Aging clinical and experimental research
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized controlled trial of fall prevention by a high-intensity functional exercise program for older people living in residential care facilities.
Falls are particularly common among older people living in residential care facilities. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a high-intensity functional exercise program in reducing falls in residential care facilities. ⋯ In older people living in residential care facilities, a high-intensity functional exercise program may prevent falls among those who improve their balance.
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In elderly Danes, reference intervals for hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations are derived from younger population groups. The aim was to examine reference intervals for Hb and cut-off limits for anemia by application of criteria for normality to a representative population of 80-year-olds. ⋯ WHO decision limits for anemia should not be lowered in 80-year-old subjects. "Optimal" Hb concentrations with respect to survival appear to be at least 140 g/L in men and 131 g/L in women. Further research should evaluate whether not only treating anemia, but also increasing Hb by using erythropoietin and hematinics, may improve functional status and survival in the elderly.
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Association of urgency symptoms with self-rated health, mood and functioning in an older population.
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with comorbidities are common in old age. The aim here was to investigate the associations of urgency symptoms with self-rated health, mood and functioning in a random older population adjusted for comorbid conditions. ⋯ Urgency symptoms are associated with poor self-rated health, depressive mood and disability in older people. There is an independent association between both urgency and non-urgency LUTS and depressive mood. A careful assessment of the mental state of older individuals with LUTS is warranted.
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To identify pre-operative risk factors for delirium in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, using clearly defined diagnostic criteria for delirium, and a thorough clinical assessment. ⋯ The main pre-operative risk factors for post-operative delirium after elective cardiac operations were subjective memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment, and type of cardiac surgery, such as valve procedures. This study suggests that cognitive evaluation should be included in pre-operative assessment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Postoperative delirium in old patients with femoral neck fracture: a randomized intervention study.
Delirium is a common postoperative complication in elderly patients which has a serious impact on outcome in terms of morbidity and costs. We examined whether a postoperative multi-factorial intervention program can reduce delirium and improve outcome in patients with femoral neck fractures. ⋯ Patients with postoperative delirium can be successfully treated, resulting in fewer days of delirium, fewer other complications, and shorter length of hospitalization.