Predicting readmission and death after hospital discharge: a comparison of conventional frailty measurement with an electronic health record-based score
Conclusionsfrailty measurement at hospital discharge identifies patients at risk of poorer outcomes. An EHR-based risk score appeared equivalent to validated frailty tools and may be automated to screen patients at scale, but this requires further validation. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 25, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in early stage of Alzheimer ’s and non-Alzheimer’s dementia, and the risk of progression to severe dementia
ConclusionsNPSs in early dementia —especially among individuals with AD—can be useful prognostic markers of disease progression. They may inform discussion on advanced care planning and prompt clinical review to incorporate evidence-based interventions that may address disease progression. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 25, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
The effect of opioids on the cognitive function of older adults: results from the Personality and Total Health through life study
Conclusionprolonged opioid use in older adults can affect cognitive function, further encouraging the need for alternative pain management strategies in this population. Pain management options should not adversely affect healthy ageing trajectories and cognitive health. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 22, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Safety and efficacy of very short dual antiplatelet therapy followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy in older patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Conclusionour meta-analysis suggests that short DAPT may be a valid option in older patients after PCI but it also highlights the need for specific studies in such patients on optimal duration of antiplatelet therapy. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 22, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Frailty is associated with long-term outcome in patients with sepsis who are over 80 years old: results from an observational study in 241 European ICUs
ConclusionsThere is substantial long-term mortality in VIPs admitted with sepsis. Frailty, age and disease severity were identified as predictors of long-term mortality in VIPs admitted with sepsis. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 20, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Oropharyngeal dysphagia in older patients with hip fracture
Conclusionsthe prevalence of OD is high in hip fracture patients. Objective dysphagia assessment should be routinely included as part of the geriatric assessment of such patients. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 20, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Author Index
(Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 16, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
1 Quality of Care Transitions: Older Adults ’ Experiences in An Integrated Care Trust
ConclusionsThe PACT-M was a useful measure that allowed us to explore older adults ’ experiences of care transition and identify areas for improvement.By improving continuity and co-ordination, Integrated Care has the potential to improve transition safety and quality.Older adults ’ experience of transition was largely positive; however, greater cohesion of services is needed to overcome gaps in the Integrated Care pathway experienced by patients. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 16, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
2 Adiposity and Development of Dementia: A Systematic Review of Recently Published Longitudinal Studies
ConclusionsIn view of the results and quality of the studies, this review found that there was insufficient evidence to establish the association between adiposity and dementia. Current evidence suggests an association between mid-life obesity and dementia development in late-life. Longer studies were more likely to conclude that adiposity was detrimental to health. The inconsistent conclusions could be the result of reverse causality. To conclusively establish the link between adiposity and dementia, more research with robust methodology is warranted. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 16, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
3 Estimating the Burden of Dementia in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
ConclusionsThe findings of this review found that burden of dementia in LAC is substantial and continues to rapidly grow. The projected rise in dementia cases in the future should prompt urgent governmental response to address this growing public health issue. We were also able to demonstrate that given the overall paucity of data, a Bayesian approach was superior for estimating disease prevalence and burden. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 16, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
4 A Cross-Sectional Study of the Oral Health and Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life of Older Adults Admitted to An Acute Hospital in the North East of England
ConclusionsThe dental status of this group is variable but this study indicates the presence of troublesome oral symptoms and active dental disease requiring treatment, with a significant number not having seen a dentist for some time. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 16, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
5 Quality Improvement Project (QIP): A Teamwork Approach to Optimise Fluid Intake in Older Inpatients #ButFirstADrink
AbstractThe shortfalls of hydration management have been widely exposed since the Frances report in 2013. Age-related changes create challenges for people to drink adequate fluid amounts (Nazarko, 2018), making dehydration prevention in older people an ongoing public health priority (NICE, 2016). Hydration needs of older people are complex and may not be fully understood. A proactive MDT approach to facilitate regular drinking opportunities seems an achievable solution to increase hydration awareness, knowledge and daily fluid intake in older inpatients.A QI methodology was used, including stakeholder engagement and PDSA l...
Source: Age and Ageing - March 16, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
6 Geriatric Medicine in Undergraduate Written Assessments: Is There A Single Best Answer?
ConclusionsGeriatric medicine continues to be underrepresented in SBAQs and is often misleadingly portrayed in analyses of question banks due to incorrect generalisations based on patient age or pathology. SBAQs may not be suitable for testing the knowledge and skills required in the effective care of older people and new assessment methods that better test these domains may be required. Improving the methods in which geriatric medicine is assessed at an undergraduate level may in turn counter negative attitudes that exist within a Hidden Curriculum for medical students. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 16, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
7 The Elephant in the Room: An Innovative and Effective Approach to Multidisciplinary Advance Care Planning Training
ConclusionWe have demonstrated that our multidisciplinary simulation is an effective format of improving understanding and confidence in having advance care planning conversations. These results are evident both immediately after and at the three month follow up stage demonstrating a sustained change in practice. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 16, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
24 Loneliness, Social Isolation and Frailty Among Older Adults in England: Results From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
ConclusionsOur research indicates both loneliness and social isolation increase risk of developing frailty, expanding on previous evidence. This provides further support to the importance of understanding approaches to promote social inclusion of older adults. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - March 16, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
