Geriatrics Commons^™

Exploring The Links Among Brain Iron Accumulation, Cognitive Performance, And Dietary Intake In Older Adults: A Longitudinal Mri Study, Valentinos Zachariou, Colleen A. Pappas, Christopher E. Bauer, Elayna R. Seago, Brian T. Gold

Neurology Faculty Publications

This study evaluated longitudinal brain iron accumulation in older adults, its association with cognition, and the role of specific nutrients in mitigating iron accumulation. MRI-based, quantitative susceptibility mapping estimates of brain iron concentration were acquired from seventy-two healthy older adults (47 women, ages 60–86) at a baseline timepoint (TP1) and a follow-up timepoint (TP2) 2.5–3.0 years later. Dietary intake was evaluated at baseline using a validated questionnaire. Cognitive performance was assessed at TP2 using the uniform data set (Version 3) neuropsychological tests of episodic memory (MEM) and executive function (EF). Voxel-wise, linear mixed-effects models, adjusted for longitudinal gray matter volume …

Blood Biomarkers In Down Syndrome: Facilitating Alzheimer’S Disease Detection And Monitoring, Melissa E. Petersen, Lisi Flores-Aguilar, Elizabeth Head, Laia Montoliu-Gaya, Andre Strydom, Sarah E. Pape, Juan Fortea, Nicholas J. Ashton, Chinedu Udeh-Momoh, Sid E. O’Bryant, Dwight German, Florin Despa, Mark Mapstone, Henrik Zetterberg

Neurology Faculty Publications

Blood-based biomarkers continue to be explored for disease detection, monitoring of progression, and therapeutic outcomes as the diagnostic determination of Alzheimer’s Disease in Down Syndrome (DS-AD) remains challenging in clinical settings. This perspective highlights the current status of this effort. Overall, amyloid (A), tau (T), and neurodegeneration (AT[N]) blood-based biomarkers have been shown to increase with disease pathology for individuals with DS. Phosphorylated tau biomarkers (p-tau217, p-tau181) have been consistently shown to track disease progression for DS-AD and are likely good candidates for use in clinical settings. Biomarkers of inflammation (glial fibrillary acidic protein) also show promise; however, additional work …

Awareness Of The Physiological Changes Occurring In Older Adults Can Reduce Dehydration And Electrolyte Imbalances, Lisa Isley

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Individuals over 65 years are at an increased risk of dehydration. The physiological changes that occur with age and medication consumption can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can physically and mentally impair individuals over 65 years old. Objective: By providing education to individuals 65 years and older regarding the significance of drinking water and consuming electrolytes daily, older adults can reduce their dehydration symptoms and improve their quality of life. Method: The proposed research is a quasi-experimental study geared towards individuals 65 years and older. The quasi-experimental study will include two pre-surveys and then two post-surveys. The survey …

Early Changes In Inflammation-Related Proteins In The Cerebrospinal Fluid And Plasma Of Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, David J. Braun, Kevin W. Hatton, Justin F. Fraser, Robert M. Flight, Hunter N. B. Moseley, Caleb S. Bailey, Josh M. Morganti, Bingqing Zhang, Ishara S. Ariyapala, Tae K. Kim, Linda J. Van Eldik

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Background

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a relatively uncommon but high mortality form of stroke that can result in long-lasting disability. A better understanding of key neuroinflammatory changes during the early phase (< 72 h) may provide potential avenues of treatment.

Methods

In an attempt to understand these early changes, we recruited 7 aSAH patients for profiling of longitudinal plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins at up to 72 h post injury. We additionally compared this to control plasma obtained previously from healthy elderly volunteers. Using the Alamar Biosciences NULISAseq platform, we obtained a comprehensive picture of early peripheral and central inflammatory changes after injury.

Results

This study …

Nicorandil Treatment Improves Survival And Spatial Learning In Aged Granulin Knockout Mice, Dana M. Niedowicz, Wang-Xia Wang, Paresh Prajapati, Yu Zhong, Shuling X. Fister, Colin B. Rogers, Pradoldej Sompol, David K. Powell, Indumati Patel, Christopher M. Norris, Kathryn E. Saatman, Peter T. Nelson

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Mutations in the human granulin (GRN) gene are associated with multiple diseases, including dementia disorders such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE). We studied a Grn knockout (Grn-KO) mouse model in order to evaluate a potential therapeutic strategy for these diseases using nicorandil, a commercially available agonist for the ABCC9/Abcc9-encoded regulatory subunit of the “K⁺ATP” channel that is well-tolerated in humans. Aged (13 months) Grn-KO and wild-type (WT) mice were treated as controls or with nicorandil (15 mg/kg/day) in drinking water for 7 months, then tested for neurobehavioral …

Gait Variability As A Marker Of White Matter Integrity In Individuals With Down Syndrome, Elizabeth M. Leach, David K. Powell, Amanda C. Glueck, Elizabeth Head, Moaz W. Ibrahim, Amelia J. Anderson-Mooney, Kathryn L. Van Pelt, Jordan P. Harp, Frederick A. Schmitt, Ahmed A. Bahrani

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Introduction: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) face a significant risk of neurodegeneration, and gait variability may serve as a clinical biomarker of neurological health. This longitudinal parent substudy aimed to explore relationships between gait, white matter (WM) integrity, and cognitive function in DS.

Methods: The associations were investigated between magnetic resonance imaging diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), cognition, and self-paced gait data from 22 DS participants (mean age ± SD 37 ± 7.5 years).

Results: DTI measures, such as lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher mean diffusivity, were correlated with greater step time variability but not normalized velocities. Lower cognitive scores …

Disrupted Calcium Dynamics In Reactive Astrocytes Occur With End Feet–Arteriole Decoupling In An Amyloid Mouse Model Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Blaine Weiss, John C. Gant, Ruei-Lung Lin, Jenna L. Gollihue, Colin B. Rogers, Susan D. Kraner, Edmund B. Rucker, Yuriko Katsumata, Yang Jiang, Peter T. Nelson, Donna M. Wilcock, Pradoldej Sompol, Olivier Thibault, Christopher M. Norris

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

While cerebrovascular dysfunction and reactive astrocytosis are extensively characterized hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias, the dynamic relationship between reactive astrocytes and cerebral vessels remains poorly understood. Here, we used jGCaMP8f and two-photon microscopy to investigate calcium signaling in multiple astrocyte subcompartments, concurrent with changes in cerebral arteriole activity, in fully awake 7- to 8-month-old male and female 5xFAD mice, a model for AD-like pathology, and wild-type (WT) littermates. In the absence of movement, spontaneous calcium transients in barrel cortex occurred more frequently in astrocyte somata, processes, and perivascular regions of 5xFAD mice. However, evoked arteriole dilations (in …

Bundled Approach To Improve Colorectal Cancer In Primary Care, Elizabeth Reddiar

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, despite being preventable through timely screening. National guidelines recommend regular screening for adults aged 45 to 75; (American cancer Society (ACS), 2025) however, screening rates remain suboptimal, particularly in primary care settings serving diverse and high-volume populations. Local Problem: At the project site, a community-oriented primary care clinic in North Texas, baseline data revealed CRC screening completion rates were below benchmarks set by the organization. Barriers included limited patient awareness, inconsistent provider reminders, and workflow challenges in distributing and tracking fecal immunochemical test …

Case Report: Multifactorial Intervention For Safe Aging In Place, Ashwini Kulkarni

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Falls are a leading cause of morbidity in older adults, particularly those with multiple comorbidities. A multidisciplinary approach addressing physical, psychological, and environmental factors is essential for reducing fall risk and supporting aging in place. This report evaluates the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, multifactorial approach in managing high fall risk in an older adult with diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Methods: A 72-year-old woman with a recurrent history of falls participated in an 8-week intervention as part of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) balance and falls prevention credential program. This study was conducted in Virginia Beach, USA, at the …

The Role Of Social Isolation In Shaping Health Outcomes In Older Adults: A Regional Analysis, Vince Falco, Lynn Wiles, Jonathan Romero, Leorey Saligan

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Social isolation is a critical public health concern in older adults and is linked to a range of adverse health outcomes across diverse sociodemographic groups. This study investigated the associations between social isolation with physical and mental health of older adults residing in Hampton Roads, a racially diverse region in Southeastern Virginia, home to a large population of senior military veterans. Secondarily, the study explored how social determinants of health (SDoH) and comorbid medical conditions influenced the relationship of social isolation with physical and mental health of these seniors. Physical and mental health were measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement …

Financial Health Literacy Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Qualitative Research Study, Kimberly Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Financial health literacy (FHL) is an emerging concept with unique application to older adults. Multiple complexities converge in older age that create increased financial vulnerability (e.g., retirement, chronic disease). However, low financial and health literacy are common in older adults, impacting their ability to self-manage. The AWV’s focus on prevention offers an opportunity to incorporate a proactive approach to financial-related assessment. This study will explore the perceived value of assessing FHL in primary care settings and the financial-related barriers and facilitators to implementing the personalized prevention plan.

Methods: The conceptual framework was guided by the Individual and Family Self-Management …

Access To And Utilization Of Dental Care Services By Older Adults In Nigeria: Barriers And Facilitators, Sunkanmi Folorunsho, Victor Ajayi, Munirat Sanmori, Medinah Suleiman, Raji Abdullateef, Abdulazeez Abdulganiyu

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Aims: Nigeria’s rapidly aging population presents urgent challenges for the healthcare system, particularly in oral health, which remains an overlooked aspect of well-being. While older adults are especially vulnerable to dental issues such as tooth loss, periodontal disease, and oral pain, access to care remains limited due to systemic, economic, and cultural barriers. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of older Nigerians in accessing and utilizing dental care, with the goal of identifying key barriers, facilitators, and policy-relevant insights.

Methods: Fifteen participants aged 50–83 years were purposively selected from urban and peri-urban areas of Ilorin, North- Central …

Dental Care Trajectories Among Formerly Incarcerated Older Adults In The United States, Alexander Testa, Luis Mijares, Mateus Renno Santos, Vahed Maroufy, Dylan B Jackson, Rafael Samper-Ternent, Rahma Mungia, Ana C Neumann

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A growing body of research has documented an association between prior incarceration and lower dental care use, yet the longitudinal impact of prior incarceration on dental care patterns over time among older adults remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate whether prior incarceration is associated with differing trajectories of dental care use among older adults in the United States. Data were drawn from the 2012-2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative longitudinal survey of older adults in the United States (n =  5,893). Group-based trajectory modeling was used to estimate dental care use patterns over …

A Rare Case Of Metastatic Myxofibrosarcoma To The Right Colon, Timothy K. Farrell, Matthew A. Carnell, Vincent J. Obias

Department Surgery Faculty Publications

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a common soft tissue sarcoma typically arising in the extremities of older adults. Metastatic spread usually involves the lungs, lymph nodes, or bone. We describe a rare case of metastatic MFS to the colon in a 76-year-old man, three years after surgical excision and radiation treatment for a left flank primary tumor. The patient presented with symptoms of obstipation and was found to have a 4 cm cecal mass confirmed by imaging and colonoscopy. Biopsy and surgical pathology confirmed metastatic MFS. A right colectomy was performed without complication. This case highlights an uncommon site of MFS metastasis …

Multisociety Guidance For Infection Prevention And Control In Nursing Homes, Lona Mody, Sonali D. Advani, Muhammad Salman Ashraf, Allison H. Bartlett, Suzanne F. Bradley, Deborah P. Burdsall, Jennifer A. Hanrahan, Susan S. Huang, Robert L.P. Jump, Lindsay Nicolle, Mary-Claire Roghmann, Patricia Stone, Rekha K. Murthy

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

This multisociety guidance was endorsed by SHEA, APIC, IDSA, PALTmed, and AGS. It provides recommendations for infection prevention and control (IPC) in the context of the complexity of nursing home care in the United States: increased medical acuity of residents, the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms, and the threat of emerging pathogens. Recommendations and implementation suggestions address IPC leadership, staffing, and resources, healthcare personnel and residents‘ adherence to precautions and effective hand hygiene, outbreak preparedness, training, occupational health, cleaning and disinfection in the care environment, and the involvement of IPC in the facility. The guidance also addresses the challenges of maintaining …

Food Allergies And Quality Of Life In Older Adults: Development Of A Food Allergy Questionnaire, Avalon F. Mustafa

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The United States is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of older adults, yet there is a lack of research on food allergies in this demographic. While there are survey instruments available to study food allergies and quality of life, none of these are tailored to the unique needs of elderly individuals. This study aims to create and validate an on-line survey instrument specifically designed for older adults, focusing on their quality of life in the context of food allergies. The survey will be used to establish a food allergy severity score and a quality-of-life score, enabling comparison between …

Generating Real-World Evidence In Early Alzheimer's Disease: Considerations For Applying The Target Trial Emulation Framework To Study The Safety Of Anti-Amyloid Therapies, Xiaojuan Li, Sonal Singh, Bahareh Rasouli, Jennifer Lyons, Noelle M. Cocoros, Richard Platt, Ivan Abi-Elias, Jerry H. Gurwitz

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Anti-amyloid beta monoclonal antibodies (anti-Aβ mAbs) have received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (collectively known as early AD) based on evidence from clinical trials. However, whether findings from these trials are generalizable to the real world is uncertain. We need reliable evidence on the real-world safety of these treatments to inform decision making for clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Using lecanemab as an exemplar, we outline the key considerations in designing and implementing an observational study on safety and utilization outcomes using …

Flyphonedb2: A Computational Framework For Analyzing Cell-Cell Communication In Drosophila Scrna-Seq Data Integrating Alphafold-Multimer Predictions, Mujeeb Qadiri, Ying Liu, Ah-Ram Kim, Myeonghoon Han, Eric Zhou, Austin Veal, Tzu-Chiao Lu, Hongjie Li, Yanhui Hu, Norbert Perrimon

Center on Aging Staff Publications

Cell-cell communication (CCC) plays a critical role in the physiological regulation of organisms and has been implicated in numerous diseases. Previously, we introduced FlyPhoneDB, a tool designed to explore CCC in Drosophila single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets. The core algorithm of FlyPhoneDB infers tissue-specific signaling events between cell types by calculating cell-cell interaction scores based on curated ligand-receptor (L-R) expression across major signaling pathways. However, the utility of FlyPhoneDB was limited by the relatively small number of available L-R pairs.

Here, we present FlyPhoneDB2, a major upgrade featuring a significantly expanded knowledgebase that includes a greater number of L-R pairs, incorporating annotations …

The Infected Diabetic Foot: Risk Factors For Re-Infection After Treatment For Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, Lawrence A Lavery, Mario C Reyes, Bijan Najafi, Tyler L Coye, Matthew Sideman, Michael C Siah, Arthur N Tarricone

Center on Aging Staff Publications

Our objective was to evaluate risk factors for re-infection in patients after treatment for diabetic foot osteomyelitis (OM). We used pooled patient level data from two RTCs that evaluated patients with diabetic foot infections. We evaluated 171 patients with OM. OM was confirmed with bone culture or histopathology. Data from the 12-month follow-up were used to determine clinical outcomes. Re-infection occurred in 47 (27.5%) patients. Risk factors for re-infection were Toe Brachial Index < 0.40 (25.7% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.02), skin perfusion pressure < 40 mmHg (6.3% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.04), wound healing (55.3% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.01), time to heal (156.0, 69.5-365 vs. 91.5, 38.8-365, p = 0.001), and history of MI (14.9% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.005). During 12-month follow-up, patients with re-infections were 198.8 times more likely to require a foot related hospitalisation (81.8% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.001), 10.4 times more likely have an all-cause hospitalisation (70.2% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.001) and 9.4 times more likely to need an amputation (36.2% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.001). Patients with re-infection had a significantly longer median length of hospitalisation (20.0, 13.5-34.5 vs. 14.0, 10.0-22.0, p = 0.003) and median length of antibiotic duration (55.0, 35.0-87.0 vs. 46.0, 22.8-68.0, p = 0.03). Patients with re-infection are less likely to heal and have more foot-related hospitalizations and amputations.

Toward Precision Longevity: Aging Interventions In The Single-Cell Atlas Era, Jason B Chen, Miranda C Wang, Shangyu Gong, Hongjie Li

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

With growing global interest in extending not only lifespan but also healthspan, healthy aging has emerged as a central goal in biomedical research. This review provides an overview of current longevity interventions, including genetic manipulations, dietary restriction, exercise, pharmacological treatments, targeting senescence and cellular reprogramming strategies, as studied in key model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and Mus musculus. We examine the limitations and challenges associated with these approaches, particularly their variability across tissues and cell types. Furthermore, we emphasize the critical role of single-cell aging atlas technologies in uncovering cell-type–specific aging patterns and molecular …

The Infected Diabetic Foot: Incidence And Risk Factors For Dehiscence After Surgery For Diabetic Foot Infections, Lawrence A Lavery, Mario C Reyes, Bijan Najafi, Tyler L Coye, Jayer Chung, Michael C Siah, Arthur N Tarricone

Center on Aging Staff Publications

Our objective was to assess the incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of dehiscence after foot surgery in diabetic patients. We used pooled patient‐level data from two randomised clinical trials with 240 diabetic patients who required foot surgery for infections. Most patients (n = 180, 75.0%) had surgical wound closure. We defined dehisced surgical wounds (DSW) when the surgical site was not completely epithelialized with no drainage after sutures/staples were removed with a 2‐week validation of healing. We evaluated the time to heal, re‐infection, re‐ulceration, hospital admissions and amputations. Moderate and severe infection was based on criteria of the …

Perioperative Outcomes And Mortality In Liver Transplant Patients 65 And Older, Nathaniel S. Pester, Trevor J. Wilke, V K. Shostrom, Cale A. Kassel

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background: The number of patients over the age of 65 awaiting liver transplantation (LT) continues to grow and an increasing number of patients will undergo liver transplantation. While age is not an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation, understanding the risks to older patients remains essential to ensure good outcomes with the limited number of grafts available.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients undergoing LT at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. A total of 421 patients were enrolled and stratified to patients under 65 years old (351 patients) and patients over 65 (70 patients). Geriatric patients were defined as aged …

Epidemiology Of Older Patients Presenting To Irish Emergency Departments: A Subgroup Analysis Of The Egers Dataset, Sean Croughan, Arina Kruis Dr, Kelly Ann Catherine Janssens Dr, Pro Mukerjee Dr, Denys Shchetkovskyy Dr, Áine Mitchell Dr, Mehmet Akif Karamercan Dr, Zerrin Defne Dundar Dr, Anna Slagman Dr, Effie Polyzogopoulou Dr, Sandor Somodi Dr, Andrea Fabbri Dr, Lars Peter Bjornsen Dr, Wilma Beetge, Said Laribi, Rebecca Ann Sealy, Visnja Nesek Adam, Comfort Adedokun Dr, Lucy Gibbons, Pamela O’Brien, Jessica Lynch Dr, Laura Kenny, Conor Deasy Dr, John Ryan Dr, David Menzies Dr, John Cronin Dr, Vijay Narayanan Dr, Nurali Noorani Dr, Waslet Bakhshi Dr, Ahmed Al Rasheed Ahmed Dr, Rosa Mcnamara Dr

Journal of Geriatric Emergency Medicine

Introduction

Within Emergency Medicine, older adults represent a distinct population with unique needs and challenges. There is a scarcity of epidemiologic data on the requirements of Ireland’s older population for, and their utilisation of, emergency care networks. We sought to assess this deficit utilising data from the recently published European Geriatric Emergency Departments Registry Study (EGERS) dataset.

Methodology

A prospective, cohort study of older adult patients (≥65) presenting to Irish Emergency Departments over a 7-day period. The dataset was originally collected as part of the EGERS study. The Irish subpopulation was extracted, analysed in further detail, and compared to the …

Il-12 Encoding Ondv Synergizes With Car-T Cells In Orthotopic Models Of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Amanda Rosewell Shaw, Daisuke Morita, Caroline E Porter, Eric Tu, Greyson W Biegert, Sonia Agrawal, Nicholas Durham, Malcolm K Brenner, Masataka Suzuki

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Systemic administration of oncolytic viruses (OVs) is a promising approach for targeting metastatic solid tumors, but their anti-tumor activity is limited by pre-existing neutralizing antibodies against common human viruses. Therefore, investigators have developed OVs derived from non-human host viruses. Successful implementation of this strategy requires that the viral vector selectively infects and replicates within human cancer cells. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an avian paramyxovirus that, as NDV-based OVs (oNDVs), has demonstrated safety and activity against multiple human tumors in clinical trials. Their use as a single agent, however, is insufficient to cure tumors. Similarly, chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells …

The Doing, Being, Becoming, And Belonging Of Intergenerational Collective Occupations, Gladys Garcia, Jazminne Orozco-Arteaga

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Older adults have been globally recognized as a vulnerable population. Literature has indicated that intergenerational engagement can decrease social isolation for older adults, but there is a gap in understanding intergenerational co-occupational engagement and how these engagements can improve quality of life and fulfillment of self-identity. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to generate knowledge of how relationships and occupations performed with individuals from a younger generation impacted sense of well-being. Through the lens of Doing, Being, Becoming and Belonging (Wilcock, 2006), the study sought to increase understanding of this lived experience to promote intergenerational practice within …

Enhancing Dignity Amongst Persons With Dementia Through Occupational Engagement, Habeeba Ahmed, Amy Lyons-Brown Ms, Otd, Otr/L

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Dementia is a cognitive impairment that impacts an individual's memory, judgement, safety awareness, and emotions which can interfere with their activities of daily living. As the condition progresses, the person living with dementia (PLWD) may require a care partner to help them complete their daily tasks. Having a care partner and being a care partner can be challenging for both, the PLWD and their care partner, as there begins to be a shift in their independence. The PLWD must rely on their care partner to help them throughout their day, leading to a decrease in independence and occupational engagement. When …

After-Hours, Severity, And Distance Are Associated With Non-Vha Emergency Department Use For Older Veterans: Insights From A Regional Health Information Exchange, Elina Kurkurina, Kimberly M. Judon, Ula Hwang, Kenneth S. Boockvar, Juan Wisnivesky, Matthew R. Augustine

Journal of Geriatric Emergency Medicine

Background: Older adults treated in emergency departments (EDs) are at higher risk for adverse outcomes. Using multiple facilities can worsen this issue through service duplication and poor care transitions. Veterans with dual insurance coverage can access both Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and non-VHA EDs. This study aimed to identify factors associated with non-VHA ED use among veterans.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients aged ≥ 65 who had primary care at the James J Peters VA Medical Center and at least one VHA or non-VHA ED visit between October 2017 and February 2020. Data were collected from …

Reducing Healthcare-Acquired Pneumonia In A Geriatric Long-Term Care Facility, Jacob R. Magsalin

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Healthcare-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a nosocomial infection that poses a serious threat in geriatric long-term care facilities due to its high morbidity and mortality.

Context: This evidence-based quality improvement project seeks to reduce the incidence of HAP in a geriatric long-term care facility in the San Francisco Bay Area by utilizing findings

from existing literature.

Interventions: Key interventions include improving and standardizing oral care techniques and promoting education on HAP prevention to allow patients and their families to be more proactive in preventing this complication.

Measures: Outcome measures include HAP diagnosis rates after implementation, any costs saved for the …

Implementing The Brief Confusion Assessment Method (Bcam) Delirium Screening Tool In An Emergency Department, Carolina Van Dalen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Persons with delirium have an elevated risk of falls. Thus, falls and delirium are inextricably linked. Both should be routinely screened for older adults.

Context: A 40-bed Emergency Department (ED) in the East San Francisco Bay area of Northern California and the first site among all acute care hospitals in the organization to implement the Brief Confusion Assessment Method (bCAM) delirium scoring tool within the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

Interventions: An EHR toolkit for delirium screening using bCAM was developed, tested, and implemented in the ED.

Measures: The outcome measure was the percentage of patients with a reported fall …

An Educational Video Guide To Aging In Place, Cecilia Ramos, Steven Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr, Elizabeth Deluca-Berg Otd, Otr, Caps

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The growing population of older adults in the U.S. faces numerous challenges in maintaining independence while aging in place. Key findings from the needs assessment and literature review underscore the importance of accessible resources, health promotion, and health literacy in fostering autonomy and well-being among older adults. Occupational therapy addresses individual needs, educates on resource availability, and promotes interventions to enhance older adults' independence and safety. The purpose of this project was to create an educational video guide aimed at empowering older adults and their families with the knowledge and tools to overcome barriers to aging in place. This project …