Emotional support and survival after myocardial infarction: a prospective, population-based study of the elderly

Article Abstract:

Emotional support may increase the likelihood of recovery and long-term survival among elderly patients who have suffered a heart attack. Elderly individuals who are not married, do not have a close confidant or live alone may not be receiving enough emotional support in their life. Among 194 patients over 65 years old who were hospitalized for a severe heart attack, 76 (39%) died within six months of suffering a heart attack. The risk of death within six months of suffering a heart attack was three times as high among patients who did not have anyone to rely on for emotional support than among those who did. Survival was also higher among patients who had a support system with many social ties than among other patients. Patients who were over 75 years old had almost twice the risk of dying within six-months of suffering a heart attack than younger patients.

Heart attack, Social networks

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The consequences of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of Lyme disease: an observational study

Article Abstract:

The overdiagnosis and overtreatment of Lyme disease causes considerable stress on both the health care system and the patient. Researchers reviewed the use of health care services among 125 patients falsely diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease. This can occur because of a high false-positive rate on the blood tests for Lyme disease or because physicians are unfamiliar with the symptoms. The patients used considerable health care resources, including testing and antibiotics. Half had an adverse reaction to the antibiotics. Many suffered from stress and depression.

Medical care, Medical care utilization, Lyme disease

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Social Disengagement and Incident Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Elderly Persons

Article Abstract:

Disengagement from social activity among the aged is a risk factor for diminishment of mental ability. The term, social engagement, is used to indicate the maintaining of multiple social connections and participating actively in social activities. Of 2,812 elderly persons (65 years of age or older) who were interviewed in their homes in 1982, 1985, 1988, and 1994, those with no social ties were much more likely to experience mental decline than those who maintained five or six social ties.

Statistical Data Included, Risk factors, Age groups, Intelligence (Psychology), Social skills, Age and intelligence

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