A pragmatic tool to screen for pre-transplant cognitive impairment among potential candidates for liver transplant.

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive impairment (CI) among liver transplant (LT) candidates is associated with increased risk of waitlist mortality and inferior outcomes. While formal neurocognitive evaluation is the gold standard for CI diagnosis, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is often used for first-line cognitive screening. However, MoCA requires specialized training and may be too lengthy for a busy evaluation appointment. An alternate approach may be the Quick Dementia Rating System (QDRS), which is patient- and informant-based and can be administered quickly. We compared potential LT candidates identified by MoCA and QDRS as potentially benefiting from further formal cognitive evaluation. METHODS: We identified 46 potential LT candidates enrolled at a single center of a prospective, observational cohort study who were administered MoCA and QDRS during transplant evaluation (12/2021-12/2022). Scores were dichotomized as (1) normal versus abnormal and (2) normal/mild impairment versus more-than-mild impairment. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of QDRS compared to MoCA. RESULTS: By MoCA, this population had a prevalence of 48% normal cognition, 48% mild, 4% moderate, and 0% severe impairment. This was categorized as 96% normal/mild and 4% more-than-mild impairment. When comparing to MoCA cognitive screening, QDRS had a sensitivity of 61%, specificity of 56%, NPV of 56%, and PPV of 61%. When identifying more-than-mild impairment, QDRS had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 73%, NPV of 100%, and PPV of 10%. CONCLUSION: The high sensitivity and NPV of QDRS in identifying more-than-mild impairment suggests it could identify potential LT candidates who would benefit from further formal cognitive evaluation. The ability to administer QDRS quickly and remotely makes it a pragmatic option for pre-transplant screening.

The Relationship between Delirium and Dementia.

Delirium and dementia are common causes of cognitive impairment in older adults. They are distinct but interrelated. Delirium, an acute confusional state, has been linked to the chronic and progressive loss of cognitive ability seen in dementia. Individuals with dementia are at higher risk for delirium, and delirium itself is a risk factor for incident dementia. Additionally, delirium in individuals with dementia can hasten underlying cognitive decline. In this review, we summarize recent literature linking these conditions, including epidemiological, clinicopathological, neuroimaging, biomarker, and experimental evidence supporting the intersection between these conditions. Strategies for evaluation and diagnosis that focus on distinguishing delirium from dementia in clinical settings and recommendations for delirium prevention interventions for patients with dementia are presented. We also discuss studies that provide evidence that delirium may be a modifiable risk factor for dementia and consider the impact of delirium prevention interventions on long-term outcomes.

Incidence of post-operative delirium increases as severity of frailty increases.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical population is ageing and often frail. Frailty increases the risk for poor post-operative outcomes such as delirium, which carries significant morbidity, mortality and cost. Frailty is often measured in a binary manner, limiting pre-operative counselling. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between categorical frailty severity level and post-operative delirium. METHODS: We performed an analysis of a retrospective cohort of older adults from 12 January 2018 to 3 January 2020 admitted to a tertiary medical center for elective surgery. All participants underwent frailty screening prior to inpatient elective surgery with at least two post-operative delirium assessments. Planned ICU admissions were excluded. Procedures were risk-stratified by the Operative Stress Score (OSS). Categorical frailty severity level (Not Frail, Mild, Moderate, and Severe Frailty) was measured using the Edmonton Frail Scale. Delirium was determined using the 4 A's Test and Confusion Assessment Method-Intensive Care Unit. RESULTS: In sum, 324 patients were included. The overall post-operative delirium incidence was 4.6% (15 individuals), which increased significantly as the categorical frailty severity level increased (2% not frail, 6% mild frailty, 23% moderate frailty; P < 0.001) corresponding to increasing odds of delirium (OR 2.57 [0.62, 10.66] mild vs. not frail; OR 12.10 [3.57, 40.99] moderate vs. not frail). CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of post-operative delirium increases as categorical frailty severity level increases. This suggests that frailty severity should be considered when counselling older adults about their risk for post-operative delirium prior to surgery.

A world-wide study on delirium assessments and presence of protocols.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a common complication of older people in hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term facilities. OBJECTIVE: To assess the worldwide use of validated delirium assessment tools and the presence of delirium management protocols. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a worldwide one-day point prevalence study on World Delirium Awareness Day, 15 March 2023. SETTING: Cross-sectional online survey including hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term facilities. METHODS: Participating clinicians reported data on delirium, the presence of protocols, delirium assessments, delirium-awareness interventions, non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, and ward/unit-specific barriers. RESULTS: Data from 44 countries, 1664 wards/units and 36 048 patients were analysed. Validated delirium assessments were used in 66.7% (n = 1110) of wards/units, 18.6% (n = 310) used personal judgement or no assessment, and 10% (n = 166) used other assessment methods. A delirium management protocol was reported in 66.8% (n = 1094) of wards/units. The presence of protocols for delirium management varied across continents, ranging from 21.6% (on 21/97 wards/units) in Africa to 90.4% (235/260) in Australia, similar to the use of validated delirium assessments with 29.6% (29/98) in Africa to 93.5% (116/124) in North America. Wards/units with a delirium management protocol [n = 1094/1664, 66.8%] were more likely to use a validated delirium test than those without a protocol [odds ratio 6.97 (95% confidence interval 5.289-9.185)]. The presence of a delirium protocol increased the chances for valid delirium assessment and, likely, evidence-based interventions. CONCLUSION: Wards/units that reported the presence of delirium management protocols had a higher probability of using validated delirium assessments tools to assess for delirium.

Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratories: Innovating aging research and Alzheimer's care.

This perspective outlines the Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratories (AITC) at Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Massachusetts, highlighting their roles in developing AI-based technologies for older adult care, particularly targeting Alzheimer's disease (AD). These National Institute on Aging (NIA) centers foster collaboration among clinicians, gerontologists, ethicists, business professionals, and engineers to create AI solutions. Key activities include identifying technology needs, stakeholder engagement, training, mentoring, data integration, and navigating ethical challenges. The objective is to apply these innovations effectively in real-world scenarios, including in rural settings. In addition, the AITC focuses on developing best practices for AI application in the care of older adults, facilitating pilot studies, and addressing ethical concerns related to technology development for older adults with cognitive impairment, with the ultimate aim of improving the lives of older adults and their caregivers. HIGHLIGHTS: Addressing the complex needs of older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires a comprehensive approach, integrating medical and social support. Current gaps in training, techniques, tools, and expertise hinder uniform access across communities and health care settings. Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies hold promise in transforming care for this demographic. Yet, transitioning these innovations from concept to marketable products presents significant challenges, often stalling promising advancements in the developmental phase. The Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratories (AITC) program, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), presents a viable model. These Collaboratories foster the development and implementation of AI methods and technologies through projects aimed at improving care for older Americans, particularly those with AD, and promote the sharing of best practices in AI and technology integration. Why Does This Matter? The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratories (AITC) program's mission is to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies for the betterment of older adults, especially those with dementia. By bridging scientific and technological expertise, fostering clinical and industry partnerships, and enhancing the sharing of best practices, this program can significantly improve the health and quality of life for older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Advancing specificity in delirium: The delirium subtyping initiative.

BACKGROUND: Delirium, a common syndrome with heterogeneous etiologies and clinical presentations, is associated with poor long-term outcomes. Recording and analyzing all delirium equally could be hindering the field's understanding of pathophysiology and identification of targeted treatments. Current delirium subtyping methods reflect clinically evident features but likely do not account for underlying biology. METHODS: The Delirium Subtyping Initiative (DSI) held three sessions with an international panel of 25 experts. RESULTS: Meeting participants suggest further characterization of delirium features to complement the existing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision diagnostic criteria. These should span the range of delirium-spectrum syndromes and be measured consistently across studies. Clinical features should be recorded in conjunction with biospecimen collection, where feasible, in a standardized way, to determine temporal associations of biology coincident with clinical fluctuations. DISCUSSION: The DSI made recommendations spanning the breadth of delirium research including clinical features, study planning, data collection, and data analysis for characterization of candidate delirium subtypes. HIGHLIGHTS: Delirium features must be clearly defined, standardized, and operationalized. Large datasets incorporating both clinical and biomarker variables should be analyzed together. Delirium screening should incorporate communication and reasoning.

Association of Intellectual Disability with Delayed Presentation and Worse Outcomes in Emergency General Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between intellectual disability and both severity of disease and clinical outcomes among patients presenting with common emergency general surgery (EGS) conditions. BACKGROUND: Accurate and timely diagnosis of EGS conditions is crucial for optimal management and patient outcomes. Individuals with intellectual disabilities may be at increased risk of delayed presentation and worse outcomes for EGS; however, little is known about surgical outcomes in this population. METHODS: Using the 2012-2017 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of adult patients admitted for 9 common EGS conditions. We performed multivariable logistic and linear regression to examine the association between intellectual disability and the following outcomes: EGS disease severity at presentation, any surgery, complications, mortality, length of stay, discharge disposition, and inpatient costs. Analyses were adjusted for patient demographics and facility traits. RESULTS: Of 1,317,572 adult EGS admissions, 5,062 (0.38%) patients had a concurrent ICD-9/-10 code consistent with intellectual disability. EGS patients with intellectual disabilities had 31% higher odds of more severe disease at presentation compared with neurotypical patients (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 1.17-1.48). Intellectual disability was also associated with a higher rate of complications and mortality, longer lengths of stay, lower rate of discharge to home, and higher inpatient costs. CONCLUSION: EGS patients with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of more severe presentation and worse outcomes. The underlying causes of delayed presentation and worse outcomes must be better characterized to address the disparities in surgical care for this often under-recognized but highly vulnerable population.

Utility of amyloid PET Imaging in a Memory Clinic.

There is greater interest in amyloid biomarker for the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) with the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of amyloid-targeted therapy. The goal of this study was to assess the clinical utility of amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) in clinically ambiguous cases of cognitive impairment by examining outcomes of patients enrolled in the Imaging Dementia-Evidence of Amyloid Scanning study at 2 academic institutions. Of the 112 patients in the study, 66.1% (n=74) of patients had a positive amyloid PET scan, and 33.96% (n=38) had a negative amyloid PET scan. Lower cognitive test scores were predictive of positive amyloid PET scan ( P =0.001). Eighty-two percent (92/112) of the patients were seen for follow-up. Of the 30 patients with negative amyloid PET scan results, 90% had a diagnosis of non-AD etiology after receiving the negative results, suggesting a negative amyloid scan can be used to rule out AD diagnosis.

Characterization of Balance Control and Postural Stability in Patients With Alzheimer Disease.

Balance in Alzheimer disease (AD) patients is not rigorously understood. In this study, we characterize balance using qualitative [Berg Balance Scale (BBS)] and quantitative measures (posturography) and assess relationships between qualitative and quantitative balance measures in AD. Patients with mild-moderate AD (n=48) were recruited. BBS scores and posturography metrics, including medial-lateral sway range, anterior-posterior sway range, sway area, and sway velocity, were assessed in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Adjusted linear regressions were used to assess relationships between posturography and BBS score. Mean BBS score was 50.4±5.3. In eyes-open conditions, posturography and BBS score were not significantly associated. In eyes-closed conditions, better BBS score was significantly associated with lower sway area (ß=-0.91; P =0.006). Better scores of BBS items involving turning and reduced base of support were associated with greater eyes-closed sway area. Posturography in the more challenging eyes-closed condition may predict functional balance deficits in AD patients.

Associations between circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA, inflammatory markers, and cognitive and physical outcomes in community dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Dementia and frailty are common age-related syndromes often linked to chronic inflammation. Identifying the biological factors and pathways that contribute to chronic inflammation is crucial for developing new therapeutic targets. Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) has been proposed as an immune stimulator and potential predictor of mortality in acute illnesses. Dementia and frailty are both associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired cellular energetics, and cell death. The size and abundance of ccf-mtDNA fragments may indicate the mechanism of cell death: long fragments typically result from necrosis, while short fragments arise from apoptosis. We hypothesize that increased levels of necrosis-associated long ccf-mtDNA fragments and inflammatory markers in serum are linked to declines in cognitive and physical function, as well as increased mortality risk. RESULTS: Our study of 672 community-dwelling older adults revealed that inflammatory markers (C-Reactive Protein, soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha, tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 [sTNFR1], and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) positively correlated with ccf-mtDNA levels in serum. Although cross-sectional analysis revealed no significant associations between short and long ccf-mtDNA fragments, longitudinal analysis demonstrated a connection between higher long ccf-mtDNA fragments (necrosis-associated) and worsening composite gait scores over time. Additionally, increased mortality risk was observed only in individuals with elevated sTNFR1 levels. CONCLUSION: In a community dwelling cohort of older adults, there are cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between ccf-mtDNA and sTNFR1 with impaired physical and cognitive function and increased hazard of death. This work suggests a role for long ccf-mtDNA as a blood-based marker predictive of future physical decline.

The association of hearing loss with frailty among community-dwelling older adults: findings from the National Health and Aging Trends Study.

BACKGROUND: The identification of modifiable risk factors is crucial for the prevention and/or reversal of frailty, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hearing loss affects two-thirds of older adults in the United States (U.S.) and is associated with physical and cognitive decline which may increase frailty risk. We investigated the association of hearing loss and hearing aid use with frailty and pre-frailty in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the U.S. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2021 round). The better-hearing ear pure-tone average (BPTA) at speech-frequencies (0.5-4 kHz) was modeled continuously (per 10 dB) and categorically (no ≤ 25 dB, mild 26-40 dB, moderate or greater > 40 dB hearing loss). Hearing aid use was self-reported. The physical frailty phenotype (frail, pre-frail, robust) was determined based on Fried criteria: unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, weakness, slow walking speed. We used multinomial multivariable regression adjusted for sociodemographic and health characteristics (odds ratios [95% Confidence Intervals]). RESULTS: Among 2,361 participants (mean age = 81 years, 56% female, 19% Black), 860 (36%) had mild and 864 (37%) had moderate or greater hearing loss. Worse hearing was associated with greater odds of being frail versus robust (OR = 1.20 [1.05-1.38] per 10 dB difference). Categorically, moderate or greater hearing loss was associated with greater odds of being frail (OR = 1.84 [1.01-3.08]) and pre-frail (OR = 1.46 [1.01-2.10]) versus robust. Among 1,724 participants with hearing loss, compared to hearing aid users (N = 522), nonusers had greater odds of being frail (OR = 2.54 [1.54-4.18]) and pre-frail (OR = 1.51 [1.05-2.17]) versus robust, and frail versus pre-frail (OR = 1.68 [1.04-2.72]). CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative sample of older adults in the U.S., using gold-standard hearing measures and a validated frailty phenotype, hearing loss and lack of hearing aid use was cross-sectionally associated with frailty and pre-frailty. Future longitudinal studies are needed to establish if hearing loss is a risk factor for frailty, which may have significant clinical importance.

Delirium detection methodologies: Implications for outcome measurement in clinical trials in postoperative delirium.

OBJECTIVE: Delirium is a common postoperative complication of hip fracture. Various methods exist to detect delirium as a reference standard. The goal of this study was to characterize the properties of the measures obtained in a randomized controlled trial, to document their relationship to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders:Text Revision based diagnosis of postoperative delirium by a consensus panel, and to describe the method in detail to allow replication by others. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the randomized trial STRIDE (A Strategy to Reduce the Incidence of Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients) was conducted. Delirium assessments were performed in 200 consecutive hip fracture repair patients ≥65 years old. Assessors underwent extensive training in delirium assessment and the final delirium diagnosis was adjudicated by a consensus panel of three physicians with expertise in delirium assessment. RESULTS: A total of 680 consensus panel delirium diagnoses were completed. There were only 19 (2.8%, 19/678) evaluations where the delirium adjudication by the consensus panel differed from delirium findings by the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). In 16 (84%, 16/19) of the cases, CAM was negative but the consensus panel diagnosed the patient as having delirium based on all of the available information including the CAM. CONCLUSION: The consensus panel diagnosis was more sensitive compared to CAM alone, however the magnitude of the difference was not large. When assessors are well trained and delirium assessments are closely supervised throughout the study, CAM may be adequate for delirium diagnosis in a clinical trial. Future studies are needed to test this hypothesis.

Perceptions of and Experiences with Consumer Sleep Technologies That Use Artificial Intelligence.

This study aims to assess the perspectives and usability of different consumer sleep technologies (CSTs) that leverage artificial intelligence (AI). We answer the following research questions: (1) what are user perceptions and ideations of CSTs (phase 1), (2) what are the users' actual experiences with CSTs (phase 2), (3) and what are the design recommendations from participants (phases 1 and 2)? In this two-phase qualitative study, we conducted focus groups and usability testing to describe user ideations of desires and experiences with different AI sleep technologies and identify ways to improve the technologies. Results showed that focus group participants prioritized comfort, actionable feedback, and ease of use. Participants desired customized suggestions about their habitual sleeping environments and were interested in CSTs+AI that could integrate with tools and CSTs they already use. Usability study participants felt CSTs+AI provided an accurate picture of the quantity and quality of sleep. Participants identified room for improvement in usability, accuracy, and design of the technologies. We conclude that CSTs can be a valuable, affordable, and convenient tool for people who have issues or concerns with sleep and want more information. They provide objective data that can be discussed with clinicians.

Satisfaction With Quality of Health Care Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Functional Hearing Loss.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Nearly 38 million Americans have hearing loss. Understanding how sensory deficits such as hearing loss, which limit communication, impact satisfaction has implications for Medicare value-based reimbursement mechanisms. The aim of this study was to characterize the association of functional hearing loss and dissatisfaction with quality of health care over the past year among Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of satisfaction with quality of health care among Medicare beneficiaries with self-reported trouble hearing from the 2015 Medicare Current Beneficiaries Survey. There were 11,441 Medicare beneficiaries representing a 48.6 million total weighted nationally representative sample. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of Medicare beneficiaries reported a little or a lot of trouble hearing. Medicare beneficiaries with a little trouble hearing (odds ratio=1.496; 95% confidence interval, 1.079-2.073; P=0.016) and a lot of trouble hearing (odds ratio=1.769; 95% confidence interval, 1.175-2.664; P=0.007) had 49.6% and 76.9% higher odds of being dissatisfied with the quality of their health care over the previous year, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Medicare beneficiaries with functional hearing loss had higher odds of dissatisfaction with health care over the past year compared to those without functional hearing loss. Given Medicare's reliance on patient satisfaction as a value-based measure for hospital reimbursement, interventions to address hearing loss in the health care system are needed.

Effects of Ramelteon on the Prevention of Postoperative Delirium in Older Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery: The RECOVER Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative delirium, associated with negative consequences including longer hospital stays and worse cognitive and physical outcomes, is frequently accompanied by sleep-wake disturbance. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and short-term safety of ramelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist, for the prevention of postoperative delirium in older patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. DESIGN: A quadruple-masked randomized placebo-controlled trial (Clinical Trials.gov NCT02324153) conducted from March 2017 to June 2019. SETTING: Tertiary academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 65 years or older, undergoing elective primary or revision hip or knee replacement. INTERVENTION: Ramelteon (8 mg) or placebo MEASUREMENTS: Eighty participants were randomized to an oral gel cap of ramelteon or placebo for 3 consecutive nights starting the night before surgery. Trained research staff conducted delirium assessments for 3 consecutive days starting on postoperative day (POD) 0, after recovery from anesthesia, and on to POD2. A delirium diagnosis was based upon DSM-5 criteria determined by expert panel consensus. RESULTS: Of 80 participants, five withdrew consent (one placebo, four ramelteon) and four were excluded (four ramelteon) after randomization. Delirium incidence during the 2 days following surgery was 7% (5 of 71) with no difference between the ramelteon versus placebo: 9% (3 of 33) and 5% (2 of 38), respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for postoperative delirium as a function of assignment to the ramelteon treatment arm was 1.28 (95% confidence interval: 0.21-7.93; z-value 0.27; p-value = 0.79). Adverse events were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In older patients undergoing elective primary or revision hip or knee replacement, ramelteon was not efficacious in preventing postoperative delirium.

Association of Depressive Symptoms With Postoperative Delirium and CSF Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease Among Hip Fracture Patients.

OBJECTIVES: While there is growing evidence of an association between depressive symptoms and postoperative delirium, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. The goal of this study was to explore the association between depression and postoperative delirium in hip fracture patients, and to examine Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology as a potential underlying mechanism linking depressive symptoms and delirium. METHODS: Patients 65 years old or older (N = 199) who were undergoing hip fracture repair and enrolled in the study "A Strategy to Reduce the Incidence of Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients" completed the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) preoperatively. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained during spinal anesthesia and assayed for amyloid-beta (Aß) 40, 42, total tau (t-tau), and phosphorylated tau (p-tau)181. RESULTS: For every one point increase in GDS-15, there was a 13% increase in odds of postoperative delirium, adjusted for baseline cognition (MMSE), age, sex, race, education and CSF AD biomarkers (OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.02-1.25). Both CSF Aß42/t-tau (ß = -1.52, 95%CI = -2.1 to -0.05) and Aß42/p-tau181 (ß = -0.29, 95%CI = -0.48 to -0.09) were inversely associated with higher GDS-15 scores, where lower ratios indicate greater AD pathology. In an analysis to identify the strongest predictors of delirium out of 18 variables, GDS-15 had the highest classification accuracy for postoperative delirium and was a stronger predictor of delirium than both cognition and AD biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: In older adults undergoing hip fracture repair, depressive symptoms were associated with underlying AD pathology and postoperative delirium. Mild baseline depressive symptoms were the strongest predictor of postoperative delirium, and may represent a dementia prodrome.

Association of Hearing Loss With Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in persons with dementia (PWD) are common and can lead to poor outcomes, such as institutionalization and mortality, and may be exacerbated by sensory loss. Hearing loss is also highly prevalent among older adults, including PWD. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between hearing loss and NPS among community- dwelling patients from a tertiary memory care center. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Participants of this cross-sectional study were patients followed at the Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment Center who underwent audiometric testing during routine clinical practice between October 2014 and January 2017. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Included measures were scores on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia. RESULTS: Participants (n = 101) were on average 76 years old, mostly female and white, and had a mean Mini-Mental State Examination score of 23. We observed a positive association between audiometric hearing loss and the number of NPS (b = 0.7 per 10 dB; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2, 1.1; t = 2.86; p = 0.01; df = 85), NPS severity (b = 1.3 per 10 dB; 95% CI: 0.4, 2.5; t = 2.13; p = 0.04; df = 80), and depressive symptom severity (b = 1.5 per 10 dB; 95% CI: 0.4, 2.5; t = 2.83; p = 0.01; df = 89) after adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics. Additionally, the use of hearing aids was inversely associated with the number of NPS (b = -2.09; 95% CI -3.44, -0.75; t = -3.10; p = 0.003; df = 85), NPS severity (b = -3.82; 95% CI -7.19, -0.45; t = -2.26; p = 0.03; df = 80), and depressive symptom severity (b = -2.94; 95% CI: -5.93, 0.06; t = 1.70; p = 0.05; df = 89). CONCLUSION: Among patients at a memory clinic, increasing severity of hearing loss was associated with a greater number of NPS, more severe NPS, and more severe depressive symptoms, while hearing aid use was associated with fewer NPS, lower severity, and less severe depressive symptoms. Identifying and addressing hearing loss may be a promising, low-risk, non-pharmacological intervention in preventing and treating NPS.

Developing Treatments for Alzheimer's and Related Disorders with Precision Medicine: A Vision.

Precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, is concerned with finding the right treatment for the right patient at the right time. It is a way of thinking focused on parsing heterogeneity ultimately down to the level of the individual. Its main mission is to identify characteristics of heterogeneous clinical conditions so as to target tailored therapies to individuals. Precision Medicine however is not an agnostic collection of all manner of clinical, genetic and other biologic data in select cohorts. This is an important point. Simply collecting as much information as possible on individuals without applying this way of thinking should not be considered Precision Medicine.

Hearing Loss.

Hearing loss is highly prevalent and may significantly affect how we age. Although the population is aging, relatively few adults receive treatment for hearing loss. Internists are a critical partner to audiologists and otolaryngologists in caring for the adult population with hearing loss. This review provides a primer on diagnosing and managing hearing loss.

Preoperative Evaluation of the Frail Patient.

Perioperative management of older adults is a complex field that is heavily influenced by the clinical heterogeneity of older adults. Frailty-a geriatric syndrome in which a patient is more vulnerable to stressors due to decreases in physical function and reserve-has been indicative of adverse postoperative outcomes. Many tools have been developed to measure frailty that incorporate a variety of factors including physical and cognitive function, comorbidities, self-reported measures of health, and clinical judgment. Most of these frailty assessment tools are able to identify a subset of patients at risk of adverse outcomes including postoperative complications, longer hospital length of stay, discharge to a higher level of care, and mortality. Frailty assessment before surgical interventions can also guide discussions among patients, their families, anesthesiologists, and surgeons to tailor operative plans for patients to mitigate this increased risk. Studies are ongoing to identify interventions in frail patients that can improve postoperative outcomes, but high-quality data in the form of randomized controlled trials are lacking at this time.