Predictors and prognosis of inability to get up after falls among elderly persons
Article Abstract:
Individuals over the age of 80 who have poor balance and difficulty walking may have trouble getting up after a fall and may subsequently experience a decline in function leading to hospitalization or death. Of 1,103 elderly individuals enrolled in a study of falls, 370 fell at least once during an average follow-up of 16 months. Of the 57 who were seriously injured, 37 (65%) were unable to get up and remained on the floor an average of 19 minutes. Of the 313 who were not seriously injured, 148 (47%) were unable to get up from at least one fall. Risk factors associated with an inability to get up after a fall were age over 80, weakness, poor balance, arthritis and dependency on others. Fallers who were unable to get up were somewhat more likely to be hospitalized after the incident, to suffer subsequent decline in function and to be placed in a nursing home. Elderly individuals who have risk factors for falling and not being able to get up should be taught strategies for pulling themselves up after a fall.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Geriatric medicine
Article Abstract:
A study of 997 people older than 70 years determined that blood cholesterol levels may not be associated with the incidence of coronary artery disease. Clinicians are advised to exercise care in treating elevated cholesterol levels in the elderly. Invasive surgery can be reduced by one-quarter, without affecting survival, for heart attack patients. Exercise programs, instructions on behavior, and regulation of medication cut the risk of falling among the elderly by 30%. Falling is linked to disease, disability and high health care costs. A 10-week training program to increase strength in hips and knees improved the ambulatory functioning of subjects 70 years and older. A simple test that measures pupil dilatation to a solution of tropicamide can diagnose Alzheimer's disease.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ
Article Abstract:
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation prevalence in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), unselected for age, family history, or ethnicity is estimated. The result concluded that ductal carcinoma in situ is a part of the breast/ovarian cancer syndromes defined by BRCA1 and BRCA2, with mutation rates similar to those found for invasive breast cancer.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2005
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