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The authors of a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing evaluated “analgesic use in hip fracture patients with dementia during the first two postoperative days as reported by nurses.” The study enrolled 269 nurses who worked with older adult hip fracture patients in orthopedic clinics/hospitals.  Each nurse completed a questionnaire that assessed the total number of analgesics administered to dementia patients after hip fracture surgery. The study results indicate that “paracetamol and strong opioids administered orally were the most commonly used types of analgesics in patients with dementia,” and that “further studies are needed to find out whether [...]

The authors of a recent study published in HSS Journal examined the effects of an adapted (vs. the original) Arthritis Self-Help Program (ASHP) among older adults. The authors wanted to determine 1) whether the adapted ASHP improved attendance, retention, and adherence with the use of self-management exercises, and (2) if the original ASHP's beneficial outcomes were maintained following program adaptation. The authors enrolled 201 participants, and found that the adapted ASHP improved program attendance and retention while maintaining improvements in physical and psychosocial functions. Full Story

The authors of a recent study published in Pain Medicine examined “the characteristics, treatment, and health care expenditures of Medicare Supplemental-insured patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN) or fibromyalgia.” The authors enrolled 25,716 older adults (mean age= 75) with multiple comorbidities who received supplemental insurance from Medicaid. The study results indicate that “pain-related health care expenditures decreased as age increased” among Medicare supplemental-insured patients with pDPN, or fibromyalgia. Full Story

The authors of a recent study published in American Journal of Medicine evaluated “handgrip strength, an objective measure of physical function for bedridden patients, as a predictor of walking recovery in the year after fracture surgery.”  The authors enrolled 504 patients aged 70 years or older “who were admitted to the hospital for hip fracture surgery and were formerly able to walk independently.” The authors conducted a multivariable evaluation of each participant that included a brief physical examination, and cognitive assessment using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire and the Geriatric Depression Scale. The authors conclude that, “in older patients with [...]

The authors of a recent study published in Drugs and Aging evaluated the factors associated with severe acute pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. The authors found that poor acute pain control after TKA is strongly associated with chronic pain development,” which emphasizes the importance of attention to good acute pain control after TKA among older adults. The study results indicate that “complementary or psychological therapies may be beneficial for those patients who have failed other options or have depression associated with chronic pain.” Full Story

The authors of a recent study published in Physiotherapy Canada explored the “feasibility and efficacy of using a power training exercise program for elderly women with knee osteoarthritis (OA).” The authors enrolled 17 older adult women who participated in a exercise program that consisted of 24 sessions over the course of 8 weeks. The study results indicate that a “short power-training exercise program is a feasible training modality for patients with knee OA, and significant functional improvements can be achieved.” Full Story

The authors of a  recent report published in Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy provided information on the increasing need for palliative care treatments and programs to address the chronic conditions of older adults. The authors state that pain was a common condition and that "chronic pain affected more than 50% of older people in the community." The study results indicate that more palliative care treatments for older adults should be developed with an emphasis on pain treatment and management. Full Story

The authors of a recent study published in Arthritis Care and Research (Hoboken) reviewed “evidence suggesting that older adults are under-represented in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) designed to address back pain.” The authors identified “274 RCTs, published between 1992 and 2010 that met the inclusion criteria.” A total of 41.6% (n=114) of the included trials excluded people over 65 years, suggesting that older adults are largely excluded from RCTs evaluating management of lower back pain. Full Story

The authors of a recent study published in Home Healthcare Services Quarterly “examined the longitudinal association between pain and diagnosis of cancer among older adults participating in the Home and Community Based Waiver Program.” The study results indicate that “being female, having a medical diagnosis of depression, or increasing measure of comorbid conditions significantly increased the likelihood of daily pain.” In comparison, “increasing age, being of African American, Hispanic, or "other" race resulted in a significantly decreased likelihood of daily pain.” Full Story

The authors of a recent study published in Physiotherapy Canada identified “exercise patterns and perceived barriers, enablers, and motivators to engaging in exercise for older adults following hip fracture.” The study enrolled 32 older adults who completed a series of telephone interviews one year after a reported hip fracture. The study results indicate that “older adults engage in exercise despite the potential limitations associated with a hip fracture,” and that the most common exercise motivator “was recovery of function to improve mobility and complete daily and leisure activities.” Full Story