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Group training classes for dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction: effects on sleep, activity, and caregiver burden
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition of ageing dogs, sharing pathological and clinical features with Alzheimer's disease. Despite the growing prevalence of CCD, non-pharmacological interventions for affected companion animals remain underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of structured group training classes on signs of CCD, sleep, daily activity, and caregiver burden. Forty-two dogs (≥ 8 years) with mild to moderate CCD were enrolled in either...
Multiorgan transcriptomics and circulating extracellular vesicle profiling reveal age-dependent systemic vulnerability to isoflurane anesthesia and surgery
Elderly patients exhibit heightened susceptibility to postoperative complications following general anesthesia and surgery, yet the molecular mechanisms driving this age-dependent vulnerability remain poorly defined. We performed RNA sequencing on olfactory bulb (OB), hippocampus (HI), lung, and spleen from young (3-month, m), late middle-aged (17 m), and geriatric (27 m) male C57BL/6 mice 24 h after 2 h of exposure to isoflurane anesthesia and laparotomy (ISO/OP). Short-term ISO/OP elicited...
Antibiotic prescription for older patients in end-of-life care: a randomized survey among physicians in Switzerland
CONCLUSION: These findings highlight ongoing uncertainties and cultural variations in antibiotic prescribing practices at the end of life, highlighting the need for clinical decision-support tools and educational resources directed not only at physicians, but also at nursing teams, families, and caregivers. In the context of an aging population and rising antimicrobial resistance, a deeper understanding of the factors influencing antibiotic use in palliative care is essential to inform the...
Urban environments and depression among older adults: policy implications from the WHO age-friendly cities framework
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the critical role of age-friendly urban environments in supporting the mental health of older adults. Urban planning should prioritise accessible green spaces, elderly-friendly housing, inclusive leisure opportunities, and improved access to life information. Promoting social respect and volunteer engagement can further enhance emotional well-being. These findings provide empirical support for implementing the WHO Age-Friendly Cities Framework as a strategic...
Network-based identification of central ADL and IADL items in older adults living alone
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlight central ADL and IADL items within the functional network of older adults living alone. These results provide insights into the interrelationships among functional abilities and may guide future research on strategies to support or prevent functional decline in this population.
Community-dwelling older persons' level of functional ability and heat-related vulnerability: results from the Heat-Health Action Plan study in Cologne, Germany
CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that considering healthy ageing from the perspective of functional ability rather than focusing on chronological age has the potential to more precisely address those community-dwelling older people living with functional decline, frailty or disability who are most vulnerable in heat situations. The measurement of functional ability by screening community-dwelling older people with a self-administered questionnaire on functional resources and risks proved to be a...