Exercise as a Treatment in Geriatric Care

#Vigorous activity, high #intensity, whatever label you want to place on it, continues to demonstrate value in preserving #physical and #cognitive #health. In 2020, the Lancet Commissiono reported that up to 40% of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed by modifying 12 risk factors. 7,670 people participated in the SPRINT MIND randomized clinical trial. The trial was stopped early when its primary outcome showed a significant benefit of intensive systolic blood pressure treatment compared with standard treatment. Nearly 60% of study participants reported vigorous activity at least once a week, even those ages 75 and older. Compared with participants in the low activity group, those in the #high #activity group experienced #lower event rates per 1,000 person-years of mild #cognitive #impairment (13.9 vs 19.7), probable #dementia (6.3 vs 9.0), and mild cognitive impairment/probable dementia (18.5 vs 25.8). Overall, the protective relationship between vigorous exercise and cognitive outcomes was more pronounced for people under age 75. https://lnkd.in/ePFWiyRS

Addressing Sarcopenia: A Critical Challenge for Aging Populations Did you know that up to 30% of individuals over the age of 60 are affected by sarcopenia, significantly undermining their independence and diminishing their quality of life? This alarming statistic highlights a pressing need for action. I'm excited to introduce 'The Sarcopenia Prevention Project,' a collaborative initiative dedicated to turning the tide on this condition. What is Sarcopenia? Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, emerges as a silent yet formidable challenge in the aging process. Its impact extends beyond just physical frailty, leading to reduced autonomy and increased risks of falls. However, with the right awareness and proactive measures, we can change its course. Throughout my time in primary care, witnessing the profound impact of sarcopenia on patients' lives firsthand has deeply moved me. It has become clear that a concerted, community-wide effort is essential. The 'Sarcopenia Prevention Project' represents a call to action for all of us, uniting in the fight against this condition to ensure aging is a journey marked by strength and independence. Our mission with ‘The Sarcopenia Prevention Project’ is both critical and multifaceted: to transform the perception of sarcopenia from an inevitable consequence of aging to a preventable—and manageable—condition. We are dedicated to elevating awareness of sarcopenia as a distinct disease, underscoring the potential for prevention and mitigation through proactive measures. Our aim is twofold: to empower healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge to identify sarcopenia early, particularly through the use of the SARC-F screening tool in primary care, and to enlighten the public and medical community about the profound benefits of movement and resistance exercise in staving off or diminishing the effects of sarcopenia. By fostering a collaborative environment that unites researchers, healthcare providers, and the community at large, we strive not only to disseminate current research but also to encourage the integration of sarcopenia considerations into broader health and wellness narratives. We advocate for researchers to highlight the relevance of their findings to those at risk for sarcopenia, aiming to weave a comprehensive understanding of prevention strategies into both the fabric of medical practice and public consciousness. Together, we can build a future where knowledge and action coalesce to combat the threat of sarcopenia, ensuring strength and vitality for all as we age. Join us in this pivotal initiative to shift the narrative on sarcopenia and champion a proactive approach to healthy aging. Your involvement, whether as a medical professional, researcher, caregiver, or someone dedicated to living a robust, healthy life, is crucial. We can disseminate knowledge, inspire action, and make a difference in the lives of those affected by sarcopenia.

Our latest publication in Nature Scientific Report presents the practicality and effectiveness of a novel #gamified #exercise program designed for older patients with diabetes and chronic kidney failure undergoing regular #hemodialysis. Our findings not only highlight the program's high acceptability and minimal impact on nursing staff, but also its efficacy in enhancing walking speed and postural control. These improvements are especially significant for a population that often grapples with inactivity and heightened risks of falls, #frailty , and lower extremity issues. The gamified and interactive nature of the exercise regimen, tailored to individual patients' motor capacity, holds the potential to bolster #adherence to #intradialytic exercise routines while alleviating the administrative burden associated with exercise protocols. This study emerged through a collaborative effort with the Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney Center in HMC, Doha, Qatar, and was generously funded by the Qatar National Research Fund. Qatar National Research Fund Hamad Medical Corporation Baylor College of Medicine Graci Finco, PhD, CPO He Zhou Fadwa Alali David Armstrong Mills Joseph Jayer Chung BioSensics Ashkan Vaziri https://lnkd.in/gdiq-eqU

Continuing the theme of "democratizing fitness for all", today I want to highlight the power of fitness for Seniors. As we #age, our bodies face natural changes that can impact #mobility, #strength, and overall well-being. Regular #exercise, especially age-appropriate #strengthtraining, is one of the most effective tools for maintaining independence and an exceptional quality of life well into our later years. Key Benefits of Fitness for Older Adults: ☑ Enhanced Strength & #Balance: Reduces the risk of falls, a significant concern for seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the LEADING cause of both fatal and non-fatal #injuries for people aged 65 and older. ☑ Bone Health: Weight-bearing exercise helps maintain bone density, lowering the risk of #osteoporosis. ☑ Chronic Disease Management: Regular physical activity plays a role in preventing and managing conditions that can be prevalent with the senior population (i.e. #heartdisease, #diabetes, and #arthritis). ☑ Cognitive Function Boost: Studies suggest exercise can help improve #memory, attention, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age. Whether it's a Silver Sneaks group fitness class at your local #LAFitness, or a virtual fitness class specifically designed for seniors like those offered by Eric Levitan and his team at Vivo, the power of fitness for our nation's seniors is clear. #HealthyAging #SeniorFitness #AgeStrong #NeverTooLate #HealthyAndActive #DemocratizeFitness #FitnessForAll Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA) Amy Bantham, DrPH Krissy Vann