Clear Minds: Unravelling Delirium in Older Adults.

With an explosive population growth of older adults, the incidence rates of neuropsychiatric syndromes, particularly delirium, are increasing in the community and hospital settings. Delirium is an acute disturbance in cognition and attention that may signify a serious medical, life-threatening condition and may mimic psychiatric-mental health issues. Although its prevalence rate is lower in the community, delirium affects up to 87% of hospitalized older adults and can cost up to $152 billion each year.

Mental Health of LGBTQ Older Adults.

More than 54 million people in the United States are aged ≥65 years, including an estimated 2.4 million people who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). As a group, LGBTQ older adults experienced criminalization, discrimination, and social stigma the majority of their lives, with rates of victimization and stigma increasing with age.

Pharmacogenomics in Older Adults: An Integrative Review.

Through pharmacogenomics testing, identifying genetic variants that influence how individuals respond to medications could potentially decrease the "trial and error" approach to prescribing medications, maximize beneficial effects, and reduce risks of adverse drug events. Yet, pharmacogenomics testing is still subject to an ongoing debate over its clinical validity and utility. The purpose of the current integrative review was to examine and synthesize evidence on the clinical application of pharmacogenomics in medication management among older adults.

Longitudinal Effects of Activities, Social Environment, and Psychotropic Medication Use on Behavioral Symptoms of Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease in Nursing Homes.

A secondary data analysis of 25,560 minutes of structured clinical observations from a longitudinal study examined the impact of time-varying background factors, social environment, and psychotropic medication use on behavioral symptoms of nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Data were collected at baseline (N = 177), 12 months (N = 138), and 24 months (N = 111). Mixed-effects regression modeling showed that at 24 months: (a) higher cognitive and physical function and having a private bedroom/bathroom had the most positive influence on resident positive behaviors; (b) use of antipsychotic medications and solitary activities had the most negative influence on resident positive behaviors; (c) higher cognitive function significantly decreased negative behaviors; and (d) care-related activities and total number of psychotropic medications significantly increased negative behaviors.

Critical social theory approach to disclosure of genomic incidental findings.

Technology has expanded genomic research and the complexity of extracted gene-related information. Health-related genomic incidental findings pose new dilemmas for nurse researchers regarding the ethical application of disclosure to participants. Consequently, informed consent specific to incidental findings is recommended.

The impact of medical issues in inpatient geriatric psychiatry.

At an advanced age, serious medical and psychiatric illnesses frequently coalesce. Often, the need for admission to inpatient geriatric psychiatric care arises from coexisting medical problems. While cognitive and behavioral interventions are important, the complexity of physical comorbidities usually becomes the focus of hospitalization and requires intensive medical treatments.