Visual Function in the ‘Oldest‐Old’ 1 Year After Comprehensive Vision Rehabilitation

Abstract

for GNB isolation were polypharmacy (P = .03) and history of IHD (P = .01). CONCLUSIONMore than one-third of the LTC residents sampled had GNB isolated from their oropharynx. This rate was three times as high as in community-dwelling older persons of similar age and sex. These findings are in keeping with those previously published. 7,8 Although LTC residents had a higher incidence of LRTI in the year before sampling and received more antibiotics, no association was found between these factors and the isolation of GNB. Novel findings from this study include the association between polypharmacy, IHD, and GNB isolation, which was independent of age and residence in a LTC facility. Recent antibiotic use was not identified as a risk factor, but detailed analysis of the other medication classes associated with GNB isolation was beyond the scope of this study. Underlying disease and xerostomia-inducing medications are associated with low salivary flow, 9 which has in turn been linked with oropharyngeal bacterial colonization. 10 One explanation for this is that less saliva leads to smaller quantities of buccal-cell fibronectin. An inverse relationship between fibronectin and adherence of GNB to buccal mucosal cells has been demonstrated. 11 Greater attention to oral hygiene and polypharmacy is required, particularly in residents of LTC facilities who are dependent on others for oral care, to reduce the risk of GNB colonization.

Adding access to a video magnifier to standard vision rehabilitation: initial results on reading performance and well-being from a prospective, randomized study

“…In Stelmack et al, 16 study devices were provided to subjects at no cost. In the Jackson et al, 17 study rehabilitation did not include free provision of devices for all subjects. Devices were provided by local or state agencies for some patients or could be purchased by patients if they chose.…”

Overview of Quality of Life Research in Older People with Visual Impairment

“…Low-vision rehabilitation services, which mainly focus on various optical and non-optical devices and techniques to enhance residual vision or substitute for lost vision, is important in helping people regain their independence, take care of personal needs, and participate in work/leisure activities [104]. Studies have suggested that appropriate rehabilitation can significantly improve HRQOL for visually impaired patients including those with glaucoma [83] [105] and the oldest old [106]. However, it has been suggested that the present system of low-vision care is less than optimal in many countries, and that only 10% -15% of visually impaired people can access low-vision services [107].…”

Examining the Relationship Between Race and Ethnicity and Depression in Older Adults With Low Vision

“…Effect sizes were calculated using z values 24. Furthermore, since data did not meet the assumptions for a nonparametric correlational test, a Kruskal-Wallis test analyzed differences between GDS-SF scores and 3 older adult age groups within the sample: “old” (between 65 and 74 years of age), old old” (between 75 and 84 years of age), and “oldest old” (85 years and older) 25…”

“…24 Furthermore, since data did not meet the assumptions for a nonparametric correlational test, a Kruskal-Wallis test analyzed differences between GDS-SF scores and 3 older adult age groups within the sample: "old" (between 65 and 74 years of age), old old" (between 75 and 84 years of age), and "oldest old" (85 years and older). 25 A Kruskal-Wallis test assessed differences between the number/types of diagnoses and GDS-SF scores and between functional impairment and GDS-SF scores. GDS-SF scores were used as a continuous variable for data analysis.…”