Top 10 most read in April: low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality in the elderly, social prescribing and non-pharmacological interventions for behavioural disturbances in older patients with dementia

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April sees five new entries in the top 10 most read articles. Reaching number one this month is a systematic review of cohort studies by Ravnskov et al, which investigates the association between low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and mortality in the elderly. Results indicate that high LDL-C is inversely associated with mortality in most people aged over 60, questioning the validity of the cholesterol hypothesis. In light of their results, Ravnskov et al suggest that a re-evaluation of the guidelines recommending pharmacological reduction of LDL-C in the elderly is needed.

Palser et al are in at number three with a qualitative study exploring the views of people with cystic fibrosis, and those close to them, of their first experience of respiratory infection from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Reaching number five is a systematic review assessing the evidence for the effectiveness of social prescribing. Bickerdike at al were not able to measure success or cost effectiveness due to limited detail in the data collected, but found that social prescribing is widely implemented and encouraged.

Also making its way into the top ten is a systematic review and meta-analysis by Whiting et al evaluating the risks and benefits of temporarily discontinuing medications to prevent acute kidney injury. Finally, at number 10 this month is a systematic review of systematic reviews by Abraha et el, which provides an overview of non-pharmacological interventions for behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD). Abraha et el found great variation in how the same treatments are applied and assessed and that conclude that music therapy and behavioural management treatments were effective for reducing BPSD.

Rank Author(s) Title
1 Ravnskov et al. Lack of an association or an inverse association between low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality in the elderly: a systematic review
2 Fenton et al. Systematic review of the association between dietary acid load, alkaline water and cancer
3 Palser et al. Perception of first respiratory infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa by people with cystic fibrosis and those close to them: an online qualitative study
4  Loo et al. Association between neighbourhood walkability and metabolic risk factors influenced by physical activity: a cross-sectional study of adults in Toronto, Canada
5 Bickerdike et al. Social prescribing: less rhetoric and more reality. A systematic review of the evidence
6 Williams et al. Childhood academic ability in relation to cigarette, alcohol and cannabis use from adolescence into early adulthood: Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE)
7 Nguyen et al. Fruit and vegetable consumption and psychological distress: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses based on a large Australian sample
8 Whiting et al.  What are the risks and benefits of temporarily discontinuing medications to prevent acute kidney injury? A systematic review and meta-analysis
9 Hoxha et al. Caesarean sections and for-profit status of hospitals: systematic review and meta-analysis
10 Abraha et al. Systematic review of systematic reviews of non-pharmacological interventions to treat behavioural disturbances in older patients with dementia. The SENATOR-OnTop series

*Most read figures are based on pdf downloads and full text views. Abstract views are excluded.

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