Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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To examine the relationship between serum biomarkers and self-reported pain intensity and pain-related function, in addition to the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of lumbar spine degenerative changes, in older adults with chronic low back pain. ⋯ Serum biomarkers may be a metric for assessment of active disease in older adults, in whom imaging changes are ubiquitous. In addition, changing levels of biomarkers in response to activity suggests that they may be useful as metrics to measure treatment responses in future studies and may reflect potential targets for use in designing personalized treatment for older adults with low back pain.
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To evaluate the relationship between back pain severe enough to restrict activity (restricting back pain) and subsequent mobility disability in community-living older persons. ⋯ Restricting back pain was strongly associated with mobility disability. Interventions that prevent or ameliorate restricting back pain may be effective for reducing the burden of mobility disability in older persons.
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To describe patterns of, and factors associated with, statin use and discontinuation in nursing home (NH) residents progressing to advanced dementia and followed for at least 90 days. ⋯ Most NH residents who use statins at the time of progression to advanced dementia continue use in follow-up.