| 1. |
- Aléx, Lena, et al.
(author)
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Constructions of various femininities among the oldest old women.
- 2006
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In: Health Care for Women International. - Washington, D.C. : Informa UK Limited. - 0739-9332 .- 1096-4665. ; 27:10, s. 853-72
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study forms part of the Umeå 85+ Study, and the aim was to explore various gendered constructions of femininities among the oldest old women. Femininities are seen as various ways of shaping oneself as a woman in relation to the impact of historical, social, and cultural circumstances. Thematic narratives were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Through interpreting these narratives in the light of gender theories, we were able to discern four femininities: "being connected," "being an actor," "living in the shadow of others," and "being alienated." The oldest old women displayed complex outlooks on femininities, and no femininity was interpreted as being in the center related to the other femininities. Further research is needed in order to disclose the complexity of femininities related to factors such as social class, ethnicity, and financial situation among the oldest old, and to acquire a greater knowledge of various femininities.
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| 2. |
- Berendsen, A. A. M., et al.
(author)
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Association of Adherence to a Healthy Diet with Cognitive Decline in European and American Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis within the CHANCES Consortium
- 2017
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In: Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. - : S. Karger AG. - 1420-8008 .- 1421-9824. ; 43:3-4, s. 215-227
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: To examine the association between a healthy diet, assessed by the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI), and cognitive decline in older adults. Methods: Data from 21,837 participants aged >= 55 years from 3 cohorts (Survey in Europe on Nutrition and the Elderly, a Concerted Action [SENECA], Rotterdam Study [RS], Nurses' Health Study [NHS]) were analyzed. HDI scores were based on intakes of saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, mono-and disaccharides, protein, cholesterol, fruits and vegetables, and fiber. The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status in NHS and Mini-Mental State Examination in RS and SENECA were used to assess cognitive function from multiple repeated measures. Using multivariable-adjusted, mixed linear regression, mean differences in annual rates of cognitive decline by HDI quintiles were estimated. Results: Multivariable-adjusted differences in rates in the highest versus the lowest HDI quintile were 0.01 (95% CI -0.01, 0.02) in NHS, 0.00 (95% CI -0.02, 0.01) in RS, and 0.00 (95% CI -0.05, 0.05) in SENECA with a pooled estimate of 0.00 (95% CI -0.01, 0.01), I-2 = 0%. Conclusions: A higher HDI score was not related to reduced rates of cognitive decline in European and American older adults. (C) 2017 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Brännström, Jon, et al.
(author)
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Gender disparities in the pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus in the very old : an epidemiological, cross-sectional survey
- 2011
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 28:12, s. 993-1005
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: There are many reports of disparities in health and medical care both between women and men and between various age groups. In most cases, men receive better treatment than women and young and middle-aged people are privileged compared with the old and the very old. Cardiovascular morbidity and diabetes mellitus are common, increase with age and are often treated extensively with drugs, many of which are known to have significant adverse effects.OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse gender differences in the pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular disease and diabetes among very old people.METHODS: The study took the form of an epidemiological, cross-sectional survey. A structured interview was administered during one or more home visits, and data were further retrieved from medical charts and interviews with relatives, healthcare staff and other carers. Home-dwelling people as well as people living in institutional care in six municipalities in the county of Västerbotten, Sweden, in 2005-7 were included in the study. Half of all people aged 85 years, all of those aged 90 years and all of those aged ≥95 years living in the selected municipalities were selected for inclusion in the study. In total, 467 people were included in the present analysis. The main study outcome measures were medical diagnoses and drug use.RESULTS: In total, women were prescribed a larger number of drugs than men (mean 7.2 vs 5.4, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for age and other background variables as well as relevant medical diagnoses (hypertension, heart failure) showed strong associations between female sex and prescriptions of thiazide diuretics (odds ratio [OR] 4.4; 95% CI 1.8, 10.8; p = 0.001), potassium-sparing diuretics (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.4, 8.7; p = 0.006) and diuretics as a whole (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1, 2.9; p = 0.021). A similar model, adjusted for angina pectoris, showed that female sex was associated with prescription of short-acting nitroglycerin (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.6, 8.9; p = 0.003). However, more men had been offered coronary artery surgery (p = 0.001). Of the participants diagnosed with diabetes, 55% of the women and 85% of the men used oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (p = 0.020), whereas no gender difference was seen in prescriptions of insulin.CONCLUSIONS: Significant gender disparities in the prescription of several drugs, such as diuretics, nitroglycerin and oral antihyperglycaemic drugs, were observed in this study of very old people. In most cases, women were prescribed more drugs than men. Men more often had undergone coronary artery surgery. These disparities could only in part be explained by differences in diagnoses and symptoms.
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| 5. |
- Carlsson, Maine, 1955-, et al.
(author)
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Body composition in Swedish old people aged 65-99 years, living in residential care facilities
- 2009
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In: Archives of gerontology and geriatrics (Print). - : Elsevier. - 0167-4943 .- 1872-6976. ; 49:1, s. 98-107
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It is important to evaluate body composition changes in subjects with an existing multi-system reduction in capacity, as a small decrease in fat-free mass (FFM) can cause serious impairments. The aim of the study was to describe body composition in old people living in institutions. Body composition data were collected within a study of 173 subjects with functional and cognitive impairment, aged 65-99 years, and living in residential care facilities. A bioelectrical impedance spectrometer (BIS) (Xitron Hydra 4200; 5-1000 kHz) was used to assess the amount of both FFM and fat mass (FM) which where adjusted for height. The Harpenden caliper and a tape measure were used to assess body fat, arm-muscle and arm-fat area (mm(2)). A large proportion of the old and functionally impaired population was at risk of malnutrition or already malnourished (63.4% vs. 17.4%) according to Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Women had significantly lower fat-free mass index (FFMI) and higher FMI, inversely related to age, than men. Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy and anthropometrical measurements correlated but on different levels. In addition the FM% differed between the two methods (46.3% vs. 33.4%).
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| 6. |
- Carlsson, Maine, 1955-, et al.
(author)
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Effects of high-intensity exercise and protein supplement on muscle mass in ADL dependent older people with and without malnutrition : a randomized controlled trial
- 2011
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In: The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1279-7707 .- 1760-4788. ; 15:7, s. 554-560
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Loss of muscle mass is common among old people living in institutions but trials that evaluate interventions aimed at increasing the muscle mass are lacking. Objective, participants and intervention This randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effect of a high-intensity functional exercise program and a timed protein-enriched drink on muscle mass in 177 people aged 65 to 99 with severe physical or cognitive impairments, and living in residential care facilities. Design Three-month high-intensity exercise was compared with a control activity and a protein-enriched drink was compared with a placebo drink. A bioelectrical impedance spectrometer (BIS) was used in the evaluation. The amount of muscle mass and body weight (BW) were followed-up at three and six months and analyzed in a 2 × 2 factorial ANCOVA, using the intention to treat principle, and controlling for baseline values. Results At 3-month follow-up there were no differences in muscle mass and BW between the exercise and the control group or between the protein and the placebo group. No interaction effects were seen between the exercise and nutritional intervention. Long-term negative effects on muscle mass and BW was seen in the exercise group at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusion A three month high-intensity functional exercise program did not increase the amount of muscle mass and an intake of a protein-enriched drink immediately after the exercise did not induce any additional effect on muscle mass. There were negative long-term effects on muscle mass and BW, indicating that it is probably necessary to compensate for an increased energy demand when offering a high-intensity exercise program.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Carlsson, Maine, et al.
(author)
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Poor nutritional status is associated with urinary tract infection among older people living in residential care facilities
- 2013
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In: The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1279-7707 .- 1760-4788. ; 17:2, s. 186-191
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To investigate factors associated with poor nutritional status in older people living in residential care facilities. Methods: 188 residents (136 women, 52 men) with physical and cognitive impairments participated. Mean age was 84.7 y (range 65-100). The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Barthel ADL Index, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Geriatric Depression Scale were used to evaluate nutritional status, activities of daily living, cognitive status and depressive symptoms. Medical conditions, clinical characteristics and prescribed drugs were recorded. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used to investigate associations with MNA scores. Results: The mean MNA score was 20.5 +/- 3.7 (range 5.5-27) and the median was 21 (interquartile range (IQR) 18.8-23.0). Fifteen per cent of participants were classified as malnourished and 66% at risk of malnutrition. Lower MNA scores were independently associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) during the preceding year (beta = -0.21, P = 0.006), lower MMSE scores (beta = 0.16, P = 0.030), and dependent in feeding (beta = -0.14, P = 0.040). Conclusion: The majority of participants were at risk of or suffering from malnutrition. Urinary tract infection during the preceding year was independently associated with poor nutritional status. Dependence in feeding was also associated with poor nutritional status as were low MMSE scores for women. Prospective observations and randomized controlled trials are necessary to gain an understanding of a causal association between malnutrition and UTI.
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| 9. |
- Carlsson, Maine, 1955-, et al.
(author)
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The feasibility of serving liquid yoghurt supplemented with probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LB 21, and Lactococcus lactis L1A : a pilot study among old people with dementia in a residential care facility
- 2009
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In: The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. - Paris : Serdi. - 1279-7707 .- 1760-4788. ; 13:9, s. 813-819
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Constipation and body weight loss are prevalent among old people. Treatment with different species of lactic acid bacteria has been suggested for various forms of gastrointestinal disorders. Objective, participants and intervention: This pilot study was performed to assess the feasibility of administering and consuming a drinkable yoghurt containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus LB 21 and Lactococcus L1A, and to evaluate the influence on bowel movements and body weight in 15 people with dementia, aged 65–95 years in residential care facility. Design: A drinkable yoghurt (Verum Drickyoghurt©) with added bacteria was served daily for 6 months in conjunction with ordinary food intake. Body weight, bowel movement frequency and consistency, food and fluid intake and time spent in various activities were recorded for two weeks preintervention, and 3 times during the follow-up period. Result: This study showed that the yoghurt was easy to serve, with few side effects for the participants and that the various recording forms and diaries were easy for the staff to complete. The extra intake of yoghurt did not have any detectable beneficial effect on bowel movements. The overnight fast was almost 15 hours per day. Body weight decreased by 0.65 kg/month (95% confidence interval. 0.27–0.97). Conclusions: The present study design was feasible in this group of old people with dementia. The absence of any detectable effect of the supplement on constipation, but rather a considerable loss in body weight, indicate that further research is needed in a large randomised controlled trial, if associations between dementia, constipation and energy balance are to be understood.
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