The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Oct 2017
Stabilized Incidence in Proximal Humeral Fractures of Elderly Women: Nationwide Statistics From Finland in 1970-2015.
Low-trauma fractures of elderly women are a major public health concern. ⋯ The clear rise in the incidence of low-trauma proximal humeral fractures in Finnish elderly women from early 1970s until mid 1990s has been followed by stabilized fracture rates. Reasons for this are largely unknown, but a cohort effect toward a healthier aging population with improved functional ability, as well as measures to prevent falls and alleviate fall severity, could partly explain the phenomenon.
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Sep 2017
Observational StudyDecreased Skeletal Muscle Mass and Risk Factors of Sarcopenic Dysphagia: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.
Dysphagia is a known risk factor for malnutrition and pneumonia. Although sarcopenia is hypothesized to cause dysphagia, its causality remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate causality and the risk factors for sarcopenic dysphagia. ⋯ This study provides evidence for sarcopenic dysphagia and its risk factors. Preventive and therapeutic interventions require further study.
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Jul 2017
Dynamical Resilience Indicators in Time Series of Self-Rated Health Correspond to Frailty Levels in Older Adults.
We currently still lack valid methods to dynamically measure resilience for stressors before the appearance of adverse health outcomes that hamper well-being. Quantifying an older adult's resilience in an early stage would aid complex decision-making in health care. Translating complex dynamical systems theory to humans, we hypothesized that three dynamical indicators of resilience (variance, temporal autocorrelation, and cross-correlation) in time series of self-rated physical, mental, and social health were associated with frailty levels in older adults. ⋯ We found supporting evidence for two out of three hypothesized resilience indicators to be related to frailty levels in older adults. By mirroring the dynamical resilience indicators to a frailty index, we delivered a first empirical base to validate and quantify the construct of systemic resilience in older adults in a dynamic way.
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · May 2017
Hearing Impairment and Incident Dementia and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: The Health ABC Study.
Age-related peripheral hearing impairment (HI) is prevalent, treatable, and may be a risk factor for dementia in older adults. In prospective analysis, we quantified the association of HI with incident dementia and with domain-specific cognitive decline in memory, perceptual speed, and processing speed. ⋯ HI is associated with increased risk of developing dementia in older adults. Randomized trials are needed to determine whether treatment of hearing loss could postpone dementia onset in older adults.
-
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Mar 2017
Does Pain Predict Frailty in Older Men and Women? Findings From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).
Pain has been suggested to act as a stressor during aging, potentially accelerating declines in health and functioning. Our objective was to examine the longitudinal association between self-reported pain and the development, or worsening, of frailty among older men and women. ⋯ Pain is associated with an increased risk and intensity of frailty in older men and women. Socioeconomic factors contribute to the occurrence of frailty; though in our study do not explain the relationship between pain and frailty.