Epidemiology of fractures during COVID-19 pandemic: a short review

Summary Introduction and purpose: The purpose od this study is to describe changes in epidemiological trends of fractures, especially osteoporotic fractures, during COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, fractures in the young population were more frequent than in elderly population, because of more active lifestyle. A brief description of the state of knowledge: COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has effectively reduced people’s mobility and ability to travel. This has resulted in lowered rate of traumatogenic incidents that cause fractures, including traffic accidents and accidents during performing sport. When people spend more time at their homes, incidence of household fractures is growing, especially in elderly population. Osteoporosis makes bones of elderly people more suspectible to fracture. Majority of drugs used in treatmen for osteoporosis are said not to interact with risk or severity of COVID-19 infection. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, geriatric fractures have become one of the severe problems for healthcare systems. Isolation at people’s homes has resulted in increased rate of fractures occuring at home, especially in elderly population. Difficulties caused by pandemic made rates of properly performed osteoporotic treatment lower, increasing risk of fractures even more. Mortality after fractures has risen even in patients with negative result of testing for COVID-19

Impact of physical activity on incidence of osteoporotic fractures - a review

Introduction and purpose: The purpose od this study is to describe influence of participating in sporting activities on health of the bones. Osteoporosis is a disease of elderly people in which bone mineral density lowers. Physical activity was reported to increase bone mineral density.A brief description of the state of knowledge: Better physical performance is a positive factor that lowers the possibility of fracturing the bones of the elderly. Another factor that plays protective role is lean body mass and development of muscles. Training in young age can help to increase the bone mineral density, but the effect ceases with the passing of time, being much lower after decades. Multiple genes have impact on bone mineral density of the individual. Professional athletes have usually higher bone mineral density, but accumulation of microdamage in their bones can result in stress fractures. Training in elderly age is proven to increase bone mineral density of an individual, especially performing weight-bearing sports.Conclusions: Physical activity has been proven to positively affect health in many ways. One of them is strengthening the bones by increasing bone mineral density. As it increases, the possibility to break the bone lowers, which makes it an effective way to support the fight against the osteoporosis. It is especially important for women, who are more susceptible to osteoporotic fractures in post-menopausal age

Therapeutic strategy in the form of communication in the children with the autism spectrum disorders - narrative review

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by a number of genetic and environmental factors. It is characterized by a broad range of symptoms, particularly in the areas of communication and language, which pose a therapeutic challenge for both parents and therapists.   This article, based on a review of available studies on PubMed, presents therapeutic methods based on functional communication strategies and ways to implement them as a form of treatment for children with the autism spectrum disorders.   The major goals of ASD treatment are socialization and communication skills improvement and current treatments are not based on pharmacological therapies, but on behavioral therapies. Through appropriate speech development and practical communication strategies that are based on techniques like motivating the child to create eye contact with an adult, it is possible to realize the development of proper communication. These strategies are a form of therapy and allow for the improvement of the child's communication on multiple levels and shaping the social attitudes. Incorporating suitable therapeutic communication techniques enables the development and enhancement of social skills in children with autism spectrum disorders. Children with ASD benefit from appropriate communication because it helps them communicate their needs, understand the social norms, and improve their quality of life

Combination of psycho- and pharmacotherapy as a modern method of treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease of the brain, caused by the deposition of beta-amyloid and tau protein. It is characterized by progressive memory and behavior disorders which, over time, completely prevent the patient from functioning properly in everyday life, performing work and disrupting social contacts. Communication problems arise and patients forget more and more words. Unfortunately, we are not able to completely stop the progression of this disease, but we can only delay its development. To delay the progression of the disease, pharmacotherapy includes acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. Matherials and methods: This article, based on a PubMed review of available research, examines the impact of rivastigmine, donepezil, memantine and psychotherapy on delaying disease progression. Results: A number of studies have investigated the effect of 6-12 milligrams of rivastigmine, 10 milligrams of donepezil and 20 milligrams of memantine on patients' ability to communicate. The results were checked using the MMSE, ADAS or SIB scales and interviews conducted regularly by clinicians. In addition, patients were subjected to various forms of psychotherapy, including reminiscence therapy and cognitive therapy. All groups experienced significantly less deterioration in their functional stage of disease compared to the placebo groups. Conclusions: The best results in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease can be obtained by combining pharmacological therapy with non-pharmacological effects. Thanks to this form of treatment, the progression of the disease is delayed, and patients retain their communication abilities for longer