by Martine S. Bosma  , Monique A.A. Caljouw  , Jacqueline K. Benfield  , Laura Edwards  , Tanja C.W. Nijboer  and Wilco P. Achterberg

Received: 07 December 2020;  Published: 19 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2101163

Visuospatial neglect (VSN) adversely impacts both the length of rehabilitation and activities of daily living (ADL) of patients after stroke and can reduce their participation in community activities. Therefore, it is important to assess VSN after stroke in neurorehabilitation facilities. The process of assessing VSN comprehensively in current geriatric rehabilitation remains unclear. This study examined the process of VSN in post-stroke assessment emphasizing the details of the (systematic) routines and structure [...]

by Lei Zhang  , Xian-Zhang Hu  , Xiaoxia Li  , Jacob Dohl  , Tianzheng Yu  and Robert J. Ursano

Received: 28 December 2018;  Published: 21 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901041

Depression, PTSD, and hostility are common mental conditions that are associated with aging. A growing body of research has highlighted the possible effects of depression, PTSD, and hostility on aging and telomere length (TL), a cellular aging marker. Individuals who exhibit excessive responses to stressors show notable circulating inflammatory responses with high cortisol reactivity, which increases cell turnover and oxidative stress and may subsequently contribute to shortened TL. This review focuses on the most [...]

by Mega Obukohwo Oyovwi  and Edarho Oghenevwede Oyovwi

Received: 08 May 2024;  Published: 29 September 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2403290

Elder abuse is a hidden epidemic, with millions of older adults experiencing physical, psychological, or financial harm each year. However, the true extent of the problem is unknown due to under-reporting and lack of reliable data. This paper aims to provide an international perspective on the hidden epidemic of elder abuse, exploring the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of this global issue. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using multiple databases. Studies from various countries were [...]

by Ashwini M. Namasivayam-MacDonald  , Luis F. Riquelme  and Sonja M. Molfenter

Received: 02 June 2020;  Published: 29 July 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2003129

The Cobb angle is traditionally used for quantifying the degree of spinal curvature through evaluation of the full spinal cord. When conducting measurements on videofluoroscopy swallowing studies (VFSS), the Cobb angle can measure degree of cervical vertebrae curvature, which may have implications for swallowing. Given that this measure may have utility in dysphagia research, the reliability of this measure taken from C2-C4 and establishing the presence of changes with age were the focus of the current, proof-of-pr [...]

by Kevin T Ong

Received: 15 May 2018;  Published: 03 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803011

Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are three modalities in the imaging of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This article reviews the experience and data obtained from AD research using these techniques to understand the natural history of AD and to enhance therapeutic trials. It is now realised that their use can improve early detection of AD, and has opened a new corridor which may lead toward successful treatment.

by Pietro Gareri  , Antonino Maria Cotroneo  , Giuseppe Orsitto  , Nicola Veronese  and Salvatore Putignano

Received: 12 September 2021;  Published: 08 March 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2201193

Certain previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of the addition of citicoline, a cholinergic precursor, to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AchEIs) or memantine in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study showed the effectiveness of oral citicoline plus AchEIs plus memantine in outpatients with AD. This was a retrospective case-control study involving 169 patients aged 65 years old or older having AD (mean age: 78.7 ±4.9 years). In addition, 84 patients were treated with AchEIs plus [...]

by James S. Powers  , Michelle Moseley  , Lovely Abraham  , Jennifer Buckner  , Nkechi Azubike  and Catherine Xie

Received: 21 May 2018;  Published: 13 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803008

Background: A Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patient centered medical home, the Geriatric Patient- Aligned Care Team (GeriPACT). Methods: Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles regarding strategy, resource development, patient and caregiver experience of care, and clinical care process improvement. Stakeholder engagement for half-time operation with initial grant support for personnel who also had collateral duties. Tracking of operations data. Results: The clinic population grew from 200 to 627 over a 7-year period [...]

by Jeffrey T. Apter  and Kaylee M. White

Received: 01 December 2019;  Published: 29 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002116

The Amyloid and Tau Hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease once thought to be the key have shown marginal results but are bolstered by the recent revival of the Aducanumab study and some positive data on some anti-Tau drugs. It still behoves us to look at other mechanisms which include whole blood transfusions, an Epigenetic approach, a-derivative of a Parkinson's drug a low dose of an anti-epileptic drug, an antibiotic against P Gingivitis and many new approaches not directly involving Amyloid and Tau. Other newer appr [...]

by Vincenzo Prisco  , Bernadette Donnarumma  and Lorenzo Prisco

Received: 02 December 2022;  Published: 22 March 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301228

This paper discusses the history and the concept of somatization from masked depression to somatic symptoms and related disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Evaluating the evolution of these terms and concepts along the time course is very interesting. DSM 5 revision was intended to increase the relevance of these concepts in the primary care setting. “Masked depression” is a form of depression in which somatic symptoms or behavioral disturbances dominate the clinical pictur [...]

by Kristy Lui  , Darlene Yee-Melichar  and Emiko Takagi

Received: 31 October 2018;  Published: 08 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902046

This research review sought to examine the patterns of engagement in advance care planning (ACP) and utilization of end-of-life (EoL) care treatment services including, but not limited to hospice care, in distinct older Asian American ethnic groups. The review of existing research suggested evidence that empirical studies about different older subpopulations of Asian Americans remains scarce. This research analysed 30 small-scale studies on older Asian Americans’ attitudes and engagement in EoL care planning. The r [...]

by Gabriele Cipriani  , Sabrina Danti  , Cecilia Carlesi  , Claudio Lucetti  , Angelo Nuti  and Mario Di Fiorino

Received: 27 March 2019;  Published: 16 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903070

Background: Mania in older adults is associated with a high rate of medical and neurological disease. Objective: The goal of this review is to describe the phenomenon of manic episodes in patients suffering from dementia. Methods: Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters, and books published before 2019. Search terms used included dementia, late-onset, mania, and elderly. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. Resultsan [...]

by Bruce Walmsley  and Lynne McCormack

Received: 23 June 2018;  Published: 08 October 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804013

Background: Minimal research investigates negative and positive perspectives of wellbeing in families, when a member with dementia is limited in their speech, or speech is absent. Methods: Seeking to explore this phenomenon further, semi-structured interviews sought negative and positive subjective interpretations from 27 family carers (mild to profound dementia). Interviews explored the participants' experience of changing relational and social engagement when a family member lives with dementia. Data were analyse [...]

by Em V Adams  , Marieke Van Puymbroeck  , Brandi M Crowe  , Cynthia LS Pury  , Claire K Allison  and Arlene A Schmid

Received: 19 August 2020;  Published: 04 January 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2101148

The purpose of this convergent mixed methods study was to explore the feasibility of implementing a chair yoga intervention in assisted living facilities (ALFs), evaluating reach, demand, acceptability, practicality, treatment fidelity, and safety. A yoga intervention was implemented twice a week for eight weeks at four different ALFs. Feasibility data were collected in the form of observational data, reflective field notes, and focus groups. Quantitative and qualitative data strands were compared to determine if r [...]

by Ashleigh Trapuzzano  , Sara Chizmar  , Lauren Wilda  and Nicole Dawson

Received: 03 April 2020;  Published: 27 September 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2003134

This study investigated the predictors of gait speed in community dwelling older adults while examining interplay between physical performance and cognition on comfortable and fast gait speed. Sixty-six community-dwelling older adults (mean age 80.8 71% female) completed the following: 30-Second Chair Stand (30-SCS), Functional Reach (FR), Flanker Task, Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and gait speed (comfortable and fast). Hierarchical linear regression examined the relationship of comfortable and fast gait [...]

by Olga Zichnali  , Despina Moraitou  , Christos Pezirkianidis  and Anastasios Stalikas

Received: 30 October 2018;  Published: 03 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902044

Background: Interventions that facilitate positive actions and attitudes seem to play an important role in enhancing psychological health. This study examines the effectiveness of two self-guided interventions with the aim to enhance adults’ well-being through the cultivation of forgiveness skills. Methods: A total of 11 men and 31 women aged 34-80 years were involved (M = 56.57, S.D. = 13.44). All participants were Orthodox Christians, as the average Greeks are, without belonging to a closed religious community. T [...]

by Terence Seedsman  and Nilufer Korkmaz-Yaylagul

Received: 17 July 2018;  Published: 28 November 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804022

With rapidly aging populations worldwide there will be an increasing need to focus attention on the expected increase in disability with advancing age. Drawing upon established literature this paper aims to highlight the contribution of anthropology including selected research findings and contemporary understandings surrounding ageism, abuse and exploitation of older disabled persons. Health care providers within the context of the aged care sector are challenged to unburden themselves with negative images and pra [...]

by Scott A. Trudeau  and Megan E. Gately

Received: 08 February 2021;  Published: 30 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2102169

The Reading Buddies Program was developed as a service-learning component of an Occupational Therapy Practice with Older Adults course as a collaboration between Tufts University and the VA Bedford Health Care System. The purpose of this service-learning program was to challenge graduate students’ implicit biases and improve communication skills when working with older adults with significant cognitive impairments. Through this collaboration, occupational therapy students provided individualized, activity-based car [...]

by Feliciano Villar  , Montserrat Celdrán  , Rodrigo Serrat  and Valentina Cannella

Received: 07 November 2018;  Published: 26 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804027

Active aging is a concept used to describe and promote lifestyles that contribute to a healthy aging process. However, these lifestyles vary widely, and the concept of active aging encompasses many activities. This paper considers two axes to classify the range of activities that can contribute to active aging: the resources needed to carry out such activities (low and high-resource needs) and the main orientation of the activities (self-oriented vs. activity with others). To illustrate this classification, three t [...]

by Maria E. Pushpanathan  , Andrea M. Loftus  , Natalie Gasson  , Meghan G. Thomas  and Romola S. Bucks

Received: 13 May 2019;  Published: 23 September 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903075

Background: Both disrupted sleep and cognitive impairment are frequent in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the evidence for a relationship between self-reported sleep disturbance and cognitive symptoms has been equivocal. If sleep symptoms differentially predict cognition in different subtypes, effects may be obscured in a general PD sample. Objective: First, to determine whether the associations between participant and disease variables, sleep symptoms and cognitive performance vary by subtype (younger and olde [...]

by Demelza Emmerton  , Samra Khan  , Joanne Conway  , Daniel Mosby  and Ahmed H. Abdelhafiz

Received: 31 May 2020;  Published: 10 July 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2003127

With life-expectancy rising globally, the prevalence of ageing, comorbidity and frailty is likely to increase especially in the low and middle income countries. The emergence of the new COVID-19 pandemic has been concentrated in this group of patients and has led to worse outcomes compared to younger and less comorbid populations. This group of patients is at an increased risk of multi-organ consequences of systemic disease. Therefore, systemic assessment of these patients from the outset and optimisation of their [...]

by Joan Weiss  , Nina Tumosa  , Robert Espinoza  , Elizabeth Bragg  , Jennifer Craft Morgan  , Jason D. Flatt  , Eleanor S. McConnell  and Grace Whiting

Received: 12 November 2020;  Published: 16 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2101162

This policy paper presents workforce development recommendations for research, clinical care and public stakeholders as they plan future research activities to strengthen the workforce to support the healthcare and social needs of persons living with dementia and their families and caregivers. To create these recommendations, the 2020 National Research Summit on Care, Services and Supports for Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers (2020 Summit) convened a Workforce Development Stakeholder Workgroup. The Stakeh [...]

by Line L. Olesen

Received: 01 February 2020;  Published: 21 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002115

The knowledge about digoxin, the associated cardiac and extracardiac effects, its pharmacokinetics and dynamics, indications, dosing, and side effects is important with the objective of deriving its maximum benefit without the risk of intoxication. Although the dosing of digoxin has been standardized and its usage has declined, digoxin intoxication still occurs frequently. Due to the risk of fatal complications, it has a negative prognosis. The knowledge about the etiology and symptoms of intoxication is critical f [...]

by Niklas Gudowsky  , Ulrike Bechtold  , Leo Capari  and Mahshid Sotoudeh

Received: 31 January 2019;  Published: 27 June 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902058

Background: Quality or healthy aging refers to well-being in an older age. In the light of recent changes in the discourse on approaches on positive aging, we aimed to study the way “quality aging” is understood, expressed, and dealt with as a part of contemporary technology assessment (TA), since the nexus between demographic and technological changes has remained a staple topic in TA for at least three decades. Methods: A bottom-up qualitative content analysis was performed to identify the concepts of [...]

by Pietro Gareri

Received: 28 February 2022;  Published: 19 May 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2202198

The omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LC-PUFAs) family includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). Although seafood is the richest source of omega-3 LC-PUFAs, because diet alone is often insufficient in older people, they may require food supplements and enriched food as sources of omega-3 LC-PUFAs. It has been reported that long-term intake of 3-5 g/d EPA + DHA as supplements is safe for adults; omega-3 LC-PUFAs exert cardio-metabolic pro [...]

by Em V. Adams  , Marieke Van Puymbroeck  , Heather S. Torphy  , Brian C. Helsel  , Karen A. Kemper  , Cheryl Dye  and Arlene A. Schmid

Received: 03 October 2019;  Published: 03 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001097

Falls have negative consequences for older adults, but falls can be reduced through interventions that target the reduction of fall risk factors. Cognitive behavioral education programs and therapeutic yoga are two interventions that have independently been used as a means to reduce the risk of falls. The purpose of this study was to determine if adding therapeutic yoga following an education intervention improved well known fall risk factors. Potential participants were recruited through a senior center for a 12-w [...]

by Noah J. Webster  , Kristine J. Ajrouch  and Toni C. Antonucci

Received: 05 December 2018;  Published: 12 May 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002118

Forgiveness may serve as an essential positive resource to help individuals cope emotionally with stressful events, ultimately influencing health. Examination of how individuals forgive within the context of close relationships can provide useful information about positive aging. In this study, we examine how the severity of a recent transgression committed by a spouse/partner or other close social relationship is associated with self-reported physical health among older adults. We also examine how state forgivenes [...]

by Zena Aldridge  and Karen Harrison Dening

Received: 19 September 2019;  Published: 18 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904081

The population of the United Kingdom is ageing. In 2017 approximately 18% of the UK population were aged 65 years or over and projected to grow to almost 21% by 2027 according to the Office of National Statistics. Increased age is the greatest risk factor for developing dementia. It is estimated that there are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and if current figures relating to incidence and prevalence are realised, this will increase to 1 million people by 2025 and 2 million by 2051. The National Healt [...]

by Michael P. Cary  , Valerie A. Smith  , Megan Shepherd-Banigan  , Jennifer H. Lindquist  , Jennifer G. Chapman  , Susan N. Hastings  and Courtney H. Van Houtven

Received: 22 February 2019;  Published: 18 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902049

Background: Moderator analyses may be helpful for evaluating intervention effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the effect of a caregiver skills training intervention – Helping Invested Families Improve Veterans' Experience Study (HI-FIVES) – on care recipient outcome and caregiver outcome is moderated by the veteran’s risk for hospitalization or level of functional impairment. Methods: Secondary data analysis of HI-FIVES. Outcomes included veteran days in the community (cumulative days in th [...]

by Sara Schatz  and Melvin Gonzalez Rivera

Received: 15 March 2019;  Published: 13 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903069

Pragmatic competence includes the capacity to express illocutionary force and successfully achieve perlocutionary effects, in order to guarantee fully functional communication exchanges. Improved pragmatic competence in patients has been found in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in the domains of jokes, self-expression and empathy after extended, targeted intranasal insulin therapy. In this paper it is argued that extended intra-nasal insulin treatment can [...]

by Rebecca H. Affoo  and Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald

Received: 06 August 2024;  Published: 09 December 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2404291

A conceptual model was developed to create a basis for understanding the risk factors and outcomes associated with dysphagia and to hypothesize the nature of the relationship between certain factors. The conceptual model was developed by two academic speech-language pathologists with ≥10 years research and clinical experience in swallowing and dysphagia in older adults. A comprehensive review of English-language literature was conducted, and relevant, evidence-informed factors associated with dysphagia in older adu [...]

by Natalie G. Regier

Received: 04 December 2019;  Published: 17 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001106

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) affect nearly all persons living with dementia (PLWD) at some point during the course of the disease. Given the absence of a cure or effective pharmacotherapy for dementia, it is particularly important to prevent, measure, track, and manage NPS in dementia care. Unfortunately, these efforts are hindered by inconsistent operational definitions and measurement tools for numerous neuropsychiatric symptoms. This review examines agitation, aggression, restlessness, and rejection of care a [...]

by Asaad G Ishak  , Sundar V Cherukuri  , GianCarlo Diaz  and Richard McCallum

Received: 25 January 2021;  Published: 02 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2103174

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common condition, especially among the elderly population and can become debilitating. As we age, there are subtle changes in esophageal motility, but by no means is dysphagia ever considered to be a normal result of aging. Dysphagia usually presents with a variety of accompanying symptoms ranging from regurgitation during meals, mild discomfort, to severe chest pain. It can be challenging to localize the dysphagia from the history. The underlying etiology may become eviden [...]

by Michael Fossel

Received: 29 January 2019;  Published: 30 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901031

Telomere Editorial-Perspectives on Telomeres and Aging

by Lotte Hvas

Received: 28 August 2023;  Published: 30 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304256

Narratives and how women interpret their symptoms have always been a part of how menopause is experienced. Today, as women feel more accessible to talk about menopause, new narratives are being formed and negotiated - both to menopause and concerning women becoming older. These different narratives mirror the fact that the transitional phase differs from woman to woman and that some women experience many symptoms while others do not seem bothered at all. Some narratives underscore menopause as a transformative peri [...]

by Ladislav Volicer

Received: 04 November 2018;  Published: 08 November 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804019

Behavioral symptoms of dementia

by Shoshana H. Bardach  , Christina Moore  , Sarah D. Holmes  , Richard R. Murphy  , Allison Gibson  and Gregory A. Jicha

Received: 15 June 2018;  Published: 26 July 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803006

Background: Given the stigma and fear associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), combined with the progressive nature of the disease, the diagnosis of AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often very difficult; yet, there may still be ways to experience some positive outcomes following diagnosis. We aim to assess the psychological impact of a diagnosis of MCI or early dementia on positive well-being. Methods: Individuals with a diagnosis of MCI or AD were mailed surveys with the Silver-Lining Questionnaire. Resul [...]

by Barbara L. Fischer  , Allison J. Midden  , Aundrea Hoffmann  , Deborah Urben  , Lynn DeWitt  , Kathryne Kohlman  , Katherine Sherman  , Shannon Myers  , Lindy Clemson  and Jane E. Mahoney

Received: 14 September 2020;  Published: 08 January 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2101151

Cognitive impairment significantly increases the risk of accidental falls in older adults, and falls outcomes are more severe in this population. However, few interventions exist to reduce falls among individuals with cognitive impairment. To address this gap, we developed Stepping Out, by modifying the evidenced-based falls prevention program, Stepping On, tailoring it to meet the cognitive needs of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who are at risk for falls. Our objectives were to determine whether [...]

by Alexander Manevich  , Simon Shimshon Rubin  , Rachel Ben-Hayun  , Judith Aharon-Peretz  and Michael Katz

Received: 07 September 2020;  Published: 12 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2101160

Caregiving for a loved one suffering from cognitive decline involves coping with many challenges and losses. This experience increases the risk of worsening the physical and mental health of the caregiver and has been the subject of a substantial number of studies focusing on the stress and burden of the primary caretaker. Theory and research on the grief reactions experienced by the family members, however, continues to lag in terms of the attention given to the behavioral and psychological burden of caregivers. T [...]

by Mario D. Garrett

Received: 12 June 2019;  Published: 16 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903063

Simplifying the cause of Alzheimer’s disease has lulled the public into believing that the search for a cure is within reach. The disease has captured the attention of researchers worldwide, catapulting the disease as the third most funded research interest (after cancer and HIV). But after a century of pharmacological failures in stopping or slowing the disease, there is a need to examine how the simplified cause evolved and to explore alternate approaches to understanding Alzheimer’s disease. Going beyond the nar [...]

by Charisse Chehovich  and Tammie Lee Demler

Received: 14 October 2019;  Published: 10 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001099

Second-generation antipsychotics, have known metabolic side effects; specifically, clozapine is implicated in worsening or causing hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and weight gain. Recently, there has been an increased interest in the safe use of clozapine in patients with diabetes. In March 2018, a 65-year-old female with a diagnosis of schizophrenia was admitted for inpatient hospitalization to a psychiatric hospital in Buffalo, NY for further stabilization after receiving two months of treatment at a comprehe [...]

by Laura Suarez  , Reem M.A. Shafi  and Maria I. Lapid

Received: 14 May 2019;  Published: 16 September 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903074

Background: Dementia is a progressive and debilitating condition that affects millions of patients in the United States with an enormous impact on healthcare costs, caregivers, and society. Patients with dementia often experience dementia-related neuropsychiatric disturbances, commonly known as Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) and more recently Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia. These symptoms include verbal and physical agitation, aggression, disinhibition, affect lability, apathy [...]

by Em V. Adams  , Marieke Van Puymbroeck  , Brandi M. Crowe  , Cynthia L. S. Pury  and Arlene A. Schmid

Received: 19 August 2020;  Published: 20 October 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2004135

Residents of assisted living facilities face leisure constraints (barriers to leisure activities) at higher rates than their community-dwelling peers. Past research suggests yoga may be an effective intervention to decrease leisure constraints to physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an eight-week yoga intervention on the leisure constraints of residents of assisted living facilities. The study employed a convergent mixed methods design to assess the impact of a 50-mi [...]

by Ana Jessica Alfaro  , Soledad Argüelles-Borge  , Ashley M. Stripling  and Paula M. Brochu

Received: 17 September 2018;  Published: 29 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901043

Background: The world’s aging population is growing and diversifying at an unprecedented rate. In preparation for this, the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued calls to improve the overall health of older adults. A promising avenue of research to improve health in late life has been dedicated to subjective aging; the way people perceive their own aging process. The main objective of this empirical study was to investigate subjective aging in late life among e [...]

by Siu Fai Ho  , Avril Thomson  , Tricia Moylan  , Julie McGuckin  and Andrew Kerr

Received: 23 September 2019;  Published: 02 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904089

Background: The sit-to-stand (StS) movement is a frequently performed task critical to independent living that is both difficult to perform and associated with falls in older populations. Consequently, the recovery of this movement through supervised practice is a priority during the rehabilitation of older people. Technology may enable self-practice, potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical feasibility and effectiveness of an automated movement feedback [...]

by Sylvie Bonin-Guillaume  and Patrice Rat

Received: 09 July 2020;  Published: 07 December 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2004141

Acute or persistent pain is a common occurrence and is often undertreated in older patients, especially those with an inability to communicate verbally (ICV). Regular comprehensive pain assessment, including self-rating and/or behavior scales, is critical but difficult to implement in routine clinical practice. The choice of the most appropriate scale for each patient is not easy, even for trained and skilled medical personnel. Indeed, the use of scales for short pain-behavior exposes to pain under-detection due to [...]

by Diana Veneri  and Mary Gannotti

Received: 07 October 2021;  Published: 16 May 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2202197

Chair yoga is a specific form of yoga practiced while seated on a chair, or standing using a chair for support; this adaptation allows those with impaired standing ability to practice safely. The purpose of this scoping review was to analyze the published literature regarding the use of chair/adapted yoga with older adults. Two researchers performed the review. Data sources: PubMed Central, CINAHL, Medline Full Text, Nursing and Allied Health, SPORT discus and TRIP were accessed. Study selection: Inclusion criteria [...]

by Morgan J. Minyo  and Katherine S. Judge

Received: 30 July 2019;  Published: 07 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001104

Through the assessment of previous and current literature on the behaviors experienced by persons with dementia, this review discusses the terminology, conceptual models, measurement techniques, and non-pharmacological interventions employed within behavioral research. Additionally, this review considers the illness experience and the need for more research using self-report methodology with persons with dementia in order to address the current gaps within the behaviour literature. With three main objectives, this [...]

by Ray Marks

Received: 25 March 2019;  Published: 28 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901042

Depression and Aging: Role of Social Support

by Robert J Emanuel

Received: 09 January 2019;  Published: 21 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901040

The amount of patients who suffer with dementia is set to rise with an ageing population. As well as living longer, patients will be retaining their natural teeth into their later life and will be less reliant on dentures. From both the current evidence available in the literature, and anecdotally from clinicians experienced in treating patients with dementia, it can be concluded that on balance, patients with dementia appear to be at a greater risk from dental caries (dental decay). However, more research in this [...]

by Zheer Al-Mashhadi  , Rikke Viggers  , Rasmus Fuglsang-Nielsen  , Bente Langdahl  , Peter Vestergaard  , Søren Gregersen  and Jakob Starup-Linde

Received: 02 April 2020;  Published: 18 June 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002123

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoporosis are two major public health concerns worldwide, contributing to morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Aging is one of the most significant risk factors for low bone mass, bone fragility, and fractures. Among the several comorbidities that affect the elderly with diabetes, increased fracture risk is a relatively recently discovered complication. Generally, individuals with T2DM exhibit higher bone mineral density, which complicates the assessment of fracture risk. D [...]