2021 Article Archive

November/December 2021

November/December 2021

• Curbing Cancer: Dietary Patterns Reduce Risk in Older Adults
  Although many feel their risk of developing cancer is related to genetics or chance, much of what is known about cancer prevention, in fact, points to the role of nutrition. We take a look at ways healthful dietary habits can influence an older person’s risk of developing cancer.
• Assessing Hepatitis and Fatty Liver Disease
  A growing number of geriatricians recognize the important role they can play in educating patients about the hidden epidemic of hepatitis C virus. Strategies include noninvasive point-of-care screening, encouraging at-risk individuals to get tested, and raising awareness about fatty liver disease.
• Targeting Neuroinflammation
  There’s no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and current FDA-approved medications can slow progression only minimally while helping to manage symptoms. There’s a need for new treatment options that can halt or significantly delay the progression of the disease, and cannabidiol, or CBD, may offer hope.
• Geriatric Kidney Disease
  By applying time-honored principles of geriatric medicine—consideration of psychosocial issues through multiple disciplines and respect for patient autonomy—geriatricians can better support older adults living with advanced kidney disease. Evidence-based medicine can sharply improve outcomes and quality of life in this population.

Departments

From the Editor
Focus on Healthy Living

Therapy
While there’s no cure for cerebral palsy, various treatments, some incorporating physical therapy, can improve quality of life.

End-of-Life Care
We share some perspectives on the pervasive question of whether morphine has hastened death in patients who are terminally ill.

Technology
Chronic disease management and effective care for older adults relies upon improved quality and risk adjustment scores.

Clinical Matters
Today’s Geriatric Medicine takes a deep dive into research pertaining to the social needs of women with gynecologic cancer.

Datebook

The Last Word
Holmium laser enucleation, a gold-standard treatment for the prostate, has one geriatrician thinking about treating patients like family members.

September/October 2021

September/October 2021

• Racial Disparities in Asthma
  Why do they exist, and what can physicians do?
• Aducanumab’s Approval Sparks an Uproar
  The inaugural disease-modifying drug for Alzheimer’s wins a controversial approval.
• COVID & Nutrition
  The pandemic has changed nutrition practice in postacute care, long term care, and assisted living settings.
• Managing Dysphagia
  Safety, variety, and training are important factors in caring for patients with swallowing disorders.

Departments

From the Editor
New Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients?

Exercise
Swimming to Fitness

Medication Monitor
Prescription Drug Overdose in Older Adults

Nutrition
Meals on Wheels

Clinical Matters
Recruiting and Retaining Alzheimer’s Patients for Clinical Trials

Research
Global Dementia Cases Forecasted to Triple by 2050

Datebook

The Last Word
Maximizing Personal, Interpersonal Agency to Enhance the Lives of Elders

July/August 2021

July/August 2021

• Eating Out of the Box or Bag
  A diet of ultraprocessed foods fuels diabetes.

• Technology Improves Hospice Care
  Telehospice care helps meet the needs of terminally ill patients.

• Matters of the Heart
  Find out what’s new in atrial fibrillation treatment.

• Combating Chronic Pain
  Cannabis has been known as an effective analgesic for centuries, if not millennia.

Departments

From the Editor
Total Wellness

News Brief
Slowing Memory Loss

Mental Health
Mental Health and Discrimination: Understanding the Link 

Clinical Matters
Helping Older Adults Sleep Easier

End of Life
Near-Death Experiences

Fall Prevention
Targeted Exercise Reduces Risk

Nutrition
Bone Health and the Gut Microbiome

Datebook

The Last Word
Overcoming Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Radiotherapy

May/June 2021

May/June 2021

• Hearing Loss and Dementia
  Untangling the connection between these two common conditions.
• Dynamic Vision
  What’s the link between vision, balance, and posture?
• Social Determinants & Stroke
  Though societal factors can’t always be controlled, awareness can help guide treatment.
• Nutritional Intricacies for Osteoporosis
  Dietary intervention is imperative.

Departments

From the Editor
Social Determinants of Health

Medical Monitor
Medical Treatment of Depression

Technology
Mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems

Culture
Clarity Can Help Organizations Live Their Values

Aging Advocate
An Open Letter About Ageism

Clinical Matters
The House Call Comeback

Datebook

The Last Word
See Me

March/April 2021

March/April 2021

• Anemia: A Risk Factor for COVID-19
  Low Hgb levels disrupt the transportation of oxygen, which can lead to multiple organ dysfunction and severe disease.
• Probiotics and Immune Health
  Research on the role of the gut microbiota is evolving rapidly.
• The Impact of COVID-19 in Long Term Care
  Learn how the pandemic is affecting transition planning at a reactivation care center in Canada.
• Technological Innovations in SNFs
  The benefits of contact-free continuous patient monitoring are numerous.

Departments

From the Editor
The Struggle Goes On

News Brief

Technology
Need for Quality Measures and Reporting Remain a Top Priority Post Pandemic

Education
Virtual Programming Hones Empathy Skills

Clinical Matters
Prehabilitation

Datebook

Sexual Health
Access to Care

The Last Word
Alzheimer’s Patients in the COVID Era

January/February 2021

January/February 2021

• Hypertension in Black Americans
  Why is the prevalence so high and what can physicians do?
• Easy Does It
  An occupational therapy–based fall prevention program reduces risks.
• Eating Disorders in Older Adults
  Clinicians often overlook eating disorders in their older patients.
• COVID-19’s Effect on Kidney Health
  This common complication in hospitalized COVID-19 patients can be life-threatening.

Departments

From the Editor
COVID-19 Complications

News Brief
Vitamin D and Fall Risk

Frailty
Make Frailty Part of Discussions About Surgery

Clinical Matters
Document Management

Mental Health
The Emotional Toll of the Pandemic

Dementia
Best Practice Caregiving

Datebook

Clinical Nutrition
Dietary Guidance for COPD

The Last Word
Digital Decision Making and Safety in the COVID World