Special Issue focusing on the use of Health Information Technology to Improve Patient Care

This issue contains research and review articles supporting the claim that selective types of health information technologies can be used to improve the quality of care. Specific examples include: utilizing electronic records to manage drug prescriptions, implementing appropriate technology in clinical practice, and diabetes care to reduce the amount of falls. For more information, see journal issue at http://www.springerlink.com.

Preparing the U.S. Healthcare Workforce for an Aging Population

This new report outlines the growing demand for geriatric professionals and offers recommendations to help meet this need. For example, a change in the definition of “health care workforce” would incorporate professional and direct care providers as well as informal, unpaid caregivers. Under this expanded definition, all would be eligible to receive training in geriatric care. For more information, see report at http://www.iom.edu.

Identifying Vulnerable Older Adults in the Community

This study replicates the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES) in which researchers discovered that about one-third of community-dwelling older adults were deemed vulnerable to institutionalization and elevated health risks. Furthermore, this population is less likely to see a family physician and more likely to utilize emergency room departments for health care. For more information, see article at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com.

Stem Cell Treatments Show Promise in Repairing Cartilage for Arthritis Sufferers

Recent research presented at a national scientific meeting in the UK suggests that bone stem cells can be harnessed to rebuild damaged cartilage. The researchers suggest these findings will mean a potential breakthrough in the treatment of osteoarthritis. For more information, see press release at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com.

Why are Disability Rates Dropping among Older Americans?

This article seeks to explain why the disability rate among older Americans has dropped in the past couple of decades. The authors review the available research evidence and analyze national data trends on the need for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). They conclude that medical technology advances and socioeconomic changes are responsible for the drop in disability rates.  For more information, see abstract at http://www.milbank.org.

Eating Blueberries May Enhance Memory

Researchers in the UK have discovered that Phytochemical-rich foods, like blueberries, are an effective way to reduce memory deficits. This study points toward possible diet-based memory-loss prevention strategies. For more information, see press release at http://www.pms.ac.uk.

Anti-psychotic Medications do not Benefit Alzheimer’s Patients

Researchers at King’s College performed a clinical, double-blind study on the efficacy of anti-psychotic treatment for Alzheimer’s patients. This trial concluded that there was no significant difference in the changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms between the placebo and treatment groups. These findings suggest that anti-psychotic medications should only be used sparingly with Alzheimer’s patients. For more information, see article at http://medicine.plosjournals.org.

Aerobic Fitness Slows the Aging Process

British Journal of Sports Medicine (April, 2008)“Aerobic exercise can reduce the aging process up to 10 years”

Longitudinal research in the UK has demonstrated that aerobic exercise can reduce the aging process up to 10 years by increasing oxygen intake.  This helps minimize the functional deterioration associated with growing older. For more information, see abstract at http://bjsm.bmj.com.

Building Wellness through Improv

Older adults are increasingly participating in what has become a popular activity, comedy improv. This article describes an improv comedy workshop geared towards older adults in New York City.  Programs like this seek to maximize the social and emotional wellness benefits of creative activity. For more information, see article at http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu.

The Causes and Treatment of Dry Mouth in Older Adults

The Mayo Clinic recently released a fact sheet concerning dry mouth in older adults. It includes common causes such as medication side effects and offers ways to reduce the problem. For more information, see the fact sheet at http://www.mayoclinic.com.

Online Fracture Risk Calculator Published

Australian researchers have published an online fracture-risk calculator that allows individuals to assess their personal risk of bone fracture. The calculator is based on over 17 years of research and takes into account an individual’s bone density, age, sex, and history of fractures. To use the calculator, see www.fractureriskcalculator.com.

Landmark Study Aims to Improve Osteoporosis Care Worldwide

Nearly 60,000 women aged 55 years and older have enrolled in a worldwide study aimed at improving the care of osteoporosis. This study will monitor study participants who have visited a primary care physician within the past two years. Research is being conducted in multiple locations in the U.S.; as well as in Canada, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Australia. To receive updates on this research, see the study website at www.outcomes.org/glow.

Debunking Old Age Myths about Aging and Belief

A recent analysis of the General Social Survey examined the political beliefs of more than 46,000 Americans. The analysts focused on changes in attitudes occurring within birth cohorts at different stages in their life from the period of 1972 to 2004. Findings suggest that although all cohorts moved toward a general increased tolerance, the oldest birth cohorts showed greater changes toward political tolerance. For more information, see abstract at http://www.ingentaconnect.com.

Legislation Introduced to Address Shortage in Health Care Workers for Older Adults

A bipartisan bill addressing the health care workforce shortage for older adults was recently introduced in the Senate. It proposes to establish a loan repayment program for professionals entering into geriatric practice. These individuals would agree, in a contract, to work in geriatric care for a minimum of two years. In return, they would receive up to $35,000 educational loan interest payments, depending on the number of years of service. For more information, see the bill at http://thomas.loc.gov.