Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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To identify clinical outcomes and variables associated with 6-month mortality in very elderly patients admitted for nonacidotic acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). ⋯ Malnutrition, severity of exacerbation and disability status could be identified as risk factors associated with 6-month mortality of elderly patients admitted for nonacidotic AECOPD.
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To examine the psychometric properties, adaptations, translations, and applications of the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), a widely used instrument and diagnostic algorithm for identification of delirium. ⋯ The CAM has helped to improve identification of delirium in clinical and research settings. To optimize performance, the CAM should be scored based on observations made during formal cognitive testing, and training is recommended. Future action is needed to optimize use of the CAM and to improve the recognition and management of delirium.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Determining care management activities associated with mastery and relationship strain for dementia caregivers.
To identify specific care management activities within a dementia care management intervention that are associated with 18-month change in caregiver mastery and relationship strain. ⋯ Home assessments for specific needs of caregivers and persons with dementia are associated with improvements in caregivers' sense of mastery. Future work is needed to determine whether this increase is sustained over time and decreases the need for institutionalization.
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Quality of pharmacotherapy and outcomes for older veterans discharged from the emergency department.
To determine whether suboptimal pharmacotherapy increases the risk of adverse outcomes in older adults discharged from the emergency department (ED). ⋯ A substantial number of older male veterans discharged from the ED may be at risk for adverse events due to suboptimal prescribing and inadequate medication monitoring. Efforts to improve the quality of pharmacotherapy in this vulnerable population are warranted.
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To determine whether malnutrition and biomarkers of inflammation predict all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality in healthy elderly subjects. ⋯ Biomarkers of inflammation and malnutrition together predict early mortality. In healthy elderly subjects, TTR and AAG could be helpful in identifying elderly subjects at higher risk of death.