Cannabis-Induced Gastrointestinal Tract Symptoms in the Adult Population: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Cannabinoid usage is widespread in the self-management of various medical ailments. However, adverse effects have been reported with use, especially pertaining to the gastrointestinal system in adults and aged patients. These range from nausea, vomiting, bloating, or abdominal pain.

The Role of Intermittent Fasting and Dieting on Cognition in Adult Population: A Systematic Review of the Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: A healthy diet is a modifiable risk factor that may impact cognition. A unique type of diet may include intermittent fasting (IF), an eating pattern in which individuals go extended periods with little or no meal intake, intervening with periods of normal food intake. IF has multiple health benefits including maintenance of blood glucose levels, reduction of insulin levels, depletion or reduction of glycogen stores, mobilization of fatty acids, and generation of ketones.

Efficacy of COVID-19 treatments among geriatric patients: a systematic review.

Introduction: A majority of the fatalities due to COVID-19 have been observed in those over the age of 60. There is no approved and universally accepted treatment for geriatric patients. The aim of this review is to assess the current literature on efficacy of COVID-19 treatments in geriatric populations.

A Case Report on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Palliative Care: How Good Intentions Can Go Wrong.

Introduction: Synthetic cannabinoids are commonly used to manage pain, nausea, and vomiting in oncology and palliative care. Despite the current acceptance of cannabinoids as a treatment option for nausea and vomiting, there is a lack of data regarding the side effects of its prolonged use leading to possible toxicity due to accumulation, and as a result, exacerbation of nausea and vomiting rather than alleviation. Case Report Presentation: The patient, a 70-year-old female, was residing in the palliative care unit with the diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer.

Evading Seizures: Phenobarbital Reintroduced as a Multifunctional Approach to End-of-Life Care.

The selected case study aimed to evaluate the role of phenobarbital as a drug of choice in end-of-life (EOL) settings. Phenobarbital is efficacious in management of EOL seizures and agitation, can be easily administered via different modes, and utilized in various palliative care (PC) settings. Mrs.

Therapeutic Touch in the Management of Responsive Behaviors in Patients with Dementia.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the use of therapeutic touch (TT) in the management of responsive behaviors in patients with dementia.

Methods: A randomized, double-blinded control trial was used to compare response to TT in a population with responsive behaviors in dementia, in 3 phases, pretreatment, treatment, and posttreatment each lasting 5 days. The participants were divided into three groups: experimental, placebo, and control.

Managing Fall Prevention through Exercise in Older Adults Afflicted by Cognitive and Strength Impairment.

Introduction: A growing trend in medicine is older adults and increased need for geriatric services. Falls contribute heavily to hospitalizations and worsening of overall health in this frail demographic. There are numerous biological and physical culprits which, if targeted, can prevent falls.

Benzodiazepine Use and Morbidity-Mortality Outcomes in a Geriatric Palliative Care Unit: A Retrospective Review.

Introduction: Patients often experience delirium at the end of life. Benzodiazepine use may be associated with an increased risk of developing delirium. Alternate medications used in conjunction with benzodiazepines may serve as an independent precipitant of delirium.

A Systematic Review on Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and Its Management Options.

Introduction: Several forms of cannabinoids are currently being used to manage nausea and vomiting (N/V). Emerging cases of refractory N/V associated with chronic cannabis use among adults and older patients have been reported named cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS is a condition that leads to repeated and severe N/V in long-term users of cannabinoids.

The Effectiveness of Cannabis and Cannabis Derivatives in Treating Lower Back Pain in the Aged Population: A Systematic Review.

Background/aims: Cannabis is increasingly used in the management of pain, though minimal research exists to support its use since approval. Reduction in stigma has led to a growing interest in pharmaceutical cannabinoids as a possible treatment for lower back pain (LBP). The objective of this review was to assess the role and efficacy of cannabis and its derivatives in the management of LBP and compile global data related to the role of cannabis in the management of LBP in an aging population.

Integration of palliative care in Parkinson's disease management.

Background: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that negatively impacts the lives of affected people. The therapeutic benefits of treatment only decrease going forward from the time of diagnosis. Motor and non-motor symptoms alike create a heavy burden for patients and those involved in their care.

COVID-19 Virtual Care for the Geriatric Population: Exploring Two Sides of the Coin.

Virtual care (VC) continues to gain attention as we make changes to the way we deliver care amidst our current COVID-19 pandemic. Exploring various ways of delivering care is of importance as we try our best to ensure we prioritize the health and safety of every one of our patients. One mode of care that is continuing to garner attention is telemedicine - the use of virtual technology to deliver care to our patients.

Is There a Role for Bismuth in Diarrhea Management?

Diarrhea, an illness of both the developed and developing world, involves the burdensome characteristics of frequent bowel movements, loose stools, and abdominal discomfort. Diarrhea is a long-standing challenge in palliative care and can have a myriad of causes, making symptomatic treatment pertinent when illness evaluation is ongoing, when there is no definitive treatment approach, or when effective treatment cannot be attained. Symptomatic therapy is a common approach in palliative care settings.

Do Exercises Prevent Falls Among Older Adults: Where Are We Now? A Systematic Review.

Objective: To determine whether single interventions (SI), multifactorial interventions (MI), or multiple component interventions (MCI) including vitamin D supplementation prevent the incidence of falls and fall risk factors among older adults who are community-dwelling or living in long-term care facilities.

Design: Systematic review.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Cochrane were searched with restrictions applied to publication year (2015‒2019) and language (limited to studies published in English).

Methadone in Pain Management: A Systematic Review.

Adequate analgesia can be challenging, as pharmacological options are not necessarily effective for all types of pain and are associated with adverse effects. Methadone is increasingly being considered in the management of both cancer-related and noncancer-related pain. The purpose of this article is to provide a narrative review of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of methadone in the management of pain, in relation to a comparison drug.

Palliative Care: Too Good to Be True?

Introduction: Many patients and their families are hesitant to consult a palliative care (PC) team. In 2014, approximately 6,000,000 people in the United States could benefit from PC, and this number is expected to increase over the next 25 years.

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to shed light on the significance of PC and provide a holistic view outlining both the benefits and existing barriers.

A systematic review of the integration of palliative care in dementia management.

Objective: Dementia is a progressive illness with a complex biopsychosocial constellation of symptoms faced by millions of individuals and families worldwide. Palliative care teams have specialized in symptom management and end-of-life care for decades; however, the role of palliative care in dementia management is not yet well elucidated. The aim of this systematic review was to understand the impact of palliative care in dementia management.

Herpes zoster vaccination efficacy in the long-term care facility population: a qualitative systematic review.

The varicella zoster virus (VZV) can reactivate later in life as herpes zoster infection (HZI), a severe disease resulting in painful complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine has been indicated for use among adults 50 years and older for prevention of HZI. Currently, no clinical practice guideline or funding exists specifically for HZ immunization in long-term care facilities (LTCF) for adults age >60 years.

Management of Breathlessness in Palliative Care: Inhalers and Dyspnea-A Literature Review.

Introduction: Dyspnea is prominently observed in palliative care (PC). Dyspnea can be multifactorial, primarily caused by obstructive or restrictive lung diseases or secondarily induced by various comorbidities. Numerous interventions exist, with route of administration and efficacy requiring further discussion.

An Insight into the Effect of Exercises on the Prevention of Osteoporosis and Associated Fractures in High-risk Individuals.

The purpose of this review was to investigate what type of exercises can potentially prevent osteoporosis (OP) and its associated fractures in high-risk populations. MEDLINE was searched for work relevant to various types of exercises used to prevent osteoporotic fractures in high-risk population, from the year 1995 onwards. Twelve articles were identified, and, from them, four were deemed suitable to the objective.

It's Time to Talk: Challenges in Providing Integrated Palliative Care in Advanced Congestive Heart Failure. A Narrative Review.

Background: Congestive heart failure is an increasingly prevalent terminal illness in a globally aging population. Prognosis for this disease remains poor despite optimal therapy. Evidence suggests that a palliative care approach may be beneficial - and is currently recommended - in advanced congestive heart failure but these services remain underutilized.

Is there a role for charcoal in palliative diarrhea management?

Objective: Symptomatic therapy is an intervention centered entirely on symptom management and pain relief. The utilization of charcoal in diarrhea management is a pertinent example of this type of medical care. Diarrhea is an ailment defined as an escalation in the frequency of bowel movements, unformed stool, abdominal discomfort, and pain.

Is there a role for combined use of gabapentin and pregabalin in pain control? Too good to be true?

Gabapentin (Neurontin ) and pregabalin (Lyrica ) are first- and second-generation α2δ ligands, respectively, and are both approved for use as adjunctive therapy in pain control. Although they do not bind to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors they have been successfully used to treat neuropathic pain conditions. Their mechanism of action is not yet fully understood, but research has demonstrated promising results.

The Role of Exercises in Osteoporotic Fracture Prevention and Current Care Gaps. Where Are We Now? Recent Updates.

Introduction: The primary non-pharmacological management recommended for patients with osteoporosis (OP) is exercise, but whether it should be high-force, resistive, or other means can be obscure.

Objective: To describe the role of exercises in osteoporotic fracture prevention, identify effects and potential risks of high-force exercises, detect the optimal exercises to combat OP, and explore the challenges that might arise from interventions.

Methods: A search on MEDLINE and Cochrane databases was conducted on the role of exercises in preventing osteoporotic fractures from 1989 onwards, leading to 40 results, including op-ed pieces, qualitative studies, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) (n=5), and RCT follow-up studies (n=1).