The Use of Peer-Led Community-Based Programs to Promote Healthy Aging
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPhysical activity interventions aimed at older adults are frequently lead by younger trained professionals, often who have not experienced age-related changes in health status. The goal of this paper was to describe peer-led community-based interventions to assess whether this model is feasible for improving overall health and physical functioning.Recent FindingsTwelve studies were included, with six different peer-led community-based programs: (1) Physical Training and Nutrition, (2) Project Healthy Bones, (3) Steady As You Go, (4) A Matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader Program, (5) Healthy Eati...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - August 24, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Erratum to: Comparative Effectiveness for Glycemic Control in Older Adults with Diabetes
(Source: Current Geriatrics Reports)
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - August 18, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Breast Cancer Care in the Elderly Patient
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAs women continue to live longer, physicians adapt to treating well-described diseases such as breast cancer. Here we provide a comprehensive evidence-based review of the treatment of breast cancer in the elderly patient.Recent FindingsPrevious studies conducted to determine optimal treatment for breast cancer have primarily included younger, healthier women. Despite favorable tumor biology, older women are less likely to receive standard of care treatments relative to breast reconstruction, postoperative radiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Frailty is cited as a reason for not offering or receivi...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - August 9, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Thoracic Surgery in Older Patients
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of the review is to describe recent findings concerning the thoracic surgical management of elderly patients.Recent FindingsThe population of the USA is aging and the “baby boomer” generation members are now elderly. Pulmonary function declines, leading to an increase in the risk of a postoperative pulmonary complication. The cardiovascular system stiffens, making it more difficult for elderly patients to tolerate fluid shifts. Particular attention should be paid to nutrition, support systems, and frailty in the elderly. Outcomes are generally worse in the elderly. End-of-life discu...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - August 4, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Comparative Effectiveness for Glycemic Control in Older Adults with Diabetes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to summarize the current data for comparative effectiveness of glycemic control in older adults.Recent FindingsIn the last several years, professional societies have released guidelines for glycemic control in older adults, generally recommending individualized HbA1c goals. However, recent observational studies demonstrate that many older adults remain aggressively managed and are at increased risk of hypoglycemia. Large randomized trials of older adults with diabetes have failed to show convincing cardiovascular benefit from intensive glycemic control and suggest some...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - July 28, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Updates in the Evaluation of Older Women with Pelvic Floor Disorders
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are common among older women, and pose a unique challenge to the healthcare provider. The onset of PFDs in older women is gradual resulting from an inter-related process of anatomic, hormonal, and functional changes that occur over time and often impacted by concomitant medical co-morbid conditions. In this evidenced-based review, we provide an update on the epidemiology and provide an evidence-based approach to the evaluation of women with PFDs with a specific focus on the impact of aging.Recent FindingsPhysical function impairment is prevalent among older women with ...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - July 28, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Prevention of Falls and Frailty in Older Adults with Diabetes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for falls and frailty in older adults. The purpose of this review was to survey, the current literature on risk factors and interventions for prevention of falls and frailty in older adults with T2DM.Recent FindingsScreening for falls and frailty in the clinical setting is recommended. Exercise to improve balance, strength, and mobility; health education; and diabetes self-management are potential interventions for falls and frailty in older adults with T2DM. Pharmacologic agents are the focus of current studies which may lead to potential futu...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - July 22, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Prostate Cancer in the Elderly Male: Diagnostic and Management Considerations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAlong with an aging US population comes the growing need for clinical guidelines inclusive of and specific to this unique group. Prostate cancer (PCa) is increasingly recognized as a substantial cause of mortality and morbidity in the elderly. This review seeks to address the unmet need for standardized PCa screening and management protocols for geriatric men and to synthesize recommendations based on recent literature.Recent FindingsGuidelines regarding PCa screening in elderly men are still being optimized, with many organizations moving toward inclusion of pre-screening global health assessment....
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - July 22, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Impact of Geriatric Syndromes on Diabetes Management
The objective of this review is to raise clinician awareness of the presence of geriatric syndrome in this increasingly large patient population. (Source: Current Geriatrics Reports)
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - July 20, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Hepatobiliary Oncologic Surgery in the Elderly
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to describe the treatment and outcomes in the perioperative management of elderly patients undergoing hepatic surgery for cancer.Recent FindingsThere is a broad perception that elderly patients are more frail and less able to tolerate major resection. They are therefore offered surgery less often than younger patients. Elderly patients can tolerate major hepatectomies with comparable length of surgery, rate of transfusion, and length of hospital stay as younger patients. However, they are more apt to develop significant cardiopulmonary complications and require discharge to an acut...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - July 19, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Reduction of Cognitive Decline in Patients with or at High Risk for Diabetes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe incidence of Alzheimer ’s disease and related disorders is expected to triple by 2050. People with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes have a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Controversy remains about when and how to prevent and treat cognitive dysfunction in peopl e with or at high risk of diabetes.Recent FindingsIn our review of ongoing clinical trials, we have found that there has been an increase in the number of studies assessing the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to prevent or slow down cognitive imp...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - July 18, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Alternative Fixation in Osteoporotic Fractures
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this paper is to review the current available literature in alternative fixation in osteoporotic fractures, including the roles of locking plates, polyaxial screws, bone augmentation techniques, arthroplasty, and implant coating, as well as the role of co-managed care.Recent FindingsBone mineral density has a definitive role in fixation failure in osteoporotic bone; in some regions, such as the femoral head, if the BMD is below 250  mg/cm3, the failure rate will increase; if these areas can be identified and the fixation strength on them improved, the failure will decrease. In order to...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - July 14, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Anesthesia Considerations for the Geriatric Patient
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review discusses the pathophysiology and medical challenges facing the provider when dealing with the geriatric patient population. We discuss not only physiologic issues but also cognitive and social problems that complicate the management of these patients.Recent FindingsThe phenotype of frailty adversely affects patient outcomes. Assuming the physical condition of the patient is not impaired; age alone is not a predictor of poor outcomes, even in complex surgical cases. There is little evidence that one approach of anesthesia is superior to another in regard to outcomes, though there may be...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - July 14, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Procedure-Based Management of Urgency Urinary Incontinence in the Older Woman
AbstractPurpose of ReviewUrgency urinary incontinence (UUI) has a significant impact on the physical function and quality of life of women. When conservative treatments fail, procedure-based management can be used to treat refractory symptoms. We review recent updates on the efficacy and complications of these interventions with focus on older adults.Recent FindingsIn high quality studies, intradetrusor botulinum toxin injections and sacral neuromodulation (SNM) result in improvement in frequency of UUI episodes. Adverse effects are slightly elevated in older women, but benefits generally outweigh risks. More evidence is n...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - May 23, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Surgical Treatment and Outcomes for the Management of Stress Urinary Incontinence in the Older Woman
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWomen aged 65  years and older comprise a growing portion of the surgical population and present unique age-related concerns that impact intervention planning and outcomes. This cohort of women is known to have increased urinary incontinence symptoms that greatly impact their quality of life. Reviewing surgical interventions and outcomes in older woman may enhance patient counseling in an effort to optimize intervention outcomes and patient expectations.Recent FindingsIncreasing literature exists that analyze age-related outcomes for stress urinary incontinence interventions in older women. Though...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - May 15, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research