Articles tagged with Gerontology
The LifeAfter90 study found that women 90 and older are at two-fold greater risk for dementia, while Black participants have a 75% greater risk than Asian participants. APOE2's protective effects continue past age 90, reducing risk by 60%, but APOE4 increases the risk among men and Black participants.
The Gerontological Society of America appreciates Senate appropriators' efforts to ensure federal grant funding is administered consistently with congressional intent. This decision delays implementation of a proposed rule that would place political appointees in charge of approving federal grants, affecting 42 federal agencies.
A new combination therapy selectively targets cancer cells and senescent cells by exploiting metabolic vulnerabilities, improving physical performance and extending lifespan. The treatment eliminates senescent cells, reduces cancer cell viability and improves metabolic profiles in aged mice.
A UC Irvine psychologist is using a massive longitudinal dataset to investigate how daily social connections shape our bodies and minds over time. The researcher aims to understand the 'ripple effect' of small, everyday moments on long-term health outcomes.
The article proposes a healthspan-focused framework for Italy's National Health Service to promote healthy aging, prevent chronic diseases, and improve functional independence. The framework emphasizes prevention-oriented approaches, personalized healthcare, and multidisciplinary research.
A new study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University highlights a significant disconnect between those who use AI health tools and those who create and fund them. The study reveals that key stakeholders have fundamentally different definitions of value, usability, and cost, creating systemic barriers to technology adoption.
Researchers found that long-term systemic treatment with senolytic PROTAC 753b slowed several features of age-related intervertebral disc degeneration in male mice, preserving extracellular matrix protein aggrecan and reducing inflammatory markers. However, female mice showed little improvement, suggesting a sex-specific response.
Biochar's performance in soil depends on its feedstock, production conditions, interactions with microorganisms, and aging processes. Practical measurements are needed to assess its functionality.
Researchers at Kyushu University identified a molecule that strengthens hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a key muscle-repair signal. The compound, lipoic acid trisulfide (LASSS), enhances HGF's binding affinity for satellite cells, restoring its ability to repair muscle fibers and counteracting age-related muscle loss.
Researchers have identified transmembrane 4 L six family member 1 (TM4SF1) as a highly selective surface marker of senescent β-cells in both mice and humans. This discovery provides an important step toward developing targeted senotherapies that could preserve insulin secretion and slow the progression of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that preserving peroxisomes preserves mitochondrial health during aging by maintaining long, interconnected mitochondrial networks and reducing oxidative stress. The study identifies peroxisome homeostasis as a promising area for future aging research.
Researchers found that females with live offspring had lower late-life frailty, contradicting previous theories on a potential reproductive cost. The study used companion dogs to investigate the relationship between reproduction and aging, revealing a unique link between parity and robustness.
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC identified a hormone produced by the thymus that keeps inflammation under control. As we age, levels of this hormone decrease, allowing diseases like cancer to progress. Increasing this hormone improved cancer survival and made immunotherapy more effective in older mice.
Researchers found that tissue-resident macrophages, responsible for clearing senescent cells, become dysfunctional with age, leading to chronic inflammation and organ damage. Blocking a specific receptor on these cells preserved youthfulness of multiple organs in mice.
Researchers discovered that senescent cells accumulate high levels of triacylglycerols and increase glycolytic activity, leading to increased lipid droplet accumulation. This finding suggests that lipid droplets may contribute to the harmful effects of senescent microglia in Alzheimer’s disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that older adults who undergo high-risk emergency general surgery spend significantly fewer days living independently at home after surgery. The researchers analyzed outcomes for nearly 30,000 individuals aged 66 and older using a patient-centered measure...
A new GSA report emphasizes the critical role of primary care providers in detecting and managing cognitive decline, with a focus on actionable insights for clinicians. The report highlights advances in diagnostic technology and modifiable lifestyle factors linked to brain health outcomes.
A new study reveals that macrophages, a key immune cell type, age differently across tissues and between sexes. The researchers found that aging macrophages become more focused on responding to stress and cellular damage, but lose some molecular programs involved in maintaining healthy tissue structure.
A new study found that simple weekly electronic symptom check-ins with care teams significantly improves the quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. The benefits were notable among patient groups that historically faced barriers to care, including Black patients and those with less formal education.
Sarcopenia affects over 60% of individuals above age 80 and is influenced by distinct biological mechanisms in women and men. Hormones like apelin, insulin, and oxytocin play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skeletal muscle, with sex-specific differences affecting muscle aging and disease progression.
The Gerontological Society of America has named 50 new fellows for their outstanding contributions to the field of gerontology. The fellows, chosen from across GSA's membership groups, represent diverse activities including research, teaching, and public service.
The Gerontological Society of America honors researchers, leaders, and mentors who have made significant contributions to the field of aging. This year's awardees include Heather M. Young, Jeffrey M. Hausdorff, and Briana Mezuk, among others. Their work has been recognized for its excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Cellular senescence is a stable form of cell-cycle arrest induced by intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. The review highlights the importance of understanding how different initiating events shape distinct senescent cell phenotypes, contributing to chronic inflammation, tissue dysfunction, cancer, and age-related diseases.
Researchers found that ZIP9 deletion in mice led to premature death, spatial memory deficits, and reduced cognitive flexibility, with significant changes in PSD95, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels. The study suggests a brain–gut–key molecule network connecting cognitive function, gut microbiota, and lipid metabolism.
A comprehensive systematic review clarifies life expectancy across rare progeria disorders, revealing striking differences among subtypes. The analysis demonstrates that patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome have a median survival of 16 years, while those with mandibuloacral dysplasia type B have a median survival of 37 ye...
A new review investigates the impact of aging, stress, and behavior on endocrine dysfunctions in nonhuman primates. The study finds that older monkeys with depression-like behavior exhibit impaired regulation of stress responses and thyroid function, leading to increased disease risk.
Recent research suggests that senescence often limits stem cell activity in normal tissues but can also promote tumor progression in cancer. Understanding the dynamic interplay between these two biological processes is crucial for developing safer regenerative therapies and more effective cancer treatments.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that Japan's Location Optimization Plan can lead to higher care burdens in small municipalities. Small cities with populations under 50,000 saw increased Long-Term Care Insurance certification counts after adopting the policy, indicating rising service demands.
Researchers found that a 12-week lifestyle program combining exercise guidance, dietary counseling, and daily yogurt consumption significantly slowed DunedinPACE, an epigenetic measure of biological aging. The intervention resulted in a modest but statistically significant slowing of the pace of aging, corresponding to a 2.2% reduction.
The GSA has released a new online version of the KAER Toolkit, providing practical tools to integrate evidence-based obesity care into routine practice. The toolkit emphasizes treating obesity as a chronic disease and includes strategies for managing older adults using medications.
A new study reveals that p38MAP kinase plays a central role in regulating senescence-related changes in human muscle cells. The researchers developed a human cell-based model to investigate how senescence develops in skeletal muscle cells and identified a signaling pathway that appears to drive aging in mature muscle fibers.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that a low-protein, amino acid-supplemented 'longevity diet' improved cardiometabolic markers and reduced frailty and fat mass in mice. The diet was associated with longer healthy lifespan and better metabolic health in both mice and humans.
A Hiroshima University study finds that practical digital skills, positive financial attitudes, and self-protection are more consistently associated with lower old-age anxiety than traditional financial knowledge alone. The study suggests that financial education may need to move beyond knowledge alone in the digital age.
A new poll shows nearly all Michiganders age 50 and over value keeping their brains healthy, but less than half know daily habits can reduce dementia risk. Only half practice key brain-protecting habits.
A new study found that childhood adversity, especially forced childhood migration, is associated with higher cardiometabolic risk and accelerated biological aging in later life. Forced migration was linked to elevated diabetes risk, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, as well as signs of accelerated biological aging.
A nationwide population-based study found that individuals with neovascular age-related macular degeneration had a modest but statistically significant increase in overall cancer risk. However, the increased risk was only observed for specific malignancies, including thyroid, kidney, and prostate cancers.
A new review suggests that ageing results from overlapping changes occurring simultaneously at many levels of biological organization. This approach is reflected in the concept of the 'hallmarks of ageing', which are interconnected biological characteristics and processes consistently associated with aging.
A partnership between the National Center and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging is bridging the gap for senior community centers by creating evidence-based communication strategies. The research was informed by input from a representative sample of Pennsylvania residents, highlighting the importance of senior community centers as vi...
The report highlights the clinical, emotional, and societal impact of psychosis in individuals living with Alzheimer's disease. Nonpharmacologic strategies are recommended to identify triggers and tailor interventions, with pharmacologic options considered when behavioral strategies are insufficient.
A new study by Stanford Medicine investigators found that biological age of organs can predict disease risk and longevity. The researchers used a blood-based indicator to assess the age of 11 organ systems, including brain, heart, and lungs, and found strong associations between these ages and various diseases.
The Gerontological Society of America has renewed funding for the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program, which has produced over 900 news stories since its inception in 2010. The program aims to educate journalists about aging issues and disseminate information on scientific findings, policy debates, and innovations.
The Global Conference on Gerophysics brought together researchers from various disciplines to develop predictive models of aging. Key findings include the application of physical principles, such as thermodynamics and network theory, to biological systems. The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration between theory and ex...
A new study reveals substantial differences in gene expression patterns between aging mouse and human skeletal muscle. Fewer than 5% of biological pathways show shared changes, emphasizing the need for cross-species targets in aging research.
Delirium is a common and preventable complication in older surgical patients, with verified geriatric surgery programs screening nearly every patient. Non-accredited hospitals screen only half of their patients for delirium, leading to a stark gap in care.
BIO-VITAL brings together leading scientists in aging biology to support industry partners evaluating novel gerotherapeutics. The program combines Einstein's decades of leadership in aging research with specialized research cores, proprietary models, and translational capabilities.
A pilot study of the Participant Engagement Portal (PEP) tool shows that 84% of participants had a positive experience, with high usability and satisfaction rates. PEP facilitates two-way communication between patients and clinicians, allowing for self-reporting of social risk factors and future research opportunities.
A recent study found that melanoma disproportionately affects Florida's senior population, with older men experiencing twice as many skin cancer-related deaths as women. The study highlights gaps in prevention and early detection, particularly among men and non-Hispanic populations.
A large Japanese study found that maintaining a healthier profile with lower lifestyle and health risks can significantly lower dementia risk in people with one or no APOE ε4 alleles. However, individuals carrying two APOE ε4 alleles may require different preventive or therapeutic approaches.
Cellular senescence has emerged as a key biological process linked to aging and age-related disease. Researchers have identified major features of senescence, including stable proliferative arrest and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which can influence inflammation and tissue dysfunction.
Researchers found that senescent myoblasts released EVs carrying specific miRNAs that impaired normal muscle cell development and triggered cellular stress responses in healthy muscle cells. The study suggests that extracellular vesicles may play a role in shaping the aging muscle environment.
LGBTQ+ adults over 50 face disparities in health care, mental health, and social connections compared to non-LGBTQ+ peers. They are more likely to experience discrimination and feel isolated from others.
A new study found that DNA methylation aging biomarkers, such as GrimAge2 and DunedinPoAm, significantly mediate the relationship between social disadvantage and mortality risk. The findings suggest that epigenetic aging measures capture the cumulative effects of multiple social and environmental stressors.
Researchers found that structured lifestyle programs with coaching and accountability can reduce frailty in older adults by promoting healthy habits. The two-year US POINTER trial showed significant improvements in overall health and frailty scores among participants who followed the structured program.
A new study found that handwriting speed and stroke organization can be indicative of cognitive decline in older adults. The research used digital tools to record writing speed and number of strokes in complex tasks, and found that participants with cognitive impairment showed distinct patterns in their handwriting movements.
The editorial highlights the growing importance of public health interventions to extend healthspan alongside lifespan. Key findings include the need for integrated strategies addressing environmental, metabolic, social, and behavioral exposures that accelerate biological aging and increase vulnerability to chronic disease. The authors...
A new study suggests that an earlier first sexual intercourse may be associated with a less favorable multidimensional aging profile, including shorter longevity and higher frailty. The researchers found that genetic differences in early sexual debut were linked to poorer health outcomes later in life.
The study found that methylene blue significantly enhanced stem cell proliferation and viability while reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species. MB also increased activation of β-catenin signaling, a central pathway involved in hair follicle regeneration, stem cell maintenance, and wound repair.
Dr. Lauren B. Gerlach has made significant contributions to health services and aging research, particularly in the area of medication safety and prescribing practices for older adults with dementia. Her work aims to support safer, more person-centered care.
New review highlights emerging complexity of senescent cell populations playing both protective and harmful roles in aging. Precision geroprotection aims to selectively eliminate maladaptive senescent cells while preserving beneficial ones.
Research suggests that aging immune systems compromise the body's ability to control Mycobacterium tuberculosis during treatment with rifampicin and isoniazid. The study identified age-associated immune abnormalities linked to impaired bacterial clearance, including chronic inflammatory signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction.