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Gender Differences In Presenting And Prodromal Stroke Symptoms, Eileen Stuart-Shor, Gregory A. Wellenius, Donna Dello Iacono, Murray A. Mittleman

Eileen Stuart-Shor

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prompt recognition of stroke symptoms is critical to timely treatment and women have increased delay to treatment. Women may be more likely to present with atypical symptoms, but this hypothesis has not been extensively evaluated.

METHODS: We examined gender differences in the prevalence of presenting and prodromal stroke symptoms among 1107 consecutive patients hospitalized with neurologist-confirmed acute ischemic stroke. Patient demographics, clinical variables, and stroke symptoms were abstracted from medical records by trained abstractors using standardized forms. Estimates were age-standardized to the age distribution of men and women combined. Presenting symptoms occurred within 24 hours of incident …

Course Of Suicide Ideation And Predictors Of Change In Depressed Older Adults, Kelly C. Cukrowicz, Paul R. Duberstein, Steven D. Vannoy, Thomas R. Lynch, Douglas R. Mcquoid, David C. Steffens

Steven D Vannoy

Background—Rates of suicide among older adults in the United States are higher than that of other age groups. Therefore, it is critically important to deepen understanding of the processes that drive suicide risk among at-risk older patients. To this end, we examined the longitudinal course of suicide ideation in a sample of treatment-seeking depressed adults 60 years of age or older. Methods—Secondary analyses were conducted with a longitudinal dataset including 343 older adults seeking treatment for depression in the context of a naturalistic treatment setting. Participants completed assessments of depressive symptoms and thoughts of suicide every three months for one …

The Vida Verde Women's Coop:Brazilian Immigrants Organizing To Promote Environmental And Social Justice, David Gute, Carlos Eduardo Siqueira, Julia S. Goldberg, Heloisa Galvão, Monica Chianelli, Alex Pirie

C. Eduardo Siqueira

We reviewed the key steps in the launch of the Vida Verde Women’s Co-Op among Brazilian immigrant housecleaners in Somerville, MA. The co-op provides green housecleaning prod- ucts, encourages healthy work practices, and promotes a sense of community among its members. We conducted in-depth inter- views with 8 of the first co-op members, who reported a reduc- tion in symptoms associated with the use of traditional clean- ing agents and a new sense of mutual support. Critical to the co-op’s success have been the supportive roles of its academic partners (Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts, Lowell), effective media …

Physical Activity And Executive Function In Aging: The Mobilize Boston Study, Suzanne G. Leveille, Laura H.P. Eggermont

Suzanne G. Leveille

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between

physical activity and cognition, specifically executive function, and the possible mediating role of factors such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD risk factors, chronic

pain, and depressive symptoms.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

SETTING: Population-based study of individuals aged 70 and older in the Boston area.

PARTICIPANTS: Older community-dwelling adults (n5

544; mean age 78, 62% female).

MEASUREMENTS: Presence of heart disease (self-reported

physician diagnosed), pain, and depressive symptomatology

were assessed using interviewer-administered questions.

Blood pressure was measured. Engagement in physical activity was determined using the Physical Activity Scale for

the Elderly (PASE). Cognitive function was …

Chronicmusculoskeletal Pain And The Occurrence Of Falls In An Older Population, Suzanne G. Leveille

Suzanne G. Leveille

Context Chronic pain is a major contributor to disability in older adults; however, the potential role of chronic pain as a risk factor for falls is poorly understood.

Objective To determine whether chronic musculoskeletal pain is associated with an increased occurrence of falls in a cohort of community-living older adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants The Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect, and Zest in the Elderly (MOBILIZE) Boston Study is a population-based

longitudinal study of falls involving 749 adults aged 70 years and older. Participants were enrolled from September 2005 through January 2008.

Main Outcome Measure Participants recorded falls on …

Comparing Pain Severity Versus Pain Location In The Mobilize Boston Study: Chronic Pain And Lower Extremity Function, Suzanne G. Leveille, Laura H.P. Eggermont

Suzanne G. Leveille

Background. This study compared measures of chronic pain, for example, number of pain sites and overall pain

severity, in relation to lower extremity function in the older population.

Methods. Six hundred older adults (mean age 77.9 years, 64% female) were queried about presence of chronic pain.

Number of pain sites was categorized as none, single site, multisite, or widespread. Pain severity was measured in

quartiles of the Brief Pain Inventory pain severity subscale. Lower extremity function was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), a composite measure of gait speed, balance, and chair stands.

Results. Many older persons reported …