Goat (Capra hircus) is one of the main sources of milk and meat products for human consumption. Goat milk differs from cow and human milk in both composition and nutritional properties. Goat milk and other goat-derived products contain several bioactive compounds that might be useful in patients suffering from a variety of chronic diseases. Several peptides, fats, and oligosaccharides present in goat’s milk can be potentially useful in cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, neurological degeneration, or in promoting intestinal health. They have also shown chemopreventive properties in cancer. In addition, the oligosaccharides present in goat’s milk have immunomodulatory properties, prevent adhesion of pathogenic bacteria, and have prebiotic, probifidogenic effects. Due to its potential health benefits, goat milk is particularly recommended for infants, older adults, and convalescing people. This chapter gives an overview of the biological activities of goat products and the effects of peptides, fats, and oligosaccharides present in goat milk on pathogenic bacteria, as well as their ability to regulate immunological, gastrointestinal, hormonal, and neurological responses in humans.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in a population of older adults living in nursing homes. Furthermore, we also intended to assess the possible association between polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications and cognitive impairment in institutionalized older adults. A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 193 nursing home residents in the district of Viseu, Portugal, between September 2018 and June 2019, with a mean age of 82.4 ± 6.2 years (ranging from 65 to 95 years old); 72.5% (n = 140) were female participants. Major polypharmacy was presented in 80.8% of the study population, who took 7.6 ± 3.3 drugs per day. Using the Beers Criteria, we found that 79.3% took PIMs. There was a positive association between polypharmacy and PIM (p < 0.001), showing that higher medicines intake increased the number of PIMs. Polypharmacy was not associated with the functionality of the older adults to perform activities of daily living, but was associated with cognitive impairment. The older adults with lower scores on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) took more drugs (p = 0.039) and used more PIM (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients taking five or more prescription drugs per day (major polypharmacy) consuming any psychiatric, gastrointestinal or oral antidiabetic agents (regardless of whether they were considered potentially inappropriate or not) had higher odds of displaying cognitive impairment than those who did not (p < 0.05). Older adult residents of the studied nursing homes were potentially affected by polypharmacy and inappropriate polypharmacy. This observation reveals the need to adopt and implement strategies that make drug therapy more adequate and safer for older adults.

Healthy ageing has become one of the most significant challenges in a society with an increasing life expectancy. Older adults have a greater prevalence of chronic disease, with the need for multiple medications to appropriately control these issues. In addition to their health concerns, ageing individuals are prone to loneliness, dependence, and economic issues, which may affect their quality of life. Governments and health professionals worldwide have developed various strategies to promote active and healthy ageing to improve the quality of life of older adults. Pharmacists are highly qualified health professionals, easily accessible to the population, thus playing a pivotal role in medication management. Their proximity to the patient puts them in a unique position to provide education and training to improve therapeutic adherence and identify medication-related problems. This paper aims to address the importance of Portuguese community pharmacists in the medication management of older adults, emphasising their intervention in health promotion, patient education, medication-related problems, deprescription, dose administration aids, and medication review and reconciliation. We also discuss home delivery services and medication management in long-term care facilities.

Background/Objectives: Physical exercise (PE) is essential in promoting health and quality of life and protecting against chronic diseases. Health professionals are identified as key figures in promoting and prescribing PE, yet various factors may impact this during consultations. This study aims to assess Portuguese specialist physicians’ understanding of the importance of PE prescriptions. It will also investigate the approaches they utilize in promoting and prescribing PE, their knowledge of incorporating this practice into their consultations, and the major facilitators or barriers to prescription. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a validated questionnaire distributed via email by the Centre Regional Section of the Portuguese Medical Association to physicians. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In total, 414 responses were collected, with participants representing different medical specialties. The participants were primarily women (62.8%) with a mean age of 49.9 ± 14.9 years. While 85.5% of physicians promoted and prescribed PE, recognizing its cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits, only 24.0% received specific training, and 73.7% were unaware of relevant guidelines. Older male physicians (over 60 years old) expressed more confidence in PE prescriptions, while younger ones were more familiar with electronic prescribing tools. Identified barriers included patient compliance (42.3%), a lack of accessible PE resources (18.4%), and limited consultation time (17.4%). Most physicians (64.4%) relied on oral counseling for prescriptions. Conclusions: Most Portuguese specialist doctors recognize the benefits of PE prescriptions. However, barriers like inadequate training and patient compliance hinder PE implementation. Enhanced training and resources are vital for effectively integrating PE into clinical practice.