Geriatric medicine
Article Abstract:
Geriatric medicine has grown tremendously during the last 10 years as a result of several forces, including the influence of the elderly population, the establishment of a certifying examination in geriatrics for physicians, and the growing number of geriatric fellowship programs. Establishment of a Resource-Based Relative Value Scale for Medicare payments should facilitate a team-oriented approach to geriatric practice, although other developments, such as the repeal of the Catastrophic Health Act, are not encouraging. Research concerning dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease, is ongoing and much is known about its pathology. Since there is no known cause or treatment for Alzheimer's disease, treatment focuses on early diagnosis and better care for patients. Care of the frail elderly and prevention of disease among the healthy aged have been studied. The importance of exercise for both groups has been emphasized. Less is known about the effects of exercise on frail older people, although some small studies report benefits for cardiovascular function and balance, among others. Research concerning health services is another area of geriatric interest, with special concern for long-term care. This involves evaluating Medicare policies and institutional care. The Medicare payment system has reduced the length of hospital stays, but the overall effect on care may not be positive. Geriatrics has also investigated nursing home care and the use of restraints and psychoactive medication. Overall, the field is a growing, exciting one, with diverse interests. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Preventing falls in the nursing home
Article Abstract:
A comprehensive program to eliminate risk factors for falling in elderly nursing home residents may reduce the rate of falls and injuries. Nursing home residents have a high risk of falling because they are old, frail and have chronic diseases that impair their mobility. Visual disorders and certain drugs also increase the risk of falling. A 1997 study found that a comprehensive program to eliminate risk factors which was targeted to those residents most likely to benefit significantly reduced the rate of falls.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Will my patient fall?
Article Abstract:
The prognostic value of risk factors should be identified for future falls among older patients. The screening for risk of falling during the clinical examining starts with determining if the patient has fallen in the past year. It is the first step in preventing future falls and the major injuries that can result from falling.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2007
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