Journal of gerontology and geriatric research 

About: Journal of gerontology and geriatric research is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Health care. It has an ISSN identifier of 2167-7182. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 454 publications have been published receiving 1348 citations.

Use of non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics and risk of falls in older men.

Abstract: Background: To ascertain whether use of non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics is associated with risk of falls and compare this to risk of falls associated with use of benzodiazepines. Methods: Among 4450 community-dwelling men, aged 71 years and older, enrolled in the population-based prospective cohort study, Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS), use of non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics and benzodiazepines was assessed by interview and verified from medication containers at the third annual visit of the MrOS study. Falls in the subsequent one-year period were ascertained by tri-annual questionnaires and a computerized dictionary used to categorize type of medication. Results: In age-adjusted models, non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic use was associated with an increased risk of any falls (one or more falls) (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.15, 1.81) and recurrent falls (2 or more falls) (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.07, 2.14). Use of benzodiazepines was associated with a similar increase in age-adjusted risk of falling. Depressive symptoms, inability to stand from a chair, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) impairment modestly attenuated these associations. The association between non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic use and falls was most pronounced among men without a history of falls in the previous year: in a multivariable model controlling for multiple potential confounders, the RR of any falls was 1.74 (95% CI 1.13, 2.68) in this subgroup. Conclusions: Use of non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics is associated with an increased risk of falls. Nonpharmacologic approaches to sleep disturbances may represent the safest approach to sleep difficulties in older adults.

Ageing in India: Some Social Challenges to Elderly Care

Abstract: Ageing in India is exponentially increasing due to the impressive gains that society has made in terms of increased life expectancy. With the rise in elderly population, the demand for holistic care tends to grow. By 2025, the geriatric population is expected to be 840 million in the developing countries [1]. It is projected that the proportion of Indians aged 60 and older will rise from 7.5% in 2010 to 11.1% in 2025 [2]. In 2010, India had more than 91.6 million elderly and the number of elderly in India is projected to reach 158.7 million in 2025 [2]. An aging population puts an increased burden on the resources of a country and has raised concerns at many levels for the government in India. The aging population is both medical and sociological problem. The elderly population suffers high rates of morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases. The demographic transition in India shows unevenness and complexities within different states. This has been attributed to the different levels of socio-economic development, cultural norms, and political contexts. Hence it will be a herculean task for policy makers to address the geriatric care that will take into account all these determinants. Care for the elderly is fast emerging as a critical element of both the public and private concern.

Synthesis and Determination of Antimicrobial Activity of Visible Light Activated TiO2 Nanoparticles with Polymethyl Methacrylate Denture Base Resin Against Staphylococcus Aureus

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to synthesize visible light activated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles using titanium nitride (TiN) by solution route to determine its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus when combined with heat cure polymethyl methacrylate denture base resins (PMMA) in three different combinations. Methods: Visible light activated as-prepared TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by peroxide based solution route technique using TiN. Part of the as-prepared TiO2 was annealed and anatase form was obtained. Physical properties of the material were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X– ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). TiO2 (3 w%, 5 w%)-PMMA composite samples (incorporated, precuring or post-curing coating) and unblended acrylic samples were prepared. They were placed in saline and exposed to light for 1 day, 1 week, 1month, 3 months and 6 months in a halogen light system specially fabricated for this study. Then the samples were subjected to microbiological tests to determine the inhibitory activity against S. aureus. Based on visible turbidity changes in the broth containing samples the antibacterial activity was reported. Statistical analysis of the data was done to interprete the results. Results: XRD, SEM, EDAX and FTIR showed better patterns with anatase form. This material showed consistent and reliable inhibitory activity in all forms when combined with PMMA in three different combinations. The best results were achieved at 3 w% concentration of TiO2. Conclusion: 3 w% of anatase TiO2 upon incorporation and postcuring coating with PMMA shows promising inhibitory activity against S.aureus. Clinical significance: To decrease the load of oral microflora on dentures by utilising visible light activated TiO2 photocatalyst especially in elderly and handicapped denture wearers

Effects of Exercise Program Requiring Attention, Memory and Imitation on Cognitive Function in Elderly Persons: A Non-Randomized Pilot Study

Abstract: Background: Square-Stepping Exercise (SSE) was developed as a novel exercise form that combines physical and cognitive training. Participants watch, recognize, memorize and follow step patterns which an instructor demonstrates on a 4 by 10 square-patterned SSE mat without viewing printed pattern diagrams. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of SSE on cognitive function. Methods: Community-dwelling, healthy elderly persons were non-randomly divided into a weekly session group (WG) (26 participants) and a fortnightly session group (FG) (32 participants) for a six month intervention. SSE sessions lasted 50-60 minutes, and an SSE mat was provided to participants for home use. We asked participants to review printed pattern diagrams at home, then practice the SSE and record this in a log. Five cognitive tests were given preand post-intervention: cued recall, character position referencing, animal name listing, clock drawing and an analogy test. Results: Both groups significantly improved in the cued recall test (memory): 2.7 points [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-4.4] in the WG and 2.4 points [95%CI: 0.9-4.0] in the FG. Furthermore, the WG significantly improved in the character position referencing test (executive function) (5.6 points [95%CI: 2.8-8.3]). The three other cognitive function tests did not significantly improve. On the cued recall test, the rate of session participation and the rate of SSE performance for all designated days positively correlated in the WG/FG combined data. On the character position referencing test, the total SSE time and the number of days SSE was performed at home and in session were significant in the WG/FG combined data. Conclusion: The results of this pilot study indicate that SSE be could use as an intervention to promote cognitive function, especially memory and executive function. The amount and/or frequency of exposure to SSE would affect its impact on various types of cognitive function.

Factors Associated with Unmet Needs among African-American Dementia Care Providers.

Abstract: Racial and ethnic minorities currently comprise 20% of the U.S. population; in 2050, this figure is expected to rise to 42%. As a result, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the 5th leading cause of death for people aged 65 and older, is likely to increase in these groups. Most dementia caregiving for these populations comes from family and friends, especially among families with lower socioeconomic status. A convenience sample of 30 African-American dementia caregivers was interviewed to determine unmet needs. Participants expressed a limited desire for formal services, such as support groups, legal advice, case management, and homemaker services. Instead, commonly expressed needs were daytime respite care and especially a desire for family and social support. Many caregivers expressed a need for other family members to share responsibility in the process; therefore, methods for caregiver support that address multiple family members in care provision may be beneficial for this group.