The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Nov 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyThe Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study: design and methods.
As the number of older adults in the United States rises, maintaining functional independence among older Americans has emerged as a major clinical and public health priority. Older people who lose mobility are less likely to remain in the community; demonstrate higher rates of morbidity, mortality, and hospitalizations; and experience a poorer quality of life. Several studies have shown that regular physical activity improves functional limitations and intermediate functional outcomes, but definitive evidence showing that major mobility disability can be prevented is lacking. A Phase 3 randomized controlled trial is needed to fill this evidence gap. ⋯ Results of this study are expected to have important public health implications for the large and growing population of older sedentary men and women.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Mar 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyThe relationship between cognitive function and physical performance in older women: results from the women's health initiative memory study.
Cognitive function and physical performance are associated, but the common sequence of cognitive and physical decline remains unclear. ⋯ Baseline global cognitive function and change in global cognitive function were associated with physical performance change, but baseline physical performance was not associated with cognitive change in this cohort. These analyses support the hypothesis that cognitive decline on average precedes or co-occurs with physical performance decline.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Jun 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyChanges in cognitive function in a randomized trial of physical activity: results of the lifestyle interventions and independence for elders pilot study.
Cognitive impairment is an important contributor to disability. Limited clinical trial evidence exists regarding the impact of physical exercise on cognitive function (CF). We report results of a pilot study to provide estimates of the relative impact of physical activity (PA) on 1-year changes in cognitive outcomes and to characterize relationships between changes in mobility disability and changes in cognition in older adults at increased risk for disability. ⋯ These results provide further support for the benefits of exercise on CF in older adults. An adequately powered clinical trial of PA involving older adults at increased risk for cognitive disability is needed to expand the indications for prescribing exercise for prevention of decline in brain function.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Aug 2007
Multicenter StudyFactors associated with pharmacologic treatment of osteoporosis in an older home care population.
A number of studies have shown low rates of osteoporosis treatment. Few, if any, have assessed a comprehensive range of functional and clinical correlates of treatment coverage. Our objective was to examine which sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics are associated with pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis among community-based seniors. ⋯ Many older adults with presumed osteoporosis in our study were not receiving drug therapy for this condition. Indicators of clinical instability and functional decline appear to represent influential factors in treatment decisions. Despite a lower likelihood of treatment among men with a prevalent fracture, this sex difference in treatment largely disappeared in the presence of an osteoporosis diagnosis.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Feb 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyAssociation between psychomotor activity delirium subtypes and mortality among newly admitted post-acute facility patients.
Delirium is common among hospitalized elders and may persist for months. Therefore, the adverse impact of delirium on independence often occurs in the post acute care (PAC) setting. The effect of psychomotor subtypes on delirium remains uncertain. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between psychomotor activity delirium subtypes and 1-year mortality among 457 newly admitted delirious PAC patients. ⋯ All three psychomotor disturbance subtypes had an elevated risk of dying during the 1-year follow-up relative to the normal psychomotor group, though the hypoactive group had the highest mortality risk and was the only group with a statistically significantly elevated risk relative to the normal group.