by Jeffrey M. Witkin  , Lalit K. Golani  , Rok Cerne  , Md. Toufiqur Rahman  , Guanguan Li  , Michael M. Poe  , James M. Cook  and Jodi L. Smith

Received: 05 May 2019;  Published: 26 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903073

Major depressive disorder is a highly-prevalent and debilitating disorder in the aged population. Recent and accumulating clinical evidence suggests a key role for social support in helping to mitigate depression. Preclinical data are reviewed that indicate that selective negative allosteric modulation of α5-associated GABAA receptors as with RY-080, might rapidly impact depression in patients. Further, preclinical data in transgenic mice modeling neurodegenerative diseases has suggested that this mechanism migh [...]

by James S. Powers  , Destiny O. Birdsong  , Kemberlee R. Bonnet  , Neena R. Kapoor  , Jamaria J. Southward  , Ifeoma Nwankwo  and David G. Schlundt

Received: 25 April 2019;  Published: 26 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903072

Background: Narratives encompass written reflection experiences and hold the potential to display valuable insights into trainees’ thinking. We analyzed narratives from graduate students trained in aging themes, who then interviewed older hospitalized adults (senior partners) about their life experiences. Methods: Three Discovery Fellows trained on open-ended interviewing, empathy, and aging themes performed semi-structured interviews. Senior partners were hospitalized older veterans. After the interviews, narrat [...]

by Lennaert Zwart  , Tjeerd Germans  , Suat Simsek  , Jaap Ruiter  and René Jansen

Received: 22 May 2019;  Published: 26 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903071

Background: Geriatric patients are at risk for atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke, and the risk of anticoagulation (OAC) related bleeding is presumed to be higher. Detailed knowledge about the prevalence of AF and bleeding pattern in this population is scarce. This study sought to assess the prevalence of AF, use of OAC and rate of major bleeding in geriatric patients who frequently fall. Methods: Observational cohort study at a Fall and Syncope Clinic. Patients of 65 years and older, that underwent both an electro [...]

by Gabriele Cipriani  , Sabrina Danti  , Cecilia Carlesi  , Claudio Lucetti  , Angelo Nuti  and Mario Di Fiorino

Received: 27 March 2019;  Published: 16 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903070

Background. Mania in older adults is associated with a high rate of medical and neurological disease. Objective. The goal of this review is to describe the phenomenon of manic episodes in patients suffering from dementia. Methods. Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters, and books published before 2019. Search terms used included dementia, late-onset, mania, elderly. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. Results and c [...]

by Sara Schatz  and Melvin Gonzalez Rivera

Received: 15 March 2019;  Published: 13 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903069

Pragmatic competence includes the capacity to express illocutionary force and successfully achieve perlocutionary effects, in order to guarantee fully functional communication exchanges. Improved pragmatic competence in patients has been found in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in the domains of jokes, self-expression and empathy after extended, targeted intranasal insulin therapy. In this paper it is argued that extended intra-nasal insulin treatment can [...]

by Stephen Ames

Received: 08 April 2019;  Published: 13 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903068

Thirty years ago, Tom Kitwood proposed a change in the care of people with dementia, from ‘warehousing’ to ‘person-centred care’. The change had noticeable benefits for those with dementia. Kitwood set out his presuppositions for this change. For example, Kitwood understood personhood as the standing or status bestowed on one human being by others in the context of relationships and social being and held that respect for the absolute value of each person is a key theme in Western ethical discourse. He was clear t [...]

by Shira Peleg  and Howard Litwin

Received: 23 March 2019;  Published: 12 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903067

Background: We studied the differential effects of social network characteristics on limitations with activities (LWA) and quality of life (QOL) among older adults, and the moderating role of depression. Methods: Data from two consecutive waves of the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were examined. Results: Emotional closeness, satisfaction with the social network, and contact intensity predicted QOL, but not LWA. Moreover, depression moderated the effects of network characteristics on these [...]

by Garuth Chalfont  , Jane Simpson  , Sarah Davies  , David Morris  , Ruth Wilde  , Leigh Willoughby  and Christine Milligan

Received: 08 April 2019;  Published: 07 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903066

The dominant narrative around dementia argues that progression cannot be halted or reversed. However, evidence on multimodal non-pharmacological treatments formulated around a ‘personalised medicine’ approach challenges this view. This paper reviews the current evidence for dementia prevention utilising such treatments and explains the logic of applying personalised medicine. The functional medicine treatment approach to ‘root cause’ analysis is presented as currently practiced with patients experiencing cognitive [...]

by Hsueh-Fen S. Kao  and Maria A. Amaya

Received: 19 May 2019;  Published: 07 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903065

Background: In 2016, Hispanic/Latino (H/L) Americans made up 8% of the older population (≥65) and 22.9% of the oldest population (≥85) in the United States. It is projected that the older H/L population will grow to 21% by 2060. Currently the older H/L population depends primarily on their families for care. Methods: Review published caregiving models for older adults in H/L populations. Results: Gradual and inevitable acculturation of H/L caregivers to U.S. social customs, and the mutual relationship within the [...]

by Ian Macreadie  and Sudip Dhakal

Received: 05 May 2019;  Published: 17 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903064

The yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the model eukaryote, has provided many insights into molecular and cellular biology, as well as insights into many human diseases. In this paper we present some insights on how yeast studies are contributing to knowledge about the role of oxidative damage to cell health, and how one of the key players in Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid beta (Aβ) is linked to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) response involving AHP1, which encodes alkyl hydroperoxidase, a protein involves in protec [...]