The prevalence of stroke and the association between stroke and depression among a very old population.

There are few studies comparing those who have had and have not had a stroke among those aged 80 years and over, the very old. The aim of this paper was to investigate the prevalence of stroke and the association between stroke and depression in a very old population. This paper is based on cross-sectional data from a population-based study performed between 2005 and 2007.

Gender disparities in the pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus in the very old: an epidemiological, cross-sectional survey.

Background: There are many reports of disparities in health and medical care both between women and men and between various age groups. In most cases, men receive better treatment than women and young and middle-aged people are privileged compared with the old and the very old. Cardiovascular morbidity and diabetes mellitus are common, increase with age and are often treated extensively with drugs, many of which are known to have significant adverse effects.

Longitudinal associations between blood pressure and dementia in the very old.

Background/aims: Midlife hypertension is associated with an increased risk for dementia, but the association between blood pressure and dementia in very old age is unclear.

Methods: In a population-based cohort study, a total of 102 individuals aged 85, 90 or ≥ 95 years participated in 2 examinations with a 5-year interval. The investigations consisted of a structured interview, blood pressure measurement, rating scales such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and an investigation of medical charts.

Low blood pressure is associated with cognitive impairment in very old people.

Background/aims: Hypertension is an established risk factor for dementia. However, the association between blood pressure and cognition in the very old is not fully determined and important to study considering the ageing population and the morbidity associated with cognitive impairment.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 575 individuals aged 85, 90 or 95 years and above and living in northern Sweden or Finland.

Lower systolic blood pressure is associated with greater mortality in people aged 85 and older.

Objectives: To investigate the association between blood pressure and mortality in very old people.

Design: Population-based cohort study.

Setting: County of Västerbotten, Sweden.