ABSTRACT
Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether the prevalence or course of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) changes according to osteoporosis treatment choice and to discuss the necessity of changing osteoporosis treatment during the pandemic especially in older adults. Materials and Methods: We used the data of 828 subjects that we followed up with the diagnosis of osteoporosis in our outpatient clinic in the last two years. Patients were divided into four groups according to the osteoporosis treatment they received (alendronate, denosumab, teriparatide, intravenous zoledronic acid). Treatments for osteoporosis, treatment durations, and COVID-19 evaluations were obtained from electronic file records retrospectively. Symptomatology, diagnostic methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, and radiological findings of computerized tomography scans, treatments of the patients who had COVID-19 were noted. Results: Fifty-two (6.2%) patients had been diagnosed with COVID-19. Between osteoporosis treatment groups, there were no significant differences in terms of COVID-19 prevalence, symptomatology, PCR results, radiological findings, treatments, and outcomes. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, there is no clear evidence that osteoporosis treatment affects the course of COVID-19. In our study, we could not find a relationship between the actual treatments used for osteoporosis, and the prevalence or course of COVID-19. So during the COVID-19 outbreak, it is more crucial to emphasize the importance of the treatment continuity than changing modality for osteoporosis. Considering the burden of osteoporosis in the older population, the continuation of osteoporosis treatment needs to be prioritized during the COVID-19 pandemic. © Copyright 2023 by the Academic Geriatrics Society / European Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology published by Galenos Publishing House.
ABSTRACT
Generating memory T cell responses besides humoral immune responses is essential when it comes to the efficacy of a vaccine. In this study, the presence of memory T cell responses after aluminum-adjuvanted inactivated whole-virion SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac) in seronegative and seropositive elderly individuals were examined. CD4+ and CD8+ memory T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production capacities were evaluated. Additionally, clinical frailty scale (CFS) and FRAIL scales of the individuals were scored. CD4+ memory T cell responses more prominent than CD8+ memory T cells. In seronegative individuals, 80% of them had memory CD4+ and IFN-gamma, whereas 50% of them had memory CD4+ and all of them had IFN-gamma responses. Additionally, 40% of seronegative patients and 50% of seropositive patients had memory CD8+ responses. To sum up, humoral immune responses are not associated with memory T cell responses, and in seronegative individuals, memory T cell responses can be detected.Copyright © 2022
ABSTRACT
Objective: Patients diagnosed with dementia are at increased risk for Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection since they are unable to perform hygiene and social distance due to difficulties recalling or their dependency on another person. Also, there is a strong correlation between mortality of COVID-19 and dementia. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the prevalence of COVID-19 in patients with dementia and their cognitive decline during a pandemic. Materials and Methods: A total of 210 patients diagnosed with dementia and followed up in the outpatient clinics of geriatrics in our university hospital were included in the study. These records were obtained from the hospital information system. Demographic data, comprehensive geriatric assessments, cognitive changes, COVID-19 infection status, and the dates of death were recorded. Results: Patients were divided into three groups: Mild, moderate, and severe dementia. COVID-19 prevalence was 11.9% in our study population. When we compared patients according to the history of COVID-19 infection status, there were no differences between the type and the stage of dementia between the COVID-19 infection negative and positive groups (p>0.05). Age and sex distribution were similar between these two groups (p>0.05). The prevalence of geriatric syndromes was similar in COVID-19 infection positive and negative groups. Furthermore, more than half of the patients in every stage of dementia had cognitive decline during the pandemic course. However cognitive decline rates were not different between COVID-19 positive and negative groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: One in every ten patients with dementia had COVID-19 infection to our results. According to our findings, there is no increase in the frequency of COVID-19 between stages of dementia, the restrictions due to the pandemic cause a decline in cognitive functions. During the pandemic, interventions to protect cognitive functions and periodic health control should not be interrupted for patients with dementia. © Copyright 2022 by the Academic Geriatrics Society / European Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology published by Galenos Publishing House.
ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2 virus, which emerged in China and spread worldwide, caused the disease called COVID-19, and as a result, it was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. SARS-CoV-2, a new virus for humans, has caused an increase in morbidity and mortality rates. Despite developments in vaccines and drugs, unfavorable effects of COVID-19 keep going. After the emergence of COVID-19, a disease that poses a great threat of morbidity and mortality, solutions have been searched to avoid from the virus and to overcome the disease after getting sick. As the importance of a strong immune system in the fight against infections is known, ways to strengthen immunity have been sought in addition to masks, distance and hygiene measures. For this reason, popularity of dietary supplements, which are thought to be effective on the immune system, has increased. Based on the positive studies on immunity and other viral infections in the literature, it is thought that dietary supplements can be useful against COVID-19. About dietary supplements on COVID-19, there are only a few randomized controlled studies, observational studies have been published mostly. In this review, the effects of dietary supplements on immunity, other viral infections and COVID-19 were examined.
ABSTRACT
Background: As countries are affected by COVID-19, the elderly population will be told to self-isolate for “a very long time” in Turkey and a lot of countries. The aim of study was to evaluate the biopsychosocial needs of elderly individuals in the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: In this qualitative research in-depth interview was used. A total of 20 participants aged 65 and over were interviewed. The interviews went on until no new data was obtained. All interviews were recorded digitally and the records were transcribed and coded by two independent researchers, who identified major themes by relevance. Results: According to the in-depth interviews with elderly: all elderly people were exposed to fear and anxiety in this process and elderly living in rural areas were found to be less biopsychosocially affected by the pandemic process and it was observed that most elderly people were afraid to apply to health centers during pandemic even if they have a disease condition. The majority of the participants stated that they did not meet anyone outside the home during this period. Conclusion: It is of great importance to evaluate these people within the framework of the biopsychosocial approach. Our study confirmed this need with in-depth interviews with the elderly. We are concerned about the effects of the curfew on elderly people appropriate;effective campaigns should be done to promote healthy life behaviors and physiological needs of them.