Geriatrics
Conference Coverage

Noncardiac surgery has 7% covert stroke rate in elderly
HONOLULU – Covert strokes were linked with a doubled rate of cognitive decline in older patients after noncardiac surgery.
News from the FDA/CDC

FDA issues warnings to companies selling illegal Alzheimer’s treatments
The FDA targeted more than 58 products.
From the Journals

Exercise type matters for fall prevention among elderly
Balance and functional exercises are best at preventing falls.
From the Journals

Novel plasma biomarkers may predict preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
The approach will need to be validated and translated “to a simpler automated platform suitable for wider utility.”
From the Journals

Statins cut vascular events in elderly patients
Analysis challenges current practice of discontinuation after age 75 years.
Feature

Phase 3 studies of antiamyloid Alzheimer’s drug crenezumab stopped
The molecule will continue to be tested in a study of familial Alzheimer’s in Colombia.
From the Journals

SPRINT MIND published: Extension trial to add 2 years’ follow-up
From the Journals

Long-term opioid use substantial in elderly adults prior to total joint replacement
From the Journals
Potential antidepressant overprescribing found in 24% of elderly cohort
Overprescribing of SSRIs accounted for 74% of all antidepressant overprescriptions, followed by mirtazapine (19%).
Conference Coverage

Ezetimibe found effective for primary prevention in elderly
CHICAGO – Japanese EWTOPIA 75 study provides first RCT evidence of benefit for LDL-lowering in seniors.
News

Frailty may affect the expression of dementia
People with higher degrees of frailty may be more likely to have more Alzheimer’s disease pathology and clinical dementia.