Prepub by Journal of Geriatric Care and Research (JGCR)
Psychosis and psychotic symptoms are a common feature in dementia. They are often managed with an... more Psychosis and psychotic symptoms are a common feature in dementia. They are often managed with antipsychotic drugs, but a significant proportion of patients may derive no benefit. Literature about the underlying disease process causing psychosis in dementia, and the efficacy of antipsychotics for managing dementia related psychosis, remains inconclusive. This case report discusses a patient with dementia who initially presented with psychotic symptoms. Her psychosis did not improve despite management with five different anti-psychotic drugs over several years. Aside from the potential reasons for this nonresponse, we discuss the possibility of an unusual presentation of dementia where the psychosis may be intractable.
2024 11(2) Current issue by Journal of Geriatric Care and Research (JGCR)
is a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed, international journal covering all areas related to the ca... more is a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed, international journal covering all areas related to the care of the elderly. It is affiliated to Geriatric Care and Research Organisation (GeriCaRe). It publishes articles from all fields relevant to old age such as geriatric medicine, psychiatry, neurology, nursing, end of life care, public health and related fields like gerontology, sociology, psychology, culture and law. Besides the professionals, the journal intends to reach older persons and their caregivers as its readers. The key feature of the articles is their contribution towards the care of elderly through reporting, discussing and debating current issues of importance. The Journal of Geriatric Care and Research intends to share evidence based knowledge improving care of the older persons. It is dedicated to showcase recent advances in various fields from basic sciences to medicine and social sciences to cultural and legal issues in the field of geriatric care. It takes a holistic view highlighting interrelationship of various disciplines contributing to general wellbeing and quality of life of the older persons throughout the world.
GeriCaRe (Geriatric Care and Research Organisation) in association with a local voluntary organis... more GeriCaRe (Geriatric Care and Research Organisation) in association with a local voluntary organisation (Jana Kalyan Samiti) organized a sociocultural programme in Arnapal, a rural area around seven kilometres from Bhadrak town on 24 November 2024 (Fig ).
I visit my friend whose decline pulls at me, alone, she panics in the night. I read poems for con... more I visit my friend whose decline pulls at me, alone, she panics in the night. I read poems for consolation, so long, the grieving. Slowing, she halts, comes to a stop. Recites the mantra to get going: Stop, plant feet, fix point, sway, go. Only the swaying helps. Too much is parting, dissolving; an owl cries in the night. Author information: Teresa Black, FRCPsych, Former Consultant Psychiatrist, UK. Teresa Black writes poetry and prose, also under the name Heeks, and has been writing more poetry since retirement. She believes that poetry is a powerful medium for addressing difficult subject matter including illness and bereavement.
Background: Citalopram and escitalopram are commonly used serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors ... more Background: Citalopram and escitalopram are commonly used serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of depression and anxiety; which are known to cause corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation. Methods: In a sample of patients in older adult psychiatry who were prescribed citalopram or escitalopram, the doses, history of QTc prolongation, concurrent medications that may prolong QTc, electrocardiogram (ECG) reviews, and any discussion about the risk were audited. Results: The sample consisted of 17 older adult patients aged 65 years or more. Most of the patients (94.1%) were prescribed citalopram and only one patient was on escitalopram. Citalopram was prescribed commonly at 20mg (64.7%), and two (1.8%) patients were above the recommended dose for older adults. Escitalopram was within the recommended dose. There was no history of QTc prolongation in any patient. Concurrent medications that could prolong QTc were identified in 35.3% of the patients; all of these were antipsychotics. A small proportion (11.8%) of the patients had documentation stating QTc prolongation and arrhythmia risks for citalopram or escitalopram. A review of ECG when initiating or adjusting treatment was noted in only one patient. Conclusion: Although citalopram and escitalopram dosages were within the recommended limit, a considerable proportion of patients had concurrent medications with an additional risk of prolonging QTc. It is essential for health professionals to discuss and provide written information about the cardiac risk associated with citalopram and escitalopram with older patients and their caregivers.
While longevity is increasing in general, factors that can prolong the life of older adults const... more While longevity is increasing in general, factors that can prolong the life of older adults constitute an area to explore. At the same time, it is not just adding years to life, but having increased periods of disability-free life, with increased productivity and functioning. Many factors influence remaining life expectancy at the age of 60 which could be biological, clinical, and psychosocial in nature. The usual ingredients that support a healthy life may help in older adults as well, however, specific efforts to prevent diseases and adequate management of existing physical and mental illnesses are the key factors; along with diet and nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, socialisation, availability of medical and nursing facilities, and appropriate health policies are other determinants. Efforts to improve health and a disability-free life after the age of 60 need further understanding and research.
Background: The United Kingdom's elderly population is projected to rise from 18% in 2023 to over... more Background: The United Kingdom's elderly population is projected to rise from 18% in 2023 to over 25% by 2050. Wealth inequality is growing, with the wealthiest 10% owning 57% of wealth while the poorest 50% have less than 5%. Aims: This narrative review examines the relationship and factors affecting wealth inequality and health outcomes in UK individuals over 65 years of age. Methods: A comprehensive literature search from electronic databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, with reports by independent charities and foundations, was conducted involving key search terms of "elderly", "older adults", "wealth inequality", "health outcomes" and "UK". Results: The review identifies a wealth-health gradient, where poorer individuals report worse health. Contributing factors include less healthcare access for the poorest elderly despite greater needs, better social connections, and less loneliness for wealthier individuals leading to better health, and lower physical health activity among the poorest correlating with poor physical health measures. Conclusion: Public health interventions, policies, and research should address these wealth-based health disparities and promote health ageing.
Background: Semantic priming is the tendency of individuals to recognize semantically related wor... more Background: Semantic priming is the tendency of individuals to recognize semantically related words more easily when presented with a prime. In subcortical dementia, one of the most affected abilities is cognitive linguistics. Aims: Our study aims to analyze the semantic abilities of individuals with subcortical dementia through semantic priming paradigms, using the DMDX software.
The relationship between swallowing problems and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been deliberated in... more The relationship between swallowing problems and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been deliberated in literature, with particular emphasis on dysphagia occurring in the moderate to late stages of dementia. However, emerging research has highlighted the prevalence of swallowing impairments in elderly patients with early-stage AD. This case report focuses on the profound impact of dysphagia resulting in anxiety and depression in the patient, prior to his diagnosis of prodromal AD. The consideration of swallowing problems in a patient as a potential indicator for the investigation and diagnosis of AD is under discussion.
Submit Article by Journal of Geriatric Care and Research (JGCR)
The journal is freely distributed. Individuals and organizations interested to receive the journa... more The journal is freely distributed. Individuals and organizations interested to receive the journal should contact jgcr.gericare@gmail.com for esubscriptions.
2024 11(1) by Journal of Geriatric Care and Research (JGCR)
is a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed, international journal covering all areas related to the ca... more is a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed, international journal covering all areas related to the care of the elderly. It is affiliated to Geriatric Care and Research Organisation (GeriCaRe). It publishes articles from all fields relevant to old age such as geriatric medicine, psychiatry, neurology, nursing, end of life care, public health and related fields like gerontology, sociology, psychology, culture and law. Besides the professionals, the journal intends to reach older persons and their caregivers as its readers. The key feature of the articles is their contribution towards the care of elderly through reporting, discussing and debating current issues of importance. Aim and scope The Journal of Geriatric Care and Research intends to share evidence based knowledge improving care of the older persons. It is dedicated to showcase recent advances in various fields from basic sciences to medicine and social sciences to cultural and legal issues in the field of geriatric care. It takes a holistic view highlighting interrelationship of various disciplines contributing to general wellbeing and quality of life of the older persons throughout the world.
Health anxiety is defined as worry about health and is quite common in different medical settings... more Health anxiety is defined as worry about health and is quite common in different medical settings but remains unrecognized and unaddressed. Scales to measure physical symptoms and/or illness behavior associated with the latter do not tap into the emotional component of health anxiety. The Whiteley Index (WI) scale is a widely used self-report measure of health anxiety and addresses patients' beliefs, attribution, and fear of physical illness. There is no dearth of scales in the Hindi language to measure the physical symptoms or illness behavior but there is none to assess the cognitive-emotional component of health anxiety. To fill this gap, the linguistic validation process of the WI-7 to Hindi was undertaken. The standard process of Translation and Linguistic Validation was followed. The translated Hindi version of the WI-7 scale was considered acceptable.
Background: Pranayama or yogic breathing exercises incorporate nadishodhana pranayama (alternate ... more Background: Pranayama or yogic breathing exercises incorporate nadishodhana pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) helps purifying the body's energy channels and ensuring optimal vital energy flow. Aims: It was intended to review the literature about the therapeutic potential of nadishodhana pranayama in managing a range of chronic illnesses. Methods: A comprehensive search on PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Ayush Portal was conducted, utilizing relevant terms such as nadishodhana pranayama, anuloma-viloma, or alternate nostril breathing, and therapeutic effects, yielded 84 results among 14 papers published between 2011 and 2022 were pertinent for inclusion. The selection process involved meticulous scrutiny to identify the most relevant and influential works in the field of yoga. Results: Nadishodhana pranayama favourably impacts the autonomic nervous system, reducing sympathetic activity and increasing parasympathetic discharge. It demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in various conditions, enhances oxygenation, reduces metabolic rates, and promotes relaxation. Conclusion: Nadishodhana pranayama emerges as a valuable tool for balancing the autonomic nervous system through its beneficial impact on the hypothalamus. With its broad therapeutic benefits, it can be safely integrated into treatment regimens for chronic ailments, provided proper technique is applied. This review underscores its significance as an adjunctive therapy in managing various health conditions.
Implementing information and communication technology (ICT) in geriatric care is being vigorously... more Implementing information and communication technology (ICT) in geriatric care is being vigorously promoted with the aim of improving operational efficiency and reducing manpower shortages, while efficient management should not be prioritised over improving the well-being of the person. Person-centred care is also the basis for introducing ICT into geriatric care. Improving ICT literacy and information-gathering skills at the primary prevention stage of onset leads to secondary prevention: early detection and early response. The use of ICT to enhance hobbies and social participation leads to improved functional capacity in the tertiary prevention phase after the onset of dementia. Human-centric use of ICT for people with dementia can be effective in improving the quality of care. In particular, people whose living space is limited to care settings may benefit from the use of ICT to increase social participation, thereby contributing to improved wellbeing.
This article delves into the intricate relationship between well-being and happiness, highlightin... more This article delves into the intricate relationship between well-being and happiness, highlighting the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental aspect of human existence. Drawing insights from the Dalai Lama, Aristotle, and William James, it explores the profound connections between happiness and various life dimensions, such as longevity, immunity, productivity, and social engagement. Definitions of happiness, mental balance, and health are examined through the lenses of Webster's Dictionary, Seligman, and Ayurveda. The article underscores the impact of modern lifestyles, technology, and psychosomatic diseases on mental well-being while introducing the notion that health, harmony, and bliss are inherent to human nature but often disrupted by external factors. The narrative then transitions to the role of yoga in fostering health and happiness, presenting it as a holistic approach encompassing physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. The Chitta Prasadanam practice is introduced, emphasizing the cultivation of positive attitudes towards diverse individuals to attain mental clarity and happiness. Expanding on the eight limbs of yoga by Maharshi Patanjali, the chapter illustrates how ethical disciplines, body postures, breathing exercises, and meditation contribute to holistic health. Emphasizing the relevance of yoga principles in modern life, the article advocates for disease prevention, mental harmony, and sustainability. In conclusion, the article reinforces the idea that health and happiness are interconnected and attainable through the adoption of yoga principles. It encourages individuals to prioritize physical, mental, and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of purpose and balance for lasting health and happiness in life.
Background: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most active joints in the facial skel... more Background: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most active joints in the facial skeleton. TMJ luxation is reported in all ages of life, but elderly patients need special care. Aims: This review highlights the clinical concerns of TMJ dislocation in the elderly, its treatment, prevention, and management issues. Methods: Literature on the clinical aspects of TMJ luxation, reduction, recurrence, prevention, and care among the elderly population was searched electronically through PubMed and individual studies. Relevant articles were reviewed thoroughly and summarised. Results: Chronic dislocation in the elderly is found more than that of acute dislocation with female preponderance. Biting, masticating, swallowing, drooling of saliva, yawning, breathing, snoring, talking, and laughing are functions of TMJ. Therefore, chronic dislocation can have a great impact on quality of life. Ligamentous laxity, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Dystonia-Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and muscular dystrophies are some of the predisposing factors for chronic TMJ dislocation in elderly patients. Chronic or habitual luxation in older adults should be reduced preferably by manual technique, minimally invasive methods, or surgical intervention as indicated. Longstanding dislocation mostly requires surgical procedures to manage. To overcome the recurrent dislocation, reduction treatment must be followed by preventive measures and recommended care. Conclusion: Dislocated TMJ should be appropriately treated to avoid chronic long-standing issues and development of nearthrosis. Carers should be well acquainted with some of the routine manual reduction techniques and preventive measures for elderly patients to facilitate the treatment.
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Prepub by Journal of Geriatric Care and Research (JGCR)
2024 11(2) Current issue by Journal of Geriatric Care and Research (JGCR)
Submit Article by Journal of Geriatric Care and Research (JGCR)
2024 11(1) by Journal of Geriatric Care and Research (JGCR)