A Randomized Controlled Trial to Examine the Effect of 2-Year Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Supplementation on Physical Performance, Strength, and Falling: Additional Findings from the B-PROOF Study

Elevated homocysteine concentrations are associated with a decline in physical function in elderly persons. Homocysteine-lowering therapy may slow down this decline. This study aimed to examine the effect of a 2-year intervention of vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation on physical performance, handgrip strength, and risk of falling in elderly subjects in a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Participants aged ≥65 years with elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations [12–50 µmol/L (n = 2919)] were randomly assigned to daily supplementation of 500 µg vitamin B12, 400 µg folic acid, and 600 I

Low vitamin D status is associated with more depressive symptoms in Dutch older adults

Purpose: The existence of vitamin D receptors in the brain points to a possible role of vitamin D in brain function. We examined the association of vitamin D status and vitamin D-related genetic make-up with depressive symptoms amongst 2839 Dutch older adults aged ≥65 years. Methods: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured, and five ‘vitamin D-related genes’ were selected. Depressive symptoms were measured with the 15-point Geriatric Depression Scale. Results were expressed as the relative risk of the score of depressive symptoms by quartiles of 25(OH)D concentration or number of affected alleles, using the lowest quartile or minor allele group as reference. Results: A clear cross-sectional and pr

Effect of Vitamin B<inf>12</inf> and Folic Acid Supplementation on Bone Mineral Density and Quantitative Ultrasound Parameters in Older People with an Elevated Plasma Homocysteine Level: B-PROOF, a Randomized Controlled Trial

High plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels are associated with increased osteoporotic fracture incidence. However, the mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the effect of Hcy-lowering vitamin B12 and folic acid treatment on bone mineral density (BMD) and calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included participants aged ≥65 years with plasma Hcy levels between 12 and 50 µmol/L. The intervention comprised 2-year supplementation with either a combination of 500 µg B12, 400 µg folic acid, and 600 IU vitamin D or placebo with 600 IU vitamin D only. In total, 1111 participants underwent repeated dual-energy X-ray assessment and 1165 participants underwent QUS. Femoral neck (FN) BMD, lumbar spine (LS) BMD, calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and calcaneal speed of sound (SOS) were assessed. After 2 years, FN-BMD and BUA had significantly decreased, while LS-BMD significantly increased (all p 80 years (estimated marginal mean 64.4 dB/MHz for the intervention group and 61.0 dB/MHz for the placebo group, p = 0.04 for difference). In conclusion, this study showed no overall effect of treatment with vitamin B12 and folic acid on BMD or QUS parameters in elderly, mildly hyperhomocysteinemic persons, but suggests a small beneficial effect on BUA in persons >80 years who were compliant in taking the supplement

Rationale and design of the B-PROOF study, a randomized controlled trial on the effect of supplemental intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid on fracture incidence

Background: Osteoporosis is a major health problem, and the economic burden is expected to rise due to an increase in life expectancy throughout the world. Current observational evidence suggests that an elevated homocysteine concentration and poor vitamin B12and folate status are associated with an increased fracture risk. As vitamin B12and folate intake and status play a large role in homocysteine metabolism, it is hypothesized that supplementation with these B-vitamins will reduce fracture incidence in elderly people with an elevated homocysteine concentration. Methods/Design. The B-PROOF (B-Vitamins for the PRevention Of Osteoporotic Fractures) study is a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. The intervention comprises a period of two years, and includes 2919 subjects, aged 65 years and older, independently living or institutionalized, with an elevated homocysteine concentration ( 12 mol/L). One group receives daily a tablet with 500 g vitamin B12and 400 g folic acid and the other group receives a placebo tablet. In both tablets 15 g (600 IU) vitamin D is included. The primary outcome of the study is osteoporotic fractures. Measurements are performed at baseline and after two years and cover bone health

Combating sarcopenia in geriatric rehabilitation patients: study protocol of the EMPOWER-GR observational cohort, sarcopenia awareness survey and randomised controlled feasibility trial

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054950BMJ OPEN12

EuGMS survey on structures of geriatric rehabilitation across Europe

Key summary pointsAim The aim of this study is to provide an overview on structures of geriatric rehabilitation across Europe. Findings We observed major differences among EuGMS member countries with regard to the availability of geriatric rehabilitation and how it was organized. Despite various barriers in most countries, future improvement in geriatric rehabilitation services is anticipated. Message Work now needs to focus on establishing a consensus on what geriatric rehabilitation should look like to further geriatric rehabilitation services in all European countries. Purpose Geriatric rehabilitation provides effective multidisciplinary treatment for older people who show symptoms of relevant and potentially reversible functional decline. The aim of this study is to provide an overview on structures of geriatric rehabilitation across Europe. Methods All European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Full board members, each representing one member state of the society, were asked to complete an online questionnaire about the current structure of geriatric rehabilitation in their country. Results Thirty-one out of 33 EuGMS Full Board members participated in this questionnaire. Geriatric rehabilitation was officially recognized in 65% (20/31) of participating countries while 29% (9/31) had no geriatric rehabilitation services in their country. In countries with geriatric rehabilitation, the number of available beds varied widely (0-70/100,000 inhabitants). Average length of stay varied from 7 to 65 days. The estimated mean age of the patients in geriatric rehabilitation was 80 years, with most patients being older than 70 years. Six countries had no specified lower age limit and no country had an upper age limit. 42% (13/31) of countries reported having national or local guidelines and 35% (11/31) had a benchmarking or audit system established. Most participants responded positively about the prospects for improvement in the field. Conclusion We observed major differences among EuGMS member countries with regard to the availability of geriatric rehabilitation and how it was organized. Despite various barriers in most countries, future improvement in geriatric rehabilitation services is anticipated

Sarcopenia, malnutrition and cognition affect physiotherapy frequency during geriatric rehabilitation: RESORT cohort

Background: Physiotherapy (PT) is important to optimize functional recovery in geriatric rehabilitation. The dose of PT received by inpatients during geriatric rehabilitation and the determinants of dose are unknown. Objectives: Describe PT dose in terms of total number of sessions, frequency, duration and type of sessions, and inpatient characteristics determining the frequency of PT in geriatric rehabilitation. Methods: The observational, longitudinal REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) cohort consists of geriatric inpatients undergoing rehabilitation including PT (Melbourne, Australia). Ordinal regression was used to assess the determinants of PT frequency (total number of sessions divided by length of stay in weeks). Malnutrition, frailty and sarcopenia were diagnosed according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria, Clinical Frailty Scale and revised definition of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People respectively. Results: Of the 1890 participants, 1799, median (quartile 1; quartile 3) age 83.4 (77.6; 88.4) years, 56% females received PT and were admitted for at least 5 days. Median total number of PT sessions was 15 (8; 24); median frequency was 5.2 sessions per week (3.0; 7.7); and duration was 27 (22; 34) minutes per session. Higher disease burden, cognitive impairment, delirium, higher anxiety and depression scores, malnutrition, frailty and sarcopenia were associated with a lower PT frequency. Older age, female sex, musculoskeletal reason for admission, greater independence in (instrumental) activities of daily living and handgrip strength were associated with a higher PT frequency. Conclusions: PT frequency varied widely with a median of 1 session per working day. PT frequency was lowest in participants with poorest health characteristics

EuGMS survey on structures of geriatric rehabilitation across Europe

Key summary pointsAim The aim of this study is to provide an overview on structures of geriatric rehabilitation across Europe. Findings We observed major differences among EuGMS member countries with regard to the availability of geriatric rehabilitation and how it was organized. Despite various barriers in most countries, future improvement in geriatric rehabilitation services is anticipated. Message Work now needs to focus on establishing a consensus on what geriatric rehabilitation should look like to further geriatric rehabilitation services in all European countries. Purpose Geriatric rehabilitation provides effective multidisciplinary treatment for older people who show symptoms of relevant and potentially reversible functional decline. The aim of this study is to provide an overview on structures of geriatric rehabilitation across Europe. Methods All European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Full board members, each representing one member state of the society, were asked to complete an online questionnaire about the current structure of geriatric rehabilitation in their country. Results Thirty-one out of 33 EuGMS Full Board members participated in this questionnaire. Geriatric rehabilitation was officially recognized in 65% (20/31) of participating countries while 29% (9/31) had no geriatric rehabilitation services in their country. In countries with geriatric rehabilitation, the number of available beds varied widely (0-70/100,000 inhabitants). Average length of stay varied from 7 to 65 days. The estimated mean age of the patients in geriatric rehabilitation was 80 years, with most patients being older than 70 years. Six countries had no specified lower age limit and no country had an upper age limit. 42% (13/31) of countries reported having national or local guidelines and 35% (11/31) had a benchmarking or audit system established. Most participants responded positively about the prospects for improvement in the field. Conclusion We observed major differences among EuGMS member countries with regard to the availability of geriatric rehabilitation and how it was organized. Despite various barriers in most countries, future improvement in geriatric rehabilitation services is anticipated