Missed opportunities in heart failure diagnosis and management: study of an urban UK population.

Aims: This study aimed to examine the diagnostic pathways and outcomes of patients with heart failure (HF), stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), and to highlight deficiencies in real-world HF diagnosis and management.

Methods And Results: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Salford, United Kingdom, utilizing linked primary and secondary care data for HF patients diagnosed between January 2010 and November 2019. We evaluated characteristics, diagnostic patterns, healthcare resource utilization, and outcomes.

Depressive Symptoms, Cognition, and Everyday Function Among Community-Residing Older Adults.

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand the relationships among depressive symptoms, cognition, and functional performance in a community-based sample of older adults.

Method: Older adults ( N = 885) from the Staying Keen in Later Life study completed tests of executive function, speed of processing, and memory. The Center for Epidemiologic Depression Scale assessed depressive symptoms.

Assessing approaches and barriers to reduce antipsychotic drug use in Florida nursing homes.

Objectives: Antipsychotic medications have been federally regulated since 1987, yet research suggests they continue to be used inappropriately to alleviate behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. In 2012, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid launched a new initiative to reduce antipsychotic medication in nursing homes by 15% nationally. The aim of this study was to examine qualitative data to explore strategies that have been implemented, to assess which strategies are evidence-based, and to make recommendations to improve upon practices to reduce antipsychotic medication use.

Effects of Cognitive Speed of Processing Training Among Older Adults With Heart Failure.

Objective: Cognitive deficits pose serious problems for older adults with heart failure (HF). Cognitive speed of processing training improves cognition among older adults but has not been examined among older adults with HF.

Method: Data from the ACTIVE study were used to examine the effects of cognitive speed of processing training on cognitive and functional performance among older adults with HF.

Survey of master's gerontology students spanning over 40 years.

The University of South Florida's master's degree in gerontology is a long-established program that focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to population aging. This study identifies graduate students' needs in preparation for a professional career in gerontology. An online survey was distributed to graduates and those currently enrolled (N = 56) in order to better understand expectations for the program, identify outcomes of graduation, and obtain program recommendations for future students.