Articles related to Geriatrics

Recent findings suggest a link between daily low-dose aspirin intake and elevated anemia incidence and ferritin decline in older adults, highlighting the necessity for periodic monitoring of hemoglobin in these patients.

Unveiling the Cognitive Potential of Multivitamin Supplementation in Older Adults A recent study has unearthed new insights into the effects of multivitamin supplementation on memory performance in older adults, bringing implications for medical professionals and their approach towards cognitive health in their aging patients. Key Points: Additional Points: “We can only speculate at this time. Older adults with cardiovascular risk factors tend to have lower vitamin and mineral circulating levels. Supplementation with multivitamins may help restore these deficiencies, providing [a] secondary benefit to cognitive health.” Adam M. Brickman, PhD, Professor of Neuropsychology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Age, a Critical Moderator in Anxiety/Depression and Cognitive Outcomes in MS In recent findings from the ACTRIMS Forum 2023, researchers underscored the crucial role of age in the relationship between mental health and cognitive outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Key Points: “Considering age is necessary when exploring the links between depression or anxiety and cognition in people with MS.” Researchers from the University of Toronto

Unveiling the Secret to Superior Cognitive Health in the Oldest-Old In a breakthrough research, an understanding of the resistance of certain 90+ individuals to neurodegenerative pathologies leading to superior cognitive abilities emerges, presenting avenues for preserving cognitive health in advanced ages. Key Points: “There are some individuals who can maintain high levels of cognitive function well into advanced ages. Further research into the factors that enable these individuals to maintain their cognitive function could provide insights into how to preserve cognitive health despite advanced age.” María M. Corrada, ScD, co-principal investigator of the study

Delve into the changes in the updated Beers criteria and their implications for medication use in older patients. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has recently revised the Beers criteria. Significantly, these guidelines advise physicians to be cautious when prescribing medications like warfarin and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for patients over 65. Importantly, warfarin is now a drug to avoid in initial therapy for venous thromboembolism or nonvalvular atrial fibrillation unless alternatives are contraindicated or face significant usage barriers. The Beers criteria are organized into five distinct categories. These include potentially inappropriate medications, ones that might be inappropriate for patients with certain conditions, medications requiring careful usage, potential drug-drug interactions, and medications needing renal function-based dosage adjustments. An expert panel sifted through evidence from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2022, to create these updates. These guidelines apply to patients aged 65 years and older in most care settings in the US, excluding hospice and end-of-life care situations. Among the notable changes since 2019 is the inclusion of warfarin. For older patients using warfarin long-term, continuation might be reasonable if they show well-controlled international normalized ratios and no adverse effects. Additional drugs introduced since 2019 include ticagrelor and SGLT2 inhibitors (use […]

Dive into the potential of senolytics in combating age-related diseases, revealing how these compounds might unlock a healthier, longer life. Although senescent cells play crucial roles in early life, their persistence in later years can link to numerous age-related diseases. The potential of senolytics, such as dasatinib and quercetin (D&Q), is being explored in clearing out these harmful cells and combating age-related diseases like cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis. To illustrate, researchers applied D&Q as senolytics in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and diabetic kidney disease. Findings revealed that patients showed improvements in physical function, with benefits including enhanced gait speed and increased walking distance. Similarly, the treatment significantly reduced cellular senescence in another study involving patients with diabetic kidney disease. However, caution is advised. Experts insist on the need for additional long-term studies and human clinical trials to confirm the safety of these senolytics. The majority of global morbidity, mortality, and health costs stem from chronic illnesses. Age, as indicated by JAMA, is a significant predictive factor for most of these diseases. Therefore, research aiming to “turn back the clock” and mitigate the effects of aging is well underway. Among the promising strategies is the removal of senescent cells, […]