Articles tagged with Gerontology
Researchers found significant regional differences in LTC spending, driven by factors such as population demographics and disability classification. Preventive measures may help reduce costs by reducing the need for long-term care.
A UCL-led study found that grandparents who stopped looking after their grandchildren during the Covid-19 pandemic were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. The study also found that reduced grandparental childcare provision was linked to lower life satisfaction and quality of life among grandparents.
Edward Chouchani, PhD, and Ömer Yilmaz, MD, PhD, will use the BIG Award to investigate redox active metabolites' role in longevity and age, and their impact on intestinal stem cells. Their research may lead to new therapeutics targeting human aging and healthspan.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program has selected 16 new fellows to produce in-depth aging-focused stories or series in 2023. The projects span concerns such as the financial burden of breast cancer, mental-health challenges of long COVID, and issues facing LGBTQ+ older adults.
The fasting-mimicking diet reduced Alzheimer's pathology in mice, including amyloid beta and tau protein levels, and showed less brain inflammation. Mice on the diet also performed better on cognitive tests, with some showing improved performance comparable to non-Alzheimer's mice.
A recent study published in Aging-US found that feeling lonely, unhappy, or hopeless increases one's biological age more than smoking. The research used digital models of aging to analyze the effects of various factors on aging rates, revealing a significant correlation between mental health and accelerated aging.
A collaborative home-based palliative care model has been shown to improve health care outcomes for adults with chronic heart failure. The study found that patients who received this care were less likely to die in the hospital and more likely to die at home compared to those who received usual care.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have received $19.3 million in NIH grants to map senescent cells and develop senolytic drugs. The project aims to create a 4D atlas of human senescent cells and advance knowledge on how to use senolytics to improve human health.
A new study has found associations between plasma miRNAs and cognitive function among cognitively normal men, including those with higher MMSE scores and slower rates of cognitive decline. These findings suggest that extracellular microRNAs may play a role in the early stages of cognitive decline.
A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that daily multivitamin-mineral supplementation resulted in statistically significant cognitive improvement in older adults. The researchers estimated that three years of multivitamin supplementation roughly translated to a 60% slowing of cognitive decline.
Researchers found that mTOR inhibition is crucial for p53-mediated tumor suppression, delaying cancer and increasing lifespan. In the absence of mTOR inhibition, cancer-promoting senescent cells drive tumor growth.
Researchers found that combining BCL-2 inhibitors can selectively eliminate senescent cells, improving efficacy and reducing toxicity by targeting high-MCL-1 expressing subpopulation of cells. This synergistic approach enables lower doses of drugs to be used, overcoming resistance to monotherapy.
A combination of anemia and weak muscles in older people increases the risk of death by 64% for men and 117% for women. The two conditions together pose a significant risk, especially for elderly women, according to a study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.
A recent study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that higher levels of light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with lower risk of death. In contrast, higher sedentary time was linked to increased mortality risk, regardless of genetic predisposition for longevity.
A study led by University College London found that poor heart health at age 36 predicts a higher brain age later in life, with men having older brains than women of the same age. The research used machine learning to estimate brain age from MRI scans and found an association between brain age and increased brain shrinkage over time.
A study of 350 older adults found that those with multiple chronic health conditions, especially women, are more prone to large blood pressure drops and lower brain oxygenation after standing up. This increases their risk of dizziness, faints, and falls, highlighting the importance of detecting and managing multi-morbidity.
A randomized controlled trial found that virtual museum visits significantly improved the health of seniors stuck at home, reducing social isolation and improving well-being, quality of life, and frailty. The study recruited 106 participants aged 65 and older who attended guided tours online once a week for three months.
The new GSA KAER Toolkit provides a framework for primary care teams to address obesity in older adults, focusing on patient-centered care and addressing biases. The toolkit builds on the successful KAER Framework and offers additional resources, including information on getting paid for KAER-based care.
Researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 participants and found no association between electrocardiogram measures and telomere length. The study suggests that ECG prolongation is age-dependent but not a marker of biological aging.
A new scale called the Geriatric Oncology-Potentially Inappropriate Medications (GO-PIMs) Scale was found to be more effective at predicting frailty than conventional methods. The scale identifies high-risk medications linked to falls and fatigue, allowing oncology teams to deprescribe them and improve patients' overall health.
A new study found that HIV-1 Tat expression accelerates age-related diseases in male mice by disrupting neuroendocrine function. Researchers discovered that Tat alters steroid hormone levels, leading to anxiety-like behavior, cognitive errors, and reduced grip strength.
A study of 1,813 older women found that accelerated biological aging is associated with lower odds of living to be 90 years old and maintaining physical and cognitive function. Slower age acceleration was linked to a reduced risk of mortality.
A cross-sectional study found that the elderly's daily step count and physical activity level are strongly influenced by the number of places they visit, not just their out-of-home time. The researchers suggest that encouraging outings to diverse locations can be a healthier approach than simply going for longer periods.
Nancy R. Hooyman, a renowned gerontologist, has received the 2022 Donald P. Kent Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her outstanding leadership in promoting gerontological education and research.
A study found a link between depression, an inflammatory diet, and the development of frailty. Consuming a pro-inflammatory diet may exacerbate the development of frailty in individuals with depressive symptoms.
Research on Scotland's minimum unit pricing (MUP) policy found that it was associated with larger reductions in consumption among heavier drinkers, but not among women or those who tend to drink less heavily. Consumption actually increased among the heaviest drinking men following MUP introduction.
Researchers found associations between perceived discrimination and epigenetic aging in US middle-aged and older adults. Depressive symptoms were identified as a potential mediator in these relationships, particularly among women and White adults.
Researchers found that CXCL9 levels were higher in pre-fracture blood samples of Chinese men with subsequent hip fractures, improving the prediction of osteoporotic hip fracture risk in men. In contrast, no association was found between CXCL10 and hip fracture risk in either gender.
A study published in CMAJ found that patients who received care from physicians speaking their primary language had shorter hospital stays and fewer falls and infections. Francophones had a 24% lower risk of death, while allophones had a 54% lower risk.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis finds that positive social interactions are associated with a greater sense of purpose in older adults, particularly those who are retired. The study suggests that the quality of relationships and social connections play a significant role in shaping one's sense of purpose.
Researchers challenge the notion that natural selection declines after reproduction is complete. Instead, they propose that older adults play a crucial role in maintaining their fitness through intergenerational transfers of resources and knowledge.
Researchers found that patients who felt younger at hospital admission showed better functional independence at discharge. This effect was seen in both those rehabilitated from osteoporotic fractures and strokes. A younger subjective age is associated with improved rehabilitation outcomes, stronger than chronological age or physical mu...
Researchers identified DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) as a critical factor regulated by histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) in skin aging. Overexpression of HDAC4 rescued cells from senescence, while DDIT4 overexpression reversed changes associated with aging.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that Synapsology, a game-like dual-task exercise, helps maintain or improve cognitive and physical abilities in older adults aged 85-97. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that this cost-effective intervention can have a societal impact.
Menopause is often perceived as a hormone deficiency, but experts argue this can lead to negative expectations. Instead, a more nuanced approach emphasizes the positive aspects of menopause, such as freedom from menstruation and reduced symptoms. Normalizing ageing and celebrating women's strengths can also improve experiences.
A new USC study found that stress accelerates immune aging, leading to a weaker immune system and increased risk of chronic diseases. The study identified lifestyle factors like poor diet and low exercise as contributing to accelerated immune aging, while CMV vaccination may be a potential intervention.
A recent study found that older adults in later-born generations are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions than prior generations. This trend may lead to increased strain on the well-being of older adults and medical insurance systems, particularly as the US population ages. The researchers suggest that sociodemographi...
A UNLV study analyzed nearly 30,000 broken bone cases and found that smoking increases the risk of breaking a bone by as much as 37%. The study also found that men are more likely to experience fractures, particularly in the wrists, spine, and shoulders, due to nicotine's negative impact on bone cells and calcium absorption.
A straightforward questionnaire, called the Attentional Failure during Driving Questionnaire (AFDQ), has been developed to assess older drivers' ability to drive safely. The study found that repeated attentional challenges were a key predictor of crashes among older drivers.
The U.S. continues to lag behind other developed countries in terms of health outcomes, with higher rates of chronic disease and disability. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, widening the gap in life expectancy between the U.S. and its peer nations.
Researchers at Kobe University and Hiroshima University have developed a biomarker that can diagnose Parkinson's disease from blood serum samples. The 'P450 inhibition assay' uses 12 different human P450s to detect changes in metabolites, allowing for accurate diagnosis with an accuracy rate of 85-88%. This breakthrough could lead to f...
The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) has provided insights into the trajectory of late-life functioning, accommodation needs, and consequences of disability for individuals, families, and society. The study's findings have implications for reducing disability and enhancing quality of life for older Americans.
A study of middle-aged women approaching menopause found increased body fat, particularly in the waist area, but those with healthier lifestyles had lower fat mass. The research suggests that maintaining physical activity and a balanced diet during this life stage may help protect against health risks associated with increased adiposity.
The article proposes a new framework for understanding the hallmarks of cancer and aging, highlighting their shared underlying principles. Dr. Blagosklonny's hyperfunction theory arranges these hallmarks in a hierarchical structure, revealing common signaling pathways involved in both aging and cancer.
Researchers found that polypharmacy and sedative drugs are associated with an increased risk of long-term care needs certification among older adults. The study highlights the need for public health initiatives to reduce high-risk prescribing practices, which may lead to a decrease in disability risk.
A global team of experts proposes a new approach to elevate health and well-being by optimizing late-life brain capital. The model highlights the importance of preserving social connection and cognitive function in preventing elder mistreatment.
A recent study found that 70% of adults with stage 3 or 4 cancer were at risk of drug-drug interactions, highlighting the importance of deprescribing medications to avoid harm. The study's results emphasize the need for education and problem-solving to address polypharmacy in older adults with cancer.
Dr. Blagosklonny discusses the potential of combining rapamycin with other modalities to live long enough to benefit from future discoveries in cellular reprogramming. He emphasizes that Altos Labs needs to develop rapamycin-based drug combinations to achieve additional decades of life extension, potentially within 3-5 years.
Scientists have found that transplanting faecal microbiota from young mice into old mice can reverse hallmarks of ageing in the gut, eyes, and brain. The study suggests that gut microbes play a role in regulating some of the detrimental effects of ageing, offering a potential solution in the form of gut microbe replacement therapy.
A Brazilian study analyzing data from 3,875 elderly men and women found that weak muscles combined with abdominal obesity can indicate an early sign of functional decline. The study suggests that monitoring simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, walking short distances may help identify this condition.
A multi-pillar approach to nutrition can help increase lifespan by promoting optimal carbohydrate intake from non-refined sources, low but sufficient protein from plant-based sources, and enough plant-based fats. The 'longevity diet' may also involve intermittent fasting and a 5-day cycle of a fasting or fasting-mimicking diet every 3-...
A recent study found racial and ethnic disparities in health insurance coverage among Black and Hispanic adults aged 60-64, compared to white adults. The research suggests that policy reforms could help reduce these disparities.
A recent study found that children's socioemotional behavior at age 8 can predict midlife health behaviors, including physical activity and alcohol consumption. Well-controlled behavior in girls was linked to more physical activity, while social activity in both boys and girls predicted heavier drinking and smoking.
A recent study published in Gerontology found that jaw-opening force can be used as an index for swallowing difficulties in older adults. Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered that individuals with higher jaw strength are less likely to experience dysphagia.
A new poll by the National Poll on Healthy Aging finds that many older adults are not prepared for aging in place, despite wanting to live independently. The poll highlights the importance of planning for home modifications and social support, particularly for those without family members to care for them.
Professor Antonio Cherubini has made significant contributions to the field of geriatric medicine and musculoskeletal diseases. He is recognized for his work on aging, bone health, and age-related diseases.
The Journal of Gerontology presents new data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), which explores key social and physical measures among community-dwelling older adults. The study reveals age and gender differences in social health indicators and associates resilience with health outcomes.
Research from the University of Georgia shows that physical activity can improve cognitive function and brain networks in older adults. Regular movement can help maintain executive function and independence as people age.
Researchers at the Salk Institute successfully reversed aging signs in middle-aged and elderly mice using a cellular rejuvenation approach. The treatment, which involves reprogramming cells with four specific molecules, restored youthful epigenetic patterns and improved tissue function without increasing cancer risk.
The Reframing Aging Initiative aims to improve communication about aging by promoting a shift in perspective from disease-focused to health-promoting. The new video emphasizes the importance of person-centered care and empowerment for older adults.