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This Month's CME Article in Clinical Geriatrics

Gait in Older Adults: A Review of the Literature with an Emphasis Toward Achieving Favorable Clinical Outcomes, Part II
Meredith H. Harris, PT, DPT, EdD, Maureen K. Holden, PT, PhD, Lawrence P. Cahalin, PT, MA, Diane Fitzpatrick, PT, DPT, MS, Susan Lowe, PT, DPT, MS, GCS, and Paul K. Canavan, PT, PhD

Changes in motor skills that occur with aging vary widely. It is generally accepted that many bodily functions decline with age, including the ability to walk. For older individuals, walking is one of the most important factors in maintaining an independent lifestyle and remaining in the community. As aging occurs, there can be distinct changes in gait patterns. There is some controversy in the field as to whether change occurs as a result of aging or as a result of pathology.

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Feature Article

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Annals of Long-Term Care - ISSN: 1524-7929 - Volume 14 - Issue 6-June 2006 - June 2006
AGS Viewpoint:
Doorway Thoughts
Linda Hiddemen Barondess, Executive Vice President
Bruce Sutor, MD, Teresa A. Rummans, MD, and Maria I. Lapid, MD
Richard G. Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, AGSF, CMD; Series Editor: Barney S. Spivack, MD, FACP, AGSF, CMD

Medicare Part D: Seeing Through the Political Spin
Chad R.Worz, RPh, PharmD
JAGS Abstracts:
June 2006
Barbara Roehl, MD, MBA, Amy Talati, PharmD, and Susan Parks, MD
The frequency of chronic illness increases with age. As a result, elderly persons receive a disproportionate number of medications when compared to the general population. While many medications are safe and effective in older persons, this population is at increased risk for adverse drug events and drug interactions due to altered pharmacokinetics and polypharmacy. Inappropriate prescribing, underprescribing, use of nonprescription medications, and poor adherence to medications also put these individuals at risk. In order to improve health outcomes, providers need to find a balance between prescribing medically necessary and safe medications and preventing adverse drug events. This will require the health care team to address issues of polypharmacy, restrict prescribing to medications that pose the least risk for older persons, and eliminate barriers to medication adherence. (Annals of Long-Term Care: Clinical Care and Aging 2006;14[6]:33-39)
Alice F. Bonner, RN, GNP, FAANP
Washington Update:
June 2006
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