Known–Unknowns in Geriatric Cardiology
Abstract
Open Access
ISSN 2638-1311
© 2020 by the authors; CC BY 4.0 licence
OBM Geriatrics , Volume 4 , Issue 1 (2020)
Pages: 204
Published: April 2020
(This book is a printed edition that was published in OBM Geriatrics)
Cover story: Could integrative medicine (versus conventional medicine alone) be a promising treatment approach for dementia? We described both approaches, reported public and practitioner views and co-created a vision within the wider environmental, sociocultural context. Neither approach provides consistently beneficial treatment outcomes. Findings support development of a treatment model that integrates both. View this paper.
Volume 4,Issue 1
Known–Unknowns in Geriatric Cardiologyby
Giuseppe Cocco
and
Philipp Amiet
Abstract 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 [...] |
Biomaterial to Improve Drug Delivery in Alzheimer's Disease: Linking Major Pathogenic PathwaysAbstract 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 [...] |
Dysphagia and Oral Health in Older PeopleAbstract 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 a [...] |
Exploring the Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Blood Coagulability in Caregivers of Patients with Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trialby
Akemi Hirano
,
Yusuke Suzuki
,
Hiroyuki Umegaki
,
Toshio Hayashi
,
Koichiro Ina
,
Joji Onishi
,
Jun Hasegawa
and
Masafumi Kuzuya
Abstract 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, [...] |
Alzheimer's Disease: Parsing the Pathways Leading to the Disease Based on the Spirochete/Biofilm HypothesisAbstract A pathway which highlighted spirochetes (Borrelia burgdorferi and dental treponemes) that made biofilms which led to Alzheimer’s disease has recently been promulgated. All the Alzheimer’s disease, on which this pathway was based, had been specifically confirmed both clinically and pathologically. This current work will show putative and plausible individual pathways that were studied. First and foremost, intracellular spirochetes make biofilms and concurrently make beta amyloid; this has been sh [...] |
Problems Associated with the Measurement of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of DementiaAbstract Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) affect nearly all persons living with dementia (PLWD) at some point during the course of the disease. Given the absence of a cure or effective pharmacotherapy for dementia, it is particularly important to prevent, measure, track, and manage NPS in dementia care. Unfortunately, these efforts are hindered by inconsistent operational definitions and measurement tools for numerous neuropsychiatric symptoms. This review examines agitation, aggression, restlessness, and [...] |
Cortical Activity and Rhythmic Patterns in Mouse Models of Aging and Alzheimer’s DiseaseAbstract Aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been reported to induce changes in the cerebral cortex circuits. The present review aims to study these alterations by reviewing emergent cortical activity with a focus on the rhythmic patterns. The rationale for this approach was two-fold: (i) emergent rhythmic activity integrates cellular and network properties of these underlying circuits; and (ii) alterations in rhythmic patterns reflect the functional impact of changes on the network induc [...] |
Behaviors of Persons with Dementia: A Review and New Perspective for Future ResearchAbstract Through the assessment of previous and current literature on the behaviors experienced by persons with dementia, this review discusses the terminology, conceptual models, measurement techniques, and non-pharmacological interventions employed within behavioral research. Additionally, this review considers the illness experience and the need for more research using self-report methodology with persons with dementia in order to address the current gaps within the behaviour literature. With three ma [...] |
Target Tau, not Amyloid, to Prevent and Treat Alzheimer’s DiseaseAbstract In this article I wish to put the case for a change of emphasis in the approach to finding a prevention/treatment for Alzheimer’s disease from a focus on beta amyloid to one on tau. In particular, I make the case for aiming to prevent the spread of abnormal tau from the medial temporal lobe to widespread areas of association cortex that are anatomically linked to this critical region. I pose an analogy with cardiovascular disease in which the initiating pathology, lipid streaks, are left untreat [...] |
Views of Conventional Medicine and Integrative Medicine among Informal Dementia Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals in NW EnglandAbstract The urgent need for innovative approaches to dementia treatment that are acceptable, effective and affordable underlies this research. Growing evidence supports ‘integrative medicine’ as a potential treatment approach aligned with and including conventional medicine. However, success will depend on addressing barriers, recognising needs of diverse communities and involving people in co-creating desired interventions. The three aims of this study were to, 1) describe conventional allopathic medic [...] |
A Unified Model of Age-Related DiseaseAbstract none |
Implications of Clozapine Complications in Geriatric Patients with Type II Diabetes MellitusAbstract Second-generation antipsychotics, have known metabolic side effects; specifically, clozapine is implicated in worsening or causing hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and weight gain. Recently, there has been an increased interest in the safe use of clozapine in patients with diabetes. In March 2018, a 65-year-old female with a diagnosis of schizophrenia was admitted for inpatient hospitalization to a psychiatric hospital in Buffalo, NY for further stabilization after receiving two months of tre [...] |
Using Mixed Methods to Explore Older Residents' Physical Activity and Experiences of Community Active Aging FriendlinessAbstract Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality and as such, it is critical that physical activity guidelines for health consider equitable access to physical activity opportunities for all, including those aged 65 years and older. The purpose of this study was to examine the intersections of attributes of older people (e.g. income, gender, age, health, physical activity) and attributes of the places they live (e.g. rurality, public transit, sidewalks, parks, community [...] |
A Novel Approach to Fall Risk Reduction: Combining Education and Therapeutic Yogaby
Em V. Adams
,
Marieke Van Puymbroeck
,
Heather S. Torphy
,
Brian C. Helsel
,
Karen A. Kemper
,
Cheryl Dye
and
Arlene A. Schmid
Abstract Falls have negative consequences for older adults, but falls can be reduced through interventions that target the reduction of fall risk factors. Cognitive behavioral education programs and therapeutic yoga are two interventions that have independently been used as a means to reduce the risk of falls. The purpose of this study was to determine if adding therapeutic yoga following an education intervention improved well known fall risk factors. Potential participants were recruited through a seni [...] |
Social Connectedness in Preventing Suicide among Older AdultsAbstract Social isolation and social disconnectedness have resulted in some older adults ending their lives by suicide; therefore, improving social connectedness has become an integral part of suicide prevention programmes. The purpose of this literature review was to assess the impact of social connectedness interventions for preventing suicide in older adults. It is evident that interventions aimed at promoting social connectedness are intended to alleviate stress and depressive symptoms due to social [...] |
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