Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
T. E. Lehti, H. Ohman, M. Knuutila, H. Kautiainen, H. Karppinen, R. Tilvis, T. Strandberg, K. H. Pitkala
Summary: The study found that symptom burden decreased in older men and women aged 75-80 from 1989 to 2019, with nonsignificant changes in cohorts aged 85+. Men had fewer symptoms compared to women, and psychological wellbeing decreased with increasing symptom burden.
AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Mikko-Oskari Rinkinen, Hanna-Maria Roitto, Hanna R. Ohman, Hannu J. Kautiainen, Reijo S. Tilvis, Timo E. Strandberg, Kaisu H. Pitkala, Ulla L. Aalto
Summary: The use of drugs with anticholinergic properties (DAPs) has shown a decreasing trend among older community-dwelling population over the past two decades, with a decrease in the use of old, strong DAPs and an increase in the use of new DAPs. Continuous education for physicians and up-to-date information on the use and effects of DAPs are needed to reduce their exposure among the rapidly growing older population.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Mazzitelli, Mattia Trunfio, Alessandra Coin, Lolita Sasset, Jacopo Farina, Monica Brundu, Vincenzo Scaglione, Maria Devita, Giuseppe Sergi, Anna M. Cattelan
Summary: This study investigated the clinical impact of anticholinergic burden in people with HIV. The results showed that about one-fourth of the participants were exposed to at least one anticholinergic drug, and more than one-fourth experienced anticholinergic signs or symptoms. The study also found that polypharmacy and specific comorbidities increased the risk of developing anticholinergic signs or symptoms. The assessment tools ABS and ADS performed the best in predicting the presence of anticholinergic signs or symptoms.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Nursing
Kirsty Haunch, Carl Thompson, Antony Arthur, Paul Edwards, Claire Goodman, Barbara Hanratty, Julienne Meyer, Andy Charlwood, Danat Valizade, Ramona Backhaus, Hilde Verbeek, Jan Hamers, Karen Spilsbury
Summary: This study aims to develop theoretical explanations for the relationship between long-term care facility staffing and quality of care for older people. It found that quality is influenced by staff behaviors, which are contingent on relationships nurtured by the facility environment and culture, and leadership plays a key role in effectively deploying organizational resources to promote and sustain quality relationships.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Enwu Liu, Maggie Killington, Ian D. Cameron, Raymond Li, Susan Kurrle, Maria Crotty
Summary: This study assessed the life expectancy of aged care facility residents in Australia who experienced hip fracture and found that age, gender, and cognition level were associated with life expectancy. The study revealed that the life expectancy for these patients was significantly shorter than that of the general Australian population.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Karoliina Salminen, Mirjami Willman, Hannu Kautiainen, Kaisu Pitkala, Hanna-Maria Roitto, Merja Suominen
Summary: The study found that while there was no significant difference in energy intake among older long-term care residents between 2007 and 2017-8, fat intake increased while carbohydrate, total protein, and protein intake decreased. Some vitamins and minerals intake decreased, and fat intake relative proportion increased in 2017-8 compared to 2007.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Clare Tazzeo, Debora Rizzuto, Amaia Calderon-Larranaga, Serhiy Dekhtyar, Alberto Zucchelli, Xin Xia, Laura Fratiglioni, Davide Liborio Vetrano, Lewis A. Lipsitz
Summary: This study examines the temporal trends in frailty state transitions and years spent frail in older Swedish adults. The findings show that predicted life expectancy and time spent frail at age 60 are increasing with birth year. Women have lower risks of transitioning to mild frailty, moderate and severe frailty, and death, but they spend more time frail.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kazuyo Tsuzuki, Tomonori Sakoi, Yoko Sakata
Summary: This study examined the thermal environment, sleep quality, and gender differences among elderly occupants in elder care facilities. Findings showed that adaptive approaches are not sufficient to improve sleep efficiency for elderly men within acceptable temperature ranges. Sleep parameters were significantly better for elderly women.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Hui Wen Quek, Christopher Etherton-Beer, Amy Page, Andrew J. McLachlan, Sarita Y. Lo, Vasi Naganathan, Leanne Kearney, Sarah N. Hilmer, Tracy Comans, Derelie Mangin, Richard Lindley, Kathleen Potter
Summary: This study aimed to investigate pharmacist deprescribing recommendations for residents in aged care facilities, the acceptance of these recommendations by doctors, and the actual implementation of the accepted recommendations at 12-month follow-up. The results showed that 77% of deprescribing recommendations were accepted by doctors, and 74% of the accepted recommendations were successfully implemented. The most common reason for deprescribing was medication no longer being needed. Pharmacist-led deprescribing recommendations based on an algorithm-based medication review are acceptable to doctors and can significantly reduce inappropriate medication use in aged care facilities.
ARCHIVES OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Lina Julkunen, Kaija Hiltunen, Hannu Kautiainen, Riitta K. T. Saarela, Kaisu H. Pitkala, Paivi Mantyla
Summary: The study found that oral disease burden was associated with coronary artery disease and poor cognitive and physical functioning in long-term care residents, and identified easily detectable signs that nurses can use to screen residents' oral health.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Majd Saleh, Manuel Abbas, Joaquim Prud'Homm, Dominique Somme, Regine Le Bouquin Jeannes
Summary: Fall detection systems aim to reduce the serious consequences of falls through early automatic detection, but existing systems may have differences in data distribution compared to real-life scenarios, impacting the performance of ML algorithms. A reliable design has been proposed to differentiate falls from activities of daily living.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL SYSTEMS AND REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Marisa R. Young, Carly Broadwell, Deborah Kacanek, Ellen G. Chadwick, Jennifer Jao, Anna-Barbara Moscicki, Kathleen Powis, Katherine Tassiopoulos, Lynn M. Yee, Lisa B. Haddad
Summary: The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections is high among pregnant individuals living with HIV. Coinfection is not associated with the risk of preterm birth. One-third of the individuals have missing data on Trichomonas vaginalis, indicating the need for interventions to promote guideline-driven screening. Sexually transmitted infections diagnosed during pregnancy among people living with HIV are not associated with the risk of preterm birth.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Saara Kukkohovi, Heidi Siira, Sari Arolaakso, Jouko Miettunen, Satu Elo
Summary: The global population is aging. Older people living in long-term care facilities often suffer from functional impairments. Digital games, specifically exergames, have shown potential in improving the physical and psychological well-being of older adults. However, previous studies have provided conflicting results and focused mostly on community-dwelling older adults.
AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kate Frazer, Lachlan Mitchell, Diarmuid Stokes, Ella Lacey, Eibhlin Crowley, Cecily C. Kelleher
Summary: This rapid systematic review aimed to investigate measures implemented in long-term care facilities to reduce COVID-19 transmission and their impact on morbidity and mortality rates of residents, staff, and visitors. The study found that interventions such as mass testing, personal protective equipment use, symptom screening, visitor restrictions, and hand hygiene practices were effective in reducing transmission. Additionally, factors like facility size, staffing availability, and operating practices between facilities were identified as contributing to the size and number of COVID-19 outbreaks.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Oluwagbohunmi A. Awosoga, Adesola Christiana Odole, Ogochukwu Kelechi Onyeso, Jon Doan, Christina Nord, Ifeoma Blessing Nwosu, Claudia Steinke, Joshua O. Ojo, Ezinne Chika Ekediegwu, Sheli Murphy
Summary: This study investigated the well-being of professional caregivers in Alberta's long-term care and assisted living facilities, including their physical health conditions, mental and emotional health, health behavior, stress levels, quality of life, and turnover and absenteeism. The results showed that reducing work stressors, improving quality of life, health behavior, and mental, emotional, and physical health conditions could increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover and absenteeism among caregivers.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Aalto L. Ulla, Rantsi Mervi, Juola Anna-Liisa, Kautiainen Hannu, Pitkala H. Kaisu
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the impact of an educational intervention for nursing staff on psychotropic use and related costs among older long-term care residents. The results showed that the intervention was effective in reducing the doses and costs of psychotropics. However, the difference between the intervention and control group diminished at 12 months, indicating the need for further research on long-term effects.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Mikko-Oskari Rinkinen, Hanna-Maria Roitto, Hanna R. Ohman, Hannu J. Kautiainen, Reijo S. Tilvis, Timo E. Strandberg, Kaisu H. Pitkala, Ulla L. Aalto
Summary: The use of drugs with anticholinergic properties (DAPs) has shown a decreasing trend among older community-dwelling population over the past two decades, with a decrease in the use of old, strong DAPs and an increase in the use of new DAPs. Continuous education for physicians and up-to-date information on the use and effects of DAPs are needed to reduce their exposure among the rapidly growing older population.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Sara Suikkanen, Paula Soukkio, Hannu Kautiainen, Sanna Kaaria, Markku T. Hupli, Sarianna Sipila, Kaisu Pitkala, Eeva Aartolahti, Katriina Kukkonen-Harjula
Summary: This study investigated the effects of 12 months of physiotherapist-supervised, home-based physical exercise on frailty severity and the prevalence of frailty phenotype criteria. The results showed that exercise can reduce frailty severity and decrease the prevalence of low physical activity and exhaustion.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Tuuli E. Lehti, Mia Knuutila, Hanna Ohman, Hannu Kautiainen, Helena Karppinen, Reijo Tilvis, Timo Strandberg, Kaisu H. Pitkala
Summary: This study evaluated changes in symptom burden among home-dwelling older adults in 2019 and 2021 using Finnish cohort data. The results showed an increase in symptom burden during this time period. The most common symptoms were joint pain, back pain, urinary incontinence, and fatigue. Higher age, reduced functional capacity, and comorbidities were associated with an increased symptom burden, while psychological well-being was associated with a lower likelihood of acquiring additional symptoms.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Martyna Zorawna, Paivi Mantyla, Kaisu Pitkala, Merja H. Suominen, Hannu Kautiainen, Riitta K. T. Saarela, Kaija Hiltunen
Summary: This study evaluated the relationship between occlusal status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in long-term care facility residents. The results showed that occlusal status of partial or complete denture/s with or without natural teeth or natural teeth with 10 or more occlusal contact units was associated with higher HRQoL.
JOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Hanna-Maria Roitto, Ulla L. L. Aalto, Hanna Ohman, Riitta K. T. Saarela, Hannu Kautiainen, Karoliina Salminen, Kaisu H. H. Pitkala
Summary: This study aimed to explore the association between medication use and the incidence of falls, related consequences, and all-cause mortality among long-term care residents. The results showed that polypharmacy, opioid and anticholinergic medication use were closely associated with increased fall rates in long-term care. Additionally, the use of more than 10 medications predicted higher all-cause mortality. It is important to pay special attention to both the type and number of medications when prescribing for long-term care.
Article
Microbiology
Nele Fogelholm, Jaakko Leskela, Muhammed Manzoor, Jacob Holmer, Susanna Paju, Kaija Hiltunen, Hanna-Maria Roitto, Riitta Kt Saarela, Kaisu Pitkala, Maria Eriksdotter, Kare Buhlin, Pirkko J. Pussinen, Paivi Mantyla
Summary: Oral health and declining cognition may have a bi-directional association. The composition of the subgingival microbiota was analyzed in subjects with normal cognition to severe cognitive decline. The study found that certain taxa of oral bacteria were associated with the MMSE score, and Lachnospiraceae [XIV] increased with decreasing MMSE. Impaired cognition is accompanied by changes in the composition of the oral microbiota, highlighting the importance of oral health-care practices among older adults.
JOURNAL OF ORAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Mia Knuutila, Anu Jansson, Laura Rautiainen, Kaisu H. Pitkala
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Satu K. Jyvakorpi, Riikka T. Niskanen, Marianna Markkanen, Karoliina Salminen, Timo Sibakov, Kaity-Marin Lehtonen, Susanna Kunvik, Kaisu H. Pitkala, Anu M. Turpeinen, Merja H. Suominen
Summary: This study aimed to test whether a snack product high in MFGM and protein could improve physical performance in older women. The results indicate that the combination of MFGM and protein may improve the physical performance-related balance of older women.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ulla L. Aalto, Mia Knuutila, Tuuli Lehti, Anu Jansson, Hannu Kautiainen, Hanna Ohman, Timo Strandberg, Kaisu H. Pitkala
Summary: Recently, the concept of successful ageing has shifted from healthy ageing to active ageing, which emphasizes the subjective perspective. This study aims to identify the determinants of being actively engaged in life (BAEL), explore the changes in BAEL over 3 decades, and investigate the prognostic value of BAEL.
AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
K. Jyvakorpi Satu, H. Suominen Merja, E. Strandberg Timo, Karoliina Salminen, T. Niskanen Riikka, Hanna-Maria Roitto, K. T. Saarela Riitta, H. Pitkala Kaisu
Summary: The study aimed to compare and describe the detailed dietary fat intake, fat quality, and associated factors among residents in long-term care facilities at two different time points, and to reflect the correspondence between fat composition and fat quality with current nutrition recommendations. The results showed a deterioration in the fat quality of long-term care residents, despite official recommendations, between the two measurement points.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ulla L. Aalto, Kaisu H. Pitkala, Karen Andersen-Ranberg, Sylvie Bonin-Guillaume, Alfonso Jose Cruz-Jentoft, Maria Eriksdotter, Adam L. Gordon, Markus Gosch, Iva Holmerova, Hannu Kautiainen, Miia Kivipelto, Jurate Macijauskiene, Desmond O'Neill, Nele van den Noortgate, Anette H. Ranhoff, Jos M. G. A. Schols, Katrin Singler, Mindaugas Stankunas, Joseph G. Ouslander
Summary: There is significant variation in the prevalence and mortality of COVID-19 in nursing homes among different countries. We found a significant correlation between COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes and the total population's COVID-19 deaths, as well as the average size of nursing homes.
EUROPEAN GERIATRIC MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
S. K. Jyvakorpi, M. Lindstrom, M. H. Suominen, H. Kautiainen, K. Salminen, R. T. Niskanen, K. H. Pitkala, H-M Roitto
Summary: This study aimed to explore the relationship between frailty, nutrition, body composition, and how gender modifies this relationship among long-term care facility residents. The study found that frail residents had lower body mass index, muscle mass, poorer nutritional status, cognition, and lower health-related quality of life compared to prefrail residents. Women had higher fat mass, while men exhibited higher muscle mass. Moreover, muscle mass was positively correlated with health-related quality of life in both men and women.
AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)