Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
The Buck Institute is leading a clinical trial to determine the effects of ketone ester supplementation on frailty, a condition that develops following age-related decline in multiple physiological systems. The trial aims to recruit 180 people at risk for frailty and will measure muscle strength as its primary outcome.
The study found that tenofovir alafenamide fumarate use is associated with a higher incidence of hypertension and statin initiation, particularly among those over 40. Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and lipids for TAF users is recommended.
A new study published in Cancer Management and Research found that 1 in 8 older adults with a history of cancer experienced depression for the first time during the early stages of the pandemic. Those with functional limitations, family conflict, and women were particularly vulnerable to depression.
Research finds antipsychotics used inappropriately among home-bound patients with Alzheimer's disease, leading to poorer patient outcomes. Commonly used antipsychotic quetiapine is often prescribed based on behavioral symptoms and limited daily activities.
Researchers found that pregnant mice experiencing copy number variation (CNV) showed similarities to aging, with biomarkers and genetic effects appearing during pregnancy and reversing after delivery. This study aims to revolutionize aging treatment by investigating the mechanisms behind post-labor rejuvenation.
A new Australian study found that implementing simple bone-strengthening strategies throughout the community can lead to a substantial decrease in hip fractures. The study analyzed data from over 3000 individuals aged 60+ and showed a 45% decline in hip fractures despite only a 3% increase in bone mineral density.
Researchers found that Dectin-1 stimulation induced a unique immune signature in HIV-positive older adults, characterized by increased levels of IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-α. This signature may contribute to the pro-inflammatory environment associated with HIV and aging.
Women who maintained a stable weight were 1.2 to 2 times more likely to achieve exceptional longevity compared to those who lost 5% or more, with a 51% lower survival rate at age 90. Stable weight is associated with increased longevity in older women.
The study found a significant decline in the prevalence of serious later-life cognitive impairments among Black Americans, narrowing racial disparities. However, racial disparities persisted in activities of daily living and functional limitations. Improved air quality may have contributed to the narrowing of disparities in cognitive i...
A new study will examine the role of lifestyle physical activity in cognition among insufficiently active older adults with higher risks for Alzheimer’s or related dementias. The research aims to identify achievable lifestyle health behaviors that can reduce the risk of these conditions.
Research finds that a nighttime ambient temperature range of 68-77°F enhances restful sleep for older adults. The study also highlights substantial individual differences in optimal temperatures and the potential impact of climate change on sleep quality.
A large study found catheter ablation reduces dementia risk by 48% and death from any cause in patients with atrial fibrillation, regardless of age, sex, or health conditions. The procedure is an important consideration for treatment options.
A recent study found that cast immobilization is as effective as surgery in treating older adults with arm fractures. After one year, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of disability or range of motion. The study included 276 patients aged 70–89 years who suffered a distal radius fracture.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that exposure to night shift work and rotating shift work is associated with higher rates of cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults. Cognitive function tests revealed impairment in memory and executive function, suggesting a potential link between shift work and neurodegeneration.
Gender-affirming surgeries in the US increased nearly threefold from 2016 to 2019, with breast and chest procedures being the most common. The number of genital surgical procedures performed rose with increasing age, indicating a growing trend among older individuals seeking gender-affirming care.
A new University of Michigan poll suggests that nearly half of older adults do not know about the new RSV vaccines, while some groups show much less interest in getting the vaccine. The virus poses a significant risk to older adults with lung or immune system conditions, and those who live in nursing homes.
A new study by the PhyloBone project at the University of Turku has identified 255 proteins in 30 species of vertebrates that may play a key role in regulating bone formation and regeneration. The research could lead to new treatments and preventive measures for osteoporosis, a condition that affects millions worldwide.
A new study finds that severe behavioral symptoms in older adults are associated with a higher likelihood of divorce, while those with more advanced dementia are less likely to end their marriages. The research analyzed data from 263 married couples and found a positive correlation between neuropsychiatric symptoms and divorce risk.
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.
Researchers found that vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, and shingles, as well as pneumococcus, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 25-30% in adults over 65. Vaccination is hypothesized to change how the immune system responds to toxic proteins contributing to Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers found that participants with MCI performed significantly worse on a test of four types of decision-making abilities compared to those without. The study's findings have broad implications for choices about finances, health care, and other daily decisions.
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.
Researchers found that engaging in activities, expanding social networks, and using technology can lower the risk of loneliness among elderly. However, several risk factors including older age, vision impairment, and depression increased loneliness likelihood.
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.
A study found that PSMA PET/CT can accurately diagnose advanced prostate cancer in elderly patients without the need for a biopsy. The procedure reduced the number of biopsies and associated complications, while providing clinical suspicion-based staging data.
Scientists have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect cells using multiple entry points beyond ACE2, explaining its ability to jump between species. This finding highlights the need for continued monitoring of coronaviruses and their potential to cause future pandemics.
A new study reveals that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had a higher in-hospital mortality and persisted at 30 days, 90 days, and 180 days after discharge. The risk of death was nearly twice that observed in those who were discharged alive from an influenza-related hospital admission.
Most adults commencing treatment with prescription opioids had relatively low and time-limited opioid exposure over a 5-year period. Individuals with sustained or increasing use were older with more comorbidities, reflecting higher pain needs.
Researchers propose a novel theory of aging that suggests cell competition is a key factor in the process. The selective destruction theory (SDT) proposes a mechanism of aging that is independent of accumulating damage and consistent with epigenetic rejuvenation.
A pooled data analysis found that at least 25 minutes/day of slow walking can counteract the negative effects of bed rest on older hospital patients. Daily 50 minutes of slow walking or a mix of physical activities is even more effective in improving their functional capacity.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may increase non-lung cancer risk in older adults, with significant associations with colorectal and prostate cancers.
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.
Research reveals that nearly half of popular TikTok content featuring Baby Boomers depicts them in a negative light, reinforcing ageist stereotypes. The study highlights the potential for this to fuel intergenerational conflict, underscoring the need for more nuanced and respectful portrayals.
A study of 6.3 million US older adults found the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine associated with a slightly lower risk of several adverse events, possibly due to improved protection against COVID-19. Future research should consider frailty in assessing vaccine performance and formally disentangle differences in safety and effectiveness.
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.
A new study found that 81% of women report persistent GI symptoms years after diagnosis, with abdominal bloating and gas being the most common. The analysis also showed that severe GI symptoms are linked to poor quality of life, social activities, and body image satisfaction.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that vision problems are more common in older adults with dementia. The study of nearly 3,000 older adults showed that even mild vision issues were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals nearly ubiquitous bilateral hearing loss among older US individuals, with increasing severity and low hearing aid use. The findings highlight the need for more precise measures of hearing loss to address this growing health concern.
A Cochrane review reveals that organizational interventions can reduce the use of physical restraints in care home residents by 14%, without increasing falls or fall-related injuries. Supportive managers play a crucial role in implementing these interventions, which improve knowledge, skills, and strategies among frontline staff.
A new research method has determined the health impacts of heat and air quality, finding that even moderate temperature increases can lead to increased hospital visits and death for vulnerable populations. The study aims to help municipalities make informed decisions about climate mitigation and adaptation measures.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that children's ability to recognize dog emotions, especially aggression, improves with age. Four-year-olds were less able to recognize aggressive dog expressions than six-year-olds and adults. As children grow older and gain experience with dogs, they become better at reading canine facial expressions.
A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that daily low-dose aspirin increases the risk of intracranial bleeding in healthy older adults, but does not reduce ischemic stroke risk. The study's findings have particular relevance to individuals prone to developing intracranial bleeding after head trauma.
Researchers discovered that adult and aged mice demonstrated improved performance in behavioral tasks after environmental enrichment, with MSK1 playing a vital role. The study highlights the importance of MSK1 in converting positive experiences into cognitive benefits across the lifespan.
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.
A new study published in Circulation found that heat waves and high levels of fine particulate pollution can double the risk of fatal heart attacks. The combination of extreme temperatures and fine particulate pollution was associated with an increased risk of heart attack deaths, especially among women and older adults.
A large Danish study indicates a persistent link between depression in early and middle life and increased risk of dementia. Depression diagnosed during these periods more than doubles the likelihood of developing dementia.
A nationwide study of 11,000 older adults found that social isolation significantly increased the risk of skilled nursing facility stays and nursing home placement over two years. The study suggests that enhancing social contact at home or in community settings may help delay or deter nursing home entry.
A program integrated community health workers into patient outreach to improve health, doubling annual visits to older adults with type 2 diabetes and dementia. The program resulted in a 17% reduction in hospital admissions and an 11% decline in emergency room visits among homebound patients.
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.
A new study from UC Davis Health found that volunteering in late life is associated with better executive function and episodic memory. Those who volunteered several times per week had the highest levels of executive function, potentially serving as a simple intervention against Alzheimer's disease and associated dementias.
A new poll of people aged 65-80 found that 80% believe cognitive tests can give early warning signs of memory decline and 60% think healthcare providers should offer them annually. Despite this, only 1 in 5 have had a cognitive screening test in the past year.
A new study found that a dedicated older people's emergency department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital reduced wait times by 20% compared to the main emergency department. Patients treated under this initiative received earlier frailty assessments within 34 minutes of arrival, leading to fewer hospital admissions.
A study of 1.6 million patients reveals that residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods increases the risk of dementia among older veterans integrated into a national healthcare system. The results suggest that socioeconomic factors contribute to cognitive decline and increase the risk of developing dementia.
A McMaster-led research study found that a virtual rehabilitation program for seniors with frailty was highly adhered to and showed improvements in mobility and quality of life. The study's results suggest that virtually delivered care is an alternative to in-person programs, potentially helping prevent decline in bodily functions.
A study finds that carbon pricing policies will harm the elderly, particularly those on fixed incomes, by increasing the cost of heating and cooling. The authors propose targeted social protection schemes to buffer the impacts on the elderly as the world works to mitigate climate change.
The updated guidelines urge the clinical use of validated geriatric assessments (GA) to guide treatments in patients aged 65 and older. This approach often results in de-escalation or reduction of therapies, reducing side effects and improving quality of life without compromising survival odds.
A new study found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced dementia-related deaths in long-term care and nursing homes, with a 77% decrease in the second year. However, deaths among those living at home did not decline as much, with only a 16% reduction.
Researchers investigated the effects of meditation training and non-native language training on cognition in older adults. Despite initial expectations, these interventions failed to demonstrate salutary cognitive effects, casting doubt on their potential as a preventative measure for aging-related decline.
This survey study found that all types of visually impairing eye conditions are associated with increased dementia risk. Prioritizing vision health may be crucial for maintaining cognitive function in older adults.
A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal found that superagers, individuals with razor-sharp memory function, have faster movement speed and better mental health compared to typical older adults. They also tend to have lower rates of anxiety and depression.