Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A new study finds that older adults rely heavily on initial impressions of trustworthiness when making decisions, which can lead to overlooking bad behavior and falling victim to scams. Researchers recommend focusing on a person's actions rather than first impressions to avoid deception.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that salt substitutes can help maintain healthy blood pressure in older adults. The study, which included 611 participants, showed that those using salt substitutes had a 40% lower incidence of hypertension compared to those using regular salt.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is highly correlated with various aging hallmarks, including mitochondrial abnormalities and cellular senescence. AhR signaling regulates airway inflammation in asthma, suggesting its crucial role in regulating asthma phenotypes.
Researchers at Aston University have discovered that aging skin exhibits distinct optical properties under polarised laser light. This finding could lead to the development of non-invasive light-based techniques for early detection and monitoring of skin conditions, including cancer.
A recent study found that home environment features, particularly lighting, influence home activity metrics in older adults with visual impairment. The results suggest that home modifications may improve at-home physical activity, highlighting the importance of considering environmental factors in promoting health and mobility.
Researchers at Northwestern University found a significant decrease in screenings for prostate cancer and urinary tract infections after implementing point-of-care alerts. The study showed a 9% reduction in PSA screenings and a 5.5% reduction in urine testing, with minimal changes in overtreatment of blood sugar.
A new poll of people aged 50 to 80 found that nearly all older adults say music helps relieve stress and improve their mental health. The study also revealed that music plays a significant role in social connections and brain health, with 98% of respondents benefiting from engaging with music.
Researchers found that older adults' brains recruit the cuneus region and frontal cortex to improve performance on fluid intelligence tasks, compensating for age-related cognitive decline. This new finding suggests alternative compensation mechanisms beyond previously assumed networks.
Researchers found that alternative brain regions can take on impaired areas' roles to compensate for age-related cognitive decline. The cuneus and bilateral frontal cortex showed increased activation with age, supporting functional compensation and maintaining proper cognitive performance.
A lack of older women in sport and exercise science studies hinders understanding of perimenopause and postmenopause effects on physical activity, athletic performance, and overall health. Researchers call for improved data collection and methodology to support female athletes and patients across the lifespan.
New research from Flinders University found that regular exercise and a personalized falls prevention plan based on individual needs can reduce the likelihood of falls. The studies also highlighted the importance of having an individual falls risk assessment and modifying strategies according to specific circumstances, such as dementia.
A study of 18,000 women found those diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were 8 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to control group. This increased risk is attributed to higher likelihood of psychiatric conditions such as depressive disorders and anxiety disorders associated with PCOS. Researchers emphasize the ne...
A recent study found that mental health care access remained inaccessible to many distressed US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of serious psychological distress among adults increased from 3.5% to 4.2%, while outpatient mental health care use decreased among older and unemployed adults.
A healthy lifestyle can help maintain cognitive abilities in older adults with common neuropathologies of dementia. The study found that a balanced lifestyle provides cognitive reserve, protecting against cognitive decline.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 104 studies with 341,000 participants found that physical activity was associated with better late-life cognition, although the association was weak. The findings suggest that even a weak link between physical activity and cognitive decline is still important from a population health perspective.
Participation in moderate to vigorous leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower odds of non-injurious and injurious falls among older women. Brisk walking also reduced the risk of non-injurious falls.
Researchers found that the brain's pain modulatory system changes with age and gender, making females more sensitive to moderate pain as they get older. The study used fMRI scans to examine brain responses in men and women aged 30-86 and identified a key role for the descending pain modulatory system.
A team led by UCF College of Nursing Professor Victoria Loerzel developed an innovative educational game for older adults with cancer, simulating symptoms and self-management. The game was successful in increasing the use of preventative strategies among participants, reducing symptom severity and hospital admissions.
Research found that oral conditions influence subjective psychological well-being in older adults by affecting nutritional status and environmental factors. Maintaining good oral health can improve nutritional intake, leading to better overall health and well-being.
A new study found that nearly half of older adults who considered elective surgery were deterred by financial concerns and the need for paid time off. In contrast, those worried about post-operative pain were more likely to proceed with surgery.
A study of over 1.6 million ED visits found that nearly two-thirds of low-risk pulmonary embolism patients were hospitalized, despite evidence suggesting safety in outpatient management. Researchers suggest further investigation into ED triage decisions to improve appropriate use of outpatient care.
A recent study of 35,000 adults aged 50+ found significant inequities in survival rates associated with wealth inequality in the US. Wealth redistribution policies have been proposed as a solution to reduce these disparities and increase population longevity.
A recent study found that young adults' misconceptions about older adults' sexuality are often rooted in ageist views, despite many having permissive attitudes towards sex. The study suggests that promoting a view of sex as a recreational activity can help develop sexual health education programs.
A study of 238,000 participants aged 45 and older found that self-reported walking limitations were associated with an increased risk of fracture. Clinicians may use patient self-assessment of walking ability as a tool to identify high-risk candidates for further assessment.
Researchers found that one in five adults reported difficulty walking a kilometre, and those with more limitations had significantly higher fracture risks. The study suggests asking about walking ability could help identify individuals needing further screening and prescribe interventions to prevent fractures.
A recent study suggests that more investments are needed to ensure equitable subway facilities, with 27 out of 257 stations scoring 1.00, mostly medium-sized stations. The researchers recommend allocating transport facilities based on each station's needs to enhance accessibility for the elderly and mobility handicapped.
A cross-sectional study of over 6,500 adults aged 65+ found that older adults spent an average of 20.7 days per year receiving healthcare outside the home. The 'health care contact days' metric can help evaluate care and identify areas for improvement, such as coordinating tests with visits and reducing Friday office visits.
A meta-analysis of 5,000 participants found that daily multivitamins showed benefits for memory and global cognition. The study suggests that taking a daily multivitamin can help prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive aging by the equivalent of two years compared to placebo.
A study of 31 participants aged 65-79 found increased weaving and decreased speed after cannabis smoking. Impaired driving persisted for three hours, regardless of blood THC concentrations.
A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that older adults who exercise with their spouse achieve lower physical activity levels. Personalised fitness feedback from trackers increased physical activity in these individuals, suggesting it may be more effective to encourage older adults to exercise individually.
The hip-assist robot EX1 improves walking ability, dynamic balance, and one-leg standing endurance in older adults. The four-week exercise program using EX1 significantly reduces the risk of falls and enhances overall health.
A study found that women consuming higher amounts of plant-based protein developed fewer chronic diseases and were generally healthier later in life. Plant protein was strongly linked to sound mental health, lower LDL cholesterol, and improved insulin sensitivity.
The Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR) will continue for five years to investigate behaviors, lifestyle, and brain health in Black adults. Researchers hope to identify risk factors and protective measures to reduce disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis among Black Americans.
A McGill University study found that Canada's food guide may not be sufficient for older adults' nutritional needs, particularly in calcium, vitamin D, and folate. The researchers suggest that additional recommendations tailored to older adults are needed to address these gaps.
A recent study found that high-intensity impacts during everyday physical activity can help preserve bone density and structural properties in older adults. Moderate and high-impact activities, such as brisk walking or stair climbing, were associated with better preservation of bone mineral density compared to lower-intensity activities.
A new poll found that only 7.5% of people between 50-80 have used at least one direct-to-consumer health care service, with most receiving prescriptions for a one-time treatment. Many users didn't inform their regular providers about the prescriptions.
A study by researchers at University of California - San Diego reveals a connection between the skin microbiome and signs of aging, including crow's feet wrinkles. The analysis found positive associations with diverse skin microbiomes and negative correlations with moisture loss, suggesting potential new directions for skincare solutions.
A commonly used cognitive screening tool, MoCA, is found to be inaccurately assessing cognitive impairment in ethnically and linguistically diverse older adults. The study's findings underscore the importance of considering cultural factors when evaluating cognitive performance in traditionally underserved communities.
Researchers discuss clonal hematopoiesis, a condition where cells harbor somatic mutations, and its association with aging, solid tumors, and treatment outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that CH may play a role in cancer development and survival.
A Washington State University study found that living near nature can reduce serious psychological distress and improve general health in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 42,000 people aged 65 and older, finding a strong association between access to green spaces and better mental and physical health outcomes.
A new case series study published by the Henry Ford Health team shows that severe mitral stenosis can be safely and successfully treated using Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL)-enabled percutaneous balloon mitval valluplasty, offering a promising treatment option for patients with no other options.
The MU Extension program has proven results, showing improvements in physical energy, self-confidence, and muscle strength among participants. The program also reduces the risk of falling and provides social enjoyment for participants, who often form close relationships with instructors and each other.
A new study found that older drivers with newly diagnosed migraines are three times more likely to experience a motor vehicle crash, while those with previous diagnoses are not at increased risk. Researchers also explored the relationship between migraine medications and driving habits, but found no significant impact.
Researchers investigated the neural mechanisms of verbal working memory processing in healthy aging adults using magnetoencephalography. Age-related increases in theta activity were detected during encoding, and alpha and beta oscillations were stronger in older participants during maintenance and retrieval phases.
A recent study of over 7,900 participants found that pet ownership was associated with slower rates of verbal memory and fluency decline among older adults living alone. This suggests that pet ownership may offset the negative effects of social isolation on cognitive health.
A study by Mass General Brigham found that daily learning tests can detect Alzheimer's disease-related changes in memory among cognitively normal older adults. The test, called BRANCH, was completed over seven days on a smartphone, revealing diminished learning curves associated with elevated amyloid levels.
A study of 8,000 participants found that negative wealth shock was associated with accelerated cognitive decline and elevated risks of dementia among middle-aged and older U.S. adults. The findings suggest a potential link between financial hardship and cognitive aging.
Researchers found that baseline amyloid burden and brain health are stronger predictors of Alzheimer's progression than age alone. The study also showed that individuals with higher amyloid levels developed dementia two years earlier than those without.
A study found that the common drug Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) increases plasma Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels in patients with cardiac failure, making them falsely positive on a debated Alzheimer's blood test. This could lead to misclassification of patients as having Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that Nectandrin B, a bioactive lignan compound from nutmeg, extends the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster by as much as 42.6%. The study found that Nectandrin B reduces intracellular ROS levels and improves age-related symptoms such as locomotive deterioration and neurodegeneration.
A new poll found that 83% of older adults believe health insurers should cover medications to help people with obesity manage their weight. Nearly as many, 76%, also believe Medicare should cover these drugs, which are currently not covered under law.
A new study highlights the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ older adults living in nursing homes, outlining best facility practices for a welcoming environment. The research emphasizes the importance of respecting residents' autonomy and providing valuable resources for care.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that taking cocoa extract supplements containing 500 mg of flavanols daily may improve cognitive function in older adults with lower habitual diet quality. In contrast, participants with healthy dietary patterns showed no cognitive benefits.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming whole food omnivorous meals with lean beef resulted in significantly higher muscle protein synthesis rates compared to isocaloric and isonitrogenous vegan meals. The research, conducted on healthy older adults, demonstrated a 47% increase in muscle protein synthesis...
A new study by University of Arizona psychologists investigated the possible scenarios leading to waning memory in older people. The researchers found that the hippocampus contributes to the difficulty in learning new environments and locations in some older adults.
Researchers found that statin therapy reduced mortality and disease risk among people with chronic kidney disease and frailty, regardless of age-related health conditions. The studies provide additional context to the debate about initiating statin use in people at high risk for heart disease.
A new decision rule has been developed to identify patients who can safely forgo a head CT scan after falling, reducing unnecessary imaging and costs. The Falls Decision Rule can be applied to all older adults who have fallen, regardless of sustaining a head injury or recalling the fall.
A new randomised controlled trial found that an 18-month meditation programme can improve the wellbeing of older adults by enhancing their awareness, connection to others, and insight. However, it did not confer significant benefits on two commonly used measures of psychological wellbeing.
A study of 353,000 US adults found a decline in smoking prevalence from 2011 to 2022, except for those 65 and older. The greatest gains in reducing smoking-attributable morbidity and mortality can be achieved by targeting individuals with low socioeconomic status.
A new study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research found that 12% of people aged 50-80 have consumed a THC-containing substance in the past year. Those who drink alcohol at risky levels have a higher rate of cannabis use, highlighting the need for education and screening for older adults.