Older adults with dementia often experience apathy, but this symptom is commonly overlooked. Studies have shown that environment-based interventions have a positive influence on apathy. However, not much research has been done to explore influential environmental qualities. Researchers have pointed out that environmental factors have a significant influence on apathy. …
A recent study found that approximately 25% of older adults experience depressive symptoms. Candidate genes that are known to influence depression and that have been commonly studied include those that effect serotonin, dopamine, or nueroplasticity. However, the majority of candidate gene studies have not considered the relationship of genetics, demographic,…
Many older adults who suffer from cognitive disability also display challenging or problem behaviors. These types of behaviors threaten the physical safety of the individuals or others or cause community facilities to become inaccessible. There has been much concern for many years regarding the use of psychotropic drugs—specifically, antipsychotics—that are…
Linda Boly, 59, a registered nurse who had been unjustly terminated by Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center for complaining to management that cost-cutting measures were putting patients at risk, was awarded $3 million last Friday by a Portland jury. Linda reported feeling vindicated by the verdict and hopied that this…
The prescription of potentially inappropriate medications to older adults is known to be highly prevalent in the United States, estimating from 12% for community-living seniors to 40% for those dwelling in nursing homes (NHs). When prescribed drugs are clearly indicated, founded on scientific evidence, and are well tolerated, medication use…
Yelp has long been a popular site used to find businesses. Now, Yelp can help people make informed decisions even more about hospitals, long-term care facilities, and dialysis centers. Yelp has recently partnered with ProPublica, an award-winning nonprofit new organization, to integrate health care statistics and consumer opinion survey data…
Older adults are increasingly turning to assisted living facilities for their care needs. Not only is assisted living more affordable than long-term care (i.e. nursing home care), it also provides a more homelike and autonomous setting, as well as secure housing, personal support, and limited health care. However, unlike traditional…
It is well known that frail older adults are highly vulnerable to fractures. In long-term care settings, the rate of fracture for older adults is more than double that of older adults living in community settings. Moreover, one third of older adults experience a hip fracture while living in long-term…
Impairments in cognitive functioning and depressive symptoms are prevalent among older adults with dementia. Older adults with dementia commonly experience a variety of cognitive and behavioral problems, which may in turn diminish physical activities and mental well-being, reduce social or occupational functions, and decrease health-related quality of life. Furthermore, research…
Living in assisted living facilities has become increasingly popular among older adults with dementia. However, lower staffing levels and availability of care services in assisted living facilities put residents at increased risk for negative outcomes. A recent study examined the rate of hospitalization over one year for assisted living facility…