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Medications for chronic diseases affect the body’s ability to regulate body temperature, keep cool

Chronic disease medications impair the body's ability to regulate core temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illness in elderly patients. Exercise and improved fitness levels can help mitigate these effects, but bodily impairments from chemotherapy and medications may limit exercise capacity.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalPharmacological Reviews·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2023

Novel study shows greater metabolic response to animal versus plant proteins in young and older adults

A novel study found that consuming two oz-eq portions of animal-based versus plant-based protein foods results in different EAA bioavailability. The study, conducted by scientists at Purdue University, included young and older adults, with no differences in EAA bioavailability between age groups.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 15, 2023

Extreme heat may hasten cognitive decline in vulnerable populations

A new study found that cumulative exposure to extreme heat can worsen cognitive health, particularly among Black older adults and residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 9,500 U.S. adults ages 52 and older, finding a link between high heat exposure and faster cognitive decline in these groups.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 15, 2023

Unhappy family or trauma in youth leads to poor health in old age

Researchers found that adults who experienced violence, financial stress, or separation from parents as children were more likely to experience physical and cognitive impairments. Adverse childhood experiences can have lifelong consequences, including difficulty walking, carrying out daily activities, and problems with memory.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 2, 2023

Moderna is safest, most effective mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 for older adults, study shows

A large head-to-head comparison study of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines found that the Moderna vaccine was associated with a slightly lower risk of adverse events for older adults. The study also showed that the Moderna vaccine was linked to a 4% lower risk of pulmonary embolism and a 15% lower risk of diagnosed COVID-19.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2023

ACP issues updated guidance for colorectal cancer screening of asymptomatic adults

The American College of Physicians recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50 for asymptomatic adults with average risk. The guideline aims to balance benefits and harms of screening in this population. Screening in younger adults may not offer significant net benefit due to lower incidence rates.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJul 31, 2023

How breast milk boosts the brain

A recent study by Tufts University researchers found that myo-inositol in human breast milk increases synaptic connections between neurons, indicating stronger brain connectivity. This finding could lead to improved infant formulas and better brain health outcomes for adults with certain psychiatric conditions.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2023

Older adults who identify as sexual and gender minorities experience disproportionate age-related decline

A new study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reveals that older adults who belong to sexual and gender minorities experience higher rates of frailty, starting at younger ages, compared to non-OSGM participants. The research highlights the need for early geriatric assessment among OSGM and potential targets to mitigate frailty.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateJul 25, 2023

Majority of older adults with cognitive impairment still drive

A Michigan Medicine study in Texas found that 61.4% of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, but one-third of caregivers have concerns about their care recipient's ability to drive safely. Researchers emphasize the need for open discussions between caregivers and healthcare professionals to ensure safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023

NEW STUDY: Discovery of chemical means to reverse aging and restore cellular function

A team of scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified six chemical cocktails that can restore cellular aging and rejuvenate human cells. The study builds upon the discovery of Yamanaka factors, which can convert adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, raising hopes for treating age-related diseases and injuries. The im...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

No increase in mortality for most overweight people, study finds

A large US study of over half a million adults found that BMI was not significantly linked to increased all-cause mortality in most cases. The study suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between BMI and mortality risk, particularly among younger adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2023

One in 15 in changed reported sexual identity over a six-year period, new UK survey study finds

A new UK survey study led by Lancaster University found that 6.6% of the population aged 16 and over changed their reported sexual identity over a six-year period. The research challenges the assumption that sexual identity mobility declines with age, revealing that it is as prevalent among over-65s as young people.

SourceLancaster University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Heavy drinkers risk muscle loss, new study finds

A recent study published in Calcified Tissue International found that heavy drinkers are at risk of muscle loss and frailty. The research, which analyzed data from the UK Biobank, suggests that consuming 10 units or more of alcohol per day can lead to lower muscle mass, even when adjusted for body size and other factors.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCalcified Tissue International·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Improving geriatric surgical quality is feasible for a wide range of hospitals

A national pilot program evaluated the implementation of geriatric surgery standards in eight hospitals with variable sizes and resources, finding high levels of compliance. The study highlights the scalability and feasibility of the program, which aims to optimize care for older adults in a wide range of hospital settings.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 27, 2023

Investment in education in shrinking cities

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that social and educational indicators have a stronger impact on population decline rates than economic indicators. Increasing investment in education for children can help lower population decline rates, suggesting a potential solution to Japan's shrinking city problem.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

An embarrassment of riches

Researchers found that Indigenous populations with limited food availability have slower brain aging, while industrialized populations experience faster cognitive decline. Beyond a certain point, excessive energy gain from food intake is associated with smaller brain volumes and faster aging.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2023

Use of monoclonal antibodies reduces death, hospitalization risk by more than one-third after COVID-19 diagnosis

Researchers found that using monoclonal antibodies within two days of a COVID-19 diagnosis reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 39% compared to those who did not receive treatment. This finding suggests that early treatment with monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced the severity of COVID-19.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Machine learning models rank predictive risks for Alzheimer’s disease

A recent study found that genetic risk scores are more predictive of Alzheimer's disease in adults over 65 than age. The study used machine learning models to rank risk factors, including household income, which emerged as an important risk factor. The findings suggest considering genetic information when working on Alzheimer's disease.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2023