The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Oct 2006
Falls risk and functional decline in older fallers discharged directly from emergency departments.
There is currently no standard approach to falls risk assessment and management for older fallers presenting to the emergency department (ED) who are discharged directly home. Hence, this study was conducted to describe the prevalence of falls risk factors associated with older fallers presenting to the ED and to identify the factors associated with postdischarge decline in function in this group. ⋯ Older fallers discharged directly from the ED have a high prevalence of falls risk factors and are at risk of functional decline.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Sep 2006
Multicenter StudyDoes depression in older medical inpatients predict mortality?
Previous studies of the effect of depression on mortality among older medical inpatients have yielded inconsistent results. We examined the effects on mortality of both a diagnosis of depression at hospital admission and a history of previous depression, taking into account potential sources of bias (sample selection and confounding). ⋯ Among patients with no history of depression, a diagnosis of depression was not associated with mortality after adjustment for confounding by physical illness and other factors. Coincident major depression and history of depression was associated with decreased mortality.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Jul 2006
Pressure ulcers among elderly patients early in the hospital stay.
Pressure ulcers among elderly hospital patients diminish quality of life and increase the cost of hospital care. Evidence suggests that pressure ulcers can arise after only a few hours of immobility. The goals of this study were to estimate the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers in the first 2 days of the hospital stay and to identify patient characteristics associated with higher incidence. ⋯ A small but significant proportion of elderly emergently admitted hospital patients acquire pressure ulcers soon after their admission. New models of care may be required to ensure that preventive interventions are provided very early in the elderly person's hospital stay.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · May 2006
Comparative StudyGender differences in functioning after hip fracture.
Hip fracture is a significant health problem for men and women; between 25 and 30 percent of all hip fractures are sustained by men. Relatively little is known about gender differences in functional outcomes after hip fracture. The purpose of the current study is to compare post-hip fracture functional recovery of men and women. ⋯ Hip fracture is not a problem affecting just women. Recovery following fracture for men is probably no better than that for women, even after mortality differentially eliminates the frailest male participants. However, psychosocial factors, greater comorbidity, and higher rates of certain complications among men may require adjustments to interventions designed to restore function. Further research into the consequences of hip fracture for men and women is needed.