Articles tagged with Gerontology
A new AI program, PanEcho, has been developed to interpret echocardiography videos independently, reducing wait times and improving timely medical care. The program demonstrated accuracy in estimating continuous echocardiographic parameters and quantifying left ventricle dimensions and function.
Researchers have created a comprehensive database of protein changes in mice tissues due to aging, providing new insights into age-related diseases. The study reveals proteins that increase with age and improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying aging.
A study of over 4,000 participants found that those with both conditions showed faster memory impairment. The researchers suggest that the combination of joint pain and depressive symptoms can lead to an 'overlap' of information in the brain, causing cognitive decline.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine reveals that having grandchildren and regularly seeing them can have a positive impact on older adults' mental health. Grandparents who care for their grandchildren under 18 or see them frequently are less likely to feel isolated and report better mental health.
Cardiovascular disease death rates increased by 21% for adults aged 25-64 living in rural areas, while urban adults saw a 9% decline between 2010 and 2022. Younger rural adults are particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular mortality due to worsening cardiometabolic health and reduced healthcare access.
The Oklahoma State University men's basketball team participated in an American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR training to learn the correct rate and depth of CPR compressions. This event supports the Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030.
A new University of Michigan study analyzed 2022 data from Michigan Medicare participants to assess the impact of virtual care on low-value care. The study found that high-telehealth-use clinics did not see a rise in unnecessary tests and scans, while some saw a faster drop in these procedures.
The New York Jets and American Heart Association trained representatives from 12 local schools in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) techniques. This partnership aims to improve cardiac emergency outcomes and increase the chances of survival for those experiencing cardiac arrest.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas are using a 7-Tesla MRI machine to study brain structure, function, and cognition across time. The team aims to identify biomarkers for healthy or pathological aging, shedding light on individual differences in brain aging.
Debra Whitman, AARP's global aging expert, will discuss ways to live a healthier and more meaningful second half of life. She'll address topics like brain health, work, caregiving, saving for retirement, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
A new study provides a clear definition of late-life homelessness, which is shaped by age-based structures, social relations, and intersecting forms of oppression. The researchers argue that policy makers and professionals need a comprehensive understanding of this issue to effectively address it.
A Colorado School of Public Health study reveals that gender affirming care patients experience disproportionately high levels of trauma, homelessness, and housing insecurity. Commercial insurance covers most treatments, but access to care varies by region.
A new study found that initial prescriptions of benzodiazepines for older stroke survivors often include excessive doses, posing a risk of dependence, falls, and other harmful effects. Guidelines recommend avoiding benzodiazepine prescriptions if possible, but some cases may require limited use under close monitoring.
The Gerontological Society of America's 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting will take place in Seattle from November 13 to 16. Over 4,000 professionals are expected to attend, with nearly 600 scientific sessions featuring experts sharing groundbreaking aging research.
The Lancet Commission on Investing in Health recommends focusing on 15 priority health conditions to achieve a 50% reduction in premature deaths. Raising taxes on tobacco is key, with estimates suggesting it could reduce mortality rates by more than any other single policy.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that quitting smoking even at 75 can significantly increase life expectancy. The research showed that older individuals who quit smoking can avoid an average loss of 4-9 years of life, with some regaining up to 8 years or more.
Researchers investigate how racism affects development during childhood and adolescence, finding significant increases in epigenetic age acceleration. The study suggests that policies and social regularities may perpetuate discrimination against ethnically and racially minoritized adolescents.
Researchers found high prevalence of frailty in breast cancer and hematopoietic cell transplant survivors, negatively impacting physical functioning and quality of life. The study supports an association between frailty and the senescence marker p16INK4a, highlighting the need for well-designed senolytic trials.
A new epigenetic clock based on cheek cells accurately predicts mortality risk, outperforming previous clocks trained on blood data. The study found that specific methylation sites are linked to human mortality, and future research is needed to identify associations with age-related diseases.
Researchers developed a frailty screening questionnaire that predicts short-term mortality in dogs aged 10 and older. The tool, combined with veterinarian assessments of body and muscle condition, is a simple yet effective predictor of canine frailty.
A study reveals that shrinking Japanese cities are often medium-sized or small, and that urban policies should be tailored to their specific needs. The research found correlations between population changes and social, economic, and urban-planning factors in cities of varying sizes.
A study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society uses wrist-worn voice recorders to collect real-time data on balance loss among community-dwelling older adults. The findings suggest that these recorders can capture the circumstances and context of balance losses more accurately than traditional recall methods.
A new study shows that belonging to age-based groups affects finances and health, with kin-based societies experiencing significant improvements in child nutrition. Researchers analyzed cash transfer programs in East Africa, finding that pension payments to seniors reduced malnourishment by 5.5% in kin-based households.
A new study analyzing 44 years of FBI data reveals that family members are the most common perpetrators of infant and child homicides in the US. The research found a sustained increase in firearm-related homicides among children and adolescents, with Black pediatric victims experiencing disproportionate burdens.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that neighborhoods with poorer redlining scores have higher peak summer temperatures and reduced neighborhood walking time for older adults. However, affluent neighborhoods with more favorable built environments showed reduced walking in extreme heat due to alternative transportation options.
A Singapore University of Technology and Design study identified key factors that influence a neighbourhood's walkability, including pedestrian safety, covered walkways, and opportunities for social interaction. The research aims to aid urban planners in creating people-centric built environments that promote healthier lifestyles.
A new study published in Health Affairs found that the Colorado insulin price cap law resulted in a 40% reduction in out-of-pocket costs for insulin prescriptions. The law, which caps monthly costs at $100 for state-regulated health insurance plans, had the largest impact on children and adults aged 18-34, as well as rural patients.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) has released a new web-based KAER Toolkit for Brain Health, providing practical approaches and validated clinical tools for primary care teams. The toolkit aims to delay cognitive decline by detecting early cognitive changes and connecting individuals with community-based supports.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.