Age and ageing
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Combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation is recommended in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Until recently, supplementation was perceived as harmless without adverse effects. However, recent meta-analyses have provided evidence suggesting that calcium supplements, whether or not in combination with vitamin D, may be associated with cardiovascular risks. ⋯ Therefore, supplementation with more frequent, lower doses is preferred. Yet, the optimal dosing schedule is unknown and needs further study. In order to correct age-associated secondary hyperparathyroidism and to prevent osteoporotic fractures, a daily dose of 1,000-1,200 mg calcium and 800 IU vitamin D is recommended in elderly or institutionalised people, patients with established osteoporosis and individuals on glucocorticoids.
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cognitive decline and muscle weakness are prevalent health conditions in elderly people. We hypothesised that cognitive decline precedes muscle weakness. ⋯ baseline cognitive performance was associated with decline in handgrip strength, whereas baseline handgrip strength was not associated with cognitive decline. Our results suggest that cognitive decline precedes the onset of muscle weakness in oldest old people.
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models to predict functional status post-stroke have utility in balancing groups in randomised trials, for outcome comparison between stroke centres and may assist in outcome prediction. This study aimed to develop models of both excellent [modified Rankin score (mRS) 0-1] and devastating outcomes (mRS of 5-6). ⋯ this study demonstrates new externally validated predictive models of both excellent and devastating outcomes. Leukoaraiosis was the only independent radiological predictor of both outcomes. Living alone pre-stroke predicted devastating outcome post-stroke.
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examine baseline dyspnoea and subsequent 10-year mortality adjusting for age and gender and determine whether dyspnoea is related to early or late mortality or both. Examine the relationship between dyspnoea and mortality adjusting for confounding effects of underlying diseases. ⋯ dyspnoea is a predictor of early and late mortality and increasing grade of dyspnoea is associated with a higher rate of mortality. Dyspnoea is an independent risk factor for mortality after adjustment for age, gender and underlying diseases.
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accurate classification of older people into fallers and non-fallers is crucial for falls research, but largely dependent on the accuracy of fall reporting by the participants. ⋯ good memory appears to influence the recording of falls in community-dwelling older people and likely reflects a reporting bias. In research studies, there may be value in using a combination of injurious falls and multiple falls when classifying people into faller and non-faller groups.