The NIA-funded Memory Impairment Study aims to test two drugs to slow or stop the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive placebo, vitamin E, or donepezil, and the study will be conducted at 65-80 medical research institutions in the US and Canada.
A multidisciplinary team of specialists reduced episodes of delirium by 9.9% compared to standard hospital care, with benefits also seen in improved cognition, mobility, and hearing. The program targeted risk factors such as cognitive impairment, sleep deprivation, and immobility.
Researchers found that DES exposure suppresses a gene crucial for normal reproductive tract development in mice, leading to changes similar to those seen in women exposed to DES before birth. These changes can result in infertility and an increased risk of developing clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina or cervix at a young age.
Researchers developed a new vision test to predict the likelihood of future crashes for individual older adults. Drivers with poor performance on the test, indicating an impaired useful field of view, were more than twice as likely to be involved in a crash within 3 years.
A recent study by 26 National Alzheimer's Disease Centers found that a test for the ApoE E4 form of genetic testing can reduce false positive diagnoses by approximately 30%. The study suggests this tool may be helpful in supplementing clinical diagnoses of dementia, but more research is needed to confirm its universality.
As baby boomers age, their stepchildren and stepgrandchildren may take on increased caregiving responsibilities, expanding the pool of family members who can provide support. The analysis suggests that traditional views of support ratios for retirement and long-term care may need to be reconsidered.
A long-term study found that post-menopausal women who used estrogen replacement therapy performed better on visual memory tests than those who didn't receive treatment. The researchers also found that stable memory performance was maintained by some participants who began ERT during regular visits to the NIA.
A study by Cornell University Medical College researchers suggests that atherosclerosis and some forms of cancer may be linked to a single-cell mutation in the Type II TGF-beta receptor gene. This finding could provide new avenues for understanding cardiovascular disease progression and developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Two studies suggest that caloric restriction in monkeys can lead to increased HDL2B levels, reduced triglycerides, and lower blood pressure, potentially extending life and health. Caloric restriction also slows the age-related decline in DHEA levels, a biomarker of aging.
Researchers found that supplements significantly reduced bone loss and increased bone density in older men, while also reducing the risk of fractures. The study's findings suggest that calcium and vitamin D supplementation can be an effective lifelong strategy for maintaining bone health.
Researchers have identified the daf-2 gene as a potential target for slowing aging in humans. Altering glucose metabolism may be crucial in extending lifespan. By understanding this mechanism, scientists hope to uncover new strategies for promoting healthy aging and increasing human longevity.
A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that brain activity in individuals with Down's syndrome can predict Alzheimer's-like dementia, offering new hope for early detection and intervention. Researchers used PET scans to measure brain activity while subjects were at rest or stimulated by visual stimulation.
A long-term study found that women who used estrogen replacement therapy after menopause had a 50% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted by the National Institute on Aging, suggests that estrogen may play a protective role in warding off the onset of this devastating disease.
A recent study published in Science found that genetic inheritance patterns continue to play a significant role in how people learn and process knowledge in old age. The research, conducted on Swedish twins aged 80+, showed that heritability accounted for 55% of individual differences in cognitive ability.
Researchers found a significant delay in disease progression with selegiline and Vitamin E treatment, particularly among those with moderately severe disease. The drugs showed promise in reducing symptoms, but further studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Researchers found that a lower free-to-total PSA ratio may indicate aggressive prostate cancer. The study suggests this ratio can help doctors distinguish between serious and non-serious cases, leading to better treatment decisions.
Researchers at Duke University found a significant decrease in disability rates among older people in the US between 1982 and 1994, with a relative decline of 14.5%. The number of functional problems also decreased, particularly among those aged 65-74, 75-84, and 85 and older.
A study by scientists at the National Institute on Aging and Johns Hopkins University found that long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research tracked over 1,686 participants for nearly two decades and showed a significant decrease in Alzheimer's risk with longer NSAID use.
Researchers found that people over 85 with severe, sudden disabilities received less intensive hospital care than younger counterparts. This suggests that age-based treatment decisions may be incorrect, and that treating aggressively at the right time could reduce disability.
A recent clinical study found that people with knee osteoarthritis who exercise in moderation experience reduced pain, improved physical performance, and less disability. The Fitness Arthritis and Seniors Trial (FAST) results compared improvement measurements in aerobic and resistance training programs to a health education program.
A new study predicts prostate cancer up to six years earlier than current methods by analyzing the ratio of free to total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a man's blood. The research, published in 1996, showed that men with high total PSA levels may have prostate cancer or benign prostatic hypertrophy.
A clinical trial is underway to study the effects of minocycline on postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The drug has been shown to increase bone mineral density and improve bone strength in laboratory animals, suggesting a promising treatment for the disease.
A group of scientists agreed upon revised criteria to distinguish different forms of Alzheimer's disease. The new guidelines take into account the distribution of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, providing a more accurate diagnosis and aiding researchers in their understanding of the disease.
Research by Dr. Roger Rosenberg and colleagues found that people with one-fourth Cherokee or less ancestry had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential protective genetic effect. The study suggests that ancestry may play a role in delaying the development of the disease after age 65.
A genetically-engineered mouse exhibits both behavioral characteristics of Alzheimer's dementia and protein-derived plaques. The oldest mice had significantly higher levels of A-Beta peptides associated with amyloid plaques, raising questions about the relationship between plaques and behavior.
A new study finds that first and second generation Japanese-American men living in Hawaii have a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease compared to European-ancestry Americans. The study also notes that rates of vascular dementia remain unchanged in this population.
Researchers found a mutant gene in C. elegans that doubles adult lifespan when mutated, suggesting its role in regulating aging. The gene encodes a PI(3)K enzyme, which may trigger a biochemical program leading to decreased aging and senescence.
A study found that aerobic exercise programs improve cardiovascular function in sedentary older people, even those with less reserve mechanisms to augment their heart function. The results suggest that it's never too late to benefit from exercise and improve cardiac fitness, regardless of age or prior physical conditioning.