Longitudinal Studies
Articles tagged with Longitudinal Studies
Breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance among youths
A cross-sectional study found no association between longer breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance in unadjusted models, however, a positive correlation emerged after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Longer breastfeeding durations were more common among low-income families, highlighting the need for continued support.
Loneliness affects memory in older adults but does not accelerate brain decline, major international longitudinal study suggests
A major European study found that loneliness affects the memory of older adults, but does not speed up mental decline over time. Participants who reported high levels of loneliness performed worse on initial memory tests, but their ability to recall information declined at a similar rate as those with lower loneliness levels.
Sleep health dimensions from wearables and transdiagnostic mental health in young adolescents
The study identified six sleep health dimensions in young adolescents: irregularity, timing, duration, social jetlag, weekend oversleep, and continuity. Greater irregularity was associated with higher concurrent transdiagnostic mental health symptoms, while shorter duration was linked to increased symptoms at follow-up.
Discovering the “brain fingerprints” of chronic pain
A team of researchers has developed a method to decode fluctuations in spontaneous pain intensity in individuals with chronic pain using extensively sampled functional MRI data. The study found that neural patterns underlying pain differ markedly between individuals, highlighting the importance of individualized brain-based biomarkers.
Physical activity of adolescents and their parents' mood could be linked
A study by SWPS University researchers found that sedentary lifestyle in adolescents can negatively impact their parents' mental health, leading to symptoms of depression. The study also showed that teenagers spend more time sitting than their parents, highlighting the need for family-based health-promoting interventions.
Substantial ongoing under-diagnosis of high blood pressure in the over 50s in Ireland
A 12-year longitudinal study found that nearly three-quarters of older adults in Ireland have high blood pressure not optimally managed. The study highlights the urgent need to improve recognition and treatment of hypertension, which can cause serious health risks like heart disease and dementia.
What if ADHD risk isn’t fixed at birth, but shaped by how early environments interact with a child’s sensitivity?
A longitudinal study of 125 children found that early environmental factors can predict ADHD, with infants showing high motor activity benefiting from rich home environments. This sensitivity is linked to better cognitive functioning and fewer ADHD symptoms in later childhood.
Identifying injury mechanisms influencing the severity of knee injuries in rugby
A study of 198 male rugby players found that injuries caused by indirect contact had a high incidence and burden, while tackle direction was associated with injury severity. The insights gained can guide targeted prevention programs for knee injuries in rugby.
How to reduce the risk of lymphedema
Researchers found that patients with low physical activity levels are at higher risk of developing lymphedema. The study used a lymph scanner to measure tissue water and identified limits for what is considered lymphedema. Regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of lymphedema after head and neck cancer treatment.
World's largest metabolomic study completed, paving way for predictive medicine
The final set of data on nearly 250 metabolites has been released by UK Biobank, helping researchers predict disease risk and drive treatment strategies for neurological conditions, heart disease, and cancer. The data will also aid in understanding the biological processes that genetic or protein data alone might miss.
Research study suggests speaking more languages might keep you younger
A recent study found that multilingual individuals experience slower biobehavioral aging compared to monolinguals. The study analyzed data from 86,149 participants across Europe and showed that multilingualism is associated with a lower risk of accelerated aging.
Importance of hand dexterity in extending healthy life expectancy
Research on 1,000 older Japanese adults found that declining hand function significantly increases the risk of requiring long-term care. Hand function below a certain threshold was associated with an increased risk, highlighting its importance for daily activities and overall health.
Disrupted sleep in teens identified as suicide risk factor
Researchers identified a link between early adolescence sleep disruption and later suicide attempts. Adolescents who experienced difficulties maintaining and obtaining sufficient sleep were more likely to report a suicide attempt several years later.
Partnerships boost life satisfaction
A new study by researchers in Germany and the UK found that living in a partnership leads to a sustained increase in life satisfaction, with the greatest gain occurring at the transition from singlehood into a relationship. The positive effect lasts for at least two years, regardless of age, sex, income, or education.
Scientists identify four ways our bodies respond to COVID-19 vaccines
A Japanese study has identified four distinct patterns of immune response after COVID-19 vaccines, with a 'rapid-decliner' group experiencing faster decline in antibody levels. Monitoring changes in antibody levels may help identify individuals at greater risk of infection and inform more effective vaccination strategies.
Is your health care provider really listening to you?
A new article by Dr. Leonard Berry of Texas A&M University argues that values-driven listening can improve care and heal the healthcare system. The authors identify six types of listening, including proximate, curious, earning trust, aided by design, empowering, and fostering resilience, which contribute to better care.
A new European study with the participation of GCAT reveals that the combination of urban environmental factors increases asthma risk
A new European study using geolocation technologies and satellite imagery found a clear link between urban conditions and increased asthma risk. The combined impact of urban environmental factors was shown to contribute to up to 11.6% of new cases, emphasizing the importance of health-focused environmental policies.
Protecting childhood mental health after preterm birth: key factors identified
Researchers have identified seven family and social actors linked to better mental health outcomes for preterm children, including self-regulation, strong parent-child relationships, and protection from bullying. These modifiable factors can be altered with interventions, suggesting a broader path to improving outcomes beyond medical i...
Texas A&M launches clinical trial to measure health benefits of ‘agrihood’ living
A new study by Texas A&M University is tracking the health effects of living in an agrihood community, where residents have access to a working farm and green spaces. The study aims to measure changes in physical activity, nutrition, and social connectedness among participants.
Positive life outlook may protect against middle-aged memory loss, 16-year study suggests
A 16-year study of over 10,000 individuals aged 50+ found that those with higher wellbeing were more likely to have better scores on memory tests. The association was independent of depressive symptoms and suggested that psychological factors affect brain health.
NIH researchers conclude that taurine is unlikely to be a good aging biomarker
Researchers found no significant decline in taurine levels with age across humans, monkeys, and mice, suggesting it may not be a reliable marker of aging. Instead, individual physiological contexts shaped by genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors influence its impact.
Sharing of lifespan brain study data expected to light new paths
The University of Texas at Dallas has released a decade-long lifespan brain study dataset, allowing researchers to track brain and cognitive health across adulthood. The dataset provides insights into neurologically healthy paths and potential causes of decline, offering opportunities for global hypothesis testing.
Cycling promotes health and longevity in older adults, especially nondrivers
A long-term follow-up study found that cycling among older adults improves health and life expectancy, particularly among nondrivers, who experience lower risks of long-term care requirements and mortality. Cycling contributes to maintaining physical and mental health, making it a vital lifestyle companion for this demographic.
The effects of smoking, drinking and lack of exercise are felt by the age of 36, new research indicates
Research found that bad habits like smoking, heavy drinking, and lack of exercise can lead to declines in health as young as 36, with effects more pronounced over the long-term. The study tracked hundreds of people for 30 years and found that three unhealthy behaviors were linked to poorer mental and physical health.
Retinal clues to mental health
A recent study by the University of Zurich examined the connection between retinal nerve connections and schizophrenia. The researchers found that individuals with a higher genetic risk for schizophrenia tend to have thinner retinas, which can be detected using non-invasive retinal measurements.
New framework helps estimate sample size for microbiome association studies
A new study provides a method to estimate sample size required for microbiome studies based on effect sizes and analysis methods. For strong associations, around 500 participants were needed to achieve 80% statistical power, while weaker associations may require thousands of samples.
Pushing the limits of brain imaging: A new tool for targeted delivery of imaging agents and drugs
A novel cannula delivery system allows repeated, nondisruptive delivery of imaging agents to the mouse brain during long-term multiphoton microscopy. This innovation enhances longitudinal studies on brain function, disease progression, and potential treatments.
New study may help detect early signs of autism in the first year of life
Researchers at the University of Missouri's Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment have found that behavior at 9 months old can indicate a 1-year-old's likelihood of being at risk for autism. Parent surveys reported fussiness, irritability, and difficulty calming down were associated with early signs of autism by 12 months.
Northwestern study yields insights for improving outcomes for justice-involved youth
A Northwestern University study found that justice-involved youth with higher doses of incarceration had poorer outcomes, including lower education and employment rates. The study suggests that early interventions are crucial to reducing recidivism and promoting positive outcomes for these young individuals.
PolyU scholar unveils research on long-term effects of obesity on brain and cognitive health
A comprehensive longitudinal analysis of obesity trajectories identified distinct patterns affecting brain morphology, function, and cognition in middle-aged and older adults. The study suggests sustained obesity accelerates brain aging, highlighting the clinical importance of long-term monitoring and management.
Outdoor time and multisport activities develop children’s motor competence
A three-year study found that independent outdoor time and multisport activities significantly support the development of motor competence in children. Girls showed better motor skills than boys, who were more active but didn't display a correlation with outdoor time.
Children who lack fish in their diets are less sociable and kind, study finds
A new study from the University of Bristol found an association between fish intake and the behavioural development of children. Children who consumed the least amounts of seafood at 7-years-old were likely to be less 'prosocial' at ages 7 and 9 years compared to those who regularly consumed seafood.
AI may help clinicians personalize treatment for generalized anxiety disorder
Researchers used AI to analyze 126 individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and identified key variables predicting recovery and nonrecovery. Higher education level, older age, and positive affect were most important for recovery, while depressed affect and medical visits proved most important for nonrecovery.
Large population study identifies long-term health risks after COVID-19 hospitalization
A nationwide study found that COVID-19 hospital patients experienced a higher rate of deaths from any cause and were more likely to be hospitalized for specific conditions, particularly neurological and respiratory problems. The study also identified increased risks of chronic health complications up to 30 months after discharge.
Performance-based reimbursement increases administrative burden and moral distress, lowers perceived quality of care
A longitudinal study of primary care physicians found that performance-based reimbursement increases illegitimate work tasks, moral distress, and lowers perceived individual and organizational quality of care. The study suggests that reducing irrelevant tasks could support physician well-being and healthcare delivery.
Study of 16 years of US-Canada free trade agreement finds that workers were not hurt by freer trade
A 16-year study of the US-Canada free trade agreement found that workers were not harmed by increased trade between the two countries. Canadian workers quickly adjusted to changing labor demand and transitioned to new industries, benefiting from larger U.S. tariff cuts.
Longitudinal analysis of obesity drug use and public awareness
The study found a significant increase in obesity drug prescriptions from 0.76 million in July 2017 to 1.5 million in February 2024, mirroring rising public online search activity for semaglutide and tirzepatide. This correlation highlights the real-time association between public awareness and prescription trends.
Lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema may have better outcomes than previously reported
Researchers have found that surgical lung volume reduction (LVRS) for advanced emphysema patients offers better outcomes than previously reported, including lower mortality rates and fewer procedure-related complications. In contrast, endobronchial valve (EBV) placement was associated with higher occurrences of complications over time.
Violence on TV: What happens to children who watch?
A new study found that early exposure to violent TV content in childhood is associated with increased risk of antisocial behavior in teenagers, especially boys. The study, led by Professor Linda Pagani, followed over 1,900 children from ages 3.5 to 15 and found that boys who watched more violent TV content had higher rates of aggressiv...
Influence of COVID-19 infection experience on fear
Researchers analyzed data from a nationwide survey to understand the relationship between COVID-19 infection experiences and fear levels. The study found that mild infection experiences alleviated fear, while severe symptoms worsened it, and that fear decreased over time.
How did health insurance coverage changes affect older adults? Two new studies take a look
Two new studies found that those who turned 65 after the ACA took effect had lower out-of-pocket health costs and fewer hospitalizations. However, dual-eligible individuals over 65 saw negative impacts from Medicaid 'unwinding,' with 12% losing coverage and many going without needed care due to cost.
Retirement may lead to a deterioration in mental health, and alcohol use may worsen the issue, says new study
A new study analyzing US data from over 27,500 participants reveals that retirees show more signs of depression than working individuals, with binge drinking exacerbating the issue. Moderate drinking appears to have fewer depressive symptoms compared to abstaining completely.
NUS Medicine study: Brain connectome phenotype linked to cerebrovascular disease can track cognitive decline
Researchers discovered a brain functional connectome phenotype related to multiple cerebrovascular disease markers that contributes additively to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration alongside Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the role of cerebrovascular disease in reshaping our understanding of dementia.
For women with MS, mobility takes step backward at menopause
A new study by UCSF found that menopause increases the rate of MS progression in women, particularly in walking speed and fine motor skills. The study also suggests that hormone therapy may be beneficial in slowing disease progression, with some participants showing a lower rate of relapse during pregnancy.
Brain structure differences are associated with early use of substances among adolescents
A study of nearly 10,000 adolescents found distinct brain structural differences between those who used substances before age 15 and those who did not. These differences appeared to exist prior to any substance use, suggesting a role for brain structure in substance use risk.
Beyond screen time: complex factors shaping child development
New Curtin University research reveals complex factors shaping child development beyond screen time. Parental mental health and the type of screen used are found to have an impact on infant development at 12 months.
ASH inclusion program retained and engaged hematologists underrepresented in field, 20-year analysis shows
The ASH Minority Recruitment Initiative shows lower attrition rates for participants in graduate and medical programs, leading to more career pursuits in hematology. Participants also exhibit high levels of engagement with the American Society of Hematology beyond their program participation.
Two million ex-smokers currently vape in England
A new study found that approximately 2.2 million people who have stopped smoking for more than a year in England currently vape, with the majority using e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid. The prevalence of vaping among ex-smokers has increased sharply since 2021, particularly among younger age groups and heavier drinkers.
Developing an evaluation scale to predict the risk of requiring long-term care based on three simple physical performance tests
Researchers developed an evaluation scale based on three physical performance tests: single-leg balance, timed up and go, and sit-to-stand. The scale predicts long-term care risk among older adults with high accuracy, particularly those with scores of 41 or more. It provides a comprehensive assessment method for Japanese older adults.
Study reveals importance of student-teacher relationships in early childhood education
A new study explores the significance of student-teacher relationships in promoting children's development during early elementary school years. The research highlights the importance of close and conflict-free relationships between students and teachers, with benefits extending across multiple grade levels.
Earlier diabetes diagnosis linked to dementia risk
A study published in PLOS ONE found that adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age are more likely to develop dementia. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,200 U.S. adults and found a graded association between age at diagnosis and dementia risk.
Social isolation, loneliness and frailty in older adults have a complex and sometimes mutually reinforcing relationship
A new study analyzed 21 years of data from over 2,300 older Dutch adults, finding that physical frailty can lead to social isolation and loneliness, while also being an indicator of future social isolation. Lifestyle changes such as better nutrition, exercise, and social activities can reverse these conditions.
Joint pain associated with depressive symptoms accelerates cognitive decline in the elderly
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.
Age related health decline a predictor of future dementia risk
A global study of nearly 30,000 participants found that frailty accelerates dementia diagnosis by up to 9 years, with every additional health problem increasing the risk by 40%. Researchers emphasize the importance of targeted interventions and frailty screening for early disease prevention.
School suspensions and expulsions can lead to a lifetime of depression
A new study by University of Arkansas researchers found that school suspensions and expulsions can lead to higher rates of depression through adolescence and into early adulthood. Adolescents who were suspended or expelled showed significantly higher depressive symptoms, which increased over time.
Signals from the gut could transform rheumatoid arthritis treatment
A longitudinal study found that bacteria associated with inflammation in the gut increases ten months before patients develop clinical rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are exploring potential treatments at this early stage to prevent disease progression.
25-year study reveals key factors in healthy brain aging and cognitive performance
A groundbreaking 25-year research program has unveiled key insights into how our brains age and what factors influence cognitive performance throughout life. Childhood cognitive ability is found to be a significant predictor of intelligence test scores in older age.
Does work-related stress compromise cardiovascular health?
A large multi-ethnic study found that work-related stress was associated with unfavorable cardiovascular health metrics, including lower odds of average and optimal health scores. The study's authors emphasize the need for longitudinal research on stress mechanisms and workplace interventions to improve employee well-being.
New research shows affiliation-based hiring can have benefits and pitfalls, depending on the proximal and distal ties
A study published in Strategic Management Journal found that young firms perform better when hiring founders' proximal employment ties, but less so when hiring schoolmates. Hires from distal ties, such as those studying a different field than the founders, are more beneficial to the firm, especially at later stages.