Aging Clinical and Experimental Research最新文献

{"title":"Intrinsic capacity and comorbidity burden capture distinct but age-driven dimensions of health in older postmenopausal women","authors":"Oliveri Cecilia,&nbsp;Gaudio Agostino,&nbsp;Soraci Luca,&nbsp;Cesari Matteo,&nbsp;Catalano Antonino","doi":"10.1007/s40520-026-03456-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40520-026-03456-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Intrinsic capacity (IC) and comorbidity burden are both associated with health outcomes in older postmenopausal women, yet whether they capture independent dimensions of health remains unclear.</p><h3>Aims</h3><p>To examine whether comorbidity burden is independently associated with IC in older postmenopausal women, and to evaluate the role of age as a potential confounder of this relationship.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>IC was evaluated across five WHO-defined domains using ICOPE-aligned tools, and the number of preserved IC components (range 0–6) was calculated as an index of functional reserve. Comorbidity burden was quantified with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 200 postmenopausal women were included (mean age 68.2 ± 8.5 years, range 46–89). The mean CCI score was 3.5 ± 1.9 and the mean number of preserved IC components was 3.4 ± 1.3. Preserved IC components were inversely correlated with CCI (ρ = −0.33, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). In multivariable analysis, CCI was not independently associated with preserved IC (β = −0.036, 95% CI − 0.142 to 0.070, <i>p</i> = 0.505), whereas age was a strong independent predictor (β = −0.078, 95% CI − 0.100 to − 0.055, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). The partial correlation between IC and CCI controlling for age was negligible (<i>r</i> = 0.003, <i>p</i> = 0.962). Sensitivity analyses using Poisson regression and a 5-component IC score excluding the vision domain confirmed these findings. CCI was not independently associated with any individual IC domain in domain-specific logistic regression models.</p><h3>Discussion</h3><p>The observed association between IC and comorbidity burden was largely explained by age, suggesting that these constructs capture overlapping but not identical dimensions of health vulnerability.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>IC captures dimensions of functional vulnerability not fully accounted for by comorbidity burden alone.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7720,"journal":{"name":"Aging Clinical and Experimental Research","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40520-026-03456-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148417938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hospitalizations and associated costs among older adults receiving regular home care services","authors":"Eeva Björkstedt,&nbsp;Ari Voutilainen,&nbsp;Kati Päivärinta,&nbsp;Virva Hyttinen-Huotari,&nbsp;Johanna Jyrkkä,&nbsp;Pekka Mäntyselkä,&nbsp;Eija Lönnroos","doi":"10.1007/s40520-026-03455-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40520-026-03455-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Healthcare costs increase rapidly in aging societies. Research on service use is warranted in this context.</p><h3>Aims</h3><p>To examine predicting factors and costs associated with hospitalizations among home care clients aged ≥ 65 years.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Baseline data collection included demographic characteristics, diagnoses, morbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index, CCI), basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL, IADL), Timed up and Go (TUG), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-3 L). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify factors predicting hospitalization and gamma regression with a log link to analyze cumulation of inpatient days during one-year follow-up. Hospitalization costs were calculated using national unit costs of healthcare.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>During follow-up, 176 (60%) of 293 regular home care clients were hospitalized. In univariate analyses, hospitalizations were statistically significantly associated with CCI, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, renal failure, BADL, IADL and Eq. 5D3L. In multivariate analysis, only higher CCI (<i>p</i> = 0.008) predicted increased odds for hospitalization. Several diseases, number of medicines, BADL, IADL and MMSE were associated with inpatient days in univariate analyses. MMSE alone remained significant (<i>p</i> = 0.039) in multivariate analysis, higher scores predicted fewer days. Total hospitalization costs were €2,370,910, with €1,267,519 attributable to primary care and €1,103,391 to secondary care. Costs in the cohort were €9,225 per person-year.</p><h3>Discussion</h3><p>Over half of regular home care clients required hospitalization with substantial costs during one year. Greater comorbidity burden predicted hospitalizations and cognitive impairment increased inpatient days.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Optimal disease management and maintenance of functioning should be prioritized in home care.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7720,"journal":{"name":"Aging Clinical and Experimental Research","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40520-026-03455-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148417943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor for various health conditions: an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analysis","authors":"Alberto Castagna,&nbsp;Antonino Maria Cotroneo,&nbsp;Marco Mosele,&nbsp;Pasqualina Sapone,&nbsp;Elisa Martinelli,&nbsp;Masoud Rahmati,&nbsp;Lee Smith,&nbsp;Nicola Veronese","doi":"10.1007/s40520-026-03433-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40520-026-03433-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Hyperhomocysteinemia, an elevation of plasma homocysteine levels, has been implicated in multiple diseases, yet its causal role remains debated. This umbrella review systematically evaluated and graded the evidence from published systematic reviews and meta-analyses on associations between hyperhomocysteinemia and diverse health outcomes.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science up to March 5, 2025. Eligible studies were systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies reporting associations between hyperhomocysteinemia and any health outcome. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2, and the certainty of evidence was graded using GRADE.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 104 meta-analyses including 2,110 studies and 953,793 participants were analyzed, covering 126 outcomes. Eighty-three percent of outcomes showed significant associations with hyperhomocysteinemia. Nine outcomes were supported by high, 18 by moderate, 73 by low, and 26 by very low certainty of evidence. High-certainty evidence supported associations between hyperhomocysteinemia and increased risks of stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, fracture (hip and total), and chronic kidney disease. Moderate-certainty evidence linked hyperhomocysteinemia to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, mortality, and selected cardiovascular and pregnancy outcomes. Most meta-analyses were of low or critically low methodological quality.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Across nearly one million participants, hyperhomocysteinemia was consistently associated with adverse health outcomes, particularly vascular, neurological, skeletal, and renal conditions. While causality cannot be inferred, the evidence supports hyperhomocysteinemia as a potentially modifiable risk factor meriting targeted preventive and interventional research.</p><h3>Protocol registration</h3><p>https://osf.io/dezms</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7720,"journal":{"name":"Aging Clinical and Experimental Research","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13550087/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148417918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Longitudinal associations of chronic pain and sleep quality with frailty progression in community-dwelling older adults","authors":"Daijo Shiratsuchi,&nbsp;Hyuma Makizako,&nbsp;Shoma Akaida,&nbsp;Mana Tateishi,&nbsp;Yuto Kiuchi,&nbsp;Ryota Kuratsu,&nbsp;Takuro Kubozono,&nbsp;Toshihiro Takenaka,&nbsp;So Kuwahata,&nbsp;Mitsuru Ohishi","doi":"10.1007/s40520-026-03439-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40520-026-03439-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Chronic pain is associated with frailty in older adults; however, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully understood.</p><h3>Aims</h3><p>To examine whether sleep quality is involved in the longitudinal association between chronic pain and frailty progression in community-dwelling older adults.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>This longitudinal study included 363 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 65 years who participated in the 2018 and 2019 waves of the Tarumizu Study in Japan. Chronic pain was defined as self-reported lower back and/or knee pain lasting for at least 2 months. Sleep quality was assessed using a single-item questionnaire and categorized as good, medium, or poor. Frailty was assessed using the Kihon Checklist, and progression was defined as an increase ≥ 2 points over 1 year. Logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Frailty progression was observed in 27.3% of participants. Chronic pain was significantly associated with frailty progression (odds ratio [OR]: 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–2.97), although this association was attenuated after adjustment for sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was independently associated with frailty progression (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.04–3.91). Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of chronic pain on frailty progression through sleep quality (β = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.001–0.20).</p><h3>Discussion</h3><p>Poor sleep quality may represent one potential pathway underlying the association between chronic pain and frailty progression in community-dwelling older adults.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Integrated assessment of pain and sleep problems may help identify older adults at greater risk of frailty progression.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7720,"journal":{"name":"Aging Clinical and Experimental Research","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633361/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148410130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relationship between polypharmacy, sarcopenia and drug classes in hospitalized older patients","authors":"Gorkem Turhan,&nbsp;Ahmet Yalcin,&nbsp;Busra Gokce,&nbsp;Volkan Atmis,&nbsp;Murat Varli","doi":"10.1007/s40520-026-03452-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40520-026-03452-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Sarcopenia and polypharmacy are common geriatric syndromes associated with adverse outcomes in older adults. Although previous studies have suggested a potential relationship between these conditions, the independent nature of this association remains unclear, particularly among hospitalized populations. Certain medication classes may also exert muscle-protective effects that could influence this relationship.</p><h3>Purpose</h3><p>To examine whether polypharmacy is independently associated with sarcopenia in hospitalized older adults and to evaluate the relationship between specific medication classes and sarcopenia prevalence.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>This cross-sectional study included hospitalized patients aged ≥ 65 years. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to EWGSOP2 criteria, skeletal muscle mass was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and polypharmacy was defined as the regular use of five or more medications. Medication classes with possible muscle-protective effects were identified through a targeted literature review. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess independent associations.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 206 patients were included (60% female; median age: 78 years). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 39.8%. Polypharmacy was common in both sarcopenic (87.8%) and non-sarcopenic (80.6%) patients (<i>p</i> = 0.33), and the number of medications did not differ significantly between groups (7 ± 3 vs. 7.87 ± 3; <i>p</i> = 0.15). Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use was more frequent in the non-sarcopenic group (40% vs. 15%; <i>p</i> = 0.005). In multivariate analysis, ARB use remained independently associated with lower odds of sarcopenia.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Polypharmacy was not independently associated with sarcopenia in hospitalized older adults. However, ARB use was significantly associated with lower likelihood of sarcopenia, suggesting a potential muscle-protective effect. Further longitudinal research is warranted to clarify causality.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7720,"journal":{"name":"Aging Clinical and Experimental Research","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40520-026-03452-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148403404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of vibroacoustic stimulation on hypertension: a pilot cross-over experimental study","authors":"Sophie Saller,&nbsp;Francesca Fornasini,&nbsp;Italo Balzani,&nbsp;Filippo Ceccato,&nbsp;Federica Limongi,&nbsp;Leonardo Franz,&nbsp;Stefania Maggi,&nbsp;Leonardo Molinari,&nbsp;Marianna Noale,&nbsp;Nicola Bernardini,&nbsp;Caterina Trevisan,&nbsp;Alois Saller","doi":"10.1007/s40520-026-03447-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40520-026-03447-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Arterial hypertension is a frequent condition, affecting up to one-quarter of the global adult population. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are recommended for hypertension management. Among the latter, recent studies have shown the positive effects of music therapy; however, evidence on the impact of vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) is still limited.</p><h3>Objective</h3><p>This pilot study aimed to explore the feasibility and effects of a VAS intervention on blood pressure (BP) and other cardiopulmonary and stress-related parameters in patients with hypertension.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A pilot single-sequence cross-over experimental study was conducted on 11 male adults with mild to moderate hypertension. Patients underwent two sessions: on Day 1, they lay for 30 min without any vibratory or musical stimuli. On Day 2, they were placed on the vibroacoustic bed delivering 40 Hz vibration for 30 min, followed by 7 min of vibration combined with relaxing music. Physiological and stress-related parameters were measured at multiple time points during both sessions.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Preliminary analysis showed no statistically significant differences between sessions. However, on Day 2, a more pronounced trend toward reductions in systolic and diastolic BP, heart and respiratory rate, and perceived stress was observed. A higher heart rate variability was recorded on Day 1 compared to Day 2.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The VAS intervention appears feasible and may influence cardiovascular health parameters. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm these effects.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7720,"journal":{"name":"Aging Clinical and Experimental Research","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40520-026-03447-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148395600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of OsteoStrong vs. dynamic multicomponent exercise on physical function in older women in the BONEMORE randomized controlled trial","authors":"Peter W.S. Lindberg,&nbsp;Hans Ranch Lundin,&nbsp;Eva Andersson,&nbsp;Ann-Charlotte Grahn Kronhed,&nbsp;Eva Toth-Pal,&nbsp;Maria Sääf,&nbsp;Christina Kaijser Alin,&nbsp;Helena Salminen","doi":"10.1007/s40520-026-03421-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40520-026-03421-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Limited research exists on the effects of OsteoStrong on physical function in older women.</p><h3>Aim</h3><p>This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of OsteoStrong (OS) and dynamic multicomponent exercise (DME) on functional outcomes in older women with osteopenia or osteoporosis.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 194 women aged 65–79 years with a T-score of ≤–1.0 at the hip and/or spine were randomized to nine months of either OS (once weekly, 20 min) or DME (twice weekly, 60 min). Outcomes included measures of muscle strength (hand grip and back strength), back and trunk endurance, mobility (sit-to-stand tests, gait speed, Timed Up and Go), and balance (one-leg standing time, tandem standing, tandem walking). Measurements were conducted at baseline and again at nine months.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Both OS and DME showed significant improvements in grip strength, back strength, isometric trunk flexion endurance, gait speed 30 m (m/sec), 5 sit-to-stand (sec) and 50 sit-to-stand speed (n/sec). DME resulted in greater improvements in gait speed 30 m (m/sec) (+ 7.1% vs. +3.2%, p = 0.001), isometric trunk extension (+ 27.6% vs. +4.4%, p = 0.007), and one-leg standing balance (right leg: +13.1% vs. -2.1%, p = 0.001; left leg:+13.3% vs. -2.4%, p = 0.001) compared to OS, while no significant between-group differences were observed for the remaining outcomes.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>These findings suggest that while both OS and DME improve physical function in older women with osteopenia or osteoporosis, DME provides superior benefits in gait speed, back muscle endurance, and balance. These findings should be interpreted with caution, as they are based on secondary outcomes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7720,"journal":{"name":"Aging Clinical and Experimental Research","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40520-026-03421-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148387243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Animal-assisted interventions for depression in older adults: an umbrella review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis","authors":"Marina De Rui,&nbsp;Alessandro Perencin,&nbsp;Mario Virgilio Papa,&nbsp;Lisa Doria,&nbsp;Adele Ravelli,&nbsp;Chiara Ceolin,&nbsp;Andrea Ungar,&nbsp;Giuseppe Sergi,&nbsp;Maria Devita","doi":"10.1007/s40520-026-03454-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40520-026-03454-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Depression affects up to 30% of older adults and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) - usually known as “pet therapy” - have emerged as promising complementary approaches, yet evidence synthesis remains fragmented.</p><h3>Objective</h3><p>To comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of AAI in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults through an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, incorporating trial sequential analysis.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library through September 2025 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining AAIs for depression in older adults. Quality assessment was performed using AMSTAR-2. We calculated the Corrected Covered Area to assess overlap between meta-analyses, re-analyzed primary study data to avoid double-counting, and conducted trial sequential analysis to evaluate evidence sufficiency.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Five systematic reviews encompassing 27 unique primary studies with 2,156 participants were included. The pooled random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57–0.89; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 43.4%). Trial sequential analysis revealed that the cumulative Z-curve crossed monitoring boundaries at 75% of the required information size, confirming evidence sufficiency. The Corrected Covered Area was 20.4%, indicating moderate overlap between meta-analyses.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>AAIs are associated with clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms among older adults. Trial sequential analysis confirms that sufficient evidence exists to support this conclusion. AAIs represent a valuable, low-risk, patient-centered complement to conventional depression treatments in geriatric care.</p><h3>PROSPERO registration</h3><p>[CRD420251250448]</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7720,"journal":{"name":"Aging Clinical and Experimental Research","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40520-026-03454-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148387211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Needs, resources, and barriers among family caregivers of people with dementia: a qualitative study","authors":"Chiara Milani,&nbsp;Claudia Biagi,&nbsp;Claudia Rosi,&nbsp;Rachele Mei,&nbsp;Fiorenza Wetzell Cabrera,&nbsp;Diletta Buresta,&nbsp;Marco Del Riccio,&nbsp;Riccardo Barucci,&nbsp;Enrico Benvenuti,&nbsp;Lorenzo Baggiani,&nbsp;Giulia Naldini,&nbsp;Chiara Lorini,&nbsp;Guglielmo Bonaccorsi","doi":"10.1007/s40520-026-03436-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40520-026-03436-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Dementia poses major challenges for public health and care systems, with family caregivers serving as the primary source of support.</p><h3>Aims</h3><p>This study explored the perceived needs, resources, and meanings attributed to the caregiving experience by family caregivers of people with dementia in a community-based setting.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using individual semi-structured interviews at a community health center. Sociodemographic and care-related information was collected, and four standardized questionnaires were administered for descriptive contextual purposes only. Qualitative data were analysed thematically with a two-phase approach, starting from an existing framework on meaning-making and using a secondary categorization for defining a conceptual model of barriers and resources.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Twenty-five caregivers participated in the study. Levels of psychological distress and caregiver burden indicated emotional strain. Qualitative analysis identified three main themes and seven subthemes: (1) Complicated demands and healthcare interactions, including management of complex care needs and interaction with services; (2) Familial and relational dynamics, encompassing changes in family and social relationships, and shifts in reciprocity and role redefinition; and (3) Coping strategies and identity transformation, involving care as a source of personal meaning, sense of caregiving competence, and personal transformation. A conceptual model highlighted interconnected barriers and resources across individual, relational, and structural levels. </p><h3>Discussion</h3><p>The identified themes advance understanding of caregivers’ lived experiences and the interplay between individual, relational, and structural factors. </p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The study highlights the importance of considering caregivers’ coping strategies, health literacy, and resources through dedicated community-based interventions aimed at promoting their well-being and enhancing dementia care sustainability.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7720,"journal":{"name":"Aging Clinical and Experimental Research","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40520-026-03436-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148374139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Driving the future of geriatric and musculoskeletal medicine—the continuing ascent of ACER","authors":"Nicola Veronese,&nbsp;Jean-Yves Reginster","doi":"10.1007/s40520-026-03453-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40520-026-03453-w","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7720,"journal":{"name":"Aging Clinical and Experimental Research","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40520-026-03453-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148350450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}