by Giuseppe Cocco

Received: 20 March 2020;  Published: 01 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002112

by Giuseppe Cocco  and Philipp Amiet

Received: 05 February 2020;  Published: 19 March 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001111

The present article summarizes the current state of understanding in geriatric cardiology in terms of the main developments in the field. The focus of the present review is on the therapeutics, into the specific characteristics of the elderly pa­tients dealing with the prevention of arterial hypertension, bradycardic arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery syndromes, valve heart diseases, and heart failure. Progress in the field of medicine has rendered possible to treat lethal cardiac diseases in the [...]

by Joseph S. D'Arrigo

Received: 26 December 2019;  Published: 28 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001110

Aging, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and other factors can all synergistically promote diverse pathological mechanisms. These risk factors trigger widespread inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can lead to blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. These pathological cascades lead to neuronal Ca2+ increase, neurodegeneration, gradual cognitive/memory decline, and eventually Alzheimer's disease. In particular, more recent research indicates that chronic inflamm [...]

by Sima Farpour  , David Smithard  and Hamid reza Farpour

Received: 14 November 2019;  Published: 20 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001109

Dysphagia is a term that is used for the difficulty in moving liquid/food from mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia is very common in elders, which makes them susceptible to malnutrition, infection, institutionalization, and death. Consequently, it is categorized as a geriatric syndrome. Therefore, multidisciplinary teams need to work together to determine the correct etiology and implement an appropriate care plan. Oral care is crucial in managing dysphagia and dental hygienists and dentists serve as the key members. I [...]

by Akemi Hirano  , Yusuke Suzuki  , Hiroyuki Umegaki  , Toshio Hayashi  , Koichiro Ina  , Joji Onishi  , Jun Hasegawa  and Masafumi Kuzuya

Received: 13 October 2019;  Published: 19 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001108

The incidence of vascular diseases among caregivers of dementia patients is high, and one potential cause is the exacerbation of blood coagulability due to mental strain from caregiving. This study aimed to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on blood coagulability, from the perspective of improving the health of caregivers. Thirty-one healthy elderly caregivers, residing with patients suffering from Alzheimer’s-type dementia, were randomly divided into two groups. In the intervention group, moderate walk [...]

by Herbert B. Allen

Received: 30 December 2019;  Published: 19 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001107

A pathway which highlighted spirochetes (Borrelia burgdorferi and dental treponemes) that made biofilms which led to Alzheimer’s disease has recently been promulgated. All the Alzheimer’s disease, on which this pathway was based, had been specifically confirmed both clinically and pathologically. This current work will show putative and plausible individual pathways that were studied. First and foremost, intracellular spirochetes make biofilms and concurrently make beta amyloid; this has been shown in v [...]

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 Marcel Ruiz-Mejias  , Patricia Castano-Prat  , Tony Donegan  and Maria V. Sanchez-Vives

Received: 31 December 2019;  Published: 14 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001105

Aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been reported to induce changes in the cerebral cortex circuits. The present review aims to study these alterations by reviewing emergent cortical activity with a focus on the rhythmic patterns. The rationale for this approach was two-fold: (i) emergent rhythmic activity integrates cellular and network properties of these underlying circuits; and (ii) alterations in rhythmic patterns reflect the functional impact of changes on the network induced by the pathophysiology of the [...]

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 Margaret M Esiri

Received: 27 November 2019;  Published: 04 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001103

In this article I wish to put the case for a change of emphasis in the approach to finding a prevention/treatment for Alzheimer’s disease from a focus on beta amyloid to one on tau. In particular, I make the case for aiming to prevent the spread of abnormal tau from the medial temporal lobe to widespread areas of association cortex that are anatomically linked to this critical region. I pose an analogy with cardiovascular disease in which the initiating pathology, lipid streaks, are left untreated until they are so [...]

by Garuth Eliot Chalfont  , Jane Simpson  , Fiona J R Eccles  and Christine Milligan

Received: 06 September 2019;  Published: 21 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001102

The urgent need for innovative approaches to dementia treatment that are acceptable, effective and affordable underlies this research. Growing evidence supports ‘integrative medicine’ as a potential treatment approach aligned with and including conventional medicine. However, success will depend on addressing barriers, recognising needs of diverse communities and involving people in co-creating desired interventions. The three aims of this study were to, 1) describe conventional allopathic medicine and integrative [...]

by Julia Henderson

Received: 05 November 2019;  Published: 17 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001101

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by Michael Fossel

Received: 14 January 2020;  Published: 15 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001100

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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 Deborah H. John  , Patrick Abi Nader  and Katherine Gunter

Received: 29 October 2018;  Published: 06 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001098

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality and as such, it is critical that physical activity guidelines for health consider equitable access to physical activity opportunities for all, including those aged 65 years and older. The purpose of this study was to examine the intersections of attributes of older people (e.g. income, gender, age, health, physical activity) and attributes of the places they live (e.g. rurality, public transit, sidewalks, parks, community centre) to explain [...]

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 Malith Kadirappulli-Hewage  and Rasika Jayasekara

Received: 30 August 2019;  Published: 02 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001096

Social isolation and social disconnectedness have resulted in some older adults ending their lives by suicide; therefore, improving social connectedness has become an integral part of suicide prevention programmes. The purpose of this literature review was to assess the impact of social connectedness interventions for preventing suicide in older adults. It is evident that interventions aimed at promoting social connectedness are intended to alleviate stress and depressive symptoms due to social separation and traum [...]

by Jeanneane Wood-Nartker  , Emily Beuschel  and Denise Guerin

Received: 28 August 2019;  Published: 16 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904095

As people age, environments supporting changing needs can potentially impact their quality of life. Aging often leads to a decrease in the ability of people to interpret sensory cues within their environment. Using Pastalan's Empathic Model as a framework, a list of guidelines for the physical environment was established to address the extrinsic risk factors affecting falls. Attention to these items may not prevent all falls but will mitigate some of the external risks that cause falls for older adults. It is the g [...]

by María Izal  , Roberto Nuevo  and Ignacio Montorio

Received: 19 June 2019;  Published: 12 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904094

Background: In the last two decades, successful aging (SA) and positive psychology (PP), the two paradigms of health have received great attention. They originate from different approaches, theoretical background, and objectives. Although they share many characteristics, their association remains understudied. This article aims to empirically analyze their possible interrelation. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 169 healthy, old adults completed several questionnaires to assess the central framework for succ [...]

by Alyson Holland  and Amanda Lorbergs

Received: 29 October 2019;  Published: 12 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904093

Beliefs about the daily experience of a disease are used to identify risk and motivate participation in prevention. For osteoporosis, a disease that is affected by health behaviours throughout the lifecourse, individual perceptions of the disease can affect health decisions and future disease prevalence. Understanding how the experience of osteoporosis is perceived by women at different stages of life can illuminate factors that influence engagement in prevention. Women representing three life stages - young adults [...]

by Renate Verkaik  , Iris van der Heide  , Eugenie van Eerden  , Peter Spreeuwenberg  , Erik Scherder  and Anneke L. Francke

Received: 02 April 2019;  Published: 11 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904092

Background: Studies conducted on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions have indicated that sensory stimulation represents a promising approach to reduce the psychological and behavioral disturbances in people with dementia. Multi-sensory stimulation involves the simultaneous stimulation of multiple senses, through the use of various methods, for example, by using a variety of lights, gentle stimulating music, aromas, and tactile objects, among others. A relatively novel approach is the enriched thematic m [...]

by Horst J. Koch

Received: 06 August 2019;  Published: 04 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904091

The prevalence of Late-life Depression (LLD) has been estimated between 10% and 15%. Therefore, it is a considerable worldwide problem. The psychopathology is not substantially different from that of depressive episodes in young adults but somatic complaints in combination with end-of-life perspective leave an imprint on emotional experience. The frequent suicidal tendency, especially in old unmated men, remains a particular challenge. It is important to combine psychiatric and somatic diagnostics using modern meth [...]

by Katrine Hygum  , Jakob Starup-Linde  , Torben Harsløf  and Bente Langdahl

Received: 29 August 2019;  Published: 04 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904090

Background: The increased risk of fractures in individuals with diabetes has been underestimated by conventional fracture predictors such as the bone mineral density T-score or the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool. The present study conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to investigate the association between the levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs) and fractures in patients with diabetes. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search. Eligibility criteria were studies investigating BTMs in patient [...]

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 Elizabeth Midlarsky

Received: 14 August 2019;  Published: 25 November 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904088

Louise H., Ph.D was referred to me by her long-term primary care physician (PCP) who was certain that his patient was seriously depressed and in need of medication and possibly psychotherapy. My own assessment, in consultation with a neurologist, was that Louise’s problems with coping were primarily neurological, and that her issues were due to serious (and in one case embarrassing) symptoms. Her neurological problems (mild Parkinsonism and PseudoBulbar Affect, or PBA) are currently being addressed by the neurologi [...]

by Arlene A. Schmid  , Marieke Van Puymbroeck  , Christine A. Fruhauf  , Laura A. Swink  and Jennifer D. Portz

Received: 29 September 2019;  Published: 25 November 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904087

Background: Falls are relatively common in older adults and are associated with chronic pain. Chronic pain may even be a predictor of falls in older adults. However, this relationship has not been studied in adults

by David Smithard  , Signe Westmark  and Dorte Melgaard

Received: 15 September 2019;  Published: 15 November 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904086

Background: With the increasing age of the world population, the number of old and frail people is increasing. Respiratory disease is a common reason for hospital admission for older people. Aspiration of saliva, which is probably infected, is the likely etiological agent. The incidence of an abnormal swallow is high in frail older people. Despite the high incidence of swallow problems among older people, many hospital services do not routinely screen older people for dysphagia. Methods: A survey, using Research El [...]

by Tarik Wasfie  , Avery Jackson  , Cara Marie Brock  , Stefanija Galovska  and Jennifer Hille

Received: 07 November 2019;  Published: 13 November 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904085

None.

by Susan Kane Patton  , Jennifer Vincenzo  , Holly B. Bennett  , Michelle Gray  , Leah Jean Henry  , Alishia Ferguson  , Ro Dibrezzo  , Christopher S. Walter  and Maryalice Kelly

Received: 15 August 2019;  Published: 29 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904084

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate faculty and student perceptions of a fall risk assessment and prevention activity for older adults offered in multiple community settings by health professional faculty and students. Background: In the US, the percentage of adults 65 and older who fell was more than 29% in 2018. Among states, Arkansas ranks 48th with 35.2% of older adults reporting a fall (CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2018). Methods: Four senior centers in Northwest Arkansas hosted a [...]

by Sheri R. Levy  and MaryBeth Apriceno

Received: 20 June 2019;  Published: 28 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904083

Worldwide, people are living longer but not necessarily experiencing optimal health since healthy ageing stems from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. The growing interdisciplinary literature on ageism from fields such as education, medicine, psychology, and social work increasingly highlights the pivotal role that ageism plays in ageing. Ageism is generally an overlooked factor in understanding and fostering healthy ageing. Ageism creates a negative view of the ageing process as marked [...]

by Elena Crooks  and Kimberly Cleary

Received: 14 September 2019;  Published: 25 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904082

Background: Falls are the leading cause of hospitalization and death among older adults; therefore, the ability to predict fall risk among older adults is critical. Several performance-based outcome measures exist to assess fall risk. Psychological factors are also associated with fall risk yet can be difficult to assess and are often overlooked. In this study, we investigated whether the Short Form 36 Item Health Survey (SF-36v2®), a measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), predicted future falls in [...]

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 Emma Wolverson  , Heather Birtles  , Esme Moniz-Cook  , Ian James  , Dawn Brooker  and Frances Duffy

Received: 08 September 2019;  Published: 11 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904080

Background: Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia and Challenging Behaviour in dementia are just two of a variety of terms for a complex paradigm that covers the most distressing and costly aspects of the condition. The terminology used to describe these aspects can influence what is measured as outcomes and what is considered as evidence of improvement. Unhelpful or outmoded narratives could be a barrier to developing innovative interventions or in determining what works for whom. This UK study explor [...]

by Robert J. Brent

Received: 31 July 2019;  Published: 10 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904079

Background: The 2018 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures special report includes two new guidelines for measuring dementia symptoms. The first requires that a biomarker (biological factor) be added to a doctor's clinical judgment of the cause of symptoms when determining whether dementia is present. The second involves identifying four stages of dementia: normal cognition, preclinical, MCI and dementia. Now only those with defining brain pathologies and significant symptoms will be judged to be persons with stage [...]

by Elizabeth M. Goldberg  , Cameron J. Gettel  , Kelsey Hayes  , Renee R. Shield  and Kate M. Guthrie

Received: 21 August 2019;  Published: 10 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904078

Background: Three million US emergency department (ED) visits occur for falls each year. The mortality of falls is increasing and only one fourth of older adults report their fall to their primary care provider, suggesting that valuable preventative opportunities are missed. A fall prevention intervention initiated in the ED immediately after a fall has the potential to reduce subsequent falls, but ED providers lack the time and resources to complete fall risk assessments on their patients. GAPcare, the Geriatric A [...]

by Sylvia Kirchengast

Received: 23 June 2019;  Published: 08 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904077

Background: All over the world we are confronted with an absolute and relative increase in the proportion of older people. In order to develop strategies to keep older people healthy and independent as long as possible, analyses of factors influencing health related quality of life (HRQL) during old age are necessary. The aim of this review is to present the results of three projects carried out in Austria by the author focusing on the impact of social contact and physical activity on HRQL. Methods: The standardize [...]

by Lindy A. Kilik

Received: 30 July 2019;  Published: 29 September 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903076

The current paper introduces the “Priming/Timing/Miming” Model of Behavioural Care Planning for persons with Dementia. This simple heuristic provides a quick, easy and systematic way to select from the vast number of behavioural strategies offered in the BPSD literature and to organize these in a way that can be incorporated into an individualized Behaviour Care Plan to deliver personal care to persons with dementia and also to develop a larger plan of care. An entire care plan is captured on one double-sided sheet [...]

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 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 Jeffrey M. Witkin  , Lalit K. Golani  , Rok Cerne  , Md. Toufiqur Rahman  , Guanguan Li  , Michael M. Poe  , James M. Cook  and Jodi L. Smith

Received: 05 May 2019;  Published: 26 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903073

Major depressive disorder is a highly-prevalent and debilitating disorder in the aged population. Accumulating clinical evidence suggests a key role for social support in helping to mitigate depression. Preclinical data are reviewed that indicate that selective negative allosteric modulation of α5-containing GABAA receptors, as with RY-080, might rapidly impact depression in patients. Further, preclinical data in transgenic mice modeling neurodegenerative diseases has suggested that this mechanism might also [...]

by James S. Powers  , Destiny O. Birdsong  , Kemberlee R. Bonnet  , Neena R. Kapoor  , Jamaria J. Southward  , Ifeoma Nwankwo  and David G. Schlundt

Received: 25 April 2019;  Published: 26 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903072

Background: Narratives encompass written reflection experiences and hold the potential to display valuable insights into trainees’ thinking. We analyzed narratives from graduate students trained in aging themes, who then interviewed older hospitalized adults (senior partners) about their life experiences. Methods: Three Discovery & Learning Fellows trained on open-ended interviewing, empathy, and aging themes performed semi-structured interviews. Senior partners were hospitalized older veterans. After the [...]

by Lennaert Zwart  , Tjeerd Germans  , Suat Simsek  , Jaap Ruiter  and René Jansen

Received: 22 May 2019;  Published: 26 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903071

Background: Geriatric patients are at risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke, and the risk of oral anticoagulation (OAC) related bleeding is also presumed to be higher. Detailed knowledge about the prevalence of AF and bleeding pattern in this population is scarce. This study sought to assess the prevalence of AF, use of OAC, and the rate of major bleeding in geriatric patients who are prone to frequent falls. We expect to find a higher prevalence of AF among geriatric patients compared to elderly people of co [...]

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 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 Stephen Ames

Received: 08 April 2019;  Published: 13 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903068

Thirty years ago, Tom Kitwood proposed a change in the care of people with dementia, from ‘warehousing’ to ‘person-centred care’. The change had noticeable benefits for those with dementia. Kitwood set out his presuppositions for this change. For example, Kitwood understood personhood as the standing or status bestowed on one human being by others in the context of relationships and social being and held that respect for the absolute value of each person is a key theme in Western ethical discourse. He was clear thi [...]

by Shira Peleg  and Howard Litwin

Received: 23 March 2019;  Published: 12 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903067

Background: Differential effects of the characteristics of social network on limitations with activities (LWA) and the quality of life (QOL) among older adults, and the moderating role of depression were studied. Methods: The data obtained from two consecutive waves of the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was examined. Results: Emotional closeness, satisfaction with the social network, and contact frequency were able to predict the QOL and not LWA. Moreover, depression was observed to moder [...]

by Garuth Chalfont  , Jane Simpson  , Sarah Davies  , David Morris  , Ruth Wilde  , Leigh Willoughby  and Christine Milligan

Received: 08 April 2019;  Published: 07 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903066

The dominant narrative around dementia argues that progression cannot be halted or reversed. However, evidence on multimodal non-pharmacological treatments formulated around a ‘personalised medicine’ approach challenges this view. This paper reviews the current evidence for dementia prevention utilising such treatments and explains the logic of applying personalised medicine. The functional medicine treatment approach to ‘root cause’ analysis is presented as currently practiced with patients experiencing cognitive [...]

by Hsueh-Fen S. Kao  and Maria A. Amaya

Received: 19 May 2019;  Published: 07 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903065

Background: In 2016, Hispanic/Latino (H/L) Americans made up 8% of the older population (≥65) and 22.9% of the oldest population (≥85) in the United States. It is projected that the older H/L population will grow to 21% by 2060. Currently the older H/L population depends primarily on their families for care. Methods: Review published caregiving models for older adults in H/L populations. Results: Gradual and inevitable acculturation of H/L caregivers to U.S. social customs, and the mutual relationship within the [...]

by Ian Macreadie  and Sudip Dhakal

Received: 05 May 2019;  Published: 17 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903064

The yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the model eukaryote, has provided much understanding of molecular and cellular biology, as well as insights into many human diseases. In this paper we review how yeast studies are contributing to knowledge about the role of oxidative damage to cell health, and how one of the key players in Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid beta (Aβ) is linked to the reactive oxygen species response involving AHP1, which encodes an alkyl hydroperoxidase, Ahp1p, a protein involved in protect [...]

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 Tracy Harwood  , John Maltby  and Elizabeta B. Mukaetova-Ladinska

Received: 28 March 2019;  Published: 15 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903062

Background: Art enhances both physical and mental health wellbeing. The health benefits include reduction in blood pressure, heart rate, pain perception and briefer inpatient stays, as well as improvement of communication skills and self-esteem. In addition to these, people living with dementia benefit from reduction of their non-cognitive, behavioural changes, enhancement of their cognitive capacities and being socially active. Methods: The current study represents a narrative general literature review on availabl [...]

by Yoko Moriyama  , Timothy Bolt  , Marilyn Luptak  and Nanako Tamiya

Received: 19 February 2019;  Published: 09 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903061

Background: Many informal caregivers providing at-home care to older family members want to continue serving as the primary caregiver if they get sufficient support. A key service enabling continued at-home care is access to unplanned respite care facilities for temporary institutional care on short notice and in emergencies. Methods: This study used city government survey results on service user satisfaction with the Japanese Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) system for a mid-sized, Japanese city. From this a range [...]

by Pavel Kalvach  and Martin Vogner

Received: 30 March 2019;  Published: 08 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903060

The understanding of mental deterioration associated with old age has undergone several changes over the past two centuries, and has spurred major scientific debates. In the 19th century, this disorder was still considered an inevitable part of aging. The beginning of the 20th century offered a histological explanation for presenile dementia, and Alois Alzheimer was credited as the discoverer of a new disease that bears his name to date. In the last quarter of the 20th century, findings of Alois Alzheimer were appl [...]

by Omid Ranjbar Pouya  , Ahmad Byagowi  , Debbie M. Kelly  and Zahra Moussavi

Received: 20 August 2018;  Published: 27 June 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902059

Background: Previous studies have reported that coordinate information (i.e. distance between any two objects in a specific direction) is encoded differently from Virtual Reality (VR) and physical scenes. However, the accuracy of encoding categorical information (i.e. relative positions of objects) from VR scenes has not been adequately investigated. During this study, we used a novel rotating visual scene to study the effects of aging, prior experience with VR, and dementia on the accuracy of encoding categorical [...]

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 Joseph S. D'Arrigo

Received: 27 December 2018;  Published: 17 June 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902057

Much evidence has been published which indicates that microvascular endothelial dysfunction, due to cerebrovascular risk factors (e.g., atherosclerosis, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, smoking, aging), precedes cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease and contributes to its pathogenesis. By incorporating appropriate drug(s) into biomimetic (lipid cubic phase) nanocarriers, one obtains a multitasking combination therapeutic which targets certain cell-surface scavenger receptors, and crosses the blood-brain barrier [...]

by Michael Chapman  , Jennifer Philip  and Paul Komesaroff

Received: 20 December 2018;  Published: 17 June 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902056

Alzheimer’s Disease is increasingly seen as the major health problem in developed countries supplanting cancer and heart disease. The terror with which we respond to dementia, is grounded in a view of dementia as a monstrous descent, ambushing our healthy ageing through an incursion of pathology. The pervasiveness of this view can mean that other perspectives and even the views of those most touched by the challenges of dementia remain unheard. Part of the cultural conversation around dementia is informed by [...]

by Terence Seedsman

Received: 29 January 2019;  Published: 24 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902055

The history surrounding the notion of ‘informed consent’ is provided in the interest of setting a framework for the emergence of an ethics of aged care. Informed consent negligence is seen as a breach of duty involving potential litigation through the legal concept of ‘failure to warn’. Respect for the autonomy of older persons is highlighted as a cornerstone of care by medical professionals and family members. There remains the challenge, however, of caring for older people who do not have full decision-making cap [...]

by Mamta Saxena  , Anne F. Farrell  and Kari Adamsons

Received: 25 February 2019;  Published: 20 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902054

Background: Most individuals with disabilities in the US live in family settings; in some families, siblings are default long-term support providers. Although researchers have explored the roles of parent caregivers, the roles of sibling caregivers need attention. Methods: In this study, we examined caregiving processes and outcomes among 322 adult sibling support providers (SSPs) with a range of support roles. Adapting a model of caregiving outcomes, we used structural equation modeling to assess relationships amo [...]

by Karen Harrison Dening  and Zena Aldridge

Received: 26 February 2019;  Published: 10 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902053

There has been a strong thrust to identify the needs of people with dementia against a background of person-centred care, however, people with dementia do not exist in isolation; they live within relational contexts with family members. Case management is a model of care that has its origins in supporting patients with a long term disease, however, a very practical approach to case management that can support the care needs of both the person with dementia and the family carers is emerging in the UK. Admiral Nursin [...]

by Lindy A. Kilik  and Robert W. Hopkins

Received: 01 March 2019;  Published: 09 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902052

Background: Clinical studies have shown that caregivers of dementia patients often experience a great deal of stress related to caregiving. This paper examines caregiver stress within the context of behaviour change in dementia using the Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale (KCSS) and the Kingston Standardized Behaviour Scale (Community Form) (KSBA(comm)). Methods: Eighty patients with moderate dementia and their caregivers participated. Each patient was cognitively assessed with the Kingston Standardized Cognitive Asse [...]

by Gian Andrea Rollandi  , Aldo Chiesa  , Nicoletta Sacchi  , Mauro Castagnetta  , Matteo Puntoni  , Adriana Amaro  , Barbara Banelli  and Ulrich Pfeffer

Received: 31 January 2019;  Published: 05 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902051

Aging is associated with an increased incidence of major diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic and autoimmune diseases. Primary prevention and early diagnosis of these diseases have a dramatic impact on incidence, outcome, quality of life and are commonly applied as age-dependent indications based on evidence of efficacy for specific groups of the aging population. They likely contribute to the observed increase in life expectancy through the reduction of incidence and the retarda [...]

by Claire Thompson  , Daniela Calafiore  , Julijana Chochovski  , Steven Trawley  and Kathryn von Treuer

Received: 29 October 2018;  Published: 26 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902050

Background: The increasing numbers and proportion of the ageing population make it essential to develop and evaluate programs to meet the needs of older adults to empower them to age actively, healthily and successfully. Consequently, positive ageing programs have been developed and the need to evaluate their outcomes is essential. This study used mixed methods to evaluate cognitive and behavioural changes and to monitor psychological health and active ageing in participants of a longstanding positive ageing psycho [...]

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 Keith A. Wollen  and John W. Hoyt

Received: 15 February 2019;  Published: 18 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902048

Background: Cognitive abilities in Alzheimer’s Disease are usually examined by formal tests conducted in a laboratory or facility. Such tests are useful for determining the severity of the disease but do not indicate the types of cognition exhibited in the daily lives of patients. This study shows significant preservation of cognition and quality of life in the daily routine of a woman with severe Alzheimer’s who was given multiple therapeutic interventions. Alzheimer’s disease involves multiple d [...]

by Joseph V. Pergolizzi, Jr.  and Jo Ann LeQuang

Received: 13 November 2018;  Published: 17 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902047

As the 80 million “baby boomers” reach retirement, they bring their relaxed attitudes toward drug use to create a clinically significant population of geriatric drug abusers. Opioid use disorder (OUD) brings with it special considerations in the elderly population: age-related changes to drug disposition, brain changes in the elderly, polypharmacy, and the likelihood of comorbid conditions (such as cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases) and pain syndromes. Thirteen percent of patients in a New York city methadone cl [...]

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 Steve Liebich

Received: 02 February 2019;  Published: 04 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902045

Telomere shortening in the somatic cells is one of the most well-documented factors of cellular ageing. Telomeres are composed of tandem hexanucleotide repeats that protect cells from unwanted recombination mechanisms, secure the ends of chromosomes and their stability, and are responsible for limited division capacity. Telomerase is an enzymatic ribonucleoprotein complex, present in embryonic cells, adult stem cells, and germinal progenitors, whose function is to extend the telomeres length by adding the lost tand [...]

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 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 Ray Marks

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

Depression and Aging: Role of Social Support

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 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 Robert L. Conder  , Christopher Friesen  and Alanna A. Conder

Received: 30 November 2018;  Published: 20 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901039

Background: While the percent of persons 65 and older is expected to increase to 17% of the world’s population by 2050, this increase in longevity does not necessarily suggest a parallel increase in health status. While aging is an inevitable aspect of living, there are factors which can accelerate morbidity and mortality, as well as factors likely to promote a healthy transition into longevity. This paper addresses behavioural and complementary interventions for healthy neurocognitive aging. Specific evidence-base [...]

by Ali Al-Ragawi  , Sergey Zyryanov  , Elena Ushkalova  , Olga Butranova  and Anton Pereverzev

Received: 10 October 2018;  Published: 05 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901038

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common in the elderly and often have serious clinical and economic consequences. Prediction of ADRs is a valuable tool to improve pharmacotherapy and outcomes in this category of patients. Objective: Prediction of ADRs in patients ≥ 65 years old, based on GerontoNet risk score with emphasis on polypharmacy. Methods: Pharmacoepidemiological retrospective study of medical records of patients admitted to the Russian Gerontology Clinical Research Center (RGCRC) between 1 [...]