Research has demonstrated an association between hearing loss and low scores on both verbal and non-verbal cognitive tests in older adults. Hearing loss affects 2/3 of adults over 70. Most standardized cognitive assessment tests used…

A pressure ulcer is a localized injury that results from unrelieved pressure on the skin and underlying tissue. These ulcers usually occur over bony prominences such as the sacrum, ischial tuberosities, greater trochanters, heels, and…

Hoarding disorder is the accumulation of possessions and persistent difficulty discarding them, regardless of their actual value. Significant distress is associated with attempts to discard possessions, creating a large volume of items that can be…

Motivational interviewing (MI) is an approach to counseling that aims to strengthen a person's motivation and commitment to behavior change by helping them resolve their ambivalence about the change. MI fosters a partnership between clinicians…

Hyponatremia, defined as serum sodium level less than 135mEq/L, is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities seen in older adults. In one study, more than 50% of patients in acute geriatric wards were found…

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has multiple causes, all characterized by progressive loss of nephrons and kidney function, and frequently leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The prevalence of CKD is 32.6% in people over age…

The concept of resilience in aging was born out of the "paradox of old age." The paradox is that in spite of losses and physical declines experienced in later life, older adults report feeling content,…

Constipation is common in older adults. Up to 28% of individuals over age 65 experience constipation, and it is the reason for more than 2.5 million office visits to primary providers each year in the…

Preparatory Grief. Nearly 2 million older adults die each year in the United States. Many of the most common causes of death for older adults are life-limiting chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, chronic…

Professional and informal caregivers of persons with dementia face numerous challenges in their roles, frequently resulting in stress and burden. At times, caregiver stress and burden may be misunderstood. Perhaps the real culprit responsible for…