The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Sep 2010
Problem behavior of dementia patients predicts low-grade hypercoagulability in spousal caregivers.
Low-grade hypercoagulability might be one pathway to explain how the chronic stress of dementia caregiving increases cardiovascular disease risk, but the specific aspects of caregiver stress that elicit hypercoagulability are elusive. We hypothesized that dementia patients' problem behaviors and negative reactions of caregivers to these behaviors would relate to hypercoagulability in caregivers. ⋯ Alzheimer patients' problem behavior and their negative appraisal by the caregiver may contribute to the chronic low-grade hypercoagulable state in dementia caregivers.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Sep 2010
Contribution of musculoskeletal pain to postural balance in community-dwelling people aged 75 years and older.
Balance is among the most important prerequisites for safe and independent mobility. Whether musculoskeletal pain is related to standing balance impairment has received limited attention. The aim of this study was to examine the association of musculoskeletal pain with the control of balance in older people. ⋯ The findings demonstrate a direct relationship between the moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain and impaired postural balance. Pain seems to be an important target for the prevention of balance impairment and further mobility limitation among older people.