Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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New horizons in hepatitis B and C in the older adult
- Authors:
- KEMP Linda, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Age and Ageing, 48(1), 2019, pp.32-37.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV), are blood-borne viruses that can cause acute hepatitis; but are clinically relevant because chronic infection is associated with development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Both these viruses are becoming more common in the older population, due to the ageing of generations exposed to the risk factors associated with infection; intravenous drug use, multiple sexual partners and men who have sex with men. This review will cover the natural history and epidemiology of these infections as well as the revolution in drug therapy that now allows cure of HCV infection and complete control of HBV infection.
Effective treatments for older adult baby boomers with alcohol-use disorders: a literature review
- Authors:
- QUINN Adam, MOWBRAY Orion
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 18(4), 2018, pp.389-410.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Research on patterns of alcohol use among the older adult baby boomer birth cohort suggests considerable challenges to the health care system in the coming decades. This review contributes to the growing knowledge base by summarizing and categorizing the most effective alcohol-use treatments for use with the baby boomer cohort. Following a manual search of more than 7,000 articles published between 1990 and 2015, a review of 19 relevant articles was performed based on guidelines set by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Five articles were rated as good, 11 were rated as fair, and 3 were rated as poor. The publications were divided into 4 interpretive categories consisting of clinic-based interventions, mail-based interventions, primary care physician feedback, and day treatment. Overall, the results suggest that cognitive behaviour-based treatments for alcohol-use disorders, both clinic-based and mail-based, might be effective in reducing drinking among baby boomers. Implications and future research are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mental health first aid for the elderly: a pilot study of a training program adapted for helping elderly people
- Authors:
- SVENSSON Bengt, HANSSON Lars
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 21(6), 2017, pp.595-601.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: Epidemiological studies have shown a high prevalence of mental illness among the elderly. Clinical data however indicate both insufficient detection and treatment of illnesses. Suggested barriers to treatment include conceptions that mental health symptoms belong to normal ageing and lack of competence among staff in elderly care in detecting mental illness. A Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training programme for the elderly was developed and provided to staff in elderly care. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in knowledge in mental illness, confidence in helping a person, readiness to give help and attitudes towards persons with mental illness. Method: Single group pre-test–post-test design. Results: The study group included staff in elderly care from different places in Sweden (n = 139). Significant improvements in knowledge, confidence in helping an elderly person with mental illness and attitudes towards persons with mental illness are shown. Skills acquired during the course have been practiced during the follow-up. Conclusions: The adaption of MHFA training for staff working in elderly care gives promising results. Improvements in self-reported confidence in giving help, attitudes towards persons with mental illness and actual help given to persons with mental illness are shown. However, the study design allows no firm conclusions and a randomised controlled trail is needed to investigate the effectiveness of the programme. Outcomes should include if the detection and treatment of mental illness among the elderly actually improved. (Edited publisher abstract)
Advance Decisions: issues of autonomy, identity and efficacy
- Author:
- WILKINSON Sue
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 21(1), 2017, pp.4-12.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to introduce Advance Decisions, address low uptake and examine fundamental issues that can inform the development of policy and practice in this area. Design/methodology/approach: This paper discusses findings from a research project with the charity Compassion in Dying (analysing calls to its telephone helpline) and practical experience of working with the charity Advance Decisions Assistance (helping people write Advance Decisions and training healthcare professionals). Findings: Older people themselves identify the issues of autonomy, identity and efficacy as key challenges in writing Advance Decisions and having them respected. Originality/value: This paper shows how addressing the “real world” challenges of advance decision making can inform policy and practice. (Publisher abstract)
Women and alcohol: social perspectives
- Editor:
- STADDON Patsy
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 224
- Place of publication:
- Bristol
Issues relating to alcohol 'misuse' can only properly be understood within their social and environmental contexts. This research and practice based book explores social models of alcohol misuse to offer a sociological approach to its treatment. Through considering the social meaning of women's alcohol use, the book challenges current policy and practice in the field. It raises concerns about the political role of 'treatment' in making women behave, or to be 'well', and aims to develop a new approach to women's drinking and new ways of aiding recovery, at national and local levels. With contributions from service users, academics and practitioners, the book is aimed at those studying addiction, gender and the social background to alcohol problems. (Edited publisher abstract)
Speed of remission in elderly patients with depression: electroconvulsive therapy v. medication
- Authors:
- SPAANS Harm-Pieter, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 206(1), 2015, pp.67-71.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Background: Severe depression can be a life-threatening disorder, especially in elderly patients. A fast-acting treatment is crucial for this group. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may work faster than medication. Aims: To compare the speed of remission using ECT v. medication in elderly in-patients. Method: The speed of remission in in-patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of major depression (baseline MADRS score ≥20) was compared between 47 participants (mean age 74.0 years, s.d. = 7.4) from an ECT randomised controlled trial (RCT) and 81 participants (mean age 72.2 years, s.d. = 7.6) from a medication RCT (nortriptyline v. venlafaxine). Results: Mean time to remission was 3.1 weeks (s.d. = 1.1) for the ECT group and 4.0 weeks (s.d. = 1.0) for the medication group; the adjusted hazard ratio for remission within 5 weeks (ECT v. medication) was 3.4 (95% CI 1.9-6.2). Conclusions: Considering the substantially higher speed of remission, ECT deserves a more prominent position in the treatment of elderly patients with severe depression. (Original abstract)
Revisiting baby boomers and alcohol use: emerging treatment trends
- Authors:
- BABATUNDE Oyinlola T., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 24(5), 2014, pp.597-611.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
With the aging of the “Baby Boom” generation, it is anticipated that there will be a greater frequency of alcohol misuse among older adults. Clinicians often overlook signs of alcohol abuse in older adults or misdiagnose these problems. The purpose of this article is to examine some of the problems with alcohol use in older adults to further create awareness of the importance of appropriate strategies to reduce incidence. We consider the severity of alcohol abuse, factors that can aggravate alcohol use, and methods of implementing treatment in this population. (Publisher abstract)
Vascular depression: overrepresented among African Americans?
- Authors:
- REINLIEB Michelle E., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 29(5), 2014, pp.470-477.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objective: Our primary aim was to compare the rate of vascular depression among a clinical sample of African American and Caucasian depressed older adults. Secondary aims included characterizing the clinical and neuropsychological profile of vascular depression and comparing antidepressant response rates between patients with vascular and nonvascular depression. Methods: This was a two-site, multi-ethnic, open 8-week trial of antidepressant medication in older adults with depression. Men and women 50 years or older meeting DSM-IV criteria for nonpsychotic unipolar depression participated in this trial. Each participant underwent a comprehensive psychiatric and neuropsychological evaluation and a brain MRI, which were performed at baseline. Results: Forty-six patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Forty-two of those patients received an MRI at baseline. Sixteen patients met criteria for vascular depression. Patients with vascular depression were significantly more likely to be African American and have a higher likelihood of being female, a higher rate of hypertension and psychomotor retardation, a lower rate of family history of affective illness, and frontal systems dysfunction on neuropsychological testing. The difference in response rates between patients with vascular and nonvascular depression did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: This is the first study to document high rates of vascular depression in a clinical sample of African Americans and Caucasians. Our findings suggest that vascular depression may be overrepresented among African Americans, which is consistent with the high rates of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stroke in this population. (Publisher abstract)
Social care and older prisoners
- Author:
- WILLIAMS John
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work, 13(5), 2013, pp.471-491.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Summary: This article reviews the evidence available on the treatment of older prisoners within England and Wales who are the fastest growing group within prisons. It concentrates on the lack of available social care facilities for older prisoners. Many older prisoners have special needs that are not met within prison, mainly because of the ‘sameness’ principle that is applied. Social care is as important to older prisoners as their health care. Although some social care may be available to older prisoners, it is not provided within the legal framework that applies to older people outside of prison. This article argues that the general legal obligation to provide social care (imperfect though it may be), should also be applied within the prison setting. Findings: Based on the evidence available, older prisoners are often unable to access social care services within prison. This is a breach of international obligations entered into by the United Kingdom. It may also breach the European Convention of Human Rights. The article argues that existing legislation does not prevent older prisoners from accessing social care services. The sameness principle discriminates against older prisoners. Mental health, physical disability, and incontinence are all areas where older prisoners lack access to services available to older people outside of prison. Applications: Considerable progress has been made in raising the profile of older prisoners. However, more needs to be done to embed the social care needs older prisoners may have into the prison system. The ordinary residence rule, the National Service Framework and the Fair Access to Care guidance must be adapted to meet the needs of serving prisoners as well as those preparing for release. Attitudes need to change. There needs to be a willingness to meet the international and domestic legal obligations towards older prisoners. (Publisher abstract)
Discomfort in dementia: identifying and managing pain
- Authors:
- CORBETT Anne, HUSEBO Bettina, BALLARD Clive
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing and Residential Care, 14(9), September 2012, pp.462-467.
- Publisher:
- MA Healthcare Ltd.
- Place of publication:
- London
Dementia represents a significant challenge for clinicians, and treatment often become more complicated since the majority of people experience difficulties in communication, particularly in the latter stages. This leads to the problem of people being unable to communicate discomfort or pain. Unfortunately, there are still some major gaps in the evidence base for the treatment of pain in dementia. This article explains what tools are available for health professionals working in care homes to ensure the comfort and well-being of residents.