Description

The primary goal of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society is to publish articles that are relevant in the broadest terms to the clinical care of older persons. Such articles may span a variety of disciplines and fields and may be of immediate, intermediate, or long-term potential benefit to clinical practice.

Publisher details

Blackwell Publishing

Publications in this journal

• Fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity and mortality among older community-dwelling women

  Authors: Nicklett

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

• Quality indicators for benign prostatic hyperplasia in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: Christopher S Saigal

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S253-7.

• Quality indicators for the care of colorectal cancer in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: Marcia L McGory

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S277-84.

• Quality indicators for the care of dementia in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: Denise G Feil, Catherine MacLean, David Sultzer

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S293-301.

• Quality indicators for the care of diabetes mellitus in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: Paul Shekelle, Sandeep Vijan

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S312-7.

• Quality indicators for falls and mobility problems in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: John T Chang, David A Ganz

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S327-34.

• Quality indicators for the care of heart failure in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: Paul A Heidenreich, Gregg C Fonarow

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S340-6.

• Quality indicators for the care of hypertension in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: Lillian C Min, Rajnish Mehrotra, Constance H Fung

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S359-65.

• Quality indicators for medication use in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: William H Shrank, Jennifer M Polinski, Jerry Avorn

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S373-82.

• Quality indicators for the care of osteoporosis in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: Jennifer Grossman, Catherine H MacLean

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S392-402.

• Quality indicators for the care of pressure ulcers in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: Barbara M Bates-Jensen, Catherine H MacLean

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S409-16.

• Quality indicators for the care of sleep disorders in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: Jennifer L Martin, Constance H Fung

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S424-30.

• Quality indicators for the care of undernutrition in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: David B Reuben

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S438-42.

• Quality indicators for the care of vision impairment in vulnerable elders.

  Authors: Susannah Rowe, Catherine H MacLean

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55 Suppl 2:S450-6.

• Safety and immunogenicity profile of the concomitant administration of ZOSTAVAX and inactivated influenza vaccine in adults aged 50 and older.

  Authors: Boris Kerzner, Alexander V Murray, Eric Cheng, Rudy Ifle, Peter R Harvey, Mark Tomlinson, Julie L Barben, Kimberly Rarrick, Jon E Stek, Mi-Ok Chung, Florian P Schödel, William W B Wang, Jin Xu, Ivan S F Chan, Jeffrey L Silber, Katia Schlienger

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55(10):1499-507.

  OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of ZOSTAVAX administered concomitantly with inactivated influenza vaccine or sequentially in adults aged 50 and older. DESIGN: Randomized,OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of ZOSTAVAX administered concomitantly with inactivated influenza vaccine or sequentially in adults aged 50 and older. DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study. SETTING: Thirteen U.S. and seven European study sites. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred eighty-two concomitantly, 380 sequentially vaccinated subjects. INTERVENTION: The concomitant vaccination group received influenza vaccine and ZOSTAVAX at separate injection sites on Day 1 and placebo at Week 4. The nonconcomitant vaccination group received influenza vaccine and placebo at separate injection sites on Day 1 and ZOSTAVAX at Week 4. MEASUREMENTS: Primary safety endpoints: vaccine-related serious adverse experiences (AEs) within 28 days postvaccination (PV); and diary card-prompted local and systemic AEs. Primary immunogenicity endpoints: geometric mean titer (GMT) and geometric mean fold rise (GMFR) from baseline of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody (Ab) at 4 weeks PV according to glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (gpELISA) and GMT of influenza Ab for the three vaccine strains (2005-2006 influenza season) at 4 weeks PV according to hemagglutination inhibition assay. Secondary immunogenicity endpoint: influenza seroconversion rates (SCRs). RESULTS: No serious AEs related to ZOSTAVAX were observed during the study. VZV Ab GMTs 4 weeks PV for the concomitant and sequential groups were 554 and 597 gpELISA U/mL, respectively. The estimated VZV Ab GMT ratio was 0.9 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.8-1.0), indicating noninferior (P<.001 for the null hypothesis of GMT ratio <0.67) responses. Estimated VZV Ab GMFR from baseline in the concomitant group was 2.1 (95% CI=2.0-2.3), indicating acceptable fold rise. Estimated GMT ratios (concomitant/sequential) for influenza strains A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B were 0.9 (95% CI=0.8-1.1), 1.1 (95% CI=0.9-1.3), and 0.9 (95% CI=0.8-1.1), respectively, and SCRs were comparable across both groups, with more than 85% achieving titers of 1:40 or greater, meeting regulatory criteria. CONCLUSION: ZOSTAVAX and influenza vaccine given concomitantly are generally well tolerated in adults aged 50 and older. Ab responses were similar whether ZOSTAVAX and influenza vaccine were given concomitantly or sequentially.

• Efficacy of periosteal stimulation therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis-associated chronic knee pain: an initial controlled clinical trial.

  Authors: Debra K Weiner, Thomas E Rudy, Natalia Morone, Ronald Glick, C Kent Kwoh

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55(10):1541-7.

  OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficacy of periosteal stimulation therapy (PST, osteopuncture) for the treatment of chronic pain associated with advanced knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Randomized,OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficacy of periosteal stimulation therapy (PST, osteopuncture) for the treatment of chronic pain associated with advanced knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Outpatient pain clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-eight community-dwelling older adults with moderate knee pain or greater for 3 months or longer and Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade 2 through 4 radiographic severity (80% had K-L 4). INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to receive PST or control PST once a week for 6 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Pain severity and self-reported function (Western Ontario and McMasters University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)) and physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)) were assessed at baseline, after the last PST session (post), and 3 months later (follow-up). Pain severity was also assessed monthly using the multidimensional pain inventory short form. RESULTS: Pain was reduced significantly more in the PST group than in the control PST group at post (P=.003; mean WOMAC pain subscale baseline 9.4 vs 6.4) and 1 month later (P<.001), but by 2 months, pain levels had regressed to pre-intervention levels. The group-by-time interaction for the WOMAC function scale was significant at post (P=.04) but not at follow-up (P=.63). No significant group differences were found for the SPPB. Neither analgesic use nor global improvement differed between groups. There were four treatment dropouts. CONCLUSION: PST affords short-term modest pain reduction for older adults with advanced knee OA. Future research should test the effectiveness of booster treatments in sustaining analgesic benefits and of combining PST with therapeutic exercise in ameliorating disability risk.

• Poststroke urinary incontinence: one-year outcome and relationships with measures of attentiveness.

  Authors: Renate Pettersen, Brian K Saxby, Torgeir Bruun Wyller

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55(10):1571-7.

  OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prognostic effect of poststroke urinary incontinence (UI) on 1-year outcome in relation to measurements of attention and mental processing speed. DESIGN: ProspectiveOBJECTIVES: To investigate the prognostic effect of poststroke urinary incontinence (UI) on 1-year outcome in relation to measurements of attention and mental processing speed. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Geriatric department (stroke and rehabilitation unit) in a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred thirty-five previously continent patients (median age 78) with an acute stroke. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical stroke syndromes, subtypes of UI, pre- and poststroke cognitive function and activities of daily living, computerized assessment of attention and processing speed for 110 of the participants, mortality and accommodation at 1 year. RESULTS: One hundred seventy patients remained continent, and 65 developed UI (27 with urge UI, 38 with UI with impaired awareness of the need to void (IA-UI). Patients with urge UI had poorer power of attention and speed of memory than continent patients but similar continuity of attention (P<.001, .001, and .07, respectively). Patients with IA-UI performed poorer in all categories than continent and patients with urge UI (all P<.01). In regression analyses, IA-UI was the strongest predictor of mortality and nursing home residence after 1 year (odds ratio=15.7, 95% confidence interval=3.6-69.7). When deaths were excluded, IA-UI and continuity of attention remained independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: Patients with poststroke UI are less attentive than continent patients. Those with IA-UI perform poorest. Sustained attention seems important for outcome and should be taken more into account in the rehabilitation process. In patients who recognize their incontinence, attention-focused training might be the most effective measure of reestablishing bladder control.

• Tuberculin skin test reaction and body mass index in old age home residents in Hong Kong.

  Authors: Moira Chan-Yeung, David L K Dai, Amy H K Cheung, Felix H W Chan, Kai Man Kam, Cheuk Ming Tam, Chi Chiu Leung

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55(10):1592-7.

  OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and tuberculin skin test (TST) reaction in predicting the development of active tuberculosis (TB). DESIGN: A follow-up study.OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and tuberculin skin test (TST) reaction in predicting the development of active tuberculosis (TB). DESIGN: A follow-up study. SETTING: Old age homes. PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand six hundred five residents who took part in a screening program for TB and had two-step TST using two units of the tuberculin PPD-RT23. MEASUREMENTS: Rate of development of active TB in these residents over an average follow-up period of 2.5+/-1.25 years. RESULTS: After one-step and two-step testing, 46.3% and 69.6% of residents, respectively, had positive TST reactions (> or =10 mm). Thirty-four residents developed active TB (323 per 100,000 person-years) during follow-up. The only significant risk factors associated with development of active TB were positive TST according to one-step testing (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=2.91, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.26-6.74) and a BMI less than 18.5 (adjusted OR=3.15, 95% CI=1.45-6.86). Residents with a BMI less than 18.5 and a negative TST also had greater risk of active TB than residents with a BMI greater than 18.5 and negative TST (adjusted OR=4.36, 95% CI=1.04-18.3), whereas those with a positive TST had the highest risk (adjusted OR=10.2, 95% CI=2.63-39.4). Two-step testing increased the sensitivity but reduced the specificity of TST in identifying active TB on follow-up. CONCLUSION: In the elderly population, interpretation of TST should take into consideration the BMI of the individual. A positive TST according to one-step but not two-step testing was useful in predicting the development of active TB on follow-up.

• Increasing access and quality in Department of Veterans Affairs care at the end of life: a lesson in change.

  Authors: Thomas Edes, Scott Shreve, David Casarett

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55(10):1645-9.

  The pursuit of a "good death" remains out of reach for many despite numerous piecemeal solutions to address the growing need for access to quality care at the end of life. In 2002, U.S. veteranThe pursuit of a "good death" remains out of reach for many despite numerous piecemeal solutions to address the growing need for access to quality care at the end of life. In 2002, U.S. veteran deaths were at an all-time high, few Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals had inpatient palliative care services, and there was no reliable approach to meet home hospice needs. The VA embarked on a course of major change to improve veterans' care at the end of life. A coordinated plan to increase access to hospice and palliative care services was established, addressing policy development, program and staff development, collaboration with community hospices, outcomes measurement, and proving value to the organization. To determine progress and monitor resource allocation, workload and outcome measures were established in all settings. Within 3 years, the number of veterans receiving VA-paid home hospice had tripled, all VA hospitals had a palliative care team, 42% of all veterans who died as VA inpatients received a palliative care consultation, and a nationwide network of VA partnerships with community hospice agencies was established. Through a multifaceted strategic plan and a mission of honoring veterans' preferences for care at the end of life, the VA has made rapid progress in improved access to palliative care services for inpatients and outpatients. The VA's experience serves as a powerful example of the magnitude of change possible in a complex health system and a model for improving access and quality of palliative care services in other health systems.

• The geriatrics and oncology dialogues.

  Authors: Miriam B Rodin, Supriya G Mohile

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55(10):1670-1.

• A clarion call to rethink pressure ulcers in America.

  Authors: George A Taler

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55(10):1674-5.

• Purple urine bag syndrome in geriatric wards: two faces of a coin?

  Authors: Hyuk Ga, Ki-Ho Park, Gyu-Dong Choi, Byung-Ik Yoo, Mun-Cheol Kang, Sung-Min Kim, Eun-Ja Lee, Seung-Tae Park, Chang-Hae Park

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55(10):1676-8.

• Lifestyle-related factors, alcohol consumption, and mild cognitive impairment.

  Authors: Vincenzo Solfrizzi, Alessia D'Introno, Anna M Colacicco, Cristiano Capurso, Gaetano Gagliardi, Andrea Santamato, Giuseppe Baldassarre, Antonio Capurso, Francesco Panza

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55(10):1679-81.

• Acquired hemophilia in older people: a poor prognosis despite intensive care.

  Authors: Olivier Lambotte, Justine Dautremer, Benoît Guillet, Tewfik Boutekedjiret, Marie Dreyfus, Rami Kotb, Philippe Le Bras, Jean-François Delfraissy, Thierry Lambert, Cécile Goujard

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55(10):1682-5.

• Contribution of gastric acid in elderly nursing home patients with cough reflex hypersensitivity.

  Authors: Satoru Ebihara, Takae Ebihara, Miyako Yamasaki, Masanori Asada, Shinsuke Yamanda, Kaijun Niu, Hidetada Sasaki, Hiroyuki Arai

  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 55(10):1686-8.

Data provided are for informational purposes only. Although carefully collected, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The impact factor represents a rough estimation of the journal's impact factor and does not reflect the actual current impact factor. Publisher conditions are provided by RoMEO. Differing provisions from the publisher's actual policy or licence agreement may be applicable.