by Frida Milella  , Davide Donato Russo  and Stefania Bandini

Received: 15 October 2023;  Published: 15 December 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304262

Due to aging demographics, prolonged life expectancy, and chronic diseases, European societies' increasing need for care services has led to a shift towards informal care supplied by family members, friends, or neighbors. However, the progressive decrease in the caregiver-to-patient ratio will result in a significant augmentation in incorporating intelligent aid within general care. This study aimed to build upon the authors' previous systematic literature review on technologies for informal caregivers. Specificall [...]

by Jalal Uddin  , Meredith Greene  , Leslie Dubbin  , Madeline Deutsch  and Jason D. Flatt

Received: 28 July 2023;  Published: 15 December 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304261

Housing is one of the top four most needed services for LGBTQ+ older adults, and this study focuses on the intersection of depression and social antecedents among LGBTQ+ older adults eligible for low-income housing. To explore social antecedents (i.e., demographics, early events, later events, social integration, and stressors) associated with screening positive for depression among low-income LGBTQ+ older adults from two cities in the Western United States. A cross-sectional study was conducted with LGBTQ+ older a [...]

by Gloria Gutman  , Mojgan Karbakhsh  and Heather G Stewart

Received: 03 October 2023;  Published: 04 December 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304260

This study addresses knowledge gaps concerning prevalence and risk factors for elder abuse among sexual minority (SM) compared to heterosexual Canadians aged 65+. Data derive from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a national cohort study. Outcome variables include self-reports of psychological, physical, or financial abuse in the 12 months before interview and overall. Main explanatory variables are sexual orientation and gender identity; covariates include other socio-demographic characteristics, general a [...]

by Myunik Panthi

Received: 25 May 2023;  Published: 01 December 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304259

This article explores the adaptation process of older adults in residential care facilities in New Zealand. Through a phenomenological approach, this study provides clarity on how older adults adjust in residential care despite losses and challenges. Qualitative data on 24 older adults, 6 residential care facilities, and 10 staff were collected. Utilising qualitative software the following were identified: loss, support, acceptance and meaningful support. Initially, the unfamiliar environment and faces, structured [...]

by Wanda Liguigli  , Rita Cengarle  , Anita Rimanti  , Giovanna Catania  , Laura Faglioni  , Simone Voltolini  , Roberto Barbieri  , Ilenia Zanardi Di Pietro  , Beatrice Vivorio  , Patrizia Morselli  , Chiara Iridile  , Laura Rigotti  , Giuseppe Lucchini  and Maurizio Cantore

Received: 10 July 2023;  Published: 16 November 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304258

Home is the preferred place of death for most cancer patients. We examined which characteristics of older patients with cancer may have influenced this choice and how important may be relevant an early collaboration between oncologists and palliatives. Hospitalized patients aged ≥70 were screened by G8 questionnaire and evaluated by Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) to identify frail and unfit ones and define the most appropriate end-of-life setting with palliatives. Using the G8 questionnaire, we screened 1 [...]

by Vladimir N. Gorchakov  , Kirill M. Nicolaychuk  , Olga V. Gorchakova  , Georgi A. Demchenko  and Bayan A. Nurmakhanova

Received: 09 July 2023;  Published: 01 November 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304257

Lymph nodes are prioritized in protecting and ensuring endoecological safety at different periods of life, especially in retirement age. It destabilizes the structure and function of the lymphatic system and organs when aging increases the risk of comorbid conditions. This is a sign of age-related pathology. Improving lymph node function is an essential task in integrating gerontology and lymphology. The solution to this problem is possible with the help of a phytotherapeutic agent, which involves the evaluation of [...]

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 Ayan Mishra  , Barsha Panda  and Debosree Ghosh

Received: 10 May 2023;  Published: 26 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304255

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFDL) is a condition in which an individual suffers from an accumulation of fat in the liver. This is a disease condition with a multifactorial etiology. Some potent causes of such conditions are altered thyroid condition, abnormal metabolism in the body due to aging or menopause, or any other hormonal imbalance. Most of these causes are regulated by genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Menopause comes with tremendous hormonal turmoil in the human body and brings vario [...]

by Andreea L. Seritan

Received: 31 July 2023;  Published: 24 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304254

Climate change is a major public health emergency. Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, landslides, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions) have been increasing in frequency and severity and can cause lasting psychological sequelae. Older adults are highly vulnerable to the physical and mental health impacts of extreme weather and natural disasters. A narrative review was conducted to identify and summarize English-language articles focusing on the impact of climate change on older ad [...]

by Giuseppe Cocco  and Stefano Pandolfi

Received: 27 July 2023;  Published: 11 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304253

Both from a healthcare and a socioeconomic perspective, research on senescence is increasingly essential. Indeed, in industrialized countries, the increased human longevity confronts medicine with many old patients with age-related pathologies. The paper reviews the biological theories on aging, the impact of reactive oxygen species, telomers, epigenetics, and genetics (e.g., gerontogenes) on-age-related pathologies. Also, the paper reviews available and under research therapeutic approaches (e.g., senolytics) aime [...]

by Ushma J Patel  , Madeline K Moureau  , Joan M Neuner  and Heidi W Brown

Received: 12 May 2023;  Published: 05 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304252

More than 60% of adult women in the United States have urinary incontinence (UI), with the prevalence increasing to over 80% in women over age 65. Despite its high prevalence, most patients do not seek care and few clinicians screen for UI. The Medicare Health Outcomes Survey queries patients about satisfaction with their provider’s discussion and management of UI, but formal recommendations about screening, diagnosis, and treatment are lacking. This review presents a practical algorithm for primary care providers [...]

by Elisabeth M. Sebesta  and Roger R. Dmochowski

Received: 17 May 2023;  Published: 05 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304251

The evaluation and treatment of mixed urinary incontinence receives relatively little attention as compared to other forms of incontinence. Mixed incontinence, however, defined as the combination of stress and urgency incontinence, accounts for the largest proportion of incontinence, with an increased incidence in older women. The condition can be very challenging to manage due to the coexistence of multiple pathologies. Treating either component can worsen the other, which means careful discussion of the risks and [...]

by Elisa Martinelli  , Angelo Di Stefano  , Pietro Gareri  , Pasqualina Sapone  , Rosaria Carlucci  , Massimo Brandino  , Ettore Maina  , Sara Piscioneri  , Giada Cagnoli  and Antonino Maria Cotroneo

Received: 05 March 2023;  Published: 19 September 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303250

As the older population increases, there is an increase in age-related chronic diseases, especially heart failure. It affects 25% of over 75-year-old outpatients and represents the leading cause of hospitalization and death in older people. This review aimed to point out the main characteristics concerning heart failure in older people, taking into account clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. An extensive search on heart failure was made on PubMed and Google, using the keywords older people, heart failure, [...]

by Kenneth J. McLeod

Received: 24 April 2023;  Published: 18 September 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303249

Chronically low blood pressure in older adults is associated with significantly increased long-term risks of dementia and all-cause mortality risk. Yet low blood pressure is generally not treated until an individual begins to experience the acute symptoms arising from very low cerebral perfusion. However, these acute symptoms, such as dizziness, balance difficulty, syncope, increased fall occurrence, vision impairment, and nausea, begin to occur only at very low blood pressure levels, such that mean arterial pressu [...]

by Ciro Comparetto  and Franco Borruto

Received: 31 August 2023;  Published: 13 September 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303248

In the United States (US), menopause occurs at an average age of 52. Menopausal symptoms tend to be maximal during the few years before and the year after menopause (during perimenopause), except for symptomatic vulvovaginal atrophy, which may worsen over time. Up to 20% of bone density loss occurs during the first 5 years after menopause, followed by an age-related bone loss rate similar to that in men. Menopause should be considered confirmed if an age-appropriate woman who is not pregnant has not had a menstrual [...]

by David G Smithard  and John Mirams

Received: 20 February 2023;  Published: 24 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303247

As the medical world continues to search for ways of improving the swallowing of many millions of Dysphagia sufferers around the world, this paper is devoted to presenting the case for carbonated water to be considered as a potential solution for many. The effectiveness of carbonated water (CW) in the rehabilitation of Dysphagia has been studied periodically over the last thirty years and some significant positive results have been recorded – but it is now proposed that further research should be directed to examin [...]

by Laura Borth  and Meredith Ponder Whitmire

Received: 31 March 2023;  Published: 17 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303246

Malnutrition is a problem that is often not identified in hospitals as 8% of hospital patients are diagnosed but malnutrition is estimated to affect 20-50% of patients. Federal programs such as Joint Commission accreditation and the new, optional, global malnutrition composite score from CMS may improve inpatient malnutrition diagnosis, but there may be an opportunity to do more from a regulatory side. It’s unknown how many states are considering malnutrition from this standpoint. The study’s goal was t [...]

by Hülya Çakmur

Received: 23 March 2023;  Published: 14 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303245

The geriatric population is increasing all over the world. Aging people have special health requirements and comprehensive medical checkups prevent physical, functional and mental decline during the aging period. This study aimed to examine the fitness level and identify problems with the well-being of elderly persons. In this context, the study also attempted to determine the relationship between socio-demographic factors and the health status of elderly adults. In this cross-sectional study, 168 elderly adults (≥ [...]

by Joseph S. D'Arrigo

Received: 25 March 2023;  Published: 04 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303244

Early changes in systemic vascular stiffness and endothelial function can contribute to altered cerebrovascular hemodynamics and impaired cognitive function; additionally, these vascular changes point to potential targets for prevention and treatment strategies in people with mild cognitive impairment. Although the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these vascular changes are heterogeneous and complex, one common feature is the development of cerebral blood flow (CBF) dysregulation, resulting in chronic cerebral hypo [...]

by Krish Chetty

Received: 02 March 2023;  Published: 25 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303243

This study delves into the potential benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy training for late-career-stage workers approaching retirement. These workers often possess extensive experience but may lack the necessary digital and AI skills. AI literacy training can empower them to leverage their experience and become proficient contributors to the digital economy. Furthermore, the article describes how these workers might benefit from AI training, particularly when employing practical applications of AI in [...]

by Dennis Rosenberg  and Sharon Shiovitz-Ezra

Received: 13 March 2023;  Published: 11 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303242

The current study aimed to examine the link between cross-temporal patterns of care provision and loneliness in older adults. Social capital and caregiver stress perspectives served as a theoretical framework for the study. The data were obtained from the two COVID-19 waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) conducted in 2020 and 2021. The data were analyzed using logistic regression models. The analytical sample consisted of 48,722 older adults residing in Europe and Israel. The anal [...]

by OBM Geriatrics Editorial Office

Received: 25 June 2023;  Published: 27 June 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302241

InterviewAn Interview with Dr. Ines TestoniOBM Geriatrics Editorial OfficeLIDSEN Publishing Inc., 2000 Auburn Drive, One Chagrin Highlands, Suite 200, Beachwood, OH, USA; E-Mail: geriatrics@lidsen.comOBM Geriatrics 2023, volume 7, issue 2 doi:10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302241Received: June 25, 2023Accepted: June 26, 2023Published: June 27, 2023

by Mauro Turrin  , Lucia Fornasiero  and Antonio Navarro

Received: 08 January 2023;  Published: 27 June 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302240

We describe the clinical case of a 74-year-old male patient who received the second Comirnaty/Pfizer anti-COVID-19 vaccine dose. After 3 weeks he showed the clinical signs of polymyalgia rheumatica. The history included mild chronic normocytic normochromic anemia and hypogammaglobulinemia, osteoarthritis disease, livedo reticularis, hypercholesterolemia, and arterial hypertension. Despite prolonged treatment with NSAIDs and dexamethasone, the disease evolved into remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pi [...]

by Xiaoli Li  , Kendall Brune  , Jean Keller  , Jennifer Stelter  and Stan Ingman

Received: 23 August 2022;  Published: 25 June 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302239

Residents’ activity is a strong contributor to the quality of life in long-term care facilities. Hence, activity professionals have an essential role to play in enhancing residents’ activity engagement. Professional practice model for activity professionals includes Assessment, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation (APIE model). Although activity professionals have made advances in demonstrating their value, few studies have focused on the APIE model for activity professionals in long-term care facilities. A sur [...]

by Andrea Bellieni  , Beatrice Di Capua  , Emanuele Rocco Villani  , Luca Tagliaferri  , Domenico Fusco  , Maria Antonietta Gambacorta  , Francesco Presta  , Serena Bracci  , Vincenzo Valentini  , Francesco Landi  and Giuseppe Ferdinando Colloca

Received: 17 November 2022;  Published: 13 June 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302238

New technologies, aging-related changes, and evolution in patients' needs have led to a new scenario in all oncological fields in front of which we have to move on. Technological progress has made it possible to increase the number of patients treated, including elderly patients and generally those at higher risk of toxicity. However, this scenario has led to new problems requiring new skills to be addressed. For this reason, Gemelli-ART (Advanced Radiation Therapy) of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemell [...]

by Philip Brown  , Dana Buelsing Sowards  , Mary Pittman  , Gisele Leger  and Susan DeSipio Manns

Received: 27 February 2023;  Published: 25 May 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302237

In August 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adopted its first-ever nutrition electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM), known as the Global Malnutrition Composite Score (GMCS) as part of the Inpatient Hospital Quality Reporting (IQR) Program. Starting in January 2024, hospitals can self-select to include the GMCS as one of three optional eCQMs for reporting. This article focuses on the importance of addressing malnutrition to improve the overall health of the aging population, reduce preve [...]

by Ami Rokach

Received: 09 November 2022;  Published: 17 May 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302236

Social support has been shown to have many positive effects on our lives, health, and ability to grow and flourish. Lack, or diminished social support results in loneliness. This thematic review focuses on the elderly, and the loneliness that is part of the life of many of them. The review highlights the social connections and the expectations that the elderly may have of them, and how being connected to others may alleviate, loneliness. Loneliness is known to negatively affect one’s health, social life, familial r [...]

by Ondřej Roubal

Received: 06 February 2023;  Published: 10 May 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302235

This research study addresses certain theoretical issues surrounding the relationship between digital technologies, the aging population, and identity. At the same time, it offers a conceptual proposal of indicators of the social inclusion of older people in the digital culture of society as a potential starting point for further empirical research. The progressive trend of a growing proportion of older people is a demographic reality in many economically and technologically advanced societies. This demographic agi [...]

by Vincenza Rita Lo Vasco

Received: 27 January 2023;  Published: 05 May 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302234

Illnesses following the degeneration of the nervous system can occur due to aging or genetic mutations and represent a clinical concern. In neurodegenerative diseases, loss of neuronal structure and functions mainly causes cognitive impairment, representing an increasing social burden. In neurodegenerative diseases, the progressive loss of vulnerable populations of neurons in specific regions of the central nervous system was traced to different pathological events, such as misfolded proteins’ accumulation, abnorma [...]

by Victoria S. Jiminez  , Minh Chung  , Mohammad Saleem  and Nabiha Yusuf

Received: 02 July 2022;  Published: 17 April 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302233

Skin aging is a complex process that involves several extrinsic and intrinsic factors and skin health is an indicator of the well-being of an individual. In recent years, there have been numerous developments using computerized systems to aid in finding solutions and treatments to skin aging processes. Tools like artificial intelligence (AI) can aid in finding solutions and treatments for skin aging. AI can also help in monitoring or identifying early signs of skin aging. Within the field of skin aging, several inn [...]

by Michael Falkenstein  and Ute Brüne-Cohrs

Received: 03 April 2023;  Published: 04 April 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302232

EditorialDriving Safety in Healthy Aging and Age-Related DiseasesMichael Falkenstein *, Ute Brüne-CohrsALA Institute, 44805 Bochum, Germany; E-Mails: falkenstein@ala-institut.de; Ute.Bruene-Cohrs@ruhr-uni-bochum.de * Correspondence: Michael Falkenstein; E-Mail: falkenstein@ala-institut.deSpecial Issue: Driving Safety in Healthy Aging and Age-Related DiseasesOBM Geriatrics 2023, volume 7, issue 2 doi:10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302232Received: April 03, 2023Accepted: April 03, 2023Published: April 04, 2023

by Valentin Decroix  , Eric Fruchart  and Patricia Rulence-Pâques

Received: 19 October 2022;  Published: 03 April 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2302231

The objective of the present experimental study was to compare how young people, healthy older people, and older people with dementia cognitively integrated three factors (Intention, Consequence, and Apology) when making blame-like judgments (prosecution and revenge) and forgiveness-like judgments (resentment and reconciliation). Thirty-four young people (Mage = 22.12, SD = 3.44), 22 healthy older people (Mage = 71.82, SD = 8.69), and 18 older people with dementia (Mage = 75, SD = 10.06) participated in the study. [...]

by Wanda Liguigli  , Rita Cengarle  , Anita Rimanti  , Giovanna Catania  , Laura Faglioni  , Simone Voltolini  , Carla Rabbi  , Roberto Barbieri  , Ilenia Zanardi Di Pietro  , Beatrice Vivorio  , Patrizia Morselli  , Chiara Iridile  , Laura Rigotti  and Maurizio Cantore

Received: 26 October 2022;  Published: 27 March 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301230

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is utilized to plan social and health care of the elderly and to complete the diagnostic-therapeutic choice of oncologist also considering early integration with palliative care. Cancer patients (pts) hospitalized aged ≥70 years were screened by the G8 questionnaire to define if necessary CGA. CGA identified: fit, unfit and frail pts. We screened 95 pts by G8 and 93 (98%) were at risk. Pts at risk, evaluated by CGA resulted: 3 fit, 45 unfit and 45 frail. 3 fit pts received s [...]

by OBM Geriatrics Editorial Office

Received: 15 March 2023;  Published: 23 March 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301229

InterviewAn Interview with Dr. Terry FulmerOBM Geriatrics Editorial OfficeLIDSEN Publishing Inc., 2000 Auburn Drive, One Chagrin Highlands, Suite 200, Beachwood, OH, USA; E-Mail: geriatrics@lidsen.comOBM Geriatrics 2023, volume 7, issue 1 doi:10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301229Received: March 15, 2023Accepted: March 15, 2023Published: March 22, 2023

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 Suzanne Fleming  , Mary Beth Arensberg  , Kirk Kerr  and Robert Blancato

Received: 22 November 2022;  Published: 10 March 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301227

Older adults have a heightened risk of malnutrition that occurs with age. Many factors can increase their risk for malnutrition, including factors associated with disease, function, social and mental health, and hunger and food insecurity. Risk for malnutrition is also linked to disparities and may disproportionately impact people living in rural areas. This Perspective paper outlines the issue of malnutrition and its impact on health outcomes and health disparities as well as summarizes existing evidence on malnut [...]

by Sami Badwan  , Elizabeth Bailey  and James M. Harper

Received: 09 November 2022;  Published: 07 March 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301226

In the 1950’s Denham Harman proposed the Free Radical Theory of Aging whereby species lifespan and individual longevities are the consequence of free radical driven damage to biomolecules. This led to decades of research to ascertain the effect of altered antioxidant defense systems on aging and mortality in an array of species using reverse genetics and dietary manipulation. Within invertebrates, the data generally support the Free Radical Theory in that overexpression of antioxidant enzymes or dietary supplementa [...]

by David G Smithard

Received: 24 December 2022;  Published: 07 March 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301225

Ageing: Longevity, Successful and Positive

by José Antonio Latorre  , Cristóbal Abellán  , Alejandro López-Moro  , Nuria Giménez-Blasi  , Javier Conde-Pipo  and Miguel Mariscal-Arcas

Received: 07 November 2022;  Published: 27 February 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301224

The leading causes of death in older adults involve nutritional risk factors, heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. Prevalence of lifestyle diseases, older adults consider themselves in good, very good or excellent health. Older adults want to remain independent and not burden others; they believe proper nutrition and sufficient exercise will help them maintain their autonomy and independence. To describe the diet, nutrition and general health status of the older adult population in Spain and their adherence [...]

by Roy G Beran

Received: 30 November 2022;  Published: 13 February 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301223

This paper reviews the relationship between RBD and PD and the pathophysiology. Most RBD patients develop PD within 14 years. PD pathophysiology is α-synucleinopathy with dopamine degeneration in nigrostriatal pathways. RBD pathology is poorly understood. Anomalies suggest RBD and PD are different, evidenced by smoking. RBD and PD are associated with glucocerebrosidase gene mutations (GBA gene), suggesting RDB with GBA gene mutation predicts PD. PET imaging, assessing vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), inde [...]

by Katharina Reichelt  , Ewan James  , Daniel Thompson  and Shaun Tanney

Received: 14 August 2022;  Published: 18 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301222

This article discusses the findings from a training programme called ‘Communication and Interaction Training’ (CAIT). CAIT was designed to improve the confidence of carers in their use of communication skills with people living with dementia, particularly when managing behavioural agitation. This pre/post assessment study employed a mixed design, and showed positive effects in terms of quantitative and qualitative features. The participants were mainly from a specialist team who were experienced in managing episode [...]

by OBM Geriatrics Editorial Office

Received: 04 January 2023;  Published: 04 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301221

The editors of OBM Geriatrics would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2022. We greatly appreciate the contribution of expert reviewers, which is crucial to the journal's editorial process. We aim to recognize reviewer contributions through several mechanisms, of which the annual publication of reviewer names is one. Reviewers receive a voucher entitling them to a discount on their next LIDSEN publication and can download a certificate of recognition dire [...]

by Gopi Battineni  , Mohammad Amran Hossain  , Nalini Chintalapudi  , Giulio Nittari  , Ciro Ruocco  , Enea Traini  and Francesco Amenta

Received: 29 June 2022;  Published: 03 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2301220

The increasing incidence of adult-onset dementia disorders and primarily Alzheimer’s disease (AD) among the aging population around the world is increasing the social and economic burden on society and healthcare systems. This paper presents three neural networking algorithms: MobileNet, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and DenseNet for AD classification based on MRI imaging data. The results of each model were compared in terms of performance metrics such as accuracy, true positive rate, and receiver operating cu [...]

by Helena Andrade Figueira  , Olivia Andrade Figueira  , Alan Andrade Figueira  , Carlos Roberto Lyra da Silva  , Joana Andrade Figueira  and Estelio Henrique Martin Dantas

Received: 14 October 2022;  Published: 29 December 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204219

The World Health Organization attracted more attention to the positive effects of physical activity (PA) and the adverse effects of stress on the health of older people and, therefore, attracted a more significant number of practitioners. To verify the impact of PA on stress in older people. Observational and analytical research, composed of 690 older people of both genders residing in Brazil, present in street races (as participants or observers), who volunteered to respond to the research protocol consisting of s [...]

by Weiyun Chen  , Zhanjia Zhang  , Bruno Giordani  and Janet L. Larson

Received: 03 July 2022;  Published: 26 December 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204218

Physical activity is essential to delaying cognitive decline and preventing cognitive impairment in older adults. We designed and implemented two-level 4Active intervention for older adults living in retirement communities. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the 4Active intervention in increasing physical activity and cognitive function in older adults. Fifty-eight eligible older adults with a mean age of 83.83 years (76.3% females) living in two retirement communities voluntarily participated in this [...]

by Howard Litwin  and Bracha Erlich

Received: 26 June 2022;  Published: 26 December 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204217

This study examined the correlates of change in the depressed state among people aged 65 and older during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, particularly the effects of crucial pandemic-related variables. Data were drawn from the longitudinal Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), including information obtained from two special pandemic-related telephone interviews (N = 18, 266). The analysis regressed depressed state soon after the outbreak (T1) and again a year later (T2), on four pandemic-related varia [...]

by Yogendra Keche  , Preetam Wasneek  , Keshao Nagpure  , Nitin Gaikwad  , Suryaprakash Dhaneria  , Sabah Siddiqui  and Apoorva Joshi

Received: 22 August 2022;  Published: 11 December 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204216

The COVID-19 pandemic had imposed a city-level quarantine, local lockdown, and border closures for patient-level isolation to control virus spread. There is a lack of studies on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the elderly in countries like India during COVID-19. After obtaining written informed consent from the elderly patients, data was recorded in the case record form-cum-questionnaire. The quality of life was assessed with the help of Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) HRQoL-14 measur [...]

by Athina Markouizou  , Evrydiki Michali  , Christina Mamareli  , Jane Anastassopoulou  , Panayiota Kolovou  , Ioannis Mamarelis  and Theophile Theophanides

Received: 12 September 2022;  Published: 24 November 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204215

Breast cancer affects the female population worldwide. Radiotherapy (RT) is part of the therapeutic modality in the management of breast cancer, after radical mastectomy or conserving surgery. The FTIR spectroscopic "marker bands" will lead us to approach the mechanism of skin damage due to the interaction of ionizing radiation and skin, on a molecular level at the very early stages. FT-IR spectroscopy, breast digital pictures, and ImageJ software were used in the study. Healthy breast skin was irradiated ex-vivo w [...]

by Vikas Dhikav  , Pankaj Kumar  and Praveen Kumar Anand

Received: 23 August 2022;  Published: 23 November 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204214

Various grades of cognitive impairment generally occur in older adults over the age of 55, where cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes and/or hypertension, coronary artery disease, or cerebrovascular accidents are also common. Cognitive impairment occurs in various forms, from mild or amnesia such as forgetting today's date to more ominous and progressive forms, such as frank dementia. Over 5 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, most of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. It has been env [...]

by Robert Beringer  , Paneet Gill  , Gloria Gutman  and Brian de Vries

Received: 31 July 2022;  Published: 17 November 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204213

Disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic exact a toll on vulnerable populations in terms of morbidity and mortality, but they also provide opportunities for personal growth and development and demonstration of personal and collective resiliency. This inductive thematic analysis explores self-perceived negative and positive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on 2994 Canadians aged 55+. Data derive from response to two open-ended questions included in a national online survey (View Survey (sfu.ca)) conducted between Aug [...]

by Lena Natapov  , Ayelet Berg-Warman  , Ile Kermel Schiffman  and Shlomo Paul Zusman

Received: 01 May 2022;  Published: 17 November 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204212

To understand dental service utilization in the over-65 age group and to identify the main patterns and barriers to uptake of dental care after the 2019 expansion under the National Health Insurance Law to include dental benefits for the over-75 age group. Phone interviews with a random sample of 512 people over the age of 65 were conducted between February and April 2020. About half had visited a dentist during the previous year (an average of 2.9 visits) while 17% reported they had never visited one. Dental servi [...]

by Rotem Arieli  , Gina Lee  , Yeon ji Ryou  and Peter Martin

Received: 01 July 2022;  Published: 14 November 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204211

This research aims to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of positive subjective well-being among centenarians and near-centenarians in the Health and Retirement Study. Participants who eventually survived to age 98 or older (N = 516) were included. Study variables included demographic characteristics, health and activities of daily living (ADL) functioning, cognitive functioning, and positive well-being. Additionally, a smaller subsample (n = 192) of participants with supplemental leave-behind qu [...]

by Angela Horyacheva  , Samantha Shune  and Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald

Received: 11 August 2022;  Published: 07 November 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204210

Stroke survivors often receive spousal support for post-stroke impairments. The quality of spousal caregiving and couples’ wellbeing can suffer from post-stroke relationship changes and caregiver burden. Because swallowing impairment (dysphagia) is common post-stroke and spouses providing dysphagia care may experience burden, it is also important to explore whether relationship changes post-stroke are associated with dysphagia outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe stroke survivor-spouse relationships [...]

by Susan E. Reid  , Bessam Abdulrazak  and Tianqi Xiao

Received: 08 August 2022;  Published: 17 October 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204209

Despite the increase in use and interest in mobile devices by older adults, to date, there is still limited research carried out to better understand older adults’ usage and needs as they relate to such devices. As such, this research examined the use of two types of mobile devices, smartphones, and tablets, by older adults (i.e., age 65+), as well as the use of a new interface, developed for research purposes, called “PhonAge”. This study was exploratory, and utilizes frequency data and tables, in order to get a s [...]

by Giacinto Libertini

Received: 22 July 2022;  Published: 14 October 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204208

The interpretation of aging as an adaptive and programmed phenomenon implies the existence of specific genetically determined and regulated aging-causing mechanisms. This interpretation is in contrast to the explanation of aging as the gradual accumulation of the effects of harmful factors that are only partially countered by natural selection. The subtelomere–telomere theory of aging offers what is required by the interpretation of aging as a programmed phenomenon. The experimentally documented mechanisms that are [...]

by OBM Geriatrics Editorial Office

Received: 09 October 2022;  Published: 09 October 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204207

Open AccessOBM GeriatricsInterviewAn Interview with Dr. David G. SmithardOBM Geriatrics Editorial OfficeLIDSEN Publishing Inc., 2000 Auburn Drive, One Chagrin Highlands, Suite 200, Beachwood, OH, USA; E-Mail: geriatrics@lidsen.comOBM Geriatrics 2022, volume 6, issue 4 doi:10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204207Received: October 09, 2022Accepted: October 09, 2022Published: October 09, 2022

by Dean M. Cordingley  and Stephen M. Cornish

Received: 30 May 2022;  Published: 07 October 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2204206

Myokines are cytokines secreted from muscle during contraction and are implicated in autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine regulation of biological systems. It is postulated that myokines contribute to skeletal muscle adaptations in response to resistance exercise. Exercise, including resistance exercise, is an important factor in the management of maintaining skeletal muscle strength, mass, and function with aging. Sarcopenia is exacerbated with increased age and therefore, it is important to understand the potentia [...]

by James S. Powers  , Shana Atkins  and Allison B. McCoy

Received: 05 June 2022;  Published: 28 September 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2203205

Many health systems have joined the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement to provide every older adult safe, high-quality care aligned with what matters most. Becoming an Age-Friendly Health System means that hospitals and health care systems reliably use a set of evidence-based practices known as the “4M’s” – What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility – to provide care for older, disabled and medically complex patients across all care settings. Implementing the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) 4M [...]

by Roy G Beran

Received: 01 July 2022;  Published: 13 September 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2203204

This paper examines sleep disorders in older people, focusing on Parkinson’s disease (PD). It defines PD and explores those conditions associated with sleep disorders and their relationship to PD. It identifies specific conditions which cause sleep disoders in patients with PD, namely: REM sleep behaviour disorder (RDB) which may be a precursor to PD; obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) which is very prevalent amongst people with PD; depression and mood disorders which both increase with age and are more common in peopl [...]

by Kimberly Bader  , James J. Lah  , Allan I. Levey  , Greg J. Esper  , Whitney Wharton  and Joe R. Nocera

Received: 27 December 2021;  Published: 08 September 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2203203

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) have increased gait disturbances throughout disease progression. However, an understanding of gait impairment and progression in early versus late AD is lacking. Further, the longitudinal progression of gait impairment in AD as well as in those with MCI that transition to AD is lacking. Understanding gait pathology and progression of gait impairment is critical for implementation of strategies that could limit the high prevalence of gait [...]

by Zsuzsanna M. Schmidt  and Gyula Poor

Received: 07 May 2022;  Published: 27 July 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2203202

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an age-related chronic inflammatory disease with rheumatic features at the fore. In addition to the high-grade systemic inflammation, it is characterized by typical "polymyalgic" musculoskeletal symptoms, including diffuse and severe pain and prolonged morning stiffness of the shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, and neck. PMR is a member of the so-called giant cell arteritis complex; however, in spite of the marked systemic inflammation in PMR, the local vasculitis process aborts. The pa [...]

by OBM Geriatrics Editorial Office

Received: 01 July 2022;  Published: 03 July 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2203201

by Giuseppe Cocco  and Stefano Pandolfi

Received: 07 February 2022;  Published: 16 June 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2202200

Syncope is characterized by a transient and rapid loss of consciousness for a short duration, with full spontaneous recovery within minutes. Syncope causes up to 2% of all emergency medical consultations. The incidence of syncope is similar in men and women, is higher in old patients (slightly higher in old women). The prevalence of syncope is up to 23% for the institutionalized elderly. In elderly patients, syncope often presents atypically, such as with falls; these patients might also have difficulty recalling e [...]

by OBM Geriatrics Editorial Office

Received: 01 June 2022;  Published: 09 June 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2202199

InterviewAn Interview with Dr. Carlo PedrolliOBM Geriatrics Editorial OfficeLIDSEN Publishing Inc., 2000 Auburn Drive, One Chagrin Highlands, Suite 200, Beachwood, OH, USA; E-Mail: geriatrics@lidsen.comOBM Geriatrics 2022, volume 6, issue 2 doi:10.21926/obm.geriatr.2202199Received: June 01, 2022Accepted: June 02, 2022Published: June 09, 2022

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 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 Aditi Gupta  , Bor-Jang Hwang  , Daniel Benyamien-Roufaeil  , Sara Jain  , Sophie Liu  , Rex Gonzales  , Robert A. Brown  , Michal Zalzman  and A-Lien Lu

Received: 22 July 2021;  Published: 02 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2202196

Telomeres consist of special features and proteins to protect the ends of each chromosome from deterioration and fusion. The telomeric DNA repeats are highly susceptible to oxidative damage that can accelerate telomere shortening and affect telomere integrity. Several DNA repair factors including MYH/MUTYH DNA glycosylase, its interacting partners Rad9/Rad1/Hus1 checkpoint clamp, and SIRT6 aging regulator, are associated with the telomeres. MYH prevents C:G to A:T mutation by removing adenine mispaired with a frequ [...]

by Terence Seedsman

Received: 01 August 2021;  Published: 15 March 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2201195

While increases in life expectancy along with extended longevity can be seen as a success story, there remains the central issue surrounding the health and quality of life for increasing numbers of older people. As populations live longer the idea that older people should be empowered to remain active and productive citizens will be paramount. Questions concerning the meaningfulness, purpose and desirability of living longer present an existential challenge for all and sundry. It is clear, that the speed of populat [...]

by Lotte Gerholt  , Casper N. Bang  , Eva Gerdts  , Anne Cecilie Larstorp  , Sverre E. Kjeldsen  , Stevo Julius  , Kristian Wachtell  , Peter M. Okin  and Richard B. Devereux

Received: 20 December 2021;  Published: 09 March 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2201194

It remains unknown whether left atrial systolic force (LASF), a measure of left atrial function, can be used as a predictor of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF). Furthermore, the effect of the treatment with atenolol and losartan on LASF is unclear. A total of 758 patients without atrial fibrillation at baseline were enrolled from the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint (LIFE) reduction in hypertension echocardiography sub-study. Participants of the LIFE study were randomized to either atenolol-or losartan-based [...]

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 Fabio Robusto  , Giovanni Colucci  , Maria Zamparella  , Enrico Maria Pellegrini  , Brigida Martucci  , Pasquale Iacovazzo  , Enza Colucci  , Martino Minardi  , Cristina Giliberti  , Vito Bossone  , Vito Lepore  and Stefano Ivis

Received: 08 September 2021;  Published: 04 March 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2201192

Frailty is a chronic condition that increases the vulnerability to stressogenic factors and prevents the patient from returning to the preceding condition of homeostasis. This increases the risk of negative outcomes and progressively brings the patient toward disability, leading to higher use of healthcare resources. Clinical risk stratification systems can generally be useful for identifying frail patients from the standpoint of a healthcare system, though General Practitioners (GPs) assume a key and irreplaceable [...]

by Tatsuya Nogami  , Makoto Arai  and Koh Iwasaki

Received: 12 January 2022;  Published: 28 February 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2201191

Several countries have entered the super-aging era. In Japan, the recently reported average life expectancy is approximately 90 years. Kampo medicine (a form of traditional Japanese medicine) is a part of the official medical service in Japan and is widely used for treating various illnesses of older people. However, although general physicians often prescribe Kampo preparations, most Japanese general physicians do not have an intimate understanding of the iatrology of Kampo. Kampo is based on traditional Chinese m [...]

by Takeshi Hatta  , Taketoshi Hatta  , Junko Hatta  , Akihiko Iwahara  , Kazumi Fujiwara  , Kimiko Kato  and Yukiharu Hasegawa

Received: 15 October 2021;  Published: 24 February 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2201190

In the present study, we identified the factors of cognitive and physical performances predicting self-rated health perception (SRH) using an SRH questionnaire in 660 (298 men and 362 women) upper-middle-aged community dwellers. In addition, neuropsychological test battery and physical ability tests were applied. A multiple regression analysis was conducted using the forced entry method; digit cancellation test (D-CAT1), logical memory test, verbal fluency test, back strength, timed-up and-go (TUG), balancing test, [...]

by Darcy A Hille  , Sverre E Kjeldsen  , Stevo Julius  , Kristian Wachtell  , Peter M Okin  and Richard B Devereux

Received: 30 December 2021;  Published: 24 February 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2201189

We aimed to assess some readily available patient characteristics such as urinary albumin excretion as predictors of a primary composite event of myocardial infarction, cerebral stroke, and cardiovascular death among patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, and develop risk algorithms for the outcomes. A “Cox proportional hazards” model identified the baseline variables that significantly affected the occurrence of the composite endpoint in 9193 elderly hypertensive patients with lef [...]

by Alexander Peller  , Lara Suarez  , Ashleigh Trapuzzano  , Matt S. Stock  and Nicole Dawson

Received: 16 November 2021;  Published: 15 February 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2201188

Gait speed has been correlated to quality of life and has been called the sixth vital sign. The purpose of this study was to understand the factors that comprise fast and comfortable gait speed. 90 older adults provided demographic, cognitive, and functional performance data. Hierarchical linear regression models revealed predictors for comfortable gait speed to be lower-extremity strength ( B = 1.13, β = 0.233, P< .05), comorbid health ( B = −2.95, β = −0.22, P < 0.05), and gender( B = [...]