European Society for Swallowing Disorders - European Union Geriatric Medicine Society white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia as a geriatric syndrome.

This position document has been developed by the Dysphagia Working Group, a committee of members from the European Society for Swallowing Disorders and the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society, and invited experts. It consists of 12 sections that cover all aspects of clinical management of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) related to geriatric medicine and discusses prevalence, quality of life, and legal and ethical issues, as well as health economics and social burden. OD constitutes impaired or uncomfortable transit of food or liquids from the oral cavity to the esophagus, and it is included in the World Health Organization's classification of diseases.

[Age related dehydroepiandrosterone decrease: clinical significance and therapeutic interest].

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester (DHEAS) are the most abundant steroids in humans, but their levels fall with age. This decrease has been associated with several age related diseases such as falls, osteoporosis, depression, atherosclerosis and sexual disorders. Moreover, studies have shown positive effects of DHEA administration on several of these disorders, with a satisfying safety profile.

[Dementia prevention: potential treatments and how to target high risk patients].

The burden related to the ever-increasing dementia prevalence in older individuals, imposes the implementation of prevention strategies. It is now known that brain lesions related to Alzheimer's disease precede the onset of the first symptoms. Consequently, prevention strategies should be implemented early, before clinically overt dementia.

A review of age-related dehydroepiandrosterone decline and its association with well-known geriatric syndromes: is treatment beneficial?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester are the most abundant steroids in humans. DHEA levels fall with age in men and women, reaching values sometimes as low as 10%-20% of those encountered in young individuals. This age-related decrease suggests an "adrenopause" phenomenon.

A view of geriatrics through hormones. What is the relation between andropause and well-known geriatric syndromes?

Age related male hypogonadism, or "andropause", is increasingly recognized as of frequent occurrence in older patients. Diagnosis requires both the presence of clinical symptoms and low testosterone levels. However, diagnosing andropause in this age group may be challenging since symptoms are frequently non specific and testosterone levels are influenced by a multitude of parameters such as lifestyle factors and chronic diseases.

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: low sensitivity for depression screening in demented and non-demented hospitalized elderly.

Background: We currently use the depression subscale (HADD) of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for depression screening in elderly inpatients. Given recent concerns about the performance of the HADD in this age group, we performed a quality-control study retrospectively comparing HADD with the diagnosis of depression by a psychiatrist. We also studied the effect of dementia on the scale's performance.

Comparison of the interobserver variability of 2 different methods of dietary assessment in a geriatric ward: a pilot study.

Background: Protein-energy malnutrition is highly prevalent in aged populations. Associated clinical, economic, and social burden is important. A valid screening method that would be robust and precise, but also easy, simple, and rapid to apply, is essential for adequate therapeutic management.