Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel virus that causes COVID-19 infection, has recently emerged and caused a deadly pandemic. Studies have shown that this virus causes worse outcomes and a higher mortality rate in older adults and those with comorbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). A significant percentage of older American adults have these diseases, putting them at a higher risk of infection. ⋯ Although it has been hypothesized that this may cause a further increased risk of infection, more studies on the role of these medications in COVID-19 infections are necessary. In this review, we discuss the transmission, symptomatology, and mortality of COVID-19 as they relate to older adults, and possible treatments that are currently under investigation. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:926-929, 2020.
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The pandemic of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is having a global impact unseen since the 1918 worldwide influenza epidemic. All aspects of life have changed dramatically for now. The group most susceptible to COVID-19 are older adults and those with chronic underlying medical disorders. ⋯ In this article we provide information, insights, and recommended approaches to COVID-19 in the long-term facility setting. Because the situation is fluid and changing rapidly, readers are encouraged to access frequently the resources cited in this article. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:912-917, 2020.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Clinical Predictors of Intracranial Bleeding in Older Adults Who Have Fallen: A Cohort Study.
Emergency department (ED) visits among older adults are frequently instigated by a fall at home. Some of these patients develop intracranial bleeding. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of intracranial bleeding and the associated clinical features in older adults who present to the ED after falling. ⋯ The incidence of intracranial bleeding in our study was 5.0%. We found significant associations between intracranial bleeding and four simple clinical variables. We did not find significant associations between intracranial bleeding and antiplatelet or anticoagulant use. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:970-976, 2020.
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Healthcare providers may not offer patient portal (PP) access to electronic health records (EHRs) to their patients older than 85 years, due to the false impression that they do not utilize technology. It is imperative that older adults be given equal opportunity to use technology in regard to their healthcare. ⋯ Adults, aged 85 years and older, and their caregivers utilize PPs tethered to EHRs. Healthcare providers should ensure inclusivity and offer access to EHRs to older adult populations, especially those aged 85 years and older. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1078-1082, 2020.