Geriatrics & gerontology international
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Geriatr Gerontol Int · Dec 2017
Impact of hospitalization in an acute geriatric unit on polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescriptions: A retrospective study.
Polypharmacy is a highly prevalent geriatric syndrome, and hospitalizations can worsen it. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of hospitalization on polypharmacy and indicators of quality of prescribing, and their possible association with health outcomes. ⋯ After hospitalization in an acute geriatric unit, the prevalence of polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate prescribing, potential prescribing omissions, interactions or anticholinergic drugs is still very high. Polypharmacy is a risk factor for hospitalization and emergency room visits. Measuring indicators of quality of prescription might be useful to design interventions to optimize pharmacotherapy and improve health outcomes in elderly acute patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2354-2361.
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Geriatr Gerontol Int · Dec 2017
Observational StudyPilot study of the Mini Nutritional Assessment on predicting outcomes in older adults with type 2 diabetes.
To date, few studies have focused on the nutritional status of elderly hospitalized patients with diabetes. Our aims were to explore the prevalence of malnutrition among elderly diabetes patients admitted to the hospital, and to explore the relationships between malnutrition and geriatric syndromes, diabetic complications, and clinical outcomes. ⋯ The present study showed a high prevalence of malnutrition among elderly diabetes patients hospitalized for geriatric care. Considering the negative impact of malnutrition on hospital stay and mortality, adequate nutritional care should be emphasized for each elderly patient with diabetes, regardless of body mass index. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2485-2492.
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Geriatr Gerontol Int · Nov 2017
Clinical medication review tool for polypharmacy: Mapping approach for pharmacotherapeutic classifications.
Polypharmacy is an extremely important problem, because it increases the risk of adverse drug reactions. The aim of the current study was to create a clinical medication review tool to detect inappropriate medication use, and assess this new method with elderly Japanese patients. ⋯ The Mapping Approach for Pharmacotherapeutic Classifications is highly dependent on the chronic condition. Pharmacists should confirm the chronic condition with the treating physician before reducing a patient's medications. We hope this process will further influence prescribing patterns, and decrease the inappropriate use of medications and associated adverse drug reactions in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2025-2033.
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Geriatr Gerontol Int · Oct 2017
Observational StudyAssociation of cognition with functional trajectories in patients admitted to geriatric wards: A retrospective observational study.
Impaired cognition is common among older patients admitted to acute hospitals, but its association with functional trajectories has not been well studied. ⋯ Dementia per se might not be a marker of poor rehabilitation potential. Older people with acute cognitive concerns might be more vulnerable to poor functional recovery. Our cognitive variables are not gold standard, and further research is required to clarify this relationship. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1438-1443.
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Geriatr Gerontol Int · Oct 2017
Prevalence of frailty and its association with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and resource utilization in a population of Singaporean older adults.
The present study examined the prevalence of frailty and its association with sociodemographic, clinical and social characteristics, and service utilization in a representative general population sample of Singaporean older adults. ⋯ Frailty is common among older adults in Singapore, and it correlates with many components at the person, health and societal levels, thus highlighting the importance of individual- and population-level frailty detection and interventions in this population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1444-1454.