The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Oct 2021
Bidirectional and dynamic relationships between social isolation and physical functioning among older adults: A cross-lagged panel model of US national survey data.
Previous studies examining unidirectional relationships between social isolation and physical functioning among older adults may be biased due to reverse causality. This study leveraged data from a US national sample of older adults and a novel estimation method to identify bidirectional associations between these 2 phenomena and their associated temporal dynamics. ⋯ This study confirmed the existence of statistically significant bidirectional associations between social isolation and physical functioning among older adults in the United States, net of reverse causation. Because the effect of social isolation dominates, the findings indicate that public health strategies to promote successful aging should prioritize interventions that enrich older adults' social networks. Furthermore, the effect time horizons yielded by the model point to the optimal timing for the re-delivery of interventions.
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Aug 2021
Association between estimated GFR based on cystatin C and grip strength in community-dwelling Japanese older adults.
Kidney dysfunction is associated with sarcopenia. Estimated glomerular filtration rate based on cystatin C (eGFRcys), an alternative to creatinine-based measures of kidney function eGFR, is not affected by muscle mass. Given that the association of eGFRcys with muscle weakness would be limited, we examined the association in older adults with normal or compromised kidney function. ⋯ Low kidney function as assessed by eGFRcys was associated with muscle weakness in community-dwelling Japanese older adults.
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Aug 2021
Chronic Pain and Risk of Injurious Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.
Fall injuries are a leading cause of death in older adults. The potential impact of chronic pain characteristics on risk for injurious falls is not well understood. This prospective cohort study examined the relationship between chronic pain and risk for injurious falls in older adults. ⋯ Global pain measures are associated with increased risk of injurious falls in older adults. Pain assessment should be incorporated into fall risk assessments. Interventions are needed to prevent fall injuries among elders with chronic pain.
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Jul 2021
Impact of systemic corticosteroids on mortality in older adults with critical COVID-19 pneumonia.
The most susceptible population group to critical and fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is older adults. In severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, the host immune response is thought to play a key role in the pathophysiological effects of lung damage. Therefore, corticosteroid therapy could modulate inflammation-mediated pulmonary injury and thereby reduce progression to severe respiratory failure and death. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and clinical efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in older adults with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. ⋯ In critically ill older adults with COVID-19 pneumonia, the use of corticosteroid treatment resulted in lower mortality without severe adverse events.
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · May 2021
Multicenter Study Observational StudyRadiological, Chemical, and Pharmacological Cholinergic System Parameters and Neurocognitive Disorders in Older Presurgical Adults.
A pre-existing neurocognitive disorder (NCD) is a relevant factor for the outcome of surgical patients. To improve understanding of these conditions, we investigated the association between parameters of the cholinergic system and NCD. ⋯ AcetylChE activity and anticholinergic load were associated with major NCD. Future research should focus on the association of the cholinergic system and the development of postoperative delirium and postoperative NCD.