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Lin Z, Yin X, Levy BR, Yuan Y, Chen X. Association of Family Support With Lower Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia Among Cognitively Impaired Older Adults. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 32:1187-1199. [PMID: 38839462 PMCID: PMC11366488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive impairment poses considerable challenges among older adults, with the role of family support becoming increasingly crucial. This study examines the association of children's residential proximity and spousal presence with key modifiable risk factors for dementia in cognitively impaired older adults. METHODS We analyzed 14,600 individuals (35,165 observations) aged 50 and older with cognitive impairment from the Health and Retirement Study (1995-2018). Family support was categorized by spousal presence and children's residential proximity. Modifiable risk factors, including smoking, depressive symptoms, and social isolation, were assessed. Associations between family support and the modifiable risk factors were determined using mixed-effects logistic regressions. RESULTS A significant proportion of older adults with cognitive impairment lacked access to family support, with either no spouse (46.9%) or all children living over 10 miles away (25.3%). Those with less available family support, characterized by distant-residing children and the absence of a spouse, had a significantly higher percentage of smoking, depressive symptoms, and social isolation. Moreover, we revealed a consistent gradient in the percentage of the risk factors by the degree of family support. Relative to older adults with a spouse and co-resident children, those without a spouse and with all children residing further than 10 miles displayed the highest percentage of the risk factors. These findings were robust to various sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Family support from spouses and nearby children serves as a protective factor against modifiable dementia risk factors in cognitively impaired older adults. Policies that strengthen family and social support may benefit this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoer Lin
- Department of Health Policy and Management (ZL, XY, XC), School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Xuecheng Yin
- Department of Health Policy and Management (ZL, XY, XC), School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT; Department of Management Science & Information Systems (XY), Spears School of Business, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
| | - Becca R Levy
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences (BRL), School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT; Department of Psychology (BRL), Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Yue Yuan
- College of Business (YY), Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management (ZL, XY, XC), School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT; Department of Economics (XC), Yale University, New Haven, CT; Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (XC), Yale University, New Haven, CT.
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Aravena JM, Chen X, Levy BR. Association between experiencing low healthcare quality and developing dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:2126-2132. [PMID: 38415796 PMCID: PMC11226361 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low healthcare quality has been found to predict the development of a number of illnesses in older adults. However, it has not been investigated as a determinant of dementia. Thus, the goal of this study was to assess whether experiencing low healthcare quality is associated with developing dementia in people aged 60 and older. METHODS Participants in the Health and Retirement Study, without dementia and aged 60 and older at baseline, were followed from 2006 to 2019. Experiencing low healthcare quality was assessed at baseline through questions about healthcare discrimination and dissatisfaction with healthcare services. The outcome, development of new cases of dementia, was determined through physician diagnosis or a cognition score compatible with dementia (assessed by the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status). Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of dementia, adjusting for participants' demographic, health, and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS Among the 3795 participants included in the cohort, 700 developed dementia. Experiencing low healthcare quality was associated with increased dementia risk over 12 years (unadjusted HR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.27-2.21, p-value <0.001; fully adjusted HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.12-2.01, p-value: 0.006). Healthcare discrimination and dissatisfaction with the healthcare quality received were independently associated with increased dementia risk. CONCLUSIONS As predicted, experiencing low healthcare quality was associated with greater dementia risk. To date, most measures to reduce dementia have focused on individual-level behaviors. Our findings suggest that implementing structural changes to improve healthcare quality delivery for older persons could reduce dementia prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Aravena
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Instituto de Investigación y Postgrado, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Becca R. Levy
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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2024 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3708-3821. [PMID: 38689398 PMCID: PMC11095490 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
This article describes the public health impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD), including prevalence and incidence, mortality and morbidity, use and costs of care and the ramifications of AD for family caregivers, the dementia workforce and society. The Special Report discusses the larger health care system for older adults with cognitive issues, focusing on the role of caregivers and non-physician health care professionals. An estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia today. This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure AD. Official AD death certificates recorded 119,399 deaths from AD in 2021. In 2020 and 2021, when COVID-19 entered the ranks of the top ten causes of death, Alzheimer's was the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States. Official counts for more recent years are still being compiled. Alzheimer's remains the fifth-leading cause of death among Americans age 65 and older. Between 2000 and 2021, deaths from stroke, heart disease and HIV decreased, whereas reported deaths from AD increased more than 140%. More than 11 million family members and other unpaid caregivers provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in 2023. These figures reflect a decline in the number of caregivers compared with a decade earlier, as well as an increase in the amount of care provided by each remaining caregiver. Unpaid dementia caregiving was valued at $346.6 billion in 2023. Its costs, however, extend to unpaid caregivers' increased risk for emotional distress and negative mental and physical health outcomes. Members of the paid health care and broader community-based workforce are involved in diagnosing, treating and caring for people with dementia. However, the United States faces growing shortages across different segments of the dementia care workforce due to a combination of factors, including the absolute increase in the number of people living with dementia. Therefore, targeted programs and care delivery models will be needed to attract, better train and effectively deploy health care and community-based workers to provide dementia care. Average per-person Medicare payments for services to beneficiaries age 65 and older with AD or other dementias are almost three times as great as payments for beneficiaries without these conditions, and Medicaid payments are more than 22 times as great. Total payments in 2024 for health care, long-term care and hospice services for people age 65 and older with dementia are estimated to be $360 billion. The Special Report investigates how caregivers of older adults with cognitive issues interact with the health care system and examines the role non-physician health care professionals play in facilitating clinical care and access to community-based services and supports. It includes surveys of caregivers and health care workers, focusing on their experiences, challenges, awareness and perceptions of dementia care navigation.
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Ungvari A, Gulej R, Csik B, Mukli P, Negri S, Tarantini S, Yabluchanskiy A, Benyo Z, Csiszar A, Ungvari Z. The Role of Methionine-Rich Diet in Unhealthy Cerebrovascular and Brain Aging: Mechanisms and Implications for Cognitive Impairment. Nutrients 2023; 15:4662. [PMID: 37960316 PMCID: PMC10650229 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As aging societies in the western world face a growing prevalence of vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD), understanding their underlying causes and associated risk factors becomes increasingly critical. A salient concern in the western dietary context is the high consumption of methionine-rich foods such as red meat. The present review delves into the impact of this methionine-heavy diet and the resultant hyperhomocysteinemia on accelerated cerebrovascular and brain aging, emphasizing their potential roles in cognitive impairment. Through a comprehensive exploration of existing evidence, a link between high methionine intake and hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and accelerated epigenetic aging is drawn. Moreover, the microvascular determinants of cognitive deterioration, including endothelial dysfunction, reduced cerebral blood flow, microvascular rarefaction, impaired neurovascular coupling, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, are explored. The mechanisms by which excessive methionine consumption and hyperhomocysteinemia might drive cerebromicrovascular and brain aging processes are elucidated. By presenting an intricate understanding of the relationships among methionine-rich diets, hyperhomocysteinemia, cerebrovascular and brain aging, and cognitive impairment, avenues for future research and potential therapeutic interventions are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ungvari
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rafal Gulej
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Boglarka Csik
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Mukli
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sharon Negri
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Zoltan Benyo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary;
- Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Disorders Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Translational Medicine, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Lin Z, Chen X. The Long-Term Impacts of Dementia on Preventive Care Utilization and Health Behaviors. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.10.24.23297477. [PMID: 37961188 PMCID: PMC10635193 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.23297477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Dementia has large impact on individuals' decision making, independent living, and wellbeing. Identifying early signals of dementia risk may offer people more time to prepare for the future, helping to delay the onset or slow the progression of dementia. Using the 1995-2018 waves of Health and Retirement Study, we offer novel evidence on the impacts of dementia on a rich set of preventive care utilization and health behaviors. Leveraging both within- and between-individual variations in an event study design, we characterize long-term dynamic changes in preventive care and health behaviors relative to the incidence of dementia and find early behavioral indicators of the disorder. We show that relative to the group of people who never develop dementia during the study periods, people with dementia have consistent and escalating declines in the use of cholesterol test, dental visit, prostate test and mammogram around the incidence of dementia. Significant declines are also found in physical activities and social engagement. Importantly, we demonstrate that the behavioral changes can occur up to 6 years before the incidence of dementia; and these patterns are absent in other chronic or acute conditions. The results are robust to sample selection, model specification, and the further control of aging and cohort effects. Overall, our findings highlight the salient impact of dementia risk on preventive care utilization and health behaviors, which may increase individuals' vulnerability to health shocks. Detecting early signals of dementia and facilitating targeted interventions are thus called for to prevent individuals from adverse behavioral and health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoer Lin
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health
- Department of Economics, Yale University
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Yale University
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Lin Z, Yin X, Levy BR, Yuan Y, Chen X. Children's Residential Proximity, Spousal Presence and Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia among Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.10.24.23297470. [PMID: 37961588 PMCID: PMC10635188 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.23297470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Cognitive impairment in older adults poses considerable challenges, and the role of family support becomes increasingly crucial. This study aims to examine the impact of children's residential proximity and spousal presence on the key modifiable risk factors for dementia among older adults with cognitive impairment. Methods Utilizing the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data from 1995 to 2018, we analyzed 14,731 participants (35,840 person-waves) aged 50 and older with cognitive impairment. Family support was characterized based on the presence of a spouse and residential proximity to children. Smoking, depressive symptoms and social isolation were included as the key modifiable risk factors for dementia identified in later life. Using mixed-effects logistic regressions, associations between access to family support and the modifiable risk factors were determined, adjusting for various socio-demographic and health-related factors. Results Significant associations were found between access to family support and modifiable risk factors for dementia. Cognitively impaired older adults with less available family support, characterized by distant-residing children and the absence of a spouse, had significantly higher risks of smoking, depressive symptoms, and social isolation. Moreover, we revealed a consistent gradient in the prevalence of the risk factors based on the degree of family support. Relative to older adults with a spouse and co-resident children, those without a spouse and with all children residing further than 10 miles displayed the highest risks of smoking, depressive symptoms, and social isolation. Conclusion Access to family support, particularly from spouses and proximate children, plays a protective role against key modifiable risk factors for dementia in older adults with cognitive impairment. The findings highlight the need for bolstering family and social support systems to enhance the well-being of this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoer Lin
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Yale University
| | - Xuecheng Yin
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Yale University
- Department of Management Science & Information Systems, Spears School of Business, Oklahoma State University
| | - Becca R. Levy
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University
- Department of Psychology, Yale University
| | - Yue Yuan
- College of Business, Lehigh University
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Yale University
- Department of Economics, Yale University
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Yale University
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Spargo D, Zur R, Lin P, Synnott P, Klein E, Hartry A. Estimating prevalence of early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease in the United States. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 15:e12497. [PMID: 38034853 PMCID: PMC10682565 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding the prevalence of treatment-eligible Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial for policy planning. METHODS We used a comprehensive literature review and population cascade approach to estimate the number of amyloid-positive, clinically diagnosed patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to AD in the United States. RESULTS An estimated 666,646 individuals were identified as having MCI due to AD (range: 351,926-1,227,776) and 620,850 individuals as having mild dementia due to AD (range: 445,082-820,339). In a US population of 76 million individuals aged 60 or older in 2021, the estimates of MCI and mild dementia due to AD increased with age. CONCLUSIONS As earlier diagnosis of AD and new disease-modifying treatments become available, accurate population estimates are required to reduce uncertainty in the number of clinically diagnosed patients eligible for amyloid-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pei‐Jung Lin
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in HealthInstitute for Clinical Research and Health Policy StudiesTufts Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Patricia Synnott
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in HealthInstitute for Clinical Research and Health Policy StudiesTufts Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Eric Klein
- Eli Lilly and CompanyIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Ann Hartry
- Eli Lilly and CompanyIndianapolisIndianaUSA
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Hu FY, Wang Y, Abbas M, Bollens-Lund E, Reich AJ, Lipsitz SR, Gray TF, Kim D, Ritchie C, Kelley AS, Cooper Z. Prevalence of unpaid caregiving, pain, and depression in older seriously ill patients undergoing elective surgery. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:2151-2162. [PMID: 36914427 PMCID: PMC10363213 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Serious illness is a life-limiting condition negatively impacting daily function, quality of life, or excessively straining caregivers. Over 1 million older seriously ill adults undergo major surgery annually, and national guidelines recommend that palliative care be available to all seriously ill patients. However, the palliative care needs of elective surgical patients are incompletely described. Understanding baseline caregiving needs and symptom burden among seriously ill older surgical patients could inform interventions to improve outcomes. METHODS Using Health and Retirement Study data (2008-2018) linked to Medicare claims, we identified patients ≥66 years who met an established serious illness definition from administrative data and underwent major elective surgery using Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) criteria. Descriptive analyses were performed for preoperative patient characteristics, including: unpaid caregiving (no or yes); pain (none/mild or moderate/severe); and depression (no, CES-D < 3, or yes, CES-D ≥ 3). Multivariable regression was performed to examine the association between unpaid caregiving, pain, depression, and in-hospital outcomes, including hospital days (days admitted between discharge date and one-year post-discharge), in-hospital complications (no or yes), and discharge destination (home or non-home). RESULTS Of the 1343 patients, 55.0% were female and 81.6% were non-Hispanic White. Mean age was 78.0 (SD 6.8); 86.9% had ≥2 comorbidities. Before admission, 27.3% of patients received unpaid caregiving. Pre-admission pain and depression were 42.6% and 32.8%, respectively. Baseline depression was significantly associated with non-home discharge (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.1, p = 0.003), while baseline pain and unpaid caregiving needs were not associated with in-hospital or post-acute outcomes in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS Prior to elective surgery, older adults with serious illnesses have high unpaid caregiving needs and a prevalence of pain and depression. Baseline depression alone was associated with discharge destinations. These findings highlight opportunities for targeted palliative care interventions throughout the surgical encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Y Hu
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yihan Wang
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Muhammad Abbas
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Evan Bollens-Lund
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amanda J Reich
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stuart R Lipsitz
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tamryn F Gray
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dae Kim
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christine Ritchie
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy S Kelley
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zara Cooper
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Hill NL, Bratlee-Whitaker E, Jang H, Bhargava S, Sillner AY, Do J, Mogle J. Patient-provider communication about cognition and the role of memory concerns: a descriptive study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:342. [PMID: 37259029 PMCID: PMC10233998 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04053-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early identification of cognitive impairment is an important part of health promotion in aging. However, many older adults do not seek help for cognitive problems until their ability to function independently is substantially impacted. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore older adults' experiences with patient-provider communication specific to cognition as well as compare barriers and facilitators between those with and without memory concerns. METHODS We conducted an online survey with individuals aged 65 + years (n = 409; mean age = 71.4(4.73); 54% female; 79% non-Hispanic White), purposively sampled to include those with and without memory concerns. Questionnaires included measures of subjective memory decline (SMD), memory concerns, past healthcare experiences, as well as open-ended questions regarding patient-provider communication about cognition. Content analysis was used to code open-ended responses. Logistic regression was used to examine differences in facilitators and barriers to communication among three groups: no SMD (n = 130), SMD without memory concerns (n = 143), and SMD with memory concerns (n = 136). RESULTS Only 16.6% of participants reported discussing cognition with a healthcare provider. Of the remaining 83.4%, approximately two-thirds would be open to such discussions in certain circumstances, most frequently if they had worsening memory problems. Over half of participants reported that their provider had never offered cognitive testing. Compared to the no SMD and SMD without memory concerns groups, participants reporting SMD with memory concerns were more likely to: (1) discuss cognition if their healthcare provider initiated the conversation, and (2) avoid discussions of cognitive problems due to fears of losing independence. CONCLUSIONS We found that most participants, including those reporting SMD with memory concerns, had never discussed cognition with their healthcare providers. Patient-reported barriers and facilitators to communication about cognition differed in several areas based on SMD status and the presence or absence of memory concerns. Consideration of these differences can guide future efforts to improve early identification of subtle cognitive changes that would benefit from further monitoring or intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki L Hill
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Penn State University, 201 Nursing Sciences Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Emily Bratlee-Whitaker
- RTI Health Solutions, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, PO Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Heejung Jang
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, 418 Brackett Hall, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Sakshi Bhargava
- RTI Health Solutions, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, PO Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Andrea Yevchak Sillner
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Penn State University, 201 Nursing Sciences Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Justin Do
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, 1025 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Jacqueline Mogle
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, 418 Brackett Hall, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
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Gillis C, Montenigro P, Nejati M, Maserejian N. Estimating prevalence of early Alzheimer's disease in the United States, accounting for racial and ethnic diversity. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 19:1841-1848. [PMID: 36322470 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Updated estimates of the US Alzheimer's disease (AD) population, including under-represented populations, are needed to improve clinical trial diversity. METHODS A step-wise approach calculating prevalent numbers from clinical syndrome to biomarker-positive mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD and mild AD was developed, using age-and-race/ethnicity-stratified data where available. RESULTS The estimated percentage of Americans aged ≥ 65 years with MCI due to AD was 9.2% of non-Hispanic Whites, 13.6% of non-Hispanic Blacks, 11.1% Hispanics, and 9.7% other race/ethnicities. The estimated percentage of Americans aged ≥ 65 years with mild dementia due to AD among non-Hispanic Whites was 3.7%, non-Hispanic Blacks 7.0%, Hispanics 5.3%, and 3.9% other race/ethnicities. Of these early-stage AD cases, few are likely diagnosed, ranging from 13% of prevalent non-Hispanic Black cases to 27% of non-Hispanic White cases. DISCUSSION Under-representation in clinical trials may be improved by setting recruitment goals reflecting the diversity of the AD patient population and supporting efforts toward timely diagnosis.
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