Geriatrics Commons^™

On The Discontinuation Of Enteral Feeding In Head And Neck Cancer: A Case Report, Kyle Fisk, Ana Sanchez

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

The goal of palliative care is to preserve the quality of life or patient “comfort” in patients with serious diseases. Palliative care providers serve a wide range of patients: from those who seek curative treatment to those who are actively dying. Given this range, palliative care must mirror the dynamic goals of the patient at different stages of life and treatment. Throughout these stages, a goal of the palliative care provider would be to avoid hastening death; however, this often leads to clinical decisions that directly pit the patient’s comfort against the patient’s life span. This is most salient …

The Role Of Physical Activity In Older Adults And Practical Intervention, Se Won Lee, Rebecca Patel, Bryan Werner, Ji Won Yoo, Timothy Tiu

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Physical inactivity (PI), defined as not meeting guidelines for physical activity beyond baseline daily living activities, is common among older adults (age 65 and older) and contributes to increased morbidity, increased mortality and increased health care spending. Understanding the clinical impact of PI on common medical conditions among older adults will help primary care physicians (PCPs) to educate these patients successfully. Physical activity and exercise are effective in the primary and secondary prevention of chronic diseases that can lead to physical impairments, disability and/or premature death. Physical activity and exercise have been shown to improve cognitive dysfunction and painful musculoskeletal …

Geriatrics In Clinical Practice And Beyond: Brain Health, The Sixth Vital Sign?, Nannette Hoffman

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Brain health in middle age and geriatric patients will take on greater importance for health care practitioners in our aging society. This article discusses various approaches clinicians can use for their patients to promote and improve brain health. These are generally the same lifestyle adoptions for cerebrovascular disease and cardiovascular disease prevention: weight management, exercise, and blood pressure and cholesterol lowering. Social stimulation and cognitive activities may also be important for the elderly.

Why I Brought My Mother Home, Barbara L. Gracious

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in the United States more than 16 million adult family members provide care for a relative with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. The economic value contributed by unpaid caregivers is $234 billion dollars. Such caregivers are vital to the ability of the U.S. to meet caretaking needs, as the projected number of individuals suffering from dementia will nearly triple over the next 30 years. A meta-analysis found that decisions to provide family caretaking are rooted in long-standing family relationships. This essay explores one family’s decision to move from long-term institutional care back to family-based care …