Background: It is challenging for care teams to learn about hospitalized older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and other related dementias (ADRD). Life stories – interventions that collect patient’s personal narratives, histories, likes and dislikes and share them with care teams – are one innovation developed to enhance person-centered care. Few studies have explored the implementation [...]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of unplanned 30-day readmissions after an index hospitalization for heart failure in elderly patients. We also sought to identify factors that predict readmission. Methods: We analyzed the 2020 NRD, and non-elective hospitalizations for heart failure among elderly patients aged > 65 years were identified using [...]

Background: Falls are considered a major global public health issue due to the associated number of fatalities. Additionally, older adults experience the highest mortality rate from falls globally. This study analyzed mortality trends and disparities among adults aged 65 and older from 1999 to 2020. Methods: Analysis of fall-related deaths in the US from 1999-2020 [...]

Background: With increasing integration of technology in healthcare, understanding factors influencing older adults’ willingness to adopt mobile health (mHealth) applications is crucial. This study aims to investigate the demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors associated with willingness to try an mHealth app among older adults. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study at a large tertiary [...]

Background: Physical activity is crucial for the health and well-being of older adults. This study aims to investigate physical activity goals, expectations, and barriers among older adult patients to improve interventions and health outcomes. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study at a large tertiary academic medical center from July to August 2024. We screened [...]

Background: Sleep in hospitalized adults is impaired due to several reasons. Non-pharmacological approaches should be attempted first before considering medications to treat insomnia. Environmental noise levels in the hospital are also a major culprit that might result in disturbed sleep. While limiting any disturbance or sound during sleeping hours is crucial, it might not be [...]

Background: Hospital admissions among nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD) are burdensome, expensive, and provide limited clinical benefits. Compared to other patients, those with ADRD are more likely to experience adverse events, such as delirium, urinary infections, pneumonia, and functional decline. Research on nursing home residents has focused on the consequences [...]

Background: Effective communication affects cancer management and outcomes and is particularly essential in the last year of life when medical complexity peaks. In the last decade, adoption of telemedicine and other advances may have affected patient experience and communication effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to assess racial disparities and trends in patient experience [...]

Background: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a common syndrome in hospitalized patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Although modified barium swallow study (MBSS) is considered the reference standard test for OD diagnosis and classifying OD severity, it is not routinely used in clinical practice. The objective of our study was to determine whether the [...]

Background: The fragmented US healthcare system leads to high rates of errors, especially for older patients. In 2017, multiple health institutions collaborated to create an age-friendly framework, named the 4Ms. To help ensure reliable care, the 4Ms framework consists of what matters, medications, mentation and mobility (1). Beginning in 2025, CMS will require hospital reporting [...]