International journal of geriatric psychiatry
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Apr 2015
Review Meta AnalysisDo antipsychotics prevent postoperative delirium? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
To summarize the effect of antipsychotics for preventing postoperative delirium. ⋯ Within the limits of few randomized controlled trials, antipsychotics appeared to reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in several surgical settings, predominantly orthopedic and for those at higher risk for delirium.
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Jan 2015
ReviewAssisted dying in dementia: a systematic review of the international literature on the attitudes of health professionals, patients, carers and the public, and the factors associated with these.
Assisted death and dementia is a controversial topic that, in recent years, has been subject to considerable clinical, ethical and political debate. ⋯ Sociodemographic factors can influence attitudes towards assisted dying. The impact of these, however, may also differ according to the population surveyed. The findings from this review can contribute to current debates and inform clinical practice and future research in this area.
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Dec 2014
ReviewObjective assessment of attention in delirium: a narrative review.
Inattention is a core feature of delirium, and valid assessment of attention is central to diagnosis. Methods of measuring attention in delirium can be divided into two broad categories: (i) objective neuropsychological testing; and (ii) subjective grading of behaviour during interview and clinical examination. Here, we review and critically evaluate studies of objective neuropsychological testing of attention in delirium. We examine the implications of these studies for delirium detection and monitoring in clinical practice and research, and how these studies inform understanding of the nature of attentional deficits in delirium. ⋯ The existing evidence base on objective assessment of attention in delirium is small. Objective testing of attention is underdeveloped but shows considerable promise in clinical practice and research.
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Jul 2014
Review Meta AnalysisInterventions to reduce the number of falls among older adults with/without cognitive impairment: an exploratory meta-analysis.
This exploratory meta-analysis aimed to examine and compare the effective interventions to prevent falls among institutionalized/non-institutionalized older adults without cognitive impairment with interventions to prevent falls for older adults with cognitive impairment. ⋯ Single exercise interventions can significantly reduce numbers of falls among older adults with and without cognitive impairment in institutional or non-institutional settings. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation, home visits, and environment modification can reduce the risk of falls among older adults in non-institutional settings. Exercise-related multiple interventions and multifactorial interventions may only be effective for preventing falls in older adults with cognitive impairment.
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Jun 2014
ReviewClinical presentation and differential diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies: a review.
Dementia with Lewy bodies is one of the most prevalent dementia diagnoses. However, differential diagnosis between dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease with dementia can still be very difficult given the overlap in neuropathology, clinical presentation, cognitive, and neuroanatomical changes. ⋯ Accurate diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies is crucial in order to more accurately predict the progression of the disease and negative side effects from pharmacological treatment. The differences and similarities between dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease with dementia are highlighted in order to aid clinicians in differential diagnosis.