Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A new study sheds light on the intersection of Alzheimer's caregiving and the LGBT experience, highlighting common themes such as social isolation, financial security, and grief support. The research reveals that LGBT caregivers face unique challenges due to lack of family support and discrimination in care settings.
The latest issues of American Psychiatric Association journals feature articles on social determinants of health, youth mental health screening, and AI in psychotherapy. Journalists can access publications by emailing press@psych.org.
A recent study found that older adults experiencing social isolation are 17.1% more likely to smoke compared to those with social interactions. Reducing social isolation can help improve their health and life expectancy.
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.
A new study finds nearly two-thirds of Medicare Advantage psychiatrist networks contain less than 25% of all psychiatrists, leaving many seniors without access to mental health care. The research suggests that this limited coverage may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, delays in care, and foregone treatment.
A South African study found that interacting with children can promote a sense of belonging and purpose, reducing anxiety and depression in retirement home residents. The program, which includes activities like playing games and reading, also boosts mood and emotions.
A recent study published in Health and Quality of Life Outcomes found that older adults who maintain moderate-intensity physical activity experience a higher quality of life. The researchers tracked the health-related quality of life of over 1,500 participants aged 60 and above, finding that those who spent more time physically active ...
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between food insecurity and accelerated memory decline in middle to older-age individuals. The researchers suggest that exposure to food insecurity in older age may have long-term negative effects on cognitive function.
A systematic review of geriatric ED patients with delirium reveals that 16% of older adults presenting with altered mental status have acutely abnormal head imaging findings. Focal neurological deficits greatly increase the risk of abnormal head CTs, while anticoagulation is not associated with these abnormalities.
A recent study found that older Americans living in warmer regions are more likely to experience serious vision impairment. The odds of severe vision impairment were 14% higher for temperatures between 50-54.99°F, 24% higher for 55-59.99°F, and 44% higher for those above 60°F.
A study published in Management Science found that the UK's Covid vaccine mandate caused a 3-4% reduction in staffing in elderly care homes, equivalent to 14,000 to 19,000 employees. The policy led to an increase in reliance on agency workers and persisted even after the mandate was lifted.
Significant reductions in nicotine dependence were found among U.S. adults with cigarette use from 2006 to 2019, particularly among those 50 years and older. Tobacco cessation strategies tailored to age and comorbidities are needed for this population.
A recent study found that elderly patients treated in local intermediate care units have lower mortality rates and fewer hospital readmissions. The research suggests that Norway's healthcare system has improved with the introduction of these units, providing better integrated services adapted to individual users.
A novel study found that honokiol promotes healing of rotator cuff injury and may be an effective treatment for humans. The study suggests that SIRT3 activation plays a protective role in alleviating aging-induced fibrocartilage degeneration and promoting rotator cuff healing.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for anxiety disorders in older adults. Anxiety disorders are commonly occurring mental health conditions often unrecognized in primary care settings, leading to substantial delays in treatment initiation.
New research found that social infrastructure in rural communities can provide essential support to older, non-white adults. This study highlights the importance of community spaces in promoting healthy aging among Black and Hispanic older adults, who are disproportionately affected by loneliness and mental health issues.
The USPSTF recommends regular screening for depression in the adult population to address its significant impact on daily functioning. Major depressive disorder can lead to increased mortality if left untreated.
A new study analyzing data from the ASPREE trial found that prolonged daily aspirin use increases the risk of anaemia by 20 per cent in people mostly aged 70 and over. Regular monitoring for anaemia should be considered for older adults taking low-dose aspirin.
A post-hoc analysis of the ASPREE trial found that low-dose aspirin was associated with a 20% increased incidence of anemia and decline in ferritin levels in healthy older adults. The study recommends periodic monitoring of hemoglobin for patients taking aspirin.
A six-month study found daily multivitamin/multimineral supplementation had a positive effect on key nutrition biomarkers in healthy older men. The researchers also found that the changes in nutrition status could have direct connections to cellular function.
The University of Central Florida has launched a five-year program to increase diversity among student researchers focused on health disparities in aging. The INTREPID program aims to provide hands-on learning, promote an affinity toward older adults, and create a sense of community through socialization.
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.
A large-scale registry study found that older autistic adults have a significantly higher risk of injury, especially self-inflicted, and physical conditions such as type 2 diabetes and anaemia. Autistic individuals had a seven-fold risk of self-harm compared to non-autistic people.
A new study followed over 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians for three years, finding that social participation was associated with successful aging. Those who engaged in volunteer work and recreational activities were more likely to maintain excellent health and less likely to develop physical or mental problems.
A supervised hospital walking program has been shown to reduce nursing facility admissions for older adults by lowering the proportion of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities from 13% to 8%. However, low participation rates and limited impact on length of stay or inpatient falls were noted.
A retrospective cohort study of over 66,000 older adults found that intensive antihypertensive treatment during hospitalization was linked to greater risk of adverse events. Treating asymptomatic elevated blood pressure in hospitalized patients may not be necessary and could lead to overtreatment.
A low-cost clip attachment uses a smartphone's camera and flash to monitor blood pressure, making it easy and affordable for resource-poor communities. The technology was tested on 24 volunteers and showed comparable results to traditional blood pressure cuffs.
Researchers found that a combination of amyloid burden and blood markers of abnormal astrocyte activation can predict Alzheimer's disease progression. Testing for these biomarkers may help identify patients at risk, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that elderly hospitalized patients treated by physicians with MD or DO degrees had virtually identical mortality rates, readmissions, length of stay, and healthcare spending. The results suggest high-quality care regardless of the physician's educational background.
A large-scale study found that a low-flavanol diet drives age-related memory loss. Replenishing flavanols in mildly deficient adults over 60 improves cognitive function and supports the idea that aging brains require specific nutrients for optimal health.
Researcher Micah Tan has been recognized for his work on older adults' health and wellbeing. His research focuses on developing holistic measures of wellbeing that can span economic, psychological, social, and mental dimensions. He aims to help more people age successfully by enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
A University of Maryland study found that walking strengthened brain connectivity and improved memory in older adults with normal brain function and those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. The research adds to the growing evidence that exercise slows cognitive decline and may delay Alzheimer's disease.
A study by Florida Atlantic University and CINVESTAV found that long-term running maintains the connectivity of adult-born hippocampal neurons, which contribute to memory function during aging. Exercise may prevent or delay age-related memory decline by increasing the survival and modifying the network of these neurons.
A nationwide VR research project is working to create diverse groups of participants to reflect real-world social dynamics. The Virtual Experience Research Accelerator (VERA) aims to provide researchers with access to large, reliable, and diverse groups for various VR research projects.
A new poll shows that three-quarters of people aged 50-80 have used at least one patient portal, with lower rates among those with lower incomes or physical/mental health concerns. Portal users prefer online access over phone calls for some tasks, but some still face barriers to using the platforms.
Increasing physical activity, particularly daily 20-minute walks, can improve cardiovascular health and reduce disparities in heart health. Despite this, only one in four American adults meet the recommended physical activity levels, with certain groups facing additional barriers to accessibility.
A Danish nationwide cohort study found that COVID-19 patients, especially those over 70, had a significantly higher risk of developing new-onset mental disorders compared to the general population. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients showed increased mental disorder risk similar to non-COVID-19 hospitalizations.
A large-scale randomized trial found that daily multivitamin supplementation improved memory function in over 3,500 older adults, with effects more pronounced in those with cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that nutrition may play a crucial role in optimizing brain health as we age.
A recent study conducted by NUS researchers shows that weekly exposure to proprietary pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy using the BIXEPS device can significantly improve mobility and body composition in older adults, with notable benefits found in functional tests and reduced perception of pain.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher intake of dietary flavonols, specifically quercetin, was associated with lower odds of frailty onset. Flavonol-rich foods like apples and blackberries may be a useful strategy for preventing frailty in older adults.
Rodlescia Sneed aims to scale up the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program for older adults in state prisons, analyzing factors that influence effectiveness. She seeks to maximize program use in prisons and determine maximum effectiveness through user manual creation and future R01 grant testing.
A national panel survey of 2,000 older adults found that 1 in 5 experienced cost-related medication nonadherence due to incorrect pricing. Real-time benefit tools can support medication cost conversations and cost-conscious prescribing, but accurate pricing is crucial to build trust with patients.
A new study found that cognitive training, specifically speed of processing training, reduced the risk of falling among older adults at high risk of falls by 31% over 10 years. However, it had no effect on those at low risk of falling. Cognitive training may enhance physical-based interventions to reduce falls for some individuals.
A new commentary from infectious disease experts emphasizes the importance of continued masking in healthcare settings due to low evidence of efficacy and high transmission risks. Despite recent conflicting views, the authors argue that mask-wearing remains a crucial strategy for infection prevention.
A study by University of California, Riverside found that older adults are less likely to ignore distractors in their surroundings while engaging in a cognitive task and an effortful physical task. This decline is greater when simultaneously performing a physical task, such as driving or carrying grocery bags.
Deaths from falls among adults aged 65 or older in the US rose between 1999 and 2020, affecting all population subgroups. The relative ranking of groups remained unchanged over time despite varying magnitudes of increase.
Researchers found that GlyNAC supplementation corrected brain glutathione deficiency, improved glucose transporters, reversed mitochondrial dysfunction, and improved cognition in old mice. The study also showed reductions in oxidative stress, inflammation, and genomic damage, as well as improvements in neurotrophic factors.
The study found that current 75- and 80-year-olds experience fewer depressive symptoms than those who lived in the 1990s, attributed to improved health and education. However, satisfaction with life was not significantly different between cohorts.
A study found that declines in racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates were largely due to increases in mortality among White individuals, rather than decreases in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. The shift from urban to rural areas also contributed to the decline.
A study of 4,791 patients found that taking ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers for at least six months prior to ICU admission did not lower the prevalence of delirium. Chronic high blood pressure is a risk factor for ICU-acquired delirium.
A new study found that older drivers who use substances are up to four times more likely to be at fault in a car crash. The research team suggests implementing risk awareness campaigns tailored for older adults and other measures such as improved road visibility, automatic safety features and licensing requirements.
This study examined the effects of deferoxamine and ferrostatin-1 on salivary gland dysfunction in ovariectomized rats. The researchers found that these compounds reduced inflammation, fibrosis, and improved salivary gland function, suggesting potential treatments for postmenopausal xerostomia.
Dr. Shelley McDonald is a national champion for improved perioperative care of older adults undergoing surgery, with a focus on person-centered care and a team-based approach. She has implemented successful programs like POSH, which aims to address non-medical factors influencing health outcomes.
A large-scale study has linked accelerated biological aging to an increased risk of depression and anxiety in older adults. Adults with more advanced biological age were found to be more likely to develop depression and anxiety over time compared to peers who were biologically younger.
A study of 436 cognitively normal older adults found that unawareness, rather than awareness, of memory decline was strongly associated with future clinical progression. The research suggests that discordant self- and informant-reported cognitive decline may provide important information to practitioners.
A majority of people over 50 are open to stopping one or more prescription medicines, but many don't discuss it with their health provider first. The poll shows that comprehensive medication reviews and cost considerations play a crucial role in deprescribing conversations.
The 18th Key Symposium on Healthy Ageing and Longevity takes place in Okinawa, bringing together world experts to discuss the latest research on blue zones. The symposium aims to promote both longevity and healthy ageing to reduce age-related diseases and healthcare burden.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that individuals with a family history of depression exhibit reduced cognitive abilities. The research highlights the potential impact of genetic and environmental factors on brain development and aging, as well as modifiable lifestyle factors.
A recent study found that learning multiple new tasks improves cognition in older adults, with scores increasing by two to three times. The study, which had six and 27 participants aged 66 and 69, showed that cognitive abilities continued to grow over time, reaching levels similar to those of undergraduates.
A study of 20,311 US adults aged 51–100 years found that higher educational attainment protected against cognitive decline differently for Black and Latinx adults compared to White adults. Higher-educated White adults received the greatest protection, while Latinx adults experienced a later onset of cognitive decline.