Summary Hyponatraemia is frequent in older people and induces marked motor and cognitive dysfunction, even in patients deemed ‘asymptomatic’. Nutritional status is worse than in euvolaemic-matched controls, and the risk of fracture is increased following incidental falls. Yet hyponatraemia is undertreated, in spite of the fact that its correction is accompanied by a clear improvement in symptoms. Both evaluation of neurological symptoms and classification by volaemia are essential for a correct diagnosis and treatment of the hyponatraemic elderly patient. The syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the most common cause of hyponatraemia in older people. Nutritional status and chronicity of SIADH should be taken into account when deciding therapy. We propose an 8-step approach to the management of the elderly patient with hyponatraemia.
SummaryA literature search was conducted to identify and evaluate non-pharmacological interventions available for people living with dementia, who present with sexual behaviours that challenge. A lack of research implementing and evaluating clinical interventions was identified, and the search was broadened to include discussion papers relating to sexuality and dementia. This included work both with couples affected by dementia at home, and with staff in institutional care settings. The papers identified come from a range of countries, with wide variation in care settings and practices. Literature suggests sexual behaviours that challenge in dementia are best understood within the broader context of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). There is a consensus highlighting the importance of training staff to recognize the sexual needs of people with dementia and to develop clear policy and guidelines to support staff in managing potential challenges. Few authors attempted to include the perspectives of either care partners or the person with dementia.
SummarySmall intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which non-native bacteria and/or native bacteria are present in increased numbers in the small bowel, resulting in excessive fermentation, inflammation or malabsorption. Patients with SIBO vary in presentation, from being only mildly symptomatic to suffering from chronic diarrhoea, weight loss and malabsorption. A number of diagnostic tests are currently available, with aspiration of the small intestinal fluid being the gold standard. Treatment encompasses a multimodal approach including treatment of the underlying disease, nutritional support and antibiotic therapy. In this review, we discuss the risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of SIBO in older people.
SummaryIn this review we identified cohort and cross-sectional studies that assessed pain in community-dwelling older people (>65 years) reliably characterized as frail. Secondly, we considered biologically plausible mechanisms that may alter pain perception, or contribute to, or exacerbate pain in an older person with frailty. Thirdly, we considered specific implications of pain management for this group of people. From the limited data from the seven included studies, it would appear that the presence of pain is higher in older people with frailty compared with people characterized as pre-frail or not frail. Thus older people reporting pain are more likely to be frail. However, a lack of prospective data precludes inferences about the direction of the relationship: that is whether pain or frailty is the antecedent. Further research is needed to understand the direction of the relationship, and to identify appropriate pain management strategies for older people with frailty.
Transport is the invisible glue that holds our lives together, an under-recognized contributor to economic, social and personal well-being. In public health terms, the medical profession had previously allowed itself to focus almost exclusively on the downsides of transport. However, the research basis for transport, driving and ageing is steadily evolving and has important academic and practical considerations for gerontologists and geriatricians. For gerontologists, teasing out the critical role of transport in the health and well-being of older people is an imperative, as well as the key challenges inherent in transitioning from driving to not driving. The safe crash record of a group with significant multi-morbidity allows us to focus on the remarkable strategic and adaptive skills of older people. From a policy perspective, strictures on older drivers are an exemplar of institutionalized ageism. For geriatricians, a key challenge is to develop strategies for including transportation in our clinical assessments, formulating effective strategies for assessment of medical fitness to drive, incorporating enabling techniques, giving due consideration to ethical and legal aspects, and developing and promoting multi-modality and alternative transportation options.
Summary This review identifies and examines the clinical application of risk prediction tools, including the American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) Classification System and POSSUM-based scores, in the older general surgical patient. Predicting outcomes in this patient group remains difficult; it is challenging to design a risk prediction tool that will apply to both emergency and elective surgery and that remains valid across the wide age range that this patient group encompasses. Risk prediction tools can have benefit but should be used in conjunction with the clinical assessment of those experienced in the care of this challenging patient group.
SummaryThe majority of hospital in-patients are older people, and many of these are at increased risk of readmission, which can be an adverse outcome for the patient. Currently there is poor understanding as to how best to reduce the risk of readmission. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library for high quality review articles about readmissions. Each review was quality assessed by two reviewers. Grouped data and evidence from original papers is cited with 95% confidence intervals when possible. Nine review studies of sufficient quality were included. Two addressed risk factors for readmission, which included: age, poor functional status prior to admission, length of stay during the index admission, depression, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, social support and social networks/support. The seven other reviews addressed interventions to reduce readmission, which included: discharge planning, post-discharge support, post-discharge case management, and nutritional supplementation. It is possible to identify older people at risk of readmission using well-established risk factors; discharge planning, post-discharge support and nutritional interventions appear to be effective in reducing readmission. Combined interventions appear to be more effective than isolated interventions.
The evidence regarding the association between mood and cognitive function is conflicting, suggesting the involvement of moderating factors. This systematic review aimed to assess whether cognitive reserve moderates the association between mood and cognition in older people. Cognitive reservewas considered in terms of the three key proxy measures - educational level, occupation, and engagement in cognitively stimulating leisure activities - individually and in combination. Sixteen studies representing 37,101 participants were included in the review. Of these, 13 used a measure of education, one used a measure of occupation, two used a measure of participation in cognitively stimulating activities, and one used a combination of these. In general, cognitive reserve moderated the association between mood and cognition, with a larger negative association between mood and cognition in those with low cognitive reserve than in those with high cognitive reserve. Further research utilizing multiple proxy measures of cognitive reserve is required to elucidate the associations.
SummaryObesity is a major public health problem with increasing prevalence worldwide. It is well recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adult populations. Obesity prevalence is also increasing with age, and this may be particularly important in an ageing population. Ageing is associated with an increase in visceral fat and a progressive loss of muscle mass. Sarcopenia has been defined as the age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and has been associated with metabolic impairment, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, physical disability and mortality. Sarcopenia is often associated with obesity. Sarcopenic obesity is a new category of obesity in older adults who have high adiposity coupled with low muscle mass. Thus sarcopenia with obesity may synergistically increase their effect on metabolic disorders, CVD and mortality. This review focuses on the effects of sarcopenic obesity on the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in older adults.
SummaryThe challenges of treating malignant disease in the elderly population have gained greater prominence over the last 5–10 years. Developed nations all have ageing populations, and cancer in older people is an increasing physical and financial burden on both healthcare systems and populations.When assessing oncology patients, oncologists have traditionally used the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group or Karnofsky performance status. However, it has been shown that sometimes this does not detect potential problems in older patients, and that a comprehensive geriatric assessment may be a better tool. However good surgeons and oncologists are at adapting their services for older patients, there is little value if they are inappropriately referred or filtered out by either primary or secondary care.Surgery forms the basis of most curative treatment options. The elderly have more peri-operative risk factors including multiple co-morbidities, poly-pharmacy, malnutrition, frailty, cognitive dysfunction and an increased anaesthetic risk, which can create obstacles.Treating older patients with systemic cytotoxic therapy often relies on extrapolating evidence from younger patients. In previous decades, the majority of trials had upper age limits of 65 or 70 years. More recent trials normally include patients of all ages, and entry is based on performance status. Radiotherapy may be chosen as a potentially curative option in patients with an operable tumour, who are unfit. However, oncologists should not underestimate the burden that multiple frequent visits to hospital for treatment may have on an elderly patient population.This article looks at the assessment of elderly oncology patients, referral patterns, surgery, systemic therapies, radiotherapy, supportive therapies and long-term side-effects from treatment.
SummaryPatients with difficult venous access or oral intolerance and clinical situations with inadequate response to oral therapy have generated the need for alternative routes of delivery for drugs and fluids.The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review examining the evidence for subcutaneous (SC) administration of drugs and/or fluids.We used a broad search strategy using electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane library, key terms and ‘Medical Subject Headings’ (MeSH) such as ‘subcutaneous route’, ‘hypodermoclysis’ and the name/group of the most used drugs via this route (e.g. ‘ketorolac, morphine, ceftriaxone’, ‘analgesics, opioids, antibiotics’).We conclude that the SC route is an effective alternative for rehydration in patients with mild–moderate dehydration and offers a number of potential advantages in appropriately selected scenarios. Experience of administering drugs by this route suggests that it is well tolerated and is associated with minimal side-effects.
SummaryEpilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder of older adults, with huge functional and psychological implications. It is often difficult to diagnose in the presence of cognitive impairment and lack of a witness account. The most common identifiable causes of epilepsy in old age are cerebrovascular disease and dementia. New guidelines recommend starting treatment after first unprovoked seizure. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, electroencephalography (EEG) should be considered, or ‘wait and watch’. The aim of treatment should be to fully control seizure activity with the most effective monotherapy and fewest possible side-effects. Drug compliance is often difficult to achieve in older adults.
SummaryThe population is ageing and the rights, welfare and wellbeing of this age cohort are becoming more globally prominent and the focus of much policy development. Whilst research is leading the way and informing this in many spheres of an older person's life, this is not the case for sexual health. Campaigns of sexual health literacy and intervention are targeted at ‘at-risk’ cohorts, largely ignoring those over 60 years of age. With increases in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in this age group and the potentially serious nature of untreated conditions, this review highlights the need for increased research, health literacy and targeted interventions. Social, societal and physical barriers preventing older adults engaging with safer sex have been identified, highlighting the extent of the attitudinal and policy shifts required to provide age parity.
Hyponatraemia is frequent in older people and induces markedmotor and cognitive dysfunction, even in patients deemed 'asymptomatic'. Nutritional status is worse than in euvolaemic-matched controls, and the risk of fracture is increased following incidental falls. Yet hyponatraemia is undertreated, in spite of the fact that its correction is accompanied by a clear improvement in symptoms. Both evaluation of neurological symptoms and classification by volaemia are essential for a correct diagnosis and treatment of the hyponatraemic elderly patient. The syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the most common cause of hyponatraemia in older people. Nutritional status and chronicity of SIADH should be taken into account when deciding therapy. We propose an 8-step approach to the management of the elderly patient with hyponatraemia.
SummaryNeoplasms of the lymphoid tissues represent a large, heterogeneous group of diseases that vary in clinical severity and response to treatment. The incidence of lymphoma in older patients is growing, yet guidelines on specifically how these patients should be treated are lacking. Moreover, older people are excluded from most of the clinical trials and management decisions are usually based on data obtained in younger patients. This review might consider the optimal strategy for lymphoma diagnosis and treatment in older patients.
Summary Exercise has a complex influence on the biochemical markers of inflammation that includes suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The magnitude of this effect is large for prolonged activity at high work rates. People who are able to perform regular mild–moderate exercise have lower baseline pro-inflammatory cytokine levels that appear to be associated with a number of health benefits, including reduced all-cause mortality. These effects extend into old age. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pleiotropic myokine released by active muscle cells, appears to play a central role in these observed phenomena, though the mechanisms of action are intricate and incompletely understood. The minimum threshold of the exercise–cytokine dose–response, if any, has not been clearly characterized. Therefore, the potential to influence cytokine activity and reduce age-associated inflammation in very aged or frail people able to perform only very low levels of physical activity is unknown.
The increasing prevalence of dementia in Australia (and worldwide) over the next few decades poses enormous social, health and economic challenges. In the absence of a cure, strategies to prevent, delay the onset of, or reduce the impact of dementia are required to contain a growing disease burden, and health and care costs. A population health approach has the potential to substantially reduce the impact of dementia. Internationally, many countries have started to adopt population health strategies that incorporate elements of dementia prevention. The authors examine some of the elements of such an approach and barriers to its implementation.International dementia frameworks and strategies were reviewed to identify options utilized for a population health approach to dementia.Internationally and nationally, dementia frameworks are being developed that include population health approaches. Most of the frameworks identified included early diagnosis and intervention, and increasing community awareness as key objectives, while several included promotion of the links between a healthy lifestyle and reduced risk for dementia.A poor evidence base (especially for illness prevention), diagnostic and technical limitations, and policy and implementation issues are significant barriers in maximizing the promise of population health approaches in this area.The review and analysis of the population health approach to dementia will inform national and jurisdictional policy development.
SummaryFear of falling (FoF) is a common condition in older age. However, there is a paucity of research on its prevalence, impact and treatment in older people with dementia. People with dementia have an increased risk of falls which present a significant threat to their independence, as well as having a significant economic impact on health and social services. This review outlines the key issues in relation to FoF, current guidelines and assessment tools and their use for people with dementia. Further research needs to be completed in both addressing the specific assessment barriers that people with dementia may face regarding the use of current FoF tools, with further exploration surrounding the individual's experience of FoF and how this may be impacting upon their quality of life and functionality. Until a well-validated method has been developed, clinicians need to utilize available tools as guidelines, seek the assistance of proxies at all stages of the care journey, and use clinical judgement to assess FoF in patients with dementia.
SummaryParkinson's disease (PD) is a common and costly condition affecting a predominantly older population. Physical rehabilitation has been shown to enhance motor performance and functional mobility in the short-term. However, there is limited information available about how best to design and deliver an ambulatory rehabilitation (AR) programme for this patient group. This article reviews the current evidence, aiming to provide guidance about best-practice service provision. We highlight the benefits of group therapy and techniques aimed at reducing falls. Further research is required to determine the optimal dose and intensity of AR necessary to provide sustained benefits in people with different stages of PD.
This study systematically reviews the published literature regarding inappropriate prescribing in frail individuals aged at least 65 years. Twenty-five of 466 identified studies met the inclusion criteria. All papers measured some surrogate indicators of frailty, such as performance-based tests, cognitive function and functional dependency. Beers criteria were used in 20 studies (74%) to evaluate inappropriate medication use and 36% (9/25) studies used more than one criterion. The prevalence of inappropriate medications ranged widely from 11 to 92%. Only a few studies reported the relationship between potentially inappropriate medication use and surrogate measures of frailty. These diverse findings indicate the need for a standardized measure for assessing appropriateness of medication in frail older individuals. Prescribing tools should address both medication and patient-related factors such as life expectancy and functional status to minimize inappropriate prescribing in frail individuals.
