A Multivariable Model to Predict Risk of Dementia or Death in Older Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury.

Background And Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with increased risk of both death and dementia in older adults, but no prognostic models currently exist to help identify which individuals are at greatest risk of long-term adverse outcomes. Our primary objective was to develop a single prognostic model that uses electronic health record (EHR) data to predict 5-year risk of dementia or death in older veterans who have experienced TBI.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using EHR data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

Loop diuretics and subsequent use of urinary symptom medications in older adults: evaluation of a possible prescribing cascade.

Background: Loop diuretic (LD) use may lead to a prescribing cascade whereby urinary symptoms are ascribed to genitourinary syndromes and treated with urinary symptom medications (USMs). We investigated if LDs lead to increased USM use among older adults and whether this potential prescribing cascade varies across key characteristics.

Methods: This was a prescription sequence symmetry analysis of Veterans Administration data, involving veterans ≥66 years who initiated treatment with LD (2010-2019).

A Multi-Outcome Prognostic Model for Community-Dwelling Older Adults Admitted to Skilled Nursing Facilities for Post-Acute Care.

Objectives: Nearly 20% of hospitalized older adults are discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for short-term rehabilitation. Many subsequently experience adverse outcomes, such as hospital readmissions, transitioning to long-term care rather than returning home, or death. To guide shared decision making, we developed a prognostic model for multiple outcomes for older adults admitted to SNFs.

Social Determinants of Health in Patients Undergoing Osteocutaneous Free Flap Reconstruction for Malignant Disease of the Mandible.

Background: Social determinants of health (SDH), such as race, language, and insurance status, may impact access to surgical care and postoperative outcomes. This study investigates the role of SDH in patients undergoing osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction for mandibular defects due to oral cavity malignancy.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 131 patients at a single tertiary academic center was conducted.

Household Wealth and Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Persons With Dementia: Role of Comorbidities and Caregivers.

Background: The association between lower socioeconomic status and increased potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) among older adults, as seen in some studies, is infrequently studied in persons with dementia (PWD). This association may additionally be impacted by multimorbidity and caregiver support in PWD. Thus, we examined the association between wealth and PIMs in PWD and the effects of comorbidities and caregivers.