scholarly journals Infections and the elderly

2003 ◽  
Vol 56 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 243-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jovan Vukadinov ◽  
Sinisa Sevic ◽  
Grozdana Canak ◽  
Nadezda Madle-Samardzija ◽  
Vesna Turkulov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis ◽  
Immunization Rates ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Health Care Associated Infections

Epidemiology Aging is a natural process and a part of our lives, but nowadays there is an increase in the number of persons aged 65 and over. Today infectious diseases are still responsible for one-third of all deaths in the world. The elderly population is most vulnerable to serious infections and at greatest risk for death and complications. Among geriatric population pneumonia and influenza are the fourth most common cause of death Vaccination One of the goals of preventive medicine is to reduce the rate of complications and mortality from infectious diseases by increasing immunization rates. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are indicated for persons aged 65 and over. Despite well-recognized benefit of such vaccination, less than 50% of eligible patients receive the vaccine each year. Infections Older persons generally have increased susceptibility to infections because of multiple risk factors and they are the most vulnerable population to nosocomial and health-care associated infections. Older persons may manifest infectious diseases atypically, with acute confusion or delirium which can lead into delay in diagnosis and therapy. It is important to know that the older present with delayed or poor response to antimicrobial therapy and high rates of adverse reactions to drugs, including antibiotics Conclusion As elderly population is rapidly growing, majority of patients with serious or life-threatening infections are old. Geriatric issues have not typically been a focus of training in infectious diseases, but we must become aware of and knowledgeable about special and unique aspects of infections in this population.

Depression and suicidal ideation among the geriatric population of Kashmir, India

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402096859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheikh Shoib ◽  
Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam ◽  
SM Yasir Arafat ◽  
Sohail Ahmad Hakak
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Correlation

Background: Depression is a common disorder that can lead to suicidal behaviours among the geriatric population. Aim: We aimed to assess depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation among the elderly population of Kashmir. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts of Kashmir between June and August 2019. The sample consisted of 200 persons aged >65 years. Beck’s Depression Inventory, Beck’s Hopelessness Scale, and the Beck Suicide Ideation scale were used to determine depression, hopelessness, and suicide ideation. Pearson’s correlation was performed to assess the relationships between depression, hopelessness, and suicide. Results: The prevalence of severe depression with a score of ⩾31 on Beck’s Depression Inventory was 56% among the studied population. Most of these elderly were found to have moderate levels of suicidal ideation (62.5%) and hopelessness (61%). Depression had a positive correlation with suicidal ideation ( r = 0.35). Hopelessness and suicidal intent had a more significant positive correlation ( r = 0.54), as compared to depression and hopelessness ( r = 0.43). Conclusion: More than half of the older persons in Kashmir had depression with superimposed hopelessness which is an important risk factor of suicidal ideation.

Community acquired infections in elderly population

Open Medicine ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-178
Author(s):  
Yasar Kucukardali ◽  
Oral Oncul ◽  
Erdogan Kunter ◽  
Vedat Turhan ◽  
Emrullah Solmazgul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Urinary System ◽  
Central Nervous System Infections ◽  
Wbc Count ◽  
Length Of Hospitalization ◽  
Common Infections

AbstractIn geriatric practice, data regarding infections including the epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality are lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency, location, microbiological and laboratory characteristics of infectious diseases in elderly population admitted to a training hospital. The patients were included total of 330 patients, aged over 65 with infection, seen between January 1, 2005 and January 1, 2006. In the result, of patients 136 (41%) had respiratory system infection, 90 (27%) urinary system infection, 39 (12%) gastrointestinal system infection, 34 (10%) bloodstream infections, 17 (5%) soft tissue infection, 8 (2%) central nervous system infections, and 6 (2%) others. Average length of hospitalization was 8.6±7.7 days. Mortality rate from all causes was 57 (17%). The most common infections in elderly patients were respiratory tract and urinary system infections, and there were no fever, leukocytes and high CRP levels in approximately 1/3 of cases. Infectious diseases may occur even in the absence of such infection indicators as fever, raised WBC count and high CRP level in the elderly population.

scholarly journals Health problems in geriatric population of age group ≥70 years in rural Kerala, India: a cross sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 3486
Author(s):  
Sarin S. M. ◽  
Jayasree A. K.
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Population

Background: The proportion of elderly population is increasing considerably world over. The health and socio-economic issues of this section is to be considered separately and in depth insights about them is needed for formulating elderly friendly health policy. This study intends toidentify the important health concerns of elderly population above the age group of 70 years in a rural area in North Kerala, India.Methods: It is a community based cross-sectional descriptive study involving all individuals above the age group of 70 years in a randomly selected panchayath ward from rural North Kerala. The data regarding demography, socioeconomic aspects, medical history, access to health care and treatment of chronic illnesses were collected through interview of study participants by a trained health care volunteer using a pre-validated questionnaire.Results: A total of 93 individuals above the age group of 70 years were included in the study out of which 63% were females and 37% males. In the study population 55.9% of the elderly were widowed and 87.1 % were staying along with their children. Almost 75% of the elderly received social welfare pension from government agencies and 14.3% received service pensions. 67.74% of the study population were hypertensive and 35.56% were diabetic. Other health issues included arthritis, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, genito urinary symptoms and cerebrovascular accident.Conclusion:  The study provide valuable insights into the health and social issues of elderly in Kerala and points to the importance of formulating an elderly friendly health policy in the state.

scholarly journals Neglected infectious diseases in the geriatrics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abrar Abdulfattah Al Yamani ◽  
Yahya Mohammad Falqi ◽  
Yussif Mohammed Alnawar ◽  
Lama Mohammed Almahrous ◽  
Haitham Ahmed Alwael ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Dengue Infection ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Severe Dengue ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Populations At Risk

Infectious diseases in the elderly population pose a significant threat to their lives. Neglected tropical diseases significantly impact the health of the affected patients and populations at risk. Reports show that many of these disorders are among the highest ten most typical causes of disability-adjusted life years. In the present literature review, we have discussed the most common neglected tropical infections in geriatrics based on data from the current studies in the literature. Different infections can affect the geriatric population. However, evidence shows that this population is susceptible to developing severe disease-related conditions. This has been reported with dengue infection, onchocerciasis, and cholera. It has been demonstrated that ocular lesions and other clinical manifestations are highest among the elderly population with onchocerciasis. Severe dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever are also reported at a high rate in this age group. Concurrent infections and disorders were documented with many of these infections, probably due to reduced immunity. Socioeconomic factors, co-morbidities, access to healthcare settings, environmental factors, sanitation, clustering, and overcrowding contribute to the frequency of neglected tropical diseases in the elderly. Further studies are still needed because the current report is scarce, which might underestimate the current evidence.

Balancing the Efficacy and Tolerability of First-line Treatment in Elderly Myeloma Patients

2010 ◽  
Vol 00 (04) ◽  
pp. 85
Author(s):  
Valeria Magarotto ◽  
Antonio Palumbo ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Standard Drug ◽  
High Dose Dexamethasone ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Choice Of Therapy

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most frequent malignancy of the blood. It is more common among the elderly population, with <28% of patients 65–74 years of age and 37% >75 years of age. Before the introduction of novel agents, melphalan and prednisone (MP) was the best treatment for patients not eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Steroids provide other options but with a higher toxicity, especially in elderly patients. Currently, the association of thalidomide with MP (MPT) represents the gold standard of treatment for patients ineligible for ASCT. Bortezomib and lenalidomide associated with MP provided effective and safe alternatives. High-dose dexamethasone combined with the new drugs is effective, but very toxic for elderly patients. Trials that combine low-dose dexamethasone with thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib plus other agents such as doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide are ongoing. The role of transplantation is controversial in myeloma patients >65 years of age because elderly patients are fragile and the choice of therapy must take into account the likelihood of co-morbidities. Reducing the dose of the standard drug – eventually prolonging the duration of the treatment and administering prophylaxis – allows effective treatment of MM, without important or life-threatening toxicities.

scholarly journals 556 - The Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on elderly’s mental health

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 96-97
Author(s):  
Sofia Ramos Ferreira ◽  
Daniela Pereira ◽  
Horácio Firmino
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Health ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Background:Since the disease caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, countries around the globe adopted measures of social distancing to limit the spread of the virus. Although social distancingmeasures are essential preventive mechanisms, they can promote feelings of loneliness and influence the onset or exacerbation of psychiatric disorders. Current knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health - and in particular on mental health of the geriatric population - is still scarce.Research Objective:The present review aimed to analyze the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the elderly´s mental health and to suggest measures that can mitigate this impact.Method:A non-systematic review of the literature, through bibliographic research in Pubmed and Embase databases - using the keywords “COVID-19", “SARS-CoV-2", “Coronavirus”, “Aging”, “Older adults”, “Elderly”, “Quarantine” and “Mental health” -was performed.Preliminary results of the ongoing study:The available literature points towards a likely increase in mental disorders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This phenomena may be particularly relevant in the elderly population. Several measures – pharmacological and non-pharmacological – can help to maintain the physical and mental health of the elderly.Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic had an important impact in elderly’s mental health. This subject should be addressed by profissionals/caregivers and measures tominimize negative consequences are in order.

scholarly journals Drug Delirium Scale (DDS): A Tool to Evaluate Drugs as a Risk Factor for Delirium

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (06) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Patrick Viet-Quoc ◽  
Pelletier Lucie ◽  
Payot Isabelle ◽  
Latour Judith
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
Expert Panel ◽  
Anticholinergic Drug ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Stopp Criteria ◽  
The Mean

Objectives: To design the Drug Delirium Scale (DDS), an evaluation tool to assess the drug burden in delirium in the elderly population. Design: We proceeded with a systematic literature review through database and grey literature. The records were examined by two independent reviewers using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from the selected studies was extracted and a summary chart was written for each drug. Drugs in anticholinergic drug scales, Beers and STOPP criteria for anticholinergic of cognitive impairment effects were also included for evaluation. These summaries were submitted to the geriatric expert panel composed of two geriatric physicians and two geriatric pharmacists. The panel chose each drug included in the DDS list and their rank. Results: 981 records were identified and 149 met inclusion criteria. The expert panel evaluated 265 drugs and selected 96 drugs for the DDS scale. The mean interrater reliability score was of 0,634 [CI: 0,441; 0,791]. Conclusion: The Delirium Drug Scale (DDS) is the first evaluation tool to assess the risk of delirium derived from drugs used in the elderly population. It was designed using a sound methodological process. The DDS must now be tested in the geriatric population to validate its predictive value for delirium.

scholarly journals Traumatic spine injuries in the geriatric population

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. E16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Jabbour ◽  
Michael Fehlings ◽  
Alexander R. Vaccaro ◽  
James S. Harrop
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Spine Trauma ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Treatment Algorithms ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Spine Injuries

In this paper the authors review spine trauma and spinal cord injury (SCI) in the geriatric population. The information in this study was compiled through a literature review of clinical presentation and management of SCI in the elderly population. This was done to define, identify, and specify treatment algorithms and management strategies in this unique patient population.

scholarly journals A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF DIGITAL INTERVENTIONS ADDRESSING MENTAL DISORDERS AMONG THE ELDERLY POPULATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S513-S514
Author(s):  
Md Mahbub Hossain ◽  
Samia Tasnim ◽  
Abida Sultana ◽  
Nishat Tasnim Hasan ◽  
Hoimonty Mazumder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Background: Many studies have reported the widespread application of digital technologies in improving mental health. However, little is known about how these technological advancements can help the geriatric population who suffer from a wide range of mental disorders. There is no extensive review of evidence which can guide effective policy-making and implementation of such interventions. Objectives: To identify digital interventions addressing mental disorders among elderly people and evaluate the outcomes of these interventions. Methodology: According to the PRISMA guidelines, we searched six major health databases and screened the literature using these criteria: 1) journal articles reporting an intervention delivered using any of the digital platforms, 2) the interventions aimed to improve at least one mental disorder among geriatric population, 3) articles published in English language, 4) studies conducted in in any settings and time frame reporting any of the mental health-related outcomes. Results: Among 4870 articles found in the preliminary literature search, only 19 studies met our criteria. Most of the studies (n=14) described digital interventions addressing depressive illness among the elderly population. However, many interventions targeted multiple mental conditions including dementia, stress, anxiety, mood disorders, phobia, and functional disabilities. These interventions used internet-based therapies, mindfulness, digital assistants, and applications improving mental health behavior and practices. Most of the interventions (n=12) were evaluated using randomized study designs. Reported outcomes included improved symptoms, better quality of living, emotional and functional advancements, and decreased cost of treatment. This evidence necessitates further research and application of such technologies to improve geriatric mental health.

The Myth of the Woopie?: Incomes, the Elderly, and Targeting Welfare

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 471-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Falkingham ◽  
Christina Victor
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Occupational Pension ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
State Support ◽  
Means Testing ◽  
The Past

ABSTRACTComments made by a UK Government minister in 1989 concerning poverty, or rather the lack of it, amongst elderly people once again reflected the idea that the majority are well-off and less in need of State support than was the case in the past. The idea of a new group of Woopies (well off older persons) has been used as justification for debate about the introduction of means-testing for certain benefits directed at the elderly population. This paper challenges that view. It traces the evolution of the Woopie using published data and then examines the socio-economic characteristics of such a group. In a series of logit estimates to determine what factors are of importance in determining ‘Woopie status’, unsurprisingly receipt of income from assets and from an occupational pension are the most significant variables. Finally the scope for policy changes is examined.

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