Aging Clinical and Experimental Research最新文献

Geriatric syndromes represent major clinical conditions that substantially impair functional capacity and quality of life. An increasing number of studies are being published that investigate the prevalence and co-occurrence of geriatric syndromes across diverse clinical settings, including oncology, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. Interestingly, malnutrition, a core and long-recognized geriatric syndrome, is frequently neglected in studies involving Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Hypertension is a major public health issue and especially in the older adults, it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.

Aims: This study assessed the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of Hypertension among Iranian adults aged 60 years and older.

Methods: we analyzed data from the Iranian STEP-wise Approach to Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) conducted in 2016 and 2021 across all provinces of Iran. Participants were marked as hypertensive based on the ESC/ESH guidelines. 3874 participants from STEPS 2016 and 4020 participants from STEPS 2021 were included and analyzed using survey package in R statistical software.

Results: Hypertension rates rose between 2016 and 2021 from 54.74% to 60.57% in males and from 65.54% to 71.76% in females. Hypertension treatment increased from 26.53% to 36.03% in males and from 39.25% to 53.70% in females. In 2016, hypertension control rates were 23.06% in males and 24.03% in females. In 2021 these levels rose to 34.28% in males and 36.13% in females. Obesity was strongly associated with hypertension (odds ratio (OR): 2.75, p < 0.001), whereas higher education appeared to be inversely associated with hypertension (OR: 0.64, p < 0.001).

Discussion: Despite the improvement in treatment and control of hypertension among older adults in Iran, hypertension prevalence remains high and on the rise. To address this problem, efforts should focus on weight management, enhanced health education, and expanded screening programs.

Conclusion: Given observed sex and socioeconomic disparities in awareness, treatment, and control, equity-oriented publicci and improved access to care warrant further evaluation in prospective or implementation studies. Additionally, promoting higher educational attainment may contribute to better long-term control of hypertension.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia represent significant global health challenges requiring innovative intervention approaches. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) offers promising alternatives to traditional face-to-face interventions, providing flexibility and personalized care for individuals with cognitive disorders.

Aims: This study evaluated the usability of INFORMA, a novel software platform based on Cognitive Activation Therapy (CAT), for delivering telerehabilitation to participants with MCI and mild-to-moderate dementia.

Methods: A prospective, non-interventional multicenter study enrolled 241 participants (MMSE 20-30, CDR 0.5-1) from 12 Italian Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia. Participants engaged in an 8-week tablet-based telerehabilitation program with weekly supervision. Usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS), Task Completion Rate (TCR), and Relative Task Completion Time (R-TCT), supplemented by participant and caregiver questionnaires.

Results: Of 219 completing participants (mean age 73.5 years), the mean SUS score was 82.0 (95% CI: 80.3-83.8), with 84% exceeding the usability threshold (SUS score > 68). Mean TCR reached 97.8%, while 70.3% demonstrated improved R-TCT. Higher SUS scores correlated with education and MMSE scores but decreased with age. Satisfaction ratings exceeded 87% for participants and 95% for caregivers.

Discussion: INFORMA demonstrated high usability across all educational and cognitive levels, with the hybrid model combining automated exercises and professional supervision being well-received.

Conclusions: INFORMA showed significant promise as a user-friendly computerized cognitive stimulation tool, supporting its potential efficacy for MCI and dementia interventions and warranting further therapeutic efficacy studies.

Background and aims: Geriatric patients are faced with ongoing care needs after hospitalization. This study evaluated the prevalence of sarcopenia and malnutrition at admission and related clinical characteristics in geriatric inpatients of a transitional care program.

Methods: A cross-sectional study and a longitudinal observational study were conducted among geriatric inpatients in a retirement home. Sarcopenia was assessed using the Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium criteria, and nutritional status via the Mini Nutrition Assessment. Patient- and clinician-reported outcome measures, including the Barthel Index, EQ-5D-5 L, NPRS, HAQ-DI, 10 m walking test and Timed Up and Go test were collected at admission and discharge (mean stay: 39 ± 22 days). In addition, a 3-month post-discharge follow-up telephone interview was conducted.

Results: Out of 72 geriatric rehabilitation inpatients (mean age: 84 ± 7 years, 83% female), the prevalence of sarcopenia was 80.6%, while 81.2% of patients were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition upon admission. Sarcopenic patients showed reduced health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5 L; p < .05, d = 0.61), greater hand-grip strength asymmetry (68.6%; p < .05), and a trend to have a lower functional ability to perform activities of daily living (HAQ-DI; p = .06). The transitional care program improved quality of life, care needs, and mobility (all p < .001), independently of sarcopenia or malnutrition status.

Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of sarcopenia and malnutrition in geriatric transitional care inpatients. Despite improvements in function and quality of life, persistent sarcopenia underscores the need for ongoing, individualized interventions such as progressive resistance training combined with nutritional support.