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According to previous trials, published in 2005, it seems that the administration of vitamin D supplements increases muscle strength and balance, obtaining a preventive action on falls. In this meta-analysis, the efficacy of the use of various forms of vitamin D (colecalciferol, ergocalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3) has been evaluated in the prevention of falls in elderly ≥ 65 years of age. Among the examined trials, 8 have been found meeting the required criteria, concerning an overall of 2426 patients (average age 80; 81% females).
MedNews (Geriatrics) - Wed, 30 June 2010
http://mn.medsurfnews.com/
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An updated guideline for the prevention of falls in older patients urges primary care physicians to screen their patients yearly and to implement tailored, multifaceted interventions for patients at risk.
Journal of the American Medical Association (Geriatrics) - Mon, 31 May 2010
http://jama.ama-assn.org/
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Many randomized controlled trials indicate that vitamin D will reduce falls and fractures. Therefore, the hypothesis in the study by Sanders et al1 in this issue of JAMA, that a single annual 500 000-IU oral dose of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) would be effective in reducing falls and fractures in older women with 1 or more risk factors for falling was a reasonable one.
Journal of the American Medical Association (Geriatrics) - Tue, 18 May 2010
http://jama.ama-assn.org/
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In spite of their frequency, syncopes still represent a quite mysterious and difficult disease to diagnose and treat, above all in elderly. In this trial, performed in Connecticut, the medical records of over 1900 consecutive patients ≥ 65 and hospitalized for syncope have been examined.
MedNews (Geriatrics) - Mon, 3 May 2010
http://mn.medsurfnews.com/
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Surgical treatment of older patients with severe and protracted symptoms from neurogenic claudication or radicular pain syndromes can provide rapid improvement.
Journal of the American Medical Association (Geriatrics) - Wed, 7 April 2010
http://jama.ama-assn.org/
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The need is urgent to provide older persons with individualized information about the benefits and harms of different diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Archives of Internal Medicine (Geriatrics) - Mon, 29 March 2010
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/
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The aging of the world population will affect not only societies worldwide, but health care professionals who care for them, the families of aged adults, and of course the aged individuals. According to the United Nations, "Population ageing is unprecedented, without parallel in the history of humanity. . . . By 2050, the number of older persons in the world will exceed the number of young for the first time in history."
Journal of the American Medical Association (Geriatrics) - Fri, 5 February 2010
http://jama.ama-assn.org/
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Falls are common health events that cause discomfort and disability for older adults and stress for caregivers. Using the case of an older man who has experienced multiple falls and a hip fracture, this article, which focuses on community-living older adults, addresses the consequences and etiology of falls; summarizes the evidence on predisposing factors and effective interventions; and discusses how to translate this evidence into patient care. Previous falls; strength, gait, and balance impairments; and medications are the strongest risk factors for falling. Effective single interventions include exercise and physical therapy, cataract surgery, and medication reduction. Evidence suggests that the most effective strategy for reducing the rate of falling in community-living older adults may be intervening on multiple risk factors. Vitamin D has the strongest clinical trial evidence of benefit for preventing fractures among older men at risk. Issues involved in incorporating these evidence-based fall prevention interventions into outpatient practice are discussed, as are the trade-offs inherent in managing older patients at risk of falling. While challenges and barriers exist, fall prevention strategies can be incorporated into clinical practice.
Journal of the American Medical Association (Geriatrics) - Fri, 22 January 2010
http://jama.ama-assn.org/
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On Oct 13, the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists published a position paper on age discrimination in mental health. When an arbitrary 65-year cut-off age no longer applies to many types of employment or other clinical specialties, why, the College argues, should it limit access to mental health services? Given that 20% of people aged over 65 years have poor mental health, and that this adversely affects outcomes of comorbid conditions, the paper's conclusion is that mental health services should be provided on the basis of need, irrespective of age.
The Lancet (Geriatrics) - Fri, 30 October 2009
http://www.thelancet.com
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In the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism two trials have been published focusing on vitamin D levels in old people. In the first one, plasmatic levels of 25-OH-vitamin D have been measured in 6000 males (between 65 and 99) living in various regions of the USA. Plasmatic average levels were of 25 ng/ml, but a quarter of subjects presented values lower than 20 ng/ml.
MedNews (Geriatrics) - Fri, 16 October 2009
http://mn.medsurfnews.com/