Table of Contents

Open Access

ISSN 2638-1311

OBM Geriatrics , Volume 3 , Issue 1 (2019)

Pages: 231

Published: October 2019

(This book is a printed edition that was published in OBM Geriatrics)

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Cover story: Truth telling amongst clinicians has often been seen as a cornerstone of ethical health care, from Hippocrates to modern practices.  However, fifteen years of systematic study by James and colleagues has shown that lying can have therapeutic effects, particularly for people with dementia.  This study examined features underpinning the use of untruths, and the data were used to develop a taxonomy of lies. The authors suggest that in order to use lies therapeutically it is important that caregivers have a good understanding of the person with dementia’s current view of the world.  An awareness of the potential problems in using deception is also key, and it is recommended that communication training should be given to caregivers to enable them to become person-centred liars. View this paper.

Volume 3,Issue 1

Open Access Original Research

The Positive Power of Perception in Late Life: A Study on Subjective Aging and Health among Ethnic Minorities

Received: 17 September 2018;  Published: 29 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901043

Abstract

The main objective of this empirical study was to investigate subjective aging in late life among ethnic minorities in the United States. Specifically, this study examined age identity, or how old one feels, in relation to psychological well-being (PWB) and functional health. The aims were trifold: (1) To examine whether this population feels younger or older than their age identity; (2) to explore the associations between age, age identity, PWB, and functional health; and (3) to investigate wh [...]

Open Access Editorial

Depression and Aging: Role of Social Support

Received: 25 March 2019;  Published: 28 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901042

Abstract

Depression and Aging: Role of Social Support

Open Access Review

Association of Telomere Length, a Cellular Aging Marker, with Depression, PTSD and Hostility

Received: 28 December 2018;  Published: 21 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901041

Abstract

Depression, PTSD, and hostility are common mental conditions that are associated with aging. A growing body of research has highlighted the possible effects of depression, PTSD, and hostility on aging and telomere length (TL), a cellular aging marker. Individuals who exhibit excessive responses to stressors show notable circulating inflammatory responses with high cortisol reactivity, which increases cell turnover and oxidative stress and may subsequently contribute to shortened TL. This review [...]

Open Access Review

Does Dementia Increase the Risk of Dental Decay?

Received: 09 January 2019;  Published: 21 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901040

Abstract

The amount of patients who suffer with dementia is set to rise with an ageing population living longer. As well as living longer, patients will be retaining their natural teeth longer and will be less reliant on dentures. From both the current evidence available in the literature, and anecdotally from clinicians experienced in treating patients with dementia, it can be concluded that on balance, patients with dementia appear to be at a greater risk from dental caries (dental decay). However, [...]

Open Access Perspective

Behavioural and Complementary Interventions for Healthy Neurocognitive Aging

Received: 30 November 2018;  Published: 20 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901039

Abstract

Background: While the percent of persons 65 and older is expected to increase to 17% of the world’s population by 2050, this increase in longevity does not necessarily suggest a parallel increase in health status. While aging is an inevitable aspect of living, there are factors which can accelerate morbidity and mortality, as well as factors likely to promote a healthy transition into longevity. This paper addresses behavioural and complementary interventions for healthy neurocognitive aging. Sp [...]

Open Access Original Research

Prediction of ADRs and Estimation of Polypharmacy in Older Patient’s Population: Retrospective Study in Russian Gerontology Center

Received: 10 October 2018;  Published: 05 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901038

Abstract

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common in the elderly and often have serious clinical and economic consequences. There have been limited studies in detecting adverse effects in patients admitting hospitals. Objective: Prediction of ADR in patients ≥ 65 years old, based on GerontoNet risk score with emphasis on polypharmacy. Methods: we studied records of 201 inpatients obtained from Medical Records Section, admitted to the Russian Gerontology Clinical Research Center (RGCRC). The G [...]

Open Access Original Research

Exploring the Paradox of Care: Differences in Older Adult and Proxy Ratings of Health and Subjective Well-Being

Received: 27 August 2018;  Published: 27 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901037

Abstract

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to examine discrepancies in self-proxy agreement of biopsychosocial factors and the influence of objective well-being and psychosocial resources influence self and proxy appraisals of subjective well-being in older care recipients. (2) Methods: Seventy-two care recipient-proxy dyads rated the biopsychosocial health of non-cognitively impaired older adults. (3) Results: Proxies underestimated functional ability, psychosocial factors, and overrated neg [...]

Open Access Technical Note

Improving the HealthCare of People with Dementia beyond the Diagnosis: The “Carlo Poma Dementia Care Pathway” Study Protocol

Received: 31 October 2018;  Published: 27 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901036

Abstract

The WHO global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017-2025 stressed the concept about the need to have a comprehensive approach with deep interconnections and crosscutting elements through several action areas. As the elderly population grows worldwide, the number of patients with dementia increases rapidly because age is an important risk factor for developing late-onset dementia. Currently, dementia syndrome represents a very care emergency. Very often, there is a gap betwe [...]

Open Access Hypothesis

Sporadic Alzheimer Disease and That Developing in Down’s Syndrome: The Immune System Attacking Self Rather Than Suppressing Infectious Disease Invaders, Toll Like Receptors Triggering Excessive Cytosolic Calcium, Excess Calcineurin Activation, Overexpression of Regulator of Calcineurin1, Runaway Beta-Amyloid Production, Synaptic Loss, Destructive Inflammation and Dementia

Received: 29 August 2018;  Published: 26 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901035

Abstract

Alzheimer Disease may result from excessive stimulation of the innate immune system from development of underlying opportunistic infections and impaired age related self recognition as non-self, due to immunodeficiency and immunosenescence, resulting in excessive inflammation and runaway Beta-amyloid production (a component of the innate immune system) causing cytosolic calcium overload. Excessive cytosolic calcium may cause over activation of calcineurin and inactivation of cis-trans prolyl is [...]

Open Access Review

Cell Senescence, Telomerase, and Senolytic Therapy

Received: 31 December 2018;  Published: 15 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901034

Abstract

The consensus that cell senescence plays a role in age-related disease has prompted a number of potential clinical interventions, including attempts to reset cell senescence and attempts to remove senescent cells from aging tissues. The latter approach, senolytic therapy, has attracted considerable attention, but both theoretical considerations and published data suggest that the clinical benefits will be transient and that senolytic therapies will likely accelerate long-term degenerative diseas [...]

Open Access Research Article

Effect of Six-Months Supplementation with Cholecalciferol on Glycemic and Blood Pressure Control in Elderly Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency: A Pilot Study

Received: 31 October 2018;  Published: 14 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901033

Abstract

Background: It is well known that hypovitaminosis D has been associated with various cardio-metabolic disorders, though the pathogenetic link, if any, still remains unclear. The aim of our pilot study was to evaluate in uncontrolled non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetic patients with hypovitaminosis D, whether six-month vitamin D supplementation was able to improve glycemic control, lipid profile and blood pressure levels. Methods: Thirty type 2 diabetic patients (age 71.5±3.2 years, BMI 29.7±3.5 [...]

Open Access Research Article

Key Dimensions of Therapeutic Lies in Dementia Care: A New Taxonomy

Received: 12 December 2018;  Published: 11 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901032

Abstract

Background: Research suggests that the use of lies and deception is prevalent within dementia care settings, despite ongoing debates raised about the ethics of this approach. There has been increasing exploration of when and why deceptive practices should be used, but the lack of clarity as to what constitutes a lie has caused difficulty in ensuring that lies are used ethically. The aim of this study was to widen our understanding of the key dimensions that underpin the use of lies, and further [...]

Open Access Editorial

Telomere Editorial - Perspectives on Telomeres and Aging

Received: 29 January 2019;  Published: 30 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901031

Abstract

Telomere Editorial-Perspectives on Telomeres and Aging

Open Access Research Article

An Examination of How the ‘Household Model' of Care Can Contribute to Positive Ageing for Residents in the ‘Fourth Age’

Received: 15 November 2018;  Published: 24 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901030

Abstract

Promoting a good quality of life for the oldest members of society has become a top priority as evidenced in UK policy. The ‘household’ model is a departure from traditional approaches to care provision since it offers person-centred support - combing health and social care - to older people in specially-designed, small, homelike environments. Having gained increasing popularity in care homes across developed countries, the impact of this model of service delivery on residents’ quality of life a [...]

Open Access Research Article

Aging and the Art of Happiness: Time Effects of A Positive Psychology Program with Older Adults

Received: 31 October 2018;  Published: 10 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901029

Abstract

Background: Research has shown that positive psychology interventions can enhance subjective well-being and reduce depression, however, the efficacy of these programs with older adult populations has not been widely examined. The present study studied the short and long term impact of an intervention enhancing happiness and overall mental well-being in older adults. Method: The Art of Happiness is an 8-week program conducted at 2 senior centers in the state of Delaware. Each 90 minute class exam [...]

Open Access Research Article

Acceptance of Information and Communication Technologies for Healthy and Active Aging: Results from Three Field Studies

Received: 31 October 2018;  Published: 04 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901028

Abstract

Background: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) could have a lot of potentialities to promote healthy aging and to increase the quality of life of elderly people. Several barriers like access, performance, psychological, and privacy issues still exist against fully deploying ICT solutions for the elderly. The investigation of factors affecting acceptance of ICT services by elderly people provides useful insight in order to overcome the above-mentioned barriers. The present paper di [...]

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