by Adolfo Toledano-Díaz  , Ma Isabel Álvarez  and Adolfo Toledano

Received: 18 December 2019;  Published: 09 May 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002117

Neurons, from the time of their birth until their death, are always accompanied by neuroglial cells, maintaining very close morphological and functional relationships among themselves. Classically three main neuroglial families have been considered within the central nervous system (CNS): astroglia, oligodendroglia, and microglia. However, using morphological and immuno-cytochemical criteria, several different types/subtypes of neuroglial cells have been identified, each exerting specific physiological and patholog [...]

by Jeffrey T. Apter  and Kaylee M. White

Received: 01 December 2019;  Published: 29 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002116

The Amyloid and Tau Hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease once thought to be the key have shown marginal results but are bolstered by the recent revival of the Aducanumab study and some positive data on some anti-Tau drugs. It still behoves us to look at other mechanisms which include whole blood transfusions, an Epigenetic approach, a-derivative of a Parkinson's drug a low dose of an anti-epileptic drug, an antibiotic against P Gingivitis and many new approaches not directly involving Amyloid and Tau. Other newer appr [...]

by Line L. Olesen

Received: 01 February 2020;  Published: 21 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002115

The knowledge about digoxin, the associated cardiac and extracardiac effects, its pharmacokinetics and dynamics, indications, dosing, and side effects is important with the objective of deriving its maximum benefit without the risk of intoxication. Although the dosing of digoxin has been standardized and its usage has declined, digoxin intoxication still occurs frequently. Due to the risk of fatal complications, it has a negative prognosis. The knowledge about the etiology and symptoms of intoxication is critical f [...]

by Annelie K Gusdal  and Christine Gustafsson

Received: 09 November 2019;  Published: 07 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002114

The people with dementia experience a progressive loss of cognition, while more than 90% of them develop behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). BPSD may result in physical injuries and psychological distress among people with dementia and their family/caregivers. First-line care strategies in dementia care should not unthinkingly involve pharmacological interventions to avert or reduce the behavior, and should rather consider the person and their unique requirements. Therefore, a combination of p [...]

by Ahmed H Abdelhafiz

Received: 05 March 2020;  Published: 01 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002113

The prevalence of diabetes in older people is increasing. Diabetes in old age is associated with increased risk of mental dysfunction. Cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and diabetes-related distress tend to coexist in older people with diabetes and appear to have bidirectional relationship acting as a risk factor and, at the same time, as a consequence of diabetes. To break the vicious circle of this complex reciprocal relationship between diabetes and mental dysfunction, early id [...]

by Giuseppe Cocco

Received: 20 March 2020;  Published: 01 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002112

by Giuseppe Cocco  and Philipp Amiet

Received: 05 February 2020;  Published: 19 March 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001111

The present article summarizes the current state of understanding in geriatric cardiology in terms of the main developments in the field. The focus of the present review is on the therapeutics, into the specific characteristics of the elderly pa­tients dealing with the prevention of arterial hypertension, bradycardic arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery syndromes, valve heart diseases, and heart failure. Progress in the field of medicine has rendered it possible to treat lethal cardiac diseases in the [...]

by Joseph S. D'Arrigo

Received: 26 December 2019;  Published: 28 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001110

Aging, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and other factors can all synergistically promote diverse pathological mechanisms. These risk factors trigger widespread inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can lead to blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. These pathological cascades lead to neuronal Ca2+ increase, neurodegeneration, gradual cognitive/memory decline, and eventually Alzheimer's disease. In particular, more recent research indicates that chronic inflammator [...]

by Sima Farpour  , David Smithard  and Hamid reza Farpour

Received: 14 November 2019;  Published: 20 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001109

Dysphagia is a term that is used for the difficulty in moving liquid/food from mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia is very common in elders, which makes them susceptible to malnutrition, infection, institutionalization, and death. Consequently, it is categorized as a geriatric syndrome. Therefore, multidisciplinary teams need to work together to determine the correct etiology and implement an appropriate care plan. Oral care is crucial in managing dysphagia and dental hygienists and dentists serve as the key members. I [...]

by Akemi Hirano  , Yusuke Suzuki  , Hiroyuki Umegaki  , Toshio Hayashi  , Koichiro Ina  , Joji Onishi  , Jun Hasegawa  and Masafumi Kuzuya

Received: 13 October 2019;  Published: 19 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001108

The incidence of vascular diseases among caregivers of dementia patients is high, and one potential cause is the exacerbation of blood coagulability due to mental strain from caregiving. This study aimed to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on blood coagulability, from the perspective of improving the health of caregivers. Thirty-one healthy elderly caregivers, residing with patients suffering from Alzheimer’s-type dementia, were randomly divided into two groups. In the intervention group, moderate walking ex [...]