Toward Generational Improvement in Native Elder Health
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOlder American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are a diverse, rapidly growing population; there is a paucity of data in the literature specific to this population.Recent FindingsAI/AN elders represent a relatively small proportion of the overall AI/AN population, carry a high burden of chronic conditions and disability, and suffer disparate impact of social determinants of health. Most but not all of the burden of illness and disability has its origin earlier in the lifespan.SummaryThere is a small set of high leverage actions that can be taken in clinical care, public health, and long-term serv...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - December 17, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Fibrotic Signaling Pathways of Skin Fibroblasts in Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
This article provides an overview of the clinical presentation and treatment of NSF, with an in depth review of the signaling pathways of fibroblasts associated with the development of skin fibrosis in NSF. (Source: Current Geriatrics Reports)
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - December 11, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Urinary Incontinence in Elderly Men: Update on Evaluation and Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide an overview of the appropriate evaluation of elderly men with urinary incontinence and an updated review of treatment options available to these patients.Recent FindingsAdding pelvic floor physical therapy to bladder training exercises is more effective for treating overactive bladder than bladder training alone. Beta-3 adrenergic agonists are a safe and effective alternative to anticholinergic therapy in older adults. Sacral neuromodulation is safe and effective in older adults and may benefit men with incomplete bladder emptying. A de-obstructing surgery may benefit men with both under...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - December 2, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Synthetic Review of Financial Capacity in Cognitive Disorders: Foundations, Interventions, and Innovations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewFinancial capacity (FC) is a complex, multidimensional construct that changes over the lifespan and commonly becomes impaired as individuals age and develop dementia. Impaired FC results in several important negative outcomes including loss of independence and increased victimization and abuse. The goal of this review is to synthesize current knowledge of the assessment and intervention of impaired financial capacity in order to propose its further development in the context of technological advancements.Recent FindingsCurrent methods of assessing FC are based on conceptual foundations that include...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 25, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Evolving Concepts in the Evaluation and Management of Bladder Cancer in Elderly Men
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, the contemporary knowledge regarding specific issues related to the care of older bladder cancer patients is reviewed. The status of radical cystectomy, bladder-sparing strategies, checkpoint inhibition, prostate-sparing surgery, and BCG distribution pertaining to older adults are discussed.Recent FindingsThe use of minimally invasive approaches for radical cystectomy in patients with invasive bladder cancer is on the rise, including those patients with advanced age. Enhanced recovery pathways are improving time-to-recovery for patients undergoing radical cystectomy which may be es...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 19, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
A Scoping Review of Dementia Symptom Management in Persons with Dementia Living in Home-Based Settings
AbstractBackgroundA large proportion of our older adults live with Alzheimer ’s disease and related dementias, and the number of those diagnosed in the future is expected to increase dramatically as the population ages. Persons with dementia bring unique healthcare challenges due to the manifestation of behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with the disease. The lack of geriatric clinicians as well as a properly trained non-geriatric specialist workforce capable of addressing the symptoms persons with dementia exacerbates the challenge of providing effective care. Pharmacological interventions are contraindica...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 17, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Caring for the Older Person Who Is Diagnosed with Cancer: a Toolbox for the Geriatric Nurse
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo offer a “toolbox” for geriatric nurses consisting of a general understanding of geriatric oncology, use of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), role in the multidisciplinary team (MDT), and additional roles as leader, clinician, educator, advocate, and exemplar.Recent FindingsGeriatric oncology incorporates the use of the Ambulatory Geriatric Oncology Program (AGOC), CGA, and an MDT to determine functional status, comorbid conditions, social support, and emotional concerns in addition to diagnosing and treating cancer. Nurses have a role in all elements of geriatric oncology.SummaryNu...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 10, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Adverse Effects of Androgen Deprivation in Elderly Men with Prostate Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to summarize the key literature of complications and adverse effects experienced by elderly men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, as well as evidence-based strategies to manage these complications.Recent FindingsCurrent research demonstrates several adverse effects associated with treatment with androgen deprivation therapy, including skeletal complications, possible cardiovascular effects, diabetes and metabolic complications, decreased sexual function and libido, depression, and cognitive decline.SummaryDespite the well-known side effect pr...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 6, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Medical Therapies for Treatment of BPH: Special Considerations in Elderly Men
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is among the most common diseases worldwide, manifesting clinically with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The prevalence of BPH and LUTS increases with age. There has been an increase in the types of medication available for treatment. The purpose of this review is to examine the recent literature on medication for the treatment of BPH and LUTS as it relates to older adult men.Recent FindingsAlthough many different medication classes have studies showing benefits in the older male population for those with BPH, careful attention needs to be paid to their side ...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - November 6, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Insomnia in Older Adults
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo evaluate and summarize recent research articles pertaining to insomnia in older adults that can guide healthcare providers on factors to consider when assessing and managing insomnia.Recent FindingsUp to 75% of older adults experience symptoms of insomnia. Insomnia is associated with socioeconomic status, racial and ethnic classification, family relationships, medical and mental health disorders, cognitive function, and dementia. Although one-fifth of older adults are still prescribed sleep medications, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the first-line treatment for insomnia and has ...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - October 21, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Mobility Challenges Among Older Adult Mobility Device Users
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review describes recent research regarding challenges to mobility experienced by older adult mobility device users.Recent FindingsDifferent elements that affect mobility in this population were highlighted using the Human Activity Assistive Technology model. Key constructs in this model include the human (personal factors); the desired activity (mobility); assistive technology (mobility devices); and context (physical and social environmental factors). Poor mobility skills and lack of mobility confidence are personal factors that can limit the places that older adults go. However, new mobility...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - June 24, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Mental Health Care of Older Adults: Does Cultural Competence Matter?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMinority and limited English proficiency seniors are consistently found to have multiple health care disparities, including higher incidence and prevalence of various mental health conditions. The purpose of this paper is to review current literature on culturally competent mental health care for older adults.Recent FindingsThe US population is aging and becoming increasingly more diverse. Minority and underserved groups of seniors are known to suffer from lower health literacy, limited English proficiency, and poorer health care outcomes. Quality mental health care is particularly dependent on bei...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - June 21, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Delirium in the Elderly Surgical Patient
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDelirium is an unfortunately frequent complication in the postoperative course of elderly patients, affecting as much as half of all patients with even higher rates in the intensive care unit. Early recognition and diagnosis are tantamount to prevention of the associated increased morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will summarize the current literature pertaining to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of delirium in the elderly surgical patient population.Recent FindingsSeveral large randomized control trials looking at the treatment of delirium with neuroleptic medications have been ...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - June 17, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Aging Patients in Correctional Settings
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThe United States (US) has the highest number of incarcerated people in the world. This incarcerated population is aging disproportionately compared with the general population. Correctional facilities need to develop geriatric competencies to respond to this aging crisis.Recent FindingsOlder inmates have an increased burden of chronic medical conditions. This leads to higher healthcare utilization and costs across correctional systems. Daily symptoms, such as pain, and geriatric syndromes, such as cognitive impairment, frailty, and sensory impairment, are common but are frequently undertreated...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - June 17, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
Review of Forward-Head Posture and Vestibular Deficits in Older Adults
AbstractPurpose of ReviewForward-head posture (FHP) is a common postural deviation associated with older age, cervical muscle weakness, poor balance, anteriorly displaced center of mass, increased postural sway and fall risk, impaired cervical proprioception, and possibly vestibular dysfunction. Studies have found increased fall risk in older adults with FHP but have not identified a casual reason for this relationship. This review aims to examine the links between (FHP) and vestibular deficits.Recent FindingsWhile assessment of overall posture, including FHP, is a common component of a physical therapy evaluation, a stand...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - June 13, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research
