Age and ageing
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Comparative Study
Low bone mineral density measurements in care home residents--a treatable cause of fractures.
to assess predictors of fracture risk and treatment for osteoporosis among elderly care home residents. ⋯ of the tools used to assess function, only CAPE predicted low BMD in EMI residential care. Rates of CaD supplementation are particularly low in EMI care, where risk factors for fracture were the greatest. We conclude that fracture risk is neglected in these homes, and targeted education and treatment are warranted.
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Delirium is common in ill medical patients. Several drugs and polypharmacy are recognised risk factors, yet little is known about drug metabolism in people with delirium. ⋯ Plasma esterase activities are suppressed during delirium. These data reinforce the need for extreme caution with drugs in this vulnerable population.
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acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is a major cause of hospital admission, and predicts subsequent medium-term mortality. We aimed to examine mortality predictors in patients discharged from hospital after AECOPD. ⋯ 1-year mortality after AECOPD admission is high. The presence of depressive illness (which is extremely common), and levels of both disability and impairment of quality of life are univariate predictors of 1-year mortality in this patient group. This model may be useful in predicting prognosis for individuals and thus in guiding treatment decisions.
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malnutrition is regarded as a major risk factor for complications and delayed recovery in hospitalised elderly patients. ⋯ this study confirms a high prevalence of malnutrition risk in hospitalised elderly patients. The health care and social welfare system appeared to be unaware of the problem. Poor quality of life in females and loss of the health of a spouse were related to malnutrition risk. The screening variables that were used appeared not to predict hospital length of stay or discharge destination.