Role of Proxy Respondents in International Stroke Research: Experience of the INTERSTROKE Study.

Introduction: Measuring patient-reported information in stroke research is challenging. To overcome this, use of proxy respondents is often a necessary strategy. In this study, we report on use and effect of proxy respondents on patient case-mix in a large international epidemiologic stroke study (INTERSTROKE).

Are clinical trials randomising households to lifestyle interventions to delay cognitive decline feasible? A pilot study to determine the beliefs, preferences, and deterrents for households impacted by dementia based on semi-structured interviews.

Introduction: While lifestyle risk factors are implicated in the development and progression of cognitive impairment, interventional trials of individual participants have yielded unconvincing evidence. We sought to explore the development of lifestyle interventions targeting the household-unit.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out among eight households affected by cognitive impairment (i.

Household-level lifestyle interventions for the prevention of cognitive decline; A Systematic review.

Background: Lifestyle interventions targeting households may be an effective means of promoting healthier cognitive function in later life, with extended benefit to other household members. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to assess the effect of targeting lifestyle behaviours of households on cognitive outcomes METHODS: An electronic search strategy was designed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) where households were randomised to receive a lifestyle intervention for the prevention of cognitive decline, from database inception until April 2020. Our initial search identified no eligible studies, so we revised our search strategy to include trials enroling dyads.

Virtual geriatric clinics and the COVID-19 catalyst: a rapid review.

Background: During the current COVID-19 health crisis virtual geriatric clinics have become increasingly utilised to complete outpatient consultations, although concerns exist about feasibility of such virtual consultations for older people. The aim of this rapid review is to describe the satisfaction, clinic productivity, clinical benefit, and costs associated with the virtual geriatric clinic model of care.

Methods: A rapid review of PubMed, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases was conducted up to April 2020.

Increased Salt Intake for Orthostatic Intolerance Syndromes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Guidelines recommend increased salt intake as a first-line recommendation in the management of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension and recurrent syncope. There have been no systematic reviews of this intervention. We sought to summarize the evidence for increased salt intake in patients with orthostatic intolerance syndromes.