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BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 18;19(1):113. Epub 2019 Apr 18.

Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.

Background: Little is known about factors associated with alcohol consumption and use of drugs with addiction potential in older adults. The aim of this study was to explore the association between socio-demographic variables, physical and mental health and the later (11 years) use of frequent drinking, prescribed drugs with addiction potential and the possible combination of frequent drinking and being prescribed drugs with addiction potential in older adults (≥ 65 years).

Methods: In this longitudinal study, we used data from two surveys of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT2 1995-1997 and HUNT3 2006-2008), a population based study in Norway. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 17;19(1):112. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, St. Josefs Hospital Wiesbaden, Beethovenstr. 20, 65189, Wiesbaden, Germany.

Background: Due to its bone preserving philosophy, short-stem total hip arthroplasty (THA) has primarily been recommended for young and active patients. However, there may be benefits for elderly patients given a less invasive operative technique due to the short curved implant design. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes as well as perioperative complications of a calcar-guided short stem between a young (< 60 years) and a geriatric (> 75 years) population. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 16;19(1):111. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, PO Box 52, 20520, Turku, Finland.

Background: In children suffering from severe lower airway illnesses, respiratory virus detection has given good prognostic information, but such reports in the elderly are scarce. Therefore, our aim was to study whether the detection of nasopharyngeal viral pathogens and conventional inflammatory markers in the frail elderly correlate to the presence, signs and symptoms or prognosis of radiographically-verified pneumonia.

Methods: Consecutive episodes of hospital care of patients 65 years and older with respiratory symptoms (N = 382) were prospectively studied as a cohort. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 15;19(1):108. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK.

Background: Deprescribing is a partnership between practitioners, patients and caregivers. External characteristics including age, comorbidities and polypharmacy are poor predictors of attitude towards deprescribing. This hospital-based study aimed to describe the desire of patients and caregivers to be involved in medicine decision-making, and identify attitudinal predictors of desire to try stopping a medicine. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 16;19(1):110. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

Clinical Research Group for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Carretera Torrebonica, S/N, 08227, Terrassa, Spain.

Background: The main objective of this research was to evaluate the acceptance of technology based on a wearable lifelogging camera in a sample of older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: A mixed-method design was used, consisting of a self-report questionnaire, numerous images taken by users, and a series of focus group discussions. The patients were involved in an individualized training programme. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 15;19(1):107. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

Academic Unit of Elderly Care and Rehabilitation, Bradford Institute for Health Research Temple Bank House, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD96RJ, UK.

Background: Delirium occurs commonly in older adults and is associated with adverse outcomes. Multicentre clinical trials evaluating interventions to prevent delirium are needed. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a validated instrument for delirium detection. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 16;19(1):109. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

NIHR CLAHRC Older People's Theme Academic Unit of Elderly Care and Rehabilitation, University of Leeds, Bradford Institute for Health Research, Temple Bank House, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK.

Background: An electronic frailty index (eFI) has been developed and validated in the UK; it uses data from primary care electronic medical records (EMR) for effective frailty case-finding in primary care. This project examined the convergent validity of the eFI from Canadian primary care EMR data with a validated frailty index based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (FI-CGA), in order to understand its potential use in the Canadian context.

Methods: A cross-sectional validation study, using data from an integrated primary care research program for seniors living with frailty in Edmonton, AB. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 15;19(1):104. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #7 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100021, China.

Background: Oxidative stress is an important theory of aging but population-based evidence has been lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between biomarkers of oxidative stress, including plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA), with all-cause mortality in older adults.

Methods: This is a community-based cohort study of 2224 participants (women:1227, median age: 86 years). Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 15;19(1):105. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Background: In geriatric and long-term care settings, intertrigo seems to be common, but generalizable epidemiological estimates are lacking. Aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of intertrigo in aged nursing home residents and to identify possible relationships with demographic and health characteristics.

Methods: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted between September 2014 and May 2015 in a random sample of ten institutional long-term care facilities in Berlin, Germany. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 15;19(1):106. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

Universidad Andres Bello, Faculty of Nursing, Sazié 2212, Santiago, Chile.

Background: The needs of people with dementia (PWD) have not been assessed in any Latin American country. Several European countries have already related unmet needs with quality of life, caregiver's age, burden, stress, anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to identify met and unmet needs in Chilean older adults with dementia and to determine if those needs were associated with PWD's, their informal caregivers' and social factors. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 11;19(1):102. Epub 2019 Apr 11.

Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03772, Republic of Korea.

Background: Many studies have investigated the association between vitamin D and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, few studies have investigated the association stratified by sex in the elderly. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between vitamin D, MetS, and its components in Korean elderly men and women. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 11;19(1):103. Epub 2019 Apr 11.

Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, 1 Church Street, Suite 200, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.

Background: Availability of nursing home care has declined and national efforts have been initiated to improve the quality of nursing home care in the U.S. Yet, data are limited on whether there are geographic variations in declines of availability and quality of nursing home care, and whether variations persist over time. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 11;19(1):101. Epub 2019 Apr 11.

Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Baleares Health Services-IbSalut, Palma, Spain.

Background: Previous observational studies and clinical trials have shown that cholinesterase inhibitors (with or without memantine) provide benefit for patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. However, the impact of treatment continuation after progression to severe disease is unknown. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect and safety of continuing treatment with ChEIs (with or without memantine) for patients with severe dementia. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 8;19(1):100. Epub 2019 Apr 8.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Background: Many adults are living longer with health conditions in the United States. Understanding the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for such health conditions may help to inform healthcare providers and their patients, guide health interventions, reduce healthcare costs, improve quality of life, and increase longevity for aging Americans. The purpose of this study was to determine the burden of 10 health conditions for a nationally-representative sample of adults aged 50 years and older in the United States. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 5;19(1):99. Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Background: Bed rest for older hospitalized patients places them at risk for hospital-acquired morbidity. We previously evaluated an early mobilization intervention and found it to be effective at improving mobilization rates and decreasing length of stay on internal medicine units. The aim of this study was to conduct a replication study evaluating the impact of the evidence-informed mobilization intervention on surgery, psychiatry, medicine, and cardiology inpatient units. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 4;19(1):98. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

Samson Institute for Ageing Research, University of Cape Town, 234 Upper Buitenkant St, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.

Background: As older people age, they have different health needs compared to younger people. South African elder care policy places a strong emphasis on ageing in community rather than institutional settings, but the primary healthcare system is not geared to address the health needs of older people living in community settings.

Methods: This paper presents findings of nine focus groups conducted with community-dwelling older adults in three areas (high, medium and low-income) in Cape Town, South Africa over 2 months in 2017. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 2;19(1):96. Epub 2019 Apr 2.

Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Biopôle 2, SV-A, Bio2-00-161, Route de la Corniche 10, 1010, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is a subjective and dynamic concept resulting from an interplay between importance of and satisfaction with different aspects of life. However, it is unclear whether social contexts experienced by individuals born at specific times in history (cohort effects) may influence QoL in old age. This study aimed to compare among older persons born before, during, and at the end of World War II: a) satisfaction with QoL, overall and per domains; b) importance of QoL domains. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Apr 2;19(1):97. Epub 2019 Apr 2.

The Samson Institute For Ageing Research, Highlands House, 234 Upper Buitenkant Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa.

Background: There is lack of adequate training and policy support for employed care workers (CWs) employed in the South African (SA) older persons' sector. Existing literature neglects the influence of training and policy support on CWs' experiences in long-term care (LTC) for older adults in residential care facilities (RCFs). We investigated the ways in which CWs' experiences are rooted in the lack of adequate training and policy support. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 29;19(1):95. Epub 2019 Mar 29.

School of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.

Background: As older patients' health care needs become more complex, they often experience challenges with managing medications across transitions of care. Families play a major role in older patients' lives. To date, there has been no review of the role of families in older people's medication management at transitions of care. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 27;19(1):94. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.

Background: Core outcome sets (COS) prioritise outcomes based on their importance to key stakeholders, reduce reporting bias and increase comparability across studies. The first phase of a COS study is to form a 'long-list' of outcomes. Key stakeholders then decide on their importance. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 25;19(1):91. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 123, Ta Pei Road, Niao Sung Hsiang, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Background: The elderly, and especially those with an immuno-compromised status, are vulnerable to infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) in elderly patients in Taiwan.

Methods: Ninety-nine adult patients with CM were identified during a 15-year study period (2002-2016), of whom 38 elderly (≥ 65 years) patients (16 men and 22 women, median age 72. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 25;19(1):92. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics/LASA, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers location VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Background: Decreased physical function is known to raise mortality risk. Little is known about how different physical function measures compare in predicting mortality risk in older men and women. The objective of this study was to compare four, objective and self-reported, physical function measures in predicting 15-year mortality risk in older men and women. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 25;19(1):93. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Background: Hip fractures are a common injury in older people. Many studies worldwide have identified various risk factors for hip fracture. However, risk factors for hip fracture have not been studied extensively in New Zealand. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 22;19(1):90. Epub 2019 Mar 22.

Clinical and Molecular Osteoporosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Orthopedics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.

Background: Detection of high-risk individuals for fractures are needed. This study assessed whether level of physical activity (PA) and a musculoskeletal composite score could be used as fracture predictive tools, and if the score could predict fractures better than areal bone mineral density (aBMD).

Methods: MrOs Sweden is a prospective population-based observational study that at baseline included 3014 men aged 69-81 years. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 21;19(1):89. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Alameda dos Jurupis 777, apartment 242, Sao Paulo, CEP 04088001, Brazil.

Background: The study objectives were to identify the main predictive factors for long hospital stays and to propose new and improved methods of risk assessment.

Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in the clinics and surgical wards of a tertiary hospital and involved 523 elderly patients over 60 years of age. Demographic, clinical, functional, and cognitive characteristics assessed between 48 and 72 h after admission were analyzed to investigate correlations with lengths of stay greater than 10 days. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 21;19(1):88. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Food Science and Human Nutrition Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.

Background: Frailty is a clinical condition among older adults defined as the loss of resources in one or more domains (i.e., physical, psychological and social domains) of individual functioning. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 20;19(1):87. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Department of Surgery, Amphia Hospital, P.O. Box 90518, 4800 RK, Breda, The Netherlands.

Background: Due to the increase in elderly patients who undergo major abdominal surgery there is a subsequent increase in postoperative complications, prolonged hospital stays, health-care costs and mortality rates. Delirium is a frequent and severe complication in the 'frail' elderly patient. Different preoperative approaches have been suggested to decrease incidence of delirium by improving patients' baseline health. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 18;19(1):86. Epub 2019 Mar 18.

Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Madrid, Spain.

Background: Dozens of scales and questionnaires have been used in the detection of frailty; however, a generalized method for its screening and diagnosis is still lacking in clinical settings. FRAILTOOLS´ main objective is to evaluate the usefulness of frailty scales in the detection of frailty in different clinical and social settings, and its integration in management algorithms for the frail older patient.

Methods: FRAILTOOLS is an observational, longitudinal and prospective study with a follow-up of 6, 12 and 18 months. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 15;19(1):85. Epub 2019 Mar 15.

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.

Background: Ghana is experiencing an epidemiological shift in public health issues toward non-communicable diseases that are underpinned by modifiable health behaviors. Physical activity rates have decreased, especially among older adults, coinciding with urbanization and an increase in sedentary work. Community-based physical activity programs are a recommended method of increasing physical activity levels; however, none currently exist in Ghana. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 15;19(1):84. Epub 2019 Mar 15.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Background: Medical Visit Companions (MVCs) are encouraged for older adults' routine medical encounters. Little data exist on the experiences and contributions of non-spouse companions for the growing population of older adults without a living spouse.

Methods: We conducted six focus groups with forty non-spouse MVCs identified through churches in Baltimore, Maryland. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 12;19(1):79. Epub 2019 Mar 12.

School of Health and Sports Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia.

Background: Anaemia in hip fracture patients has been associated with increased risk of allogenic blood transfusion (ABT), poorer functional outcomes and increased mortality. Few studies have reported the prevalence of anaemia on admission or its progression prior to surgery in this cohort. We aimed to measure the prevalence of anaemia on admission in older persons who sustain a hip fracture, identify if anaemia develops or progresses prior to surgery, and to report associations with outcome. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 14;19(1):83. Epub 2019 Mar 14.

Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.

Background: Abnormalities in the feet and toenails are common among the elderly and may increase the risk of falls. This study aimed to investigate the changes in toe-gap force, knee-gap force, foot pressure distribution, the ability to perform activities of daily living, subjects' feelings and behaviors, and physical function resulting from daily lifestyle modification and foot care.

Methods: The study participants included 74 elderly adults (mean age 80. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 12;19(1):78. Epub 2019 Mar 12.

Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.

Background: Several outcome measures can be utilised to measure social participation and Quality of Life (QoL) in research and clinical practice. However there have been few large-scale trials of these tools in community care to identify their value to clients and providers. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the Australian Community Participation Questionnaire (ACPQ) and the ICEpop CAPability measure for Older people (ICECAP-O) as tools to measure social participation and QoL for clients receiving community aged care services. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 13;19(1):80. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH; profound falls in blood pressure when upright) is a common deficit that increases in incidence with age, and may be associated with falling risk. Deficit accumulation results in frailty, regarded as enhanced vulnerability to adverse outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between OH, frailty, falling and mortality in elderly care home residents. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 13;19(1):81. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, HCP, Leopold-Ruzicka-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.

Background: Older adults often suffer from age- and behavior-related brain changes affecting neuronal functioning and, therefore, cognitive and motor functions. The improvement of these functions might decrease falls and improve mobility. Previous studies indicate that video game-based physical exercise, so-called exergames, or omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) improve motor and cognitive functioning through brain adaptations. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 13;19(1):82. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Center for Health Economics Research Hannover (CHERH), Leibniz University Hannover, Otto-Brenner-Straße 1, 30159, Hannover, Germany.

Background: Informal caregivers are an essential pillar for ensuring and maintaining the outpatient care of the frail elderly. Due to demographic changes, including an increase in the number of people in need of care as well as changing social structures (full-time employment of women, increasing number of single households, etc.) these informal care structures are fraught by considerable challenges. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 7;19(1):77. Epub 2019 Mar 7.

Molecular Epidemiology Research Group, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany.

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an established cardiovascular risk factor. Here, we investigated its role in cognitive impairment.

Methods: Baseline data from 202 participants (aged 65 to 87 years) of the BioCog study were used. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 7;19(1):76. Epub 2019 Mar 7.

Division of Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Box 4404 Nydalen, 0130, Oslo, Norway.

Background: Many home-dwelling elderly use medical compression stockings to prevent venous insufficiency, deep venous thrombosis, painful legs and leg ulcers. Assisting users with applying and removing compression stockings demands resources from the home based health services, but the effects are uncertain. This systematic review aims to summarize the effects of preventive use of medical compression stockings for patients with chronic venous insufficiency and swollen legs. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 6;19(1):74. Epub 2019 Mar 6.

Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Background: The social structure is changing with an increase in the ratio of the older population, resulting in a growing number of older people being faced with singlehood. This study identified and described single older adults' differing perspectives on new relationships.

Method: We used a Q methodology approach for data collection and analysis, following in-depth interviews with 10 participants. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 6;19(1):75. Epub 2019 Mar 6.

Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, NTNU, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.

Background: To explore informal caregivers' perspectives and perceived needs related to health care services/activities for older adults with dementia, in order to understand barriers and facilitators to participation. The study represents a first step, and explores challenges to overcome, in order to design new activities and services adapted to older adults with dementia.

Methods: We used a qualitative approach where eight caregivers of people with a dementia diagnosis were included. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 7;19(1):69. Epub 2019 Mar 7.

Health Services Research & Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Japan, 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.

Background: The occurrence of multimorbidity (i.e., the coexistence of multiple chronic diseases) increases with age in older adults and is a growing concern worldwide. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 5;19(1):70. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

Chair and Department of Palliative Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Hospicjum Palium, os. Rusa 55, 61-245, Poznan, Poland.

Background: Numerous medications should be avoided, or require dose adjustment in subjects with impaired kidney function. We aimed to assess the prevalence of potentially inappropriate use of renal risk drugs in a nation-wide, community-dwelling Polish older adult population.

Methods: We analysed regular intake of 38 medications that should be avoided, requiring dose modification, increase the risk of pre-renal kidney injury, or may cause potassium retention in subjects with moderately to severely impaired renal function in the PolSenior data base (N = 4514, mean age 76 ± 11 yrs). Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 5;19(1):72. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

The GeroCenter Foundation for Aging Research and Development, Jyväskylä, Finland.

Background: The rapid increase in the number of elderly family caregivers underlines the need for new support systems. Internet-delivered psychological interventions are a potential approach, as they are easy to access for family caregivers who are often homebound with their care recipient. This study examines the relative effectiveness of an internet-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention or a standardized institutional rehabilitation program, first, in reducing depressive symptoms, and second, in improving the well-being and quality of life of elderly family caregivers compared to a control group receiving support from voluntary family caregiver associations. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 5;19(1):73. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/OEAW, WU), International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), 2361, Laxenburg, Austria.

Background: In this study, we analyzed elderly people in Thailand to identify the validity of suggested cutoff points of physical measures, handgrip strength, usual walking speed, and a composite score of both measures to predict functional limitations. Moreover, we examined whether these physical performance measures are accurate indicators of the investigated health outcomes.

Methods: Using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis, we investigated a sample of 8272 respondents aged 60 to 79 years. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 5;19(1):71. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

The MOH Key laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, No.1 Dahua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.

Background: Body posture is a fundamental indicator for assessing health and quality of life, especially for elderly people. Deciphering the changes in body posture occurring with age is a current topic in the field of geriatrics. The aims of this study were to assess the parameters of standing body posture in the global sagittal plane and to determine the dynamics of changes in standing body posture occurring with age and differences between men and women. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 4;19(1):63. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Crt. Torrequebradilla s/n. 23071, Jaen, Jaen, Spain.

Background: Care for people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias should be based on up-to-date clinical practice guidelines. The education and training of nurses and other healthcare staff in dementia is a key factor in providing quality care. Knowledge of Alzheimer's disease can be measured through questionnaires. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 4;19(1):64. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Center for Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Lehenerstraße 88, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.

Background: Multimorbid older adults suffering from a long-term health condition like depression, diabetes mellitus type 2, dementia or frailty are at high risk of losing their autonomy. Disability and multimorbidity in the older population are associated with social inequality and lead to soaring costs. Our local, collaborative, stepped and personalised care management for older people with chronic diseases (LoChro-Care) aims at improving outcomes for older multimorbid patients with chronic conditions whose social and medical care must be improved. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 4;19(1):67. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, n°1715, Belo Horizonte, 30190-002, Brazil.

Background: Research on discrimination and health focused on older adults has been scarce, comparatively with younger and middle-aged adults. Considering where people live matters, accurate measures of perceived discrimination might consider how the place of residence interferes on discriminatory experiences. This study aimed to assess the association between perceived discrimination and urban/rural place of residence among a representative sample of older adults in Brazil. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 4;19(1):66. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.

Background: Giving up driving is a pivotal life event and universal challenge for people living with dementia and their families, and a complex area of clinical practice for health professionals who monitor driving cessation. The best outcomes are for individuals to plan for and eventually cease driving, however with insufficient support programs in place, many avoid the issue until it is reaches a crisis point. This program of research investigates a comprehensive support- and education-based intervention targeted at people living with dementia and their care partners who are managing driving cessation. Read More

BMC Geriatr 2019 Mar 4;19(1):68. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

School of Public Health, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia.

Background: A telephone intervention for caregivers of older people discharged from hospital was shown to improve preparedness to care, reduce caregiver strain and caregiver distress. No cost-effectiveness analysis has been published on this, or similar interventions. The study aims addressed here were to examine whether positive outcomes for caregivers resulting from the Further Enabling Care at Home (FECH) program changed the use and costs of health services by patients; and to assess cost-effectiveness. Read More