Publications by authors named "Diana Cruz-Santiago"

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to persistent post-acute neuropsychiatric symptoms. Older adults with multimorbidity may be at increased risk of post-acute symptoms after COVID-19. The goals of the present study were to assess the associations of SARS-CoV-2 infection with neuropsychiatric symptoms and psychotropic medication prescription among older adults living in long-term care facilities.

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Objectives: To examine how change in benzodiazepine (BZD) use is linked to changes in depressive symptoms intensity, worry intensity, and sleep quality over 16 months.

Method: Data come from a larger randomised controlled trial (RCT) named the 'Programme d'Aide du Succès au SEvrage (PASSE-60+)' study (NCT02281175). Seventy-three participants age 60 years and older took part in a 4-month discontinuation programme and were assessed four times over 16 months.

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This cohort study examines the safety and adverse events associated with receipt of various 3-dose combinations of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines with among long-term care residents in Quebec, Canada.

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Background: The use of COVID-19 vaccines has been prioritised to protect the most vulnerable-notably, older people. Because of fluctuations in vaccine availability, strategies such as delayed second dose and heterologous prime-boost have been used. However, the effectiveness of these strategies in frail, older people are unknown.

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An elderly woman admitted in our geriatric inpatient unit suffered from disturbing outbursts of crying and, less frequently, episodes of laughing. The patient was diagnosed with pseudobulbar affect related to a mixed neurodegenerative disorder. This condition is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, despite being relatively frequent in patients with neurodegenerative disorders.

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Background: Long-term benzodiazepine (BZD) use among seniors is mostly inappropriate and associated with adverse health outcomes. To prevent these consequences, withdrawal is crucial, yet knowledge is limited about what predicts BZD discontinuation. Until now, most studies have focused on sociodemographic and BZD intake factors as predictors while neglecting psychological factors.

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Article Synopsis
  • * A study involving 72 older adults (ages 60-85) assessed sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and social support with the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ-6), revealing no strong overall link between social support and sleep quality, despite some correlation with daytime dysfunctions.
  • * The findings suggest that social support may not heavily influence sleep quality in older BZD users, and further research with larger samples is needed to explore the potential benefits of social support in reducing daytime sleepiness and aiding in B
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Article Synopsis
  • A study was conducted to explore the connection between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and fear of falling (FOF) among older adults, while considering factors like depression and fall risk.
  • Results showed a significant correlation between FOF and GAD, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and fall risk, but not with sociodemographic factors.
  • The findings suggest that addressing FOF in patients with GAD is crucial, as dealing with anxiety may hinder their confidence in reducing fall risks, highlighting the need for better screening and treatment approaches.
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