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Lapauw L, Rutten A, Dupont J, Amini N, Vercauteren L, Derrien M, Raes J, Gielen E. Associations between gut microbiota and sarcopenia or its defining parameters in older adults: A systematic review. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2024. [PMID: 39192550 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Altered gut microbiota (GM) potentially contribute to development or worsening of sarcopenia through a gut-muscle axis. This systematic review aims to compare GM between persons with sarcopenia or low sarcopenia-defining parameters (muscle mass, strength, and physical performance) to those with preserved muscle status, as well as to clarify possible associations between sarcopenia (-defining parameters) and relative abundance (RA) of GM-taxa or GM-(α- or β) diversity indices, in order to clarify whether there is robust evidence of the existence of a GM signature for sarcopenia. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA-reporting guideline and pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021259597). PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane library were searched until 20 July 2023. Included studies reported on GM and sarcopenia or its defining parameters. Observational studies were included with populations of mean age ≥50 years. Thirty-two studies totalling 10 781 persons (58.56% ♀) were included. Thirteen studies defined sarcopenia as a construct. Nineteen studies reported at least one sarcopenia-defining parameter (muscle mass, strength or physical performance). Studies found different GM-taxa at multiple levels to be significantly associated with sarcopenia (n = 4/6), muscle mass (n = 13/14), strength (n = 7/9), and physical performance (n = 3/3); however, directions of associations were heterogeneous and also conflicting for specific GM-taxa. Regarding β-diversity, studies found GM of persons with sarcopenia, low muscle mass, or low strength to cluster differently compared with persons with preserved muscle status. α-diversity was low in persons with sarcopenia or low muscle mass as compared with those with preserved muscle status, indicating low richness and diversity. In line with this, α-diversity was significantly and positively associated with muscle mass (n = 3/4) and muscle strength (n = 2/3). All reported results were significant (P < 0.05). Persons with sarcopenia and low muscle parameters have less rich and diverse GM and can be separated from persons with preserved muscle mass and function based on GM-composition. Sarcopenia and low muscle parameters are also associated with different GM-taxa at multiple levels, but results were heterogeneous and no causal conclusions could be made due to the cross-sectional design of the studies. This emphasizes the need for uniformly designed cross-sectional and longitudinal trials with appropriate GM confounder control in large samples of persons with sarcopenia and clearly defined core outcome sets in order to further explore changes in GM-taxa and to determine a sarcopenia-specific GM-signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Lapauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Rutten
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Zuyderland Medisch Centrum, Sittard, The Netherlands
| | - Jolan Dupont
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nadjia Amini
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Vercauteren
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Muriel Derrien
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Raes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelien Gielen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Zuyderland Medisch Centrum, Sittard, The Netherlands
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Lee CY, Chuang YS, Kor CT, Lin YT, Tsao YH, Lin PR, Hsieh HM, Shen MC, Wang YL, Fang TJ, Liu YT. Development of a Predictive Model for Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Older Patients with Cardiovascular Disease. Drugs Aging 2024; 41:675-683. [PMID: 38937426 PMCID: PMC11322215 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-024-01127-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are highly susceptible to adverse drug reactions due to age-related physiological changes and the presence of multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop a predictive model to identify the use of PIMs in older patients with CVD. METHODS Data from 2012 to 2021 from the Changhua Christian Hospital Clinical Research Database (CCHRD) and the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Research Database (KMUHRD) were analyzed. Participants over the age of 65 years with CVD diagnoses were included. The CCHRD data were randomly divided into a training set (80% of the database) and an internal validation set (20% of the database), while the KMUHRD data served as an external validation set. The training set was used to construct the prediction models, and both validation sets were used to validate the proposed models. RESULTS A total of 48,569 patients were included. Comprehensive data analysis revealed significant associations between the use of PIMs and clinical factors such as total cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine, and uric acid levels, as well as the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and cerebrovascular accidents. The predictive models demonstrated moderate power, indicating the importance of these factors in assessing the risk of PIMs. CONCLUSIONS This study developed predictive models that improve understanding of the use of PIMs in older patients with CVD. These models may assist clinicians in making informed decisions regarding medication safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ying Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Shiuan Chuang
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Big Data Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chew-Teng Kor
- Big Data Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Lin
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Big Data Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiang Tsao
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ru Lin
- Big Data Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Min Hsieh
- Center for Big Data Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Community Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chiou Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ling Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jung Fang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Tze Liu
- Big Data Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Family Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, 500, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Hirose T, Sawaya Y, Ishizaka M, Hashimoto N, Watanabe M, Itokazu M, Kubo A, Urano T. Association between Internet Use and Locomotive Syndrome, Frailty, and Sarcopenia among Community-Dwelling Older Japanese Adults. NURSING REPORTS 2024; 14:1402-1413. [PMID: 38921715 PMCID: PMC11207118 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep14020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In the lives of those who are the target of community health nursing, it is important to collaborate with individuals and communities to improve their quality of life. Herein, we aimed to determine the association between Internet use among older individuals and locomotive syndrome (LS), frailty, and sarcopenia. In this cross-sectional study conducted between July 2022 and March 2023, we recruited 105 community-dwelling older Japanese adults who participated in a care prevention project called "Kayoi-no-ba". All participants were divided into Internet and non-Internet user groups according to the classification of a previous study. We assessed LS (standing test, two-step test, and five-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale), frailty (through the Questionnaire for Medical Checkup of Old-Old), and sarcopenia (grip strength, normal walking speed, and skeletal muscle mass index) and made group comparisons between Internet users and non-users. Binomial logistic regression analyses were performed with Internet use as the independent variable and sarcopenia or LS as the dependent variables. The Internet and non-Internet user groups had 69 and 36 participants, respectively. The Internet user group comprised 65.7% of all participants, which was similar to that reported in a previous study of the same age group. Between-group comparisons showed significant differences in sarcopenia and LS items, whereas adjusted binomial logistic analysis showed a significant association between sarcopenia and Internet use. In summary, among LS, frailty, and sarcopenia, sarcopenia showed the highest association with Internet use. Older adults without sarcopenia having good physical functions, such as grip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle index, more likely used the Internet; while older adults with sarcopenia were less likely to use the Internet. This implied that Internet use may be associated with physical function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamaki Hirose
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Otawara 324-8501, Tochigi, Japan; (T.H.); (Y.S.); (M.I.); (M.W.); (M.I.)
| | - Yohei Sawaya
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Otawara 324-8501, Tochigi, Japan; (T.H.); (Y.S.); (M.I.); (M.W.); (M.I.)
| | - Masahiro Ishizaka
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Otawara 324-8501, Tochigi, Japan; (T.H.); (Y.S.); (M.I.); (M.W.); (M.I.)
| | - Naori Hashimoto
- Senior Services Division of Otawara, 1-4-1 Honcho, Otawara 324-8641, Tochigi, Japan;
| | - Miyoko Watanabe
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Otawara 324-8501, Tochigi, Japan; (T.H.); (Y.S.); (M.I.); (M.W.); (M.I.)
| | - Masafumi Itokazu
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Otawara 324-8501, Tochigi, Japan; (T.H.); (Y.S.); (M.I.); (M.W.); (M.I.)
| | - Akira Kubo
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences at Odawara, International University of Health and Welfare, 1-2-25 Shiroyama, Odawara 250-8588, Kanagawa, Japan;
| | - Tomohiko Urano
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 4-3 Kozunomori, Narita 286-8686, Chiba, Japan
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Tanaka T, Akishita M, Kojima T, Son BK, Iijima K. Medical care priorities of community-dwelling older adults according to three dimensions of quality of life: Quality of daily living, satisfaction and happiness from birth to death, and human vitality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24:493-498. [PMID: 38602076 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14870] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM Although the maintenance and improvement of quality of life (QoL) through holistic care are important in geriatric medical care, care priorities might differ depending on three essential aspects of QoL: the quality of daily living, satisfaction and happiness from birth to death, and human vitality, which are "Seikatsu," "Jinsei," "Seimei" in Japanese, respectively. We aimed to clarify these priorities in terms of medical care and examined how the definitions of QoL affected these priorities' rankings. METHODS This cross-sectional study involved community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years living in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The number of participants was 1550 (mean age, 76.1 ± 5.8 years; 699 women [45.1%]). A self-administered questionnaire distributed in advance was used to rank 12 items sought in medical care. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups and sent the corresponding questionnaire, which differed only in the definition of QoL. RESULTS The top priorities for medical care were "effective treatment of illness," "improvement of physical function," and "maintaining a high level of activity." When QoL was defined as "the quality of daily living, satisfaction and happiness from birth to death, and human vitality," participants were significantly more likely to rank QoL improvement as one of the top three items (adjusted odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.05). CONCLUSIONS As a medical care priority, older adults desire improvement of multidimensional elements of life, including human vitality. Health care providers should consider this when making medical care decisions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 493-498.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Tanaka
- Institute of Gerontology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Akishita
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taro Kojima
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bo-Kyung Son
- Institute of Gerontology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuya Iijima
- Institute of Gerontology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Miyazaki S, Tamaki A, Wakabayashi H, Arai H. Definition, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory sarcopenia. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2024; 27:210-218. [PMID: 38126204 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000001003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Skeletal muscle weakness and wasting also occurs in the respiratory muscles, called respiratory sarcopenia. Respiratory sarcopenia may lead to worse clinical indicators and outcomes. We present a novel definition and diagnostic criteria for respiratory sarcopenia, summarize recent reports on the association between respiratory sarcopenia, physical and nutritional status, and clinical outcomes, and provide suggestions for the prevention and treatment of respiratory sarcopenia. RECENT FINDINGS Recently, a novel definition and diagnostic criteria for respiratory sarcopenia have been prepared. Respiratory sarcopenia is defined as a condition in which there is both low respiratory muscle strength and low respiratory muscle mass. Respiratory muscle strength, respiratory muscle mass, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass are used to diagnose respiratory sarcopenia. Currently, it is challenging to definitively diagnose respiratory sarcopenia due to the difficulty in accurately determining low respiratory muscle mass. Decreased respiratory muscle strength and respiratory muscle mass are associated with lower physical and nutritional status and poorer clinical outcomes. Exercise interventions, especially respiratory muscle training, nutritional interventions, and their combinations may effectively treat respiratory sarcopenia. Preventive interventions for respiratory sarcopenia are unclear. SUMMARY The novel definition and diagnostic criteria will contribute to promoting the assessment and intervention of respiratory sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akira Tamaki
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Hyogo Medical University, Kobe
| | - Hidetaka Wakabayashi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo
| | - Hidenori Arai
- National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
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Ishimoto T, Fujimoto T, Matsudaira N, Yamamoto N, Hayashi H, Hisamatsu K, Toyota Y, Akazawa N. Association between anorexia as assessed by simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults using outpatient rehabilitation: A cross-sectional study. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024; 59:176-180. [PMID: 38220373 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.12.010] [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] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A previous study reported an association between sarcopenia and anorexia determined by the simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire (SNAQ) in community-dwelling older adults. However, it is unclear in the community-dwelling older adults who are using outpatient rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between anorexia and sarcopenia as judged by SNAQ in community-dwelling older adults using outpatient rehabilitation. METHODS This study included 120 older adults (72.5% female). Subjects were provided outpatient rehabilitation one to three times a week. The main outcome was sarcopenia as determined using the Asian working group for sarcopenia 2019. The simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire (SNAQ) was used to assess anorexia. The SNAQ total score range from 4 (worst) to 20 (best), with 13 score and lower considered to indicate anorexia. Statistical analysis was performed by forced-entry logistic regression analysis with sarcopenia as the dependent variable, body mass index (BMI), food intake level scale, anorexia, and propensity score calculated using age, sex, number of medications, updated Charlson comorbidity index as the independent variable. RESULTS Sarcopenia was observed in 79 of 120 subjects (65.8%). Anorexia was observed in 28 subjects (23.3%). Logistic regression analysis revealed BMI (odds ratio: 0.71 [95% CI: 0.61-0.84]), anorexia (odds ratio: 5.35 [95% CI: 1.24-23.2]) were extracted as a significant variable. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that anorexia as determined by the SNAQ is associated with sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults using outpatient rehabilitation. This indicates the importance of understanding anorexia in assessing sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults who are using outpatient rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisei Ishimoto
- Department of Rehabilitation, Akahige Clinic, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Takehiro Fujimoto
- Department of Rehabilitation, Akahige Clinic, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Nozomi Matsudaira
- Department of Rehabilitation, Akahige Clinic, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Natsuki Yamamoto
- Department of Rehabilitation, Akahige Clinic, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Hikaru Hayashi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Akahige Clinic, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Ken Hisamatsu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Akahige Clinic, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Yoshio Toyota
- Department of Rehabilitation, Akahige Clinic, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Naoki Akazawa
- Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
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Kuzuya M. Drug-related sarcopenia as a secondary sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24:195-203. [PMID: 38158766 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14770] [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] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Sarcopenia has a significant impact on falls, physical function, activities of daily living, and quality of life in older adults, and its prevention and treatment are becoming increasingly important as the global population ages. In addition to primary age-related sarcopenia, activity-related sarcopenia, disease-related sarcopenia, and nutrition-related sarcopenia have been proposed as secondary sarcopenia. Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication based on multiple diseases cause health problems in older patients. In some cases, drugs used for therapeutic or preventive purposes act on skeletal muscle as adverse drug reactions and induce sarcopenia. Although sarcopenia caused by these adverse drug reactions may be more common in older patients, in particular those taking many medications, drug-related sarcopenia has not yet received much attention. This review summarizes drugs that may induce sarcopenia and emphasizes the importance of drug-related sarcopenia as a secondary sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 195-203.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Kuzuya
- Meitetsu Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Professor Emeritus Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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Kojima T. [Polypharmacy in older people]. Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi 2024; 61:13-21. [PMID: 38583964 DOI: 10.3143/geriatrics.61.13] [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: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
After the publication of the guidelines about the safe drug therapy for older people in 2015 by the Japan Geriatrics Society, the risk of polypharmacy has become popular. Older people are likely to have multimorbidity, resulting in the use of multiple drugs. This not only increases the frequency of side effects, but also increase confusion and difficulty in medication management and adherence. Polypharmacy is the problem related to these complicated drug therapies and will increase by age. It is necessary to review drugs and resolve polypharmacy without making comorbid conditions worth. To carry out effective medication reviews, the guidance established by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare introduced that geriatric assessment is essential for those with polypharmacy, since not only all medical conditions, but also physical and cognitive functions, medications, living environment, and caregivers should be taken into consideration when discontinuing drugs. When tapering, potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) should be always the targets, and PIMs drug lists such as the Beers criteria and STOPP/START became very popular in overseas. Even after the reductions, careful attention should be paid to changes in the patient's condition. For drugs that are continued, continuous checks are required to ensure compliance with patients' medication adherence. There are many possible reasons for poor medication adherence, and it will be difficult to improve unless we identify what the cause is in each patient, and making the prescriptions simple may be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Kojima
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The University of Tokyo
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