mellitus management. Several epidemiological studies have shown that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increases with advancing age. According to the recent International Diabetes Federation (IDF) published data, the number of people with diabetes mellitus among those 65 and over has reached 136 million (19.3%) with more frequent diabetes mellitus complications and co-morbidities compared to the young counterparts. Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of death and the quality of life is strongly impacted by geriatric syndromes such as poor vision, dementia and functional dependence. The elderly diabetic population is classified into three categories; the robust, the fragile and the patient at the end of life. In practical terms, they can also be classified into two categories: the autonomous patients and the dependent patients, requiring support and assistance. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, elderly, epidemiology, geriatric syndromes, geriatric evaluation.

The prevalence of geriatric syndromes among the elderly population of PolSenior Project

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. S81
Author(s):  
K. Piotrowicz ◽  
A. Skalska ◽  
A. Klich-Rączka ◽  
T. Grodzicki
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Geriatric Syndromes
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