Articles tagged with Gerontology
A large study found that mental resilience is associated with a lower risk of death in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and found that those with higher levels of resilience were 20-38% less likely to die than those with lower levels.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded fellowships to 14 journalists to produce in-depth, aging-focused stories. The new fellows will have access to the latest aging research and expert attendees at the GSA 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting.
A study at UFSCar found that remote testing can be reliable for functional mobility and muscle strength, especially for those with dementia. This new methodology enables more frequent health sessions and better patient tracking.
Researchers studied the association of 12 immune cell types with epigenetic age acceleration in healthy and diseased populations. Their work sheds light on the complex interplay between immune cell composition and epigenetic aging.
A new USC study led by Caleb Finch shows how feeding mice the drug GSM-15606 provided protection against air pollution-related increases in proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. The results indicate that GSM-15606 may one day have a role as a preventive measure against Alzheimer's in people living with air pollution.
A new study found significant improvements in aerobic fitness after 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training sessions compared to traditional, moderate exercise. Researchers suggest this time-efficient approach can be safely and effectively implemented in clinical practice for stroke survivors.
Researchers discovered a monthly treatment that extended the lives of mice by 9%, allowing them to live healthier for longer periods. The treated mice retained their physical function and overall frailty until the end of their lives, unlike controls, which showed significant declines in health.
Researchers found that osteoporosis is independently associated with rapid leukocyte telomere length shortening over a 2-year period. A total of 233 subjects were enrolled in the study, and multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that only osteoporosis was significantly linked to LTL shortening.
A new study found no racial or ethnic disparities in prior authorization outcomes for Black and Hispanic patients, but Asian patients had higher rates of approvals compared to White patients. The study analyzed data from 18,041 cancer patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2020.
Researchers developed a formula and assessment tool to calculate fall risks for older adults, considering factors like poor oral and cognitive function. The tool is simple to use and may assist in prevention and follow-up care.
A new study by New York University researchers found that Medicare Advantage plans with high star ratings are less available in counties with higher poverty and unemployment rates. This limited access may further exacerbate existing health disparities and limit federal funds from reaching regions most in need.
Researchers discovered that deactivating IL-11 increases healthy lifespan by 20-25% in mice, with reduced cancer deaths, fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and improved muscle strength. The findings raise the possibility of using anti-IL-11 treatments to study aging in humans.
A research team led by Professor Yow Wei Quin found that implementing cognitive training in a dual-language mode improves the cognitive abilities of older adults. The Dual-Language Intervention in Semantic memory – Computerised (DISC) tool is a game-based application designed to encourage independent play and improve cognitive function.
The RCMAR Annual Meeting focused on transforming diverse aging research through inspiring and mentoring scientists, with current and former RCMAR researchers presenting their findings. The meeting also included professional development sessions for scientists and center leadership teams.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have been awarded a five-year, $27 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to study the connections between heart health and brain health. The study will examine how cardiovascular disease contributes to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) has identified seven strategies to address barriers to quality obesity care for older adults. These strategies emphasize the importance of an interprofessional team approach, long-term contact with registered dietitians and exercise physiologists, and addressing socioeconomic factors.
A new study by Dr. Peter Lichtenberg and his team found that early memory loss is linked to excess spending in older adults. The WALLET Study analyzed bank statements to identify financial behaviors associated with excess spending, providing valuable insights into the intersection of financial risk and cognitive decline.
A systematic review found that community-dwelling older adults are more likely to use wearable monitoring devices if they receive support from healthcare professionals or peers. The interventions that increased awareness and used collaborative goal-setting tools showed the best results.
Recent research reveals that targeting senescent cells as the cause of aging is not accurate. Instead, these cells have positive health impacts and may pose risks if targeted therapeutically.
Telo-seq reveals dynamic mechanisms of telomeres in aging and cancer, providing new insights into their role in health and disease. The breakthrough method determines telomere length and sequence on individual chromosomes.
Dorothee Dormann and Edward Lemke propose a new concept to measure the individual risk of getting age-related diseases by analyzing protein clumps in cells. This 'protein aggregation clock' could help diagnose age-related diseases at early stages or identify people at higher risk.
Research by Osaka Metropolitan University suggests that converting vacant homes in old new towns into healthcare facilities can slow population decline. This urban transformation can enable older adults to remain in their communities, promoting healthy and connected living.
A new WhatsApp-based program has shown significant improvements in treating depression among older adults in Brazil. The Viva Vida program used simple audio messages and images to provide education on depression and behavioral activation, with a 10-point improvement in symptom reduction between intervention and control groups.
The program aims to educate journalists about issues in aging and disseminate information on new scientific findings, policy debates, innovations, and evidence-based solutions. The 2024 cohort will include 15 fellows selected from general-audience media and ethnic or minority media outlets.
A 12-week health education program using videoconferencing software showed improved physical activity and adherence to health advice compared to a control group. The study suggests that videoconferencing can be an effective tool for promoting sustainable behavioral changes among older adults, regardless of location or distance.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology found that a 9-week online stress management intervention program for family caregivers reduced caregiver burden scores by 15%. The program provided education and strategies to manage stress, including self-care techniques like breathing and meditation.
A new study reveals that Black Americans trail white Americans in financial stability, which may impact brain health. The study found that lacking low-cost debt constrains Black Americans' ability to accumulate wealth, leading to lower cognitive function and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Older people experiencing homelessness are at risk of premature death, cognitive impairment, and mobility concerns. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between health, long-term care, public health, and housing to provide adequate shelter policies, age-friendly shelters, and supportive housing models.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that upward social mobility significantly lowers the risk of dementia. The research, led by Osaka University researchers, analyzed data from 9,186 participants aged 65 and over, finding that individuals who experienced upward transitions had a notably lower risk of dementia incidence c...
A study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has found that participants with slower brain aging had a distinct nutrient profile similar to the Mediterranean diet. This profile is characterized by specific fatty acids, antioxidants, and carotenoids that are associated with improved cognitive performance and brain health.
The National Center to Reframe Aging is collaborating with the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging to promote positive attitudes towards aging in Minnesota. The partnership aims to reframe aging issues and increase support for policies and programs that benefit older individuals.
A study by Hiroshima University found that nearly half of older adults participating in social activities experience economic insecurity, which was not linked to physical conditions or social isolation. The research suggests that targeted support could improve their mental health and quality of life.
A study by NTU Singapore and Duke-NUS found that volunteering among older adults in Singapore increases their quality of life through perceived social support. Regular volunteers reported having more control over their lives, leading to a better quality of life.
A recent study found that individuals with a rare condition known as growth hormone receptor deficiency (GHRD) have normal or improved levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors compared to their relatives. This suggests that GHRD may actually protect against cardiovascular disease, contrary to previous speculation.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that understaffed nursing homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to overmedicate residents with antipsychotics. The researchers suggest that increasing staffing levels could help reduce the use of these medications and address the root causes of behavioral issues.
Researchers analyzed language use around ageing to infer wellbeing, discovering 'language markers' that provide insight into healthy aging narratives. The study's findings suggest a new approach to understanding wellbeing in older adults.
Thought leaders, experts, and federal representatives converged at the National Center to Reframe Aging's Summit 2024 to discuss strategies for advancing an equitable story about aging in America. The event highlighted the importance of language in understanding ageism and its impact on individuals and society.
A study from Stockholm University found that the Swedish speed premium policy, introduced in 1980, led to a 26% increase in premature birth rates over six years. However, relaxation of the policy to a 30-month window resulted in an 11% decrease in premature birth rates in subsequent years.
A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found that older adults' functional capacity domains are more closely linked, leading to a collapse in functioning. The researchers suggest that preserving people's functional capacity for as long as possible is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life.
A new study reveals that home-based palliative care pharmacists can improve medication management and enhance communication between patients and their treating teams. This model of care has been proven successful in rural areas, providing relief and comfort to patients, carers, and family members.
Long-term treatment with methylene blue (MB) and mitoquinone (MitoQ) did not alter age-related bone loss in mice. Antioxidant interventions are insufficient to inhibit skeletal aging, suggesting alternative approaches may be needed.
A new GSA publication highlights the importance of nutrition in maintaining healthy brain function and reduces cognitive decline. The Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is shown to improve cognition, with individuals consuming this pattern experiencing better cognitive abilities than those aged...
A new Kaiser Permanente study found that a health coaching intervention successfully reduced sitting time for a group of older adults by just over 30 minutes a day. The study also showed meaningful improvements in blood pressure, comparable to the effect of other interventions focused on physical activity.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation and European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis have issued new guidelines for managing osteoporosis in men. These recommendations cover disease burden, fracture risk assessment, treatment thresholds, and interventions to reduce the substantial morbidity and mortality ass...
A new study published in Stroke found that exposure to artificial, bright outdoor nighttime light may increase the risk of cerebrovascular disease and stroke. The research, which analyzed data from over 28,000 adults living in China, suggests that higher levels of outdoor light pollution at night may be a risk factor for these conditions.
A Photovoice project documented the lives of Seattle-area pet owners experiencing homelessness, revealing the benefits of human-animal bonds on mental and physical health. The study also identified barriers to services and recommendations for improved policies.
Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the effects of APC treatment on AD transgenic mice, revealing alterations in glial cells and upregulated genes associated with AD progression. APC treatment downregulates inflammatory processes and recovers nervous system functions.
A new study has revealed a molecular fingerprint of biological aging, shedding light on why people age differently. The researchers identified 25 metabolites that can reflect biological age, known as the Healthy Aging Metabolic (HAM) Index, which was found to be more accurate than other aging metrics.
West Virginia University researchers introduced a new database showing occupational licensing's impact on the workforce, highlighting how licenses increase cost and time to enter professions, affecting consumers. The database encompasses 50 jobs across all 50 states, providing insights into licensing standards, fees, and requirements.
A study by Texas A&M University found that only 9% of older Americans had been vaccinated against RSV prior to this fall and winter. The study also revealed that men were more likely to be vaccinated than women, and those who were vaccinated had higher levels of concern about the disease.
Researchers discovered that the vitamin D/vitamin D receptor pathway protects enterocytes during aging, reducing ISC proliferation and centrosome amplification. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying healthy aging in Drosophila.
Researchers have defined what a premature aging disease is and developed tools to diagnose progeria patients, allowing them to identify new syndromes. The study also identified correlations between progeroid syndromes and other conditions, providing a significant step forward in understanding premature aging.
Researchers found that 86 patients experienced severe residual paresthesia after spinal surgery, leading to lower satisfaction rates. Patients with pre-surgical pain were more likely to have persistent paresthesia, highlighting the need for treatment strategies for this condition.
A fasting-mimicking diet has been shown to reduce signs of immune system aging, insulin resistance, and liver fat in humans, resulting in a lower biological age. The study found that patients who followed the diet had lower disease risk factors and improved immune function.
A new study by University of Eastern Finland identifies four main drivers for home care worker turnover: mismatch between client needs and available resources, digital systems taking up time, inflexible work demands, and ethical burden. Home care workers seek personal management and consideration of employee and client needs.
A study published in European Geriatric Medicine found that self-monitoring with an accelerometer and feedback significantly improved physical activity among elderly individuals requiring long-term care. The intervention group took more steps, spent less time sitting, and engaged in light physical activity compared to the control group.
The new publication aims to help health care providers detect and address changes in function and cognition that might indicate dementia in an adult with I/DD. It also highlights the need to establish baseline levels of function and cognition for this population to effectively identify changes.
The D-CARE Study successfully enrolled 2,176 racially/ethnically diverse persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and their caregivers, highlighting the importance of adaptable recruitment strategies. The study provides valuable insights into how to better support patients with dementia and their caregivers.
A large-scale analysis of 21 million births in Japan from 1979-2018 found significantly fewer births on weekends and holidays compared to weekdays. High-risk births became more frequent over time, especially on Thursdays and Fridays, highlighting the need for hospitals to plan and minimize risks during these periods.
A new study proposes a framework for standardizing biomarkers of aging, which could help translate them into clinically actionable tools. The framework suggests using multi-omic approaches and considering associations with other health factors to improve predictive performance and reliability.