Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Geriatrics for July 2011. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Cementless Implants Tied to Improved Hip Implant Survival
FRIDAY, July 29 (HealthDay News) -- Total hip arthroplasty performed with cementless implants is associated with improved implant survival rates compared to its cemented counterpart, according to a study published in the July 20 issue of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Increase in Gout Prevalence From 1988 to 2008
THURSDAY, July 28 (HealthDay News) -- The prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia in the United States is considerable and has increased over the past two decades, according to a study published online July 28 in Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Vascular Changes Contribute to Dementia in Older People
WEDNESDAY, July 27 (HealthDay News) -- Vascular changes contribute to age-related vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and dementia, according to a new American Heart Association/American Stroke Association scientific statement published online July 21 in Stroke.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Medicare Part D Tied to Lower Nondrug Medical Spending
TUESDAY, July 26 (HealthDay News) -- Implementation of Medicare Part D has significantly reduced the nondrug medical spending for Medicare beneficiaries with limited prior drug coverage, according to a study published in the July 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Optimism Linked to Reduced Risk of Stroke in Older Adults
TUESDAY, July 26 (HealthDay News) -- Increased optimism is associated with a decreased risk of stroke in older adults, even after adjusting for sociodemographic, behavioral, biological, and psychological stroke risk factors, according to a study published online July 21 in Stroke.
Abstract
Full Text
Azacitidine Treatment Effective in Previously Untreated AML
MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- Azacitidine may be an effective treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in elderly patients, especially those who have not undergone any previous treatments and those with a white blood cell (WBC) count of <10 × 109/L, according to a study published online July 14 in Cancer.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Skin Self-Exam Increases Transiently With DVD Use
FRIDAY, July 22 (HealthDay News) -- Targeted interventions increase the proportion of men 50 years and older conducting skin self-examination (SSE), but additional DVD or video-based intervention shows no benefit over written material at 13 months, according to a study published in the July issue of the Archives of Dermatology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
FDA: Dronedarone Tied to Cardiovascular Events, Death
FRIDAY, July 22 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has notified health care professionals and patients that dronedarone (Multaq) may be associated with an increased risk of death and adverse cardiovascular events, including stroke and hospitalization for heart failure.
More Information
Being Married Linked to Earlier Care After Chest Pain
FRIDAY, July 22 (HealthDay News) -- Though married status is associated with lower odds of delayed medical care after chest pain, married men are significantly more likely to present earlier for care after myocardial infarction (MI) with chest pain, but married women show no such benefit, according to a study published online July 18 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text
FDA: Possible Bisphosphonate-Esophageal CA Link Reviewed
FRIDAY, July 22 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has notified health care professionals and patients that the use of oral bisphosphonates does not appear to increase the risk of esophageal cancer, with the agency currently not recommending endoscopic screening of asymptomatic patients.
More Information
CDC: Severe Hearing Loss in Military Veterans Studied
THURSDAY, July 21 (HealthDay News) -- The prevalence of severe hearing impairment (SHI) among veterans appears to be higher than among nonveterans, according to a report in the July 22 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Full Text
Medical Students Support Right to Conscientious Objection
THURSDAY, July 21 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly half of medical students in the United Kingdom, especially Muslims, believe in the right of doctors to conscientiously object to or refuse any procedure, according to a study published online July 18 in the Journal of Medical Ethics.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Milk, Soy Protein Intake Tied to Reduced Systolic BP
WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- Soy and milk protein intake is associated with reduced systolic blood pressure (BP) in patients with prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension, according to a study published online July 18 in Circulation.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Stopping Low Dose Aspirin Ups Cardiac Risk
WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- Discontinuation of low dose aspirin among patients with a history of cardiovascular disease appears to increase the risk for heart attack, according to a study published online July 19 in BMJ.
Abstract
Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Physical Activity Tied to Reduced Cognitive Decline Risk
WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- Regular physical activity reduces the rate of cognitive decline in older women with vascular disease or risk factors; and greater activity energy expenditure (AEE) reduces the incidence of cognitive impairment in older adults, according to two studies published online July 19 in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Abstract - Vercambre
Full Text
Abstract - Middleton
Full Text
Editorial
FDA Approves Vaccine for 2011/2012 Influenza Season
TUESDAY, July 19 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that the agency has approved the influenza vaccine formulation for the 2011/2012 influenza season; this formulation will be used by the six manufacturers licensed to manufacture and distribute the vaccine in the United States.
More Information
Increased Mortality for Isolated Rural Patients With COPD
TUESDAY, July 19 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) living in isolated rural areas have increased mortality from COPD exacerbations compared to those living in urban areas, according to a study published in the July 19 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Antidepressants Found Lacking for Seniors With Dementia
TUESDAY, July 19 (HealthDay News) -- Seniors with dementia who are prescribed antidepressants may not reap any benefit from the medication, but they do experience some adverse effects, according to research published online July 18 in The Lancet.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Children Safer in Car Crashes When Grandparents Driving
MONDAY, July 18 (HealthDay News) -- Children have a reduced risk of injury in crashes with grandparents as drivers than with parents, despite less optimal use of child restraint in grandparent-driver crashes, according to a study published online July 18 in Pediatrics.
Abstract
Full Text
Statin Therapy Does Not Up Cancer Risk in Older Adults
MONDAY, July 18 (HealthDay News) -- Statin therapy is not associated with a significant increase in cancer risk in older U.S. adults, according to a study published in the July 26 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Safety Concern for Chronic NSAID Users With HTN, CAD
MONDAY, July 18 (HealthDay News) -- Chronic, self-reported use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with an increased risk of adverse events in patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease, according to a study published in the July issue of The American Journal of Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text
Evidence Supports Modifying Dietary Fat to Lower CV Risk
MONDAY, July 18 (HealthDay News) -- Modification of dietary fat intake, but not the reduction of total fat, is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular events, according to a meta-analysis published in the July issue of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
A-Fib Ups Risk of Upper-Limb Thromboembolectomy
MONDAY, July 18 (HealthDay News) -- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of upper-limb thromboembolectomy, according to a study published online July 7 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Clopidogrel, PPIs Linked to MI Risk After PCI
FRIDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- In high-risk cardiovascular patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), concomitant use of clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with an increased risk of cardiac events, specifically myocardial infarction (MI), according to a study published online July 5 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
BMI Changes Predictive of Bilateral Knee Pain in Women
FRIDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Changes in body mass index (BMI) are associated with year 15 (Y15) bilateral knee pain in women irrespective of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (RKOA) status, according to a study published online July 7 in Arthritis Care & Research.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Vascular Disease Tied to Higher Stroke or Death Risk in A-Fib
THURSDAY, July 14 (HealthDay News) -- The presence of a vascular disease, either peripheral artery disease (PAD) or prior myocardial infarction (MI), or both, is associated with increased risk of stroke or death in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), independent of Cardiac failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes, Stroke (doubled) (CHADS2) risk score, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Faster Movement in Response to Moving Target in Parkinson's
THURSDAY, July 14 (HealthDay News) -- In both virtual reality (VR) and physical reality, patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) reach more slowly for stationary objects than controls, but have movement speeds similar to controls for moving targets, according to a study published online July 1 in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Age-Associated Health Decline Risk Factor for Alzheimer's
THURSDAY, July 14 (HealthDay News) -- A frailty index of 19 deficits not previously reported to predict dementia is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), according to a study published online July 13 in Neurology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Unhealthy Lifestyle Factors Linked to Sexual Problems
THURSDAY, July 14 (HealthDay News) -- Unhealthy lifestyle factors are associated with sexual inactivity with a partner in sexually active men and women, with sexual dysfunction significantly more likely in men, according to a study published online May 13 in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Many Americans Lack Access to Oral Health Care Services
WEDNESDAY, July 13 (HealthDay News) -- Many Americans are not receiving necessary oral health care services due to barriers that hinder their access to dental care, according to a report by the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council published online July 13.
More Information
Half of Parkinson's Patients With Psychosis Use Antipsychotics
WEDNESDAY, July 13 (HealthDay News) -- The overall use of antipsychotics in Parkinson's disease (PD) remained unchanged from the 2002 fiscal year (FY) to the 2008 FY, with 50 percent of patients with PD and psychosis (PDP) prescribed an antipsychotic in routine clinical care in the 2008 FY, according to a study published in the July issue of the Archives of Neurology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
PET Detection of Amyloid Levels Equal to Immunohistochemistry
TUESDAY, July 12 (HealthDay News) -- Detection of amyloid levels by positron emission tomography (PET), measuring fluorine 18-labeled flutemetamol (florbetapir) uptake by the brain cortex, is in concordance with immunohistochemical estimation; and the florbetapir-PET standard uptake value ratios (SUVRs) help characterize amyloid levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to two studies published online July 11 in the Archives of Neurology.
Abstract - Wolk
Full Text
Abstract - Fleisher
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Mobile Sensor Device Effectively Monitors Sociability
TUESDAY, July 12 (HealthDay News) -- Sociability and physical activity data from mobile-sensor devices in older adults correlate well with data from traditional questionnaires, according to a study published in the July/August issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text
Editorial
Boostrix OK'd to Prevent Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis in Seniors
MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Approval for the Boostrix vaccine has been expanded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) in people 65 and older, the agency said in a news release.
this approval
Satisfaction With Life Linked to Reduced Heart Disease
MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Satisfaction across specific life domains, particularly one's job, family, sex life, and self, is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), with the association primarily mediated by angina, according to a study published online July 4 in the European Heart Journal.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Lower Salt Does Not Reduce Mortality, CV Morbidity
MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Reduced dietary salt intake has no clear effect on mortality or cardiovascular morbidity in populations with normal or high blood pressure, but it is suggested to increase the risk of all-cause death in those with congestive heart failure, according to a review published in the July issue of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Socioeconomic Status Affects Systolic Blood Pressure
FRIDAY, July 8 (HealthDay News) -- Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), and the associations are mediated by increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, and higher resting heart rate, according to a study published online July 5 in Hypertension.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Combination Therapy for A-Fib Increases Bleeding Risk
FRIDAY, July 8 (HealthDay News) -- Combination antithrombotic therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of bleeding and no reduction in the risk of stroke, according to a study published in the July issue of Chest.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Vitamin D3 Tied to Decrease in Mortality
FRIDAY, July 8 (HealthDay News) -- Vitamin D3, but not other forms of vitamin D, is associated with reduced overall mortality, according to a review published in the July issue of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Multiple Drug Use Common in Geriatric Cancer Patients
THURSDAY, July 7 (HealthDay News) -- Polypharmacy is a worldwide problem in elderly cancer patients, and health care providers need to take measures to avoid it, according to a review published online July 7 in The Lancet Oncology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Dignity Therapy Benefits Terminally Ill Patients
THURSDAY, July 7 (HealthDay News) -- Terminally ill patients find dignity therapy helpful in alleviating secondary outcomes of distress, according to a study published online July 7 in The Lancet Oncology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
CRC Mortality Rates Vary Significantly Between States
THURSDAY, July 7 (HealthDay News) -- There has been a significant decrease in colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality rates across all states in the United States, except Mississippi, between 1990 and 2007, with northeastern states showing the maximum decreases and the southern states showing the least, according to a study published in the July issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
NSAIDs, COX-2 Inhibitors Tied to Increased Risk of A-Fib
THURSDAY, July 7 (HealthDay News) -- Use of non-aspirin, non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or selective cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 inhibitors is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter, according to a study published online July 4 in BMJ.
Abstract
Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Sedentary Lifestyle Tied to Pulmonary Embolism Risk
WEDNESDAY, July 6 (HealthDay News) -- A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of incident pulmonary embolism in women, according to a study published online July 4 in BMJ.
Abstract
Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Low-Risk Lifestyle Linked to Lower SCD Risk Among Women
WEDNESDAY, July 6 (HealthDay News) -- Conforming to a low-risk lifestyle is associated with a decreased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in women, according to a study published in the July 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Stroke Burden Shows Substantial Global Variation
WEDNESDAY, July 6 (HealthDay News) -- Stroke burden shows substantial global variation compared to ischemic heart disease (IHD), with countries with lower national income having disproportionately higher stroke death and disease burden than IHD, according to a study published online July 5 in Circulation.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
CDC: Colorectal Cancer Screening Increasing
TUESDAY, July 5 (HealthDay News) -- Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates have increased in the United States in recent years and CRC incidence and mortality have fallen, though many people are still not receiving the recommended screening, according to a report published in the July 5 early-release issue of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Full Text
Aspirin As Primary Prevention Strategy Investigated
FRIDAY, July 1 (HealthDay News) -- Aspirin may prevent the risk of total cardiovascular (CV) events and nonfatal myocardial infarctions (MI), but it does not significantly reduce the risk of stroke, CV mortality, all-cause mortality, or total coronary heart disease, according to a meta-analysis published in the June 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Older Breast Cancer Patients Likely to Die of Heart Disease
FRIDAY, July 1 (HealthDay News) -- Older women diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to die from comorbid conditions, especially cardiovascular disease (CVD), rather than from breast cancer, according to a study published online June 20 in Breast Cancer Research.
Abstract
Full Text
Comorbidities Negatively Affect Breast Cancer Survival
FRIDAY, July 1 (HealthDay News) -- The presence of comorbidities among older patients with early breast cancer is associated with either similar or worse overall survival than that of patients at a later stage of cancer with no comorbidities, according to a study published online June 30 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial
Around One in 10 Computerized Prescriptions Contains Errors
FRIDAY, July 1 (HealthDay News) -- Approximately one in 10 computerized outpatient prescriptions contains errors, a third of which are potential adverse drug events, according to a study published online June 29 in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
