Geriatric Vulvar Dermatology
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to provide the diagnosis and management of inflammatory vulvar dermatoses in the geriatric population. The increasing geriatric population in the USA necessitates informing a broad base of healthcare providers on this topic.Recent FindingsIn the elderly, there are increasing case reports of contact dermatitis due to sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, and over the counter medications. Superimposed vulvovaginal candidiasis and lichen simplex chronicus can occur simultaneously with the primary vulvar disease. The limited research specific to geriatric populations confir...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 12, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Dermatologic Manifestations of Nutritional Deficiency
AbstractDermatologic manifestations of systemic diseases provide distinctive and reliable diagnostic clues that hasten time to intervention and improve overall outcomes. Notably, nutritional deficiencies are a class of diseases with representative and well-established dermatologic associations. Nutritional deficiencies can be primary or secondary and genetic or acquired; however, mucocutaneous findings remain characteristic irrespective of etiology.Purpose of ReviewThis review will summarize the major classifications of nutritional deficiencies with a focus on conditions relevant and of greatest impact to the geriatric pop...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 12, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment in the Elderly
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWhile the overall incidence of melanoma has remained stable in younger populations, the rate of diagnosis in the elderly is rising. Diagnosis and treatment of melanoma presents a major public health challenge for providers, patients, and caretakers. In this paper, we address unique considerations for diagnosis and management of melanoma in the elderly population.Recent FindingsThere are clinically significant differences in the presentation of melanoma in the elderly. Diagnosis is often delayed, thus screening is crucial and should focus on the atypical presentation of melanoma in this population. ...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 11, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Xerosis Cutis in the Aging Population: an Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this paper is to identify risk factors for dry skin in the elderly as well as to outline a treatment approach to xerosis in the elderly population.Recent FindingsFemales and those with darker skin types are at higher risk for dry skin. Certain medications such as diuretics and statins also are associated with higher incidence of xerosis. Ceramide-containing moisturizers help to play a protective role.SummaryA detailed medication review is warranted for all patients with dry skin. In the elderly, xerosis is a result of a complex interplay of genetic, behavioral, and comorbid factors. Pri...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 11, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Traditional Fermented Foods as an Adjuvant Treatment to Diabetes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe use of traditional fermented foods as an alternative therapy for diabetes treatment has been widespread used without scientific proof, sometimes aggravating the clinical condition. This work explores the application of fermented foods with anti-glycemic activity for adjuvant therapy which fight against diabetes and differentiates them from those popular fermented foods generally used based on empirical knowledge.Recent FindingsThe role of physiologically active components of foods has changed our understanding of diet effects on human health, placing it in a prominent position, becoming a strat...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 11, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Nutrition and Diabetes in the Context of Inflammaging
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo update the concepts ofinflammaging and the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); to summarize some related nutritional aspects.Recent FindingsInflammaging is a complex network of aging-related changes, which are associated with immunosenescence and metainflammation (the inflammation originated outside the immune system which may include the gut environment, adipose tissue, or self-molecules generated in different types of cells). The inflammatory status increases insulin resistance and, consequently, the risk of T2DM. Dietary patterns, including foods, nutrients,...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 9, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Cellulitis Mimics in the Geriatric Patient
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe review common cellulitis mimics in the geriatric population and address recent developments to aid in their timely diagnosis and appropriate management. The effects of inappropriate or delayed treatment for these conditions are a major concern for the geriatric population.Recent FindingsNewer clinical tools for diagnosing cellulitis have shown some promise, but a lack of validated diagnostic criteria persists. Geriatric patients with pseudocellulitis often present with atypical findings, and these patients —particularly nursing home residents—are at high risk for misdiagnosis, inappropriate ...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 7, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Diabetes, microRNA, and Nutrition in Geriatrics
AbstractPurpose of ReviewType 2 diabetes (T2D) is closely associated with aging and sarcopenia. Insulin resistance in the elderly is associated with sarcopenia, which, in turn, increases the risk of developing T2D and, consequently, cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and increased inflammatory responses are implicated in sarcopenia in skeletal muscles. However, the link between miRNAs, sarcopenia, and inflammation in muscle function during the development of T2D remains unclear.Recent FindingsmiRNAs play a role in pancreatic islet development, β cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, and insulin synthesis and secr...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 5, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Dietary Patterns, Diabetes, and Aging
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSeveral studies have suggested that eating patterns are associated with healthy aging and lower risk of diseases such as diabetes. The purpose of this paper is to review recent publications about dietary patterns, diabetes, and aging.Recent FindingsThe most robust research available on dietary patterns to reduce the risk of diabetes mainly indicates Mediterranean-style, DASH diet, vegetarian or vegan, and low-carb diet plans.SummaryAn optimal dietary pattern for healthy aging and the treatment of diabetes should emphasize plant-based food (vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, fruits, and whole intact...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 4, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Endobronchial Treatment of Bronchial Carcinoid in the Elderly
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewAlthough surgical resection is considered the gold standard of curative treatment for bronchial carcinoid, endobronchial treatment (EBT) can serve as a less invasive curative or palliative treatment in a selection of patients. It is unclear whether elderly patients with bronchial carcinoid should be treated in the same way as younger patients. In order to study the characteristics and treatment of elderly patients with bronchial carcinoid, we analyzed data from a cohort of patients that have been treated for bronchial carcinoid with EBT, surgical resection, or a combination of both. We used our...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - August 18, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Pulmonary Nodules —an Epidemic—Work Up and Management, Specific, and Unique Issues in the Elderly
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewPulmonary nodules are increasingly encountered by physicians with the increasing use of, and easier access to computerised tomography for the investigation of a variety of conditions. With the wider introduction of lung cancer screening using low dose CT, it is likely that the number of patients with pulmonary nodules will significantly increase. The main challenge in pulmonary nodules investigations and management is the differentiation of benign from a malignant aetiology. There are also certain considerations in the elderly population.Recent FindingsA reliable assessment of the risk of lung ...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - August 16, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Dementia-Friendly Communities: a Review of Current Literature and Reflections on Implementation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review examines current trends in research on dementia-friendly communities (DFC). This includes promising evaluation methods, priority areas identified by persons living with dementia (PLWD) for DFCs, and sector-specific dementia-friendly initiatives. In addition, the authors add to existing literature by describing the experience —including challenges and lessons learned—of developing a DFC.Recent FindingsThe authors found few rigorous evaluations of DFCs but identify promising approaches that are likely to render important findings in the future. Research on the priorities of PLWD is fa...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - August 10, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

The Role of Enhanced Recovery Programmes in Elderly Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery
This article will discuss the potential advantages of enrolling elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery on an enhanced recovery after surgery programme and the effect of such programmes on patient outcomes.Recent FindingsSeveral interventions implemented in the pre-, intra- and post-op periods have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in elderly patients undergoing pulmonary resection.SummaryNo single intervention has the capacity to reduce morbidity and mortality in the elderly undergoing pulmonary resection; however, a series of interventions implemented as an ERAS programme has the potential to improved out...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - August 4, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Home Exercise Interventions in Frail Older Adults
AbstractPurpose of ReviewFrailty is characterized by decreased physiological reserve and increased risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and mortality. Frail older adults may benefit from exercise interventions targeting their multiple problems and functional deficits; however, most research focuses on center-based interventions, which may present accessibility challenges for frail older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the most recently published home-based exercise interventions for frail older adults living at home.Recent FindingsEight manuscripts met inclusion criteria. Research inter...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - August 4, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Geriatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStudies that focus on geriatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are limited, although these injuries occur commonly as a result of falls in the older adult population. This review aims to explore current literature in this area and summarize common practices in diagnosis and treatment of this condition.Recent FindingsOlder adults who sustain a fall should be evaluated for the possibility of mTBI, with reported falls forward or the presence of upper extremity fractures being associated with increased risk of trauma to the head. Efforts to determine pre-injury cognitive status may improve the abil...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - July 30, 2020 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research