Zeitschrift Fur Gerontologie Und Geriatrie最新文献

Background: A discharge letter analyzer was developed in the Bielefeld Geriatrics Living Laboratory at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with the Catholic Hospital Association East Westphalia (Katholische Hospitalvereinigung Ostwestfalen). This can support quality assurance in the area of discharge management.

Methods: The discharge letter analyzer uses text mining methods to find information in the respective discharge letters. Data are extracted from the free text as well as numerical values from the documented assessments. In the project the cases were assigned to diagnostic categories through both deductive and inductive category development and the collection of keywords by the medical staff involved.

Results: With the help of the analyzer patients could be assigned to different diagnostic categories. It was found that the majority of cases were treated due to multifactorial or fall-related indications. In addition, the patients improved in various tests over the course of treatment. Most patients could be discharged back home after treatment.

Conclusion: The results show that discharge management requires a special focus on fall-related and neurodegenerative diseases in the subsequent treatment. Due to the predominant discharge of patients to their homes, there is a significant focus on outpatient care. In principle, a measurable improvement can be achieved through inpatient treatment.

The German Society of Geriatrics (DGG) celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025. It was founded in 1985 to position geriatrics in science and policy, to disseminate knowledge, to establish a geriatric specialist status and to establish an independent field of geriatric medicine in diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation. How did it achieve these goals? For this three methods were used: (1) semi-structured and open interviews (n = 28), (2) a very comprehensive source study with identification of 4 milestones based on historical ethnography, and (3) a content analysis of all protocols of general meetings (n = 36) over 40 years. The DGG has achieved nearly all of its goals, and more. It has independently developed evidence in the areas of nutrition, geriatric traumatology and assessment. Through its excellent international network, scientific excellence can be found within the DGG; however, the goal of establishing a geriatric specialist has not been achieved. Only a specialist area such as geriatrics within the DGG can meet the complex needs of older people.

Background: People with Down syndrome have a genetically increased risk of developing early onset Alzheimer's dementia. An interview study with healthcare providers, patient representatives and employees in residential and work facilities was conducted to identify deficits in the healthcare process and approaches to overcoming them.

Method: In this study 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results: A lack of knowledge and experience on the part of medical service providers in dealing with and providing medical care for people with Down syndrome was identified as a key challenge. In addition, the diagnosis of dementia in people with Down syndrome is difficult for various reasons (including lack of appropriate diagnostic tools in standard care and lack of time or financial resources). Doubts were expressed about the efficacy of antidementia medications and the reasons for the increased use of sedatives were discussed. Attentive observation of behavior and involvement of caregivers, regular review and reduction of polypharmacy and the use of alternative behavior modification techniques were mentioned as possible solutions.

Conclusion: The identified deficits in the medical care of the target population and the approaches to solving them will be incorporated into the development of health policy recommendations in order to optimize the care situation of those affected in the long term.

Background: Social relationships are an important source of practical, emotional and nursing support, especially in the context of the need for care. As older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI*) people frequently live alone and have children less often, non-kinship relationships take on a particularly important role. The extent to which non-heterosexual individuals develop (potentially compensatory) strategies to cope with episodes of needing care has, to date, rarely been the focus of research on aging.

Objective: To investigate the role of social support for older LGBTI* people with long-term care needs, including any implications for how this should be approached.

Methods: The international scoping review was conducted using the scientific databases: APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PSYNDEX literature with PSYNDEX tests, BASE, Livivo, Pubpsych, PubMed, and Google Scholar. A total of 19 articles were identified for analysis.

Conclusion: This article highlights three key themes related to social networks and care for older LGBTI* individuals: sociodemographic challenges, support resources, and structures for care of older persons and strategies for good quality of care. Family of choice connections are the backbone of social support for LGBTI* individuals but are also perceived as fragile when it comes to long-term care. Strategies for good quality of care include visibility of non-conforming sexual or gender identity, stigma management in long-term care facilities and proactive care planning. In order to support the compensatory effect of chosen family relationships among LGBTI* seniors, the development of diversity sensitive care and work with caregivers is needed. How this has been addressed to date and recommendations for future themes in gerontological diversity research are discussed.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a continuum between chronic (CCS) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It is the leading cause of death in older people. In addition to the prognostic relevance, angina pectoris, dyspnea or fatigue lead to impaired quality of life. The basic diagnostics include anamnesis, physical examination, 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG), laboratory diagnostics and transthoracic echocardiography. Functional investigations, such as stress magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), stress echocardiography, myocardial scintigraphy and direct imaging techniques, such as coronary computed tomography (CT) and invasive coronary angiography are available. The treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, the patient's wishes and the risk of the procedure. Regardless of age, the basic treatment is strict optimization of risk factors, antithrombotic antianginal therapy. Revascularization is reserved for patients with refractory symptoms or a high-risk constellation.

Background: The proportion of aging persons in the population is growing, accompanied by an increase in mental and neurological disorders. The sexuality of older people is often overlooked or stigmatized, despite playing a central role in well-being. Mental illnesses can substantially impair sexual health, while conversely, sexual dysfunctions are considered risk factors for mental distress.

Objective: This study examined the reciprocal relationship between mental health and sexuality in older age, considering biopsychosocial aspects.

Methods: The investigation is based on a selective literature search for frequent psychiatric disorders in older age and their effects on sexual health. The study considered the disorder patterns, symptoms and the side effects of psychopharmacotherapy. Additionally, the impacts of sexual dysfunctions on the mental health of older people were analyzed.

Results: Mental illnesses in older age, particularly depression, anxiety disorders and somatoform disorders, strongly correlate with sexual functional disorders. Antidepressants and antipsychotics frequently contribute to sexual dysfunction, which can negatively affect medication adherence. Studies have shown that sexual dissatisfaction increases the risk of depressive symptoms, anxiety and overall mental distress. Social integration and positive age-related sexual beliefs are protective factors for mental and sexual health.

Discussion: The interactions between mental health and sexuality require an interdisciplinary treatment approach. The sexual health of older patients must be systematically integrated into geriatric psychiatric care.