•Anorexia of Aging (AoA) is a highly prevalent syndrome among older adults.•AoA links to adverse outcomes, such as alterations in functional autonomy, mood, cognition.•In patients with active ...neoplasia, cannabinoids increase weight, restore hunger and appetite.•Limited studies in the general older population restricts results applicability.
Anorexia of aging (AoA) is a prevalent geriatric syndrome characterized by a multifactorial decline in appetite and reduced food intake associated with the aging process. This systematic review aims to investigate the use and outcomes of cannabinoids in addressing AoA, with the goal of providing a comprehensive understanding and discussing their potential integration into daily clinical practice.
A thorough search of databases (Embase Ovid, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) identified 6100 studies. After eliminating duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 25 studies underwent full appraisal. Two reviewers assessed inclusion suitability, and study methodologies were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies and the modified Jadad Scoring Scale for randomized controlled trials. Ultimately, six studies published between 2002 and 2019, involving 869 participants, were included in the review.
Out of the 6 fin. l papers selected, 5 were randomized trials, and 1 was a prospective study. Megestrol acetate (800 mg/d) proved to be more effective than dronabinol 2.5 mg twice a day in increasing appetite. Nabilone (at a dosage of 0.5 mg per day) did not show superiority over placebo in alleviating symptoms such as pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and weight. However, with a double dosage followed by 1.0 mg/6 weeks, after eight weeks of treatment, patients recorded a significant increase in calorie intake and carbohydrate consumption compared to the placebo group, with some patients also experiencing substantial weight gain. Regarding delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a weight increase of ≥10% was observed in 17.6% of patients with doses of 5 mg or 10 mg capsules daily, without significant side effects. Additionally, patients treated with THC 2.5 mg reported improved chemosensory perception and increased appetite before meals compared to placebo. No significant side effects were reported in older adults taking cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids offer promise in enhancing the quality of life for older individuals with active neoplastic disease. However, to establish comprehensive guidelines, further research with larger sample sizes is essential. Only through this approach can we fully grasp the potential and application of cannabinoids in addressing the nutritional concerns associated with neoplastic diseases.
Ageing is a diverse and multifaceted experience that is unique to each person. The process of ageing is lived differently according to each individual’s socio-cultural, historical, religious, and ...political context, among other factors. However, the stereotype of homogeneity is still one of the strongest aspects related to later life. This Special Issue covers manuscripts of original research that critically explore the experience of old age and the process of growing older from the social sciences and humanities perspectives. It also explores the topics pertaining to social gerontology, cultural and literary gerontology, environmental gerontology, gerotechnological studies, social anthropology, gender studies, body politics, sexuality, active and healthy ageing, space and place, age-friendly politics and other themes. The published articles collect arguments that show the variables and uniqueness of later life, and expand on the current theoretical frameworks in the field of age studies and beyond. The overall aim of this Special Issue was to broaden the gerontological scholarship and develop critical thought of old age and the life course beyond the merely biological processes of growing older and their sociocultural constructs. This Special Issue can be of interest to scholars, practitioners, stakeholders, care workers and individuals who are concerned with the dynamics of ageing as well as current and future dialogues on the unique experiences of ageing.
Frailty is a multi-system syndrome of decreased physiologic reserve that has been shown to strongly and independently predict morbidity and mortality. Frailty is prevalent in patients living with ...kidney disease and occurs earlier in individuals with kidney disease as compared to the general population. In this comprehensive review, we aim to advance the clinical and research applications of frailty in kidney disease populations. Specifically, we clarify the definition of frailty and address its common misconceptions; review the mechanisms and epidemiology of frailty in kidney disease; discuss challenges and limitations in frailty measurement; and provide updated evidence related to risk factors for frailty, its associated adverse outcomes, and interventions. We further add to the literature in this topic by highlighting potential applications of frailty measurement in care of patients with kidney disease and conclude with our recommendations for future research related to this important syndrome.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The molecular mechanisms behind the potential ‘anti-aging’ effects of exercise remain to be elucidated. Janssens et al. studied the lipidome of different mouse tissues and human skeletal muscle. They ...identified an evolutionary conserved ‘lipid aging’ signature, characterized by bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate accumulation, which, at the muscle level, can be attenuated by exercise.
The molecular mechanisms behind the potential ‘anti-aging’ effects of exercise remain to be elucidated. Janssens et al. studied the lipidome of different mouse tissues and human skeletal muscle. They identified an evolutionary conserved ‘lipid aging’ signature, characterized by bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate accumulation, which, at the muscle level, can be attenuated by exercise.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The global longevity revolution increased the older adult population, posing unique health and economic challenges with implications for healthcare, especially substance use disorders (SUD).
This was ...a retrospective cohort study of United States older adults, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, who got at least one mental and/or behavioral disorder diagnosis between 2017 and 2021 at age 65 or older. SUD prevalence, prescription frequency changes over time, and comorbidities associated with each medication were compared.
Electronic health records for 356,133 older adults (110,236 Hispanics and 245,897 non-Hispanics) were analyzed. Notably, 79 % of Hispanics fell below the 100 % federal poverty level, compared to 60 % of non-Hispanics (P<.001). Non-Hispanics also had significantly more average encounters (P=.003) and diagnoses (P<.001). Regression analysis on alcohol-related disorders indicated that the odd ratios of being male (OR=2.93, P<.000), and having low income (OR=1.62, P<.000), increase the odds for this SUD, while being Hispanic and primarily speaking Spanish decreases the odds for all SUDs considered in this study.
This cohort study revealed significant disparities related to social determinants of health between Hispanic and non-Hispanic older adults and emphasizes the need for continuous surveillance of older adults as with SUDs. Differences in comorbidity patterns imply distinct risk factors within each population, influenced by demographic-specific elements. Recognizing these variations is essential for tailoring culturally sensitive prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies to each population's unique needs.
•Nicotine and alcohol related disorders were the most prevalent disorders.•Hispanic elders have less healthcare for cardiovascular and central nervous system.•Disparities in care, diagnosis, and medications were found between both groups.•Comorbidity patterns suggest unique risk factors influenced by demographic elements.•Stigma, substance access, and social norms impact substance use trends.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Limited research has explored the relationship between falls, cognitive decline, and dementia onset in older adults with aging. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of cognitive ...function on the development of dementia and explore the association between falls and dementia among older adults. This study utilized data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, which tracked a sample group at 2-year intervals from the initial wave in 2006 to the eighth wave in 2020. Among the older adults (≥60 years) surveyed, 2829 were included in the analysis, and cognitive function and number of falls per year were recorded. We hypothesized that these variables were associated with dementia and tested the variables using dementia diagnosis data. The participants were assigned to either a dementia group (dementia diagnosis) or a control group (no dementia diagnosis). Analyses were performed to enhance generalizability of the hypothesis to all participants (≥45 years, n = 7130). Cognitive decline and dementia incidence increased with aging among older adults. The dementia group had a significantly higher rate of cognitive decline than the control group, as well as a higher number of falls and magnitude of annual changes in falls. The changes in falls were irregular regardless of cognitive function. Furthermore, falls were associated only with the development of dementia, not cognitive function. Similar trends were observed across the total participant group. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring cognitive function and falls as potential markers for predicting dementia onset in older adults.
•We studied the association between falls and dementia in older adults.•Older adults with dementia showed a rapid increase in cognitive decline.•Significant correlation was found between cognitive decline, falls, and dementia.•Cognitive function and falls in older adults are markers of dementia.•Multifaceted approaches are needed to prevent dementia in older adults.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
This study aims to evaluate the temporal trends of mortality among frail versus non-frail older adult trauma patients during index hospitalization.
We performed a 3-year (2017–2019) analysis of ...ACS-TQIP. We included all older adult (age ≥65 years) trauma patients. Patients were stratified into two groups (Frail vs. Non-Frail). Outcomes were acute (<24 h), early (24–72 h), intermediate (72 hours-1 week), and late (>1 week) mortality.
A total of 1,022,925 older adult trauma patients were identified, of which 19.7 % were frail. The mean(SD) age was 77(8) years and 57.4 % were female. MedianIQR ISS was 94–10 and both groups had comparable injury severity (p = 0.362). On multivariable analysis, frailty was not associated with acute (aOR 1.034; p = 0.518) and early (aOR 1.190; p = 0.392) mortality, while frail patients had independently higher odds of intermediate (aOR 1.269; p = 0.042) and late (aOR 1.835; p < 0.001) mortality. On sub-analysis, our results remained consistent in mild, moderate, and severely injured patients.
Frailty is an independent predictor of mortality in older adult trauma patients who survive the initial 3 days of admission, regardless of injury severity.
•Frailty is known as a predictor of worse clinical outcomes and mortality following injury.•The timing of increased mortality rates in frail patients during hospitalization remains unclear.•Frailty is an independent predictor of mortality in older adult trauma patients who survive the initial 3 days of admission.•Early frailty assessment in identifying high-risk individuals is of paramount importance.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
New technologies provide opportunities for the delivery of broad, flexible interventions with older adults. Focus groups were conducted to: (1) understand older adults' familiarity with, and barriers ...to, interacting with new technologies and tablets; and (2) utilize user-engagement in refining an intervention protocol.
Eighteen older adults (65-76 years old; 83.3% female) who were novice tablet users participated in discussions about their perceptions of and barriers to interacting with tablets. We conducted three separate focus groups and used a generic qualitative design applying thematic analysis to analyse the data. The focus groups explored attitudes toward tablets and technology in general. We also explored the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using tablets, familiarity with, and barriers to interacting with tablets. In two of the focus groups, participants had previous computing experience (e.g., desktop), while in the other, participants had no previous computing experience. None of the participants had any previous experience with tablet computers.
The themes that emerged were related to barriers (i.e., lack of instructions and guidance, lack of knowledge and confidence, health-related barriers, cost); disadvantages and concerns (i.e., too much and too complex technology, feelings of inadequacy, and comparison with younger generations, lack of social interaction and communication, negative features of tablets); advantages (i.e., positive features of tablets, accessing information, willingness to adopt technology); and skepticism about using tablets and technology in general. After brief exposure to tablets, participants emphasized the likelihood of using a tablet in the future.
Our findings suggest that most of our participants were eager to adopt new technology and willing to learn using a tablet. However, they voiced apprehension about lack of, or lack of clarity in, instructions and support. Understanding older adults' perceptions of technology is important to assist with introducing it to this population and maximize the potential of technology to facilitate independent living.
In view of the global demographic shift, a scientific symposium was organized by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) to address nutrition-related challenges of the ...older population and provide an overview of the current state of knowledge.
Eighteen nutrition-related issues of the aging global society were presented by international experts during the symposium and summarized in this report.
Anorexia of aging, dysphagia, malnutrition, frailty, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and the metabolic syndrome were highlighted as major nutrition-related geriatric syndromes. Great progress has been made in recent years through standardized definitions of some but not all syndromes. Regarding malnutrition, the GLIM approach has shown to be suitable also in older adults, justifying its continuous implementation. For anorexia of aging, a consensus definition is still required. Intervention approaches should be integrated and person-centered with the aim of optimizing intrinsic capacity and maintaining functional capacity. Landmark studies like EFFORT and FINGER have impressively documented the potential of individualised and multifactorial interventions for functional and health benefits. Combining nutritional intervention with physical training seems particularly important whereas restrictive diets and drug treatment should generally be used with caution because of undesirable risks. Obesity management in older adults should take into account the risk of promoting sarcopenia.
In the future, even more individualised approaches like precision nutrition may enable better nutritional care. Meanwhile all stakeholders should focus on a better implementation of currently available strategies and work closely together to improve nutritional care for older adults.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Elder financial abuse is a growing problem, with significant consequences for society. It is unclear if differences exist in the clinical and legal approach to financial abuse across Canada, thus the ...purpose of this review. Five databases were searched during the primary literature search. Secondary literature search involved searching grey literature and handpicking references from selected articles. Only articles in English were included. From 10,260 articles initially screened, 30 were included in the review. No literature was identified describing differences in the clinical approach to financial abuse, and no single definition or legislation on financial abuse was identified. Mandatory reporting is required for individuals in a hospital or care facility by only five provinces. This review has identified several important knowledge gaps on the differences in the clinical management of financial abuse, and a lack of definition, legislation and overall mandatory reporting across Canada, which requires further research.
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