Geriatrics/Aging
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Novel Program Decreases Transport to ED for Hospice Patients
Ventura County, CA, paramedics underwent 30 hours of training on crisis counseling, grief, and palliative care. When EMS responded to a 911 call and determined a patient was in hospice, they contacted trained staff. During a three-year study period, the percentage of hospice patients transported to the ED was 36% in the first year, 33% in the second year, and 24% in the third year. This was compared to 80% of hospice patients transported, on average, during the six months before project implementation.
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THC-Related Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Older Adults
Using cannabis-based medicine often exposes patients to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is associated with psychotic symptoms. THC also can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and thinking or perception disorder in older adults.
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Shortness of Breath in Older Adults Is Challenging Diagnosis in ED
Older adults might present with atypical symptoms, such as “just not feeling right.” Some experience a decreased sensation of dyspnea itself, so they do not even report feeling short of breath. Older patients also may present with various comorbid conditions that are causing shortness of breath, such as congestive heart failure or COPD. This can lead to misdiagnosis.
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Ticagrelor in the Elderly: More Potent Platelet Inhibition Not Always Better
In a study of 14,000 elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, treatment with ticagrelor was associated with higher risks of bleeding and all-cause death vs. clopidogrel.
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Falls Prevention Awareness Week:
Is Your Facility Prepared?Read on for more information leaders and caregivers need to keep patients safe.
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Screen Patients for Frailty, a Major Risk Factor for Death and Complications
Surgeons may be seeing patients who are frail, but those patients may not be recognized as such. Engage in nuanced discussions and shared decision-making with patients. Include information about how even a small operation could lead to death.
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Research Reveals Real-World Challenges of Preventing Falls
It seems even individually tailored plans contain blind spots.
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Advocates: Long-Term Facilities Remain Hot Spots for COVID-19
Persistent personal protective equipment and testing shortages exacerbate problems.
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Estrogen Replacement: Is Long Duration of Therapy Good for the Brain?
Longer lifetime exposure to endogenous estrogen and menopausal estrogen replacement were associated with better cognitive status in older adult women.
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Osteoporosis Review
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder in which bone density and quality are reduced. Patients experience loss of bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue, and a decline in bone quality, which leads to increased bone fragility and a higher risk of fractures. It is imperative that primary care providers address this challenge by implementing practices to screen patients for onset of osteoporosis to prevent and/or treat the disorder.