Articles tagged with Older Adults
Researchers discovered that mechanical loading can exacerbate inflammation in aged muscles, hindering healing. However, combining mechanotherapy with anti-inflammatory treatment significantly improves healing in aged muscles.
Researchers found that older adults with depression exhibit accelerated biological aging, poor physical and brain health, and worse cardiovascular health. This association suggests opportunities for preventive strategies to reduce disability associated with major depression in older adults.
Developing postoperative delirium is associated with a 40% faster rate of cognitive decline compared to those who do not develop delirium. The study, which followed 560 older adults for up to six years, found that delirium influences every time point and is linked to sharper drops in cognition and faster declines over time.
A new study found that dual-task walking performance starts to decline by the age of 55, indicating accelerated brain aging. Researchers assessed a cohort of 640 participants and observed non-linear associations between age and dual-task performance.
Researchers have successfully used AAV1.NT-3 gene therapy to improve muscle physiology and prevent age-related sarcopenia in mice. The treatment resulted in restored muscle mass, strength, and neural connections, offering a potential new option for managing this debilitating condition.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have found a way to spur brain immune cells to clear toxic waste linked to Alzheimer’s disease by targeting their metabolism. The study reveals a ‘metabolic switch’ in the brain’s immune cells that can be manipulated to improve their function.
A systematic review of 33 randomized controlled trials found that yoga improved gait speed and lower extremity strength in inactive older people. However, it did not offer a benefit for frailty markers compared to exercise or tai chi.
A new poll shows a decline in loneliness and isolation among older adults, but one-third still experience these feelings, especially those with poor health or disabilities. The study highlights the importance of social interaction for overall mental and physical health, and the need for a concerted effort to address these issues.
A growing connection between diabetes, oral health, and dementia highlights the importance of dental care and diabetes management as we age. Older adults with both poor oral health and diabetes experience accelerated cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for regular dental visits and adherence to diabetes treatment.
Recent studies have identified key psychological processes, such as repetitive negative thinking and self-reflection, that may impact cognitive aging and dementia prevention. Researchers propose incorporating psychological elements to reduce dementia risk through cognitive-behavioral interventions.
A new study reveals that northern and southern resident orcas differ in their hunting behaviors, with males catching more salmon per hour than females. Southern resident males outperform females by 152%, highlighting a distinct pattern of foraging that may contribute to the population decline.
A Cochrane review found that eliminating hazards around the home, such as clutter and poor lighting, can reduce the risk of falls for older people by around a quarter. Decluttering and reducing hazards had the most benefit for those at high risk of falls.
A study by the University of Missouri found that older adults who completed an eight-week resistance training program maintained long-term exercise habits and increased their physical energy despite COVID-19 restrictions. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program improved participants' sleep, balance, flexibility, and self-confidence in da...
Researchers found that suppressing AMPKα1 but not AMPKα2 isoforms improved aging-related impairments in mice. The study revealed novel insights into the roles of AMPK signaling pathway in cognitive aging.
A recent study of 24,000 participants aged 45 or older found a significant independent association between perceived stress and both prevalent and incident cognitive impairment. The study's findings highlight the need for regular screening and targeted interventions to address stress in older adults.
A University of Chicago study found that older adults living near fracking sites in Pennsylvania had higher rates of cardiovascular disease hospitalizations compared to those in nearby New York state. The study linked exposure to air and water pollution from fracking activity to increased health outcomes.
A Canadian study found that those infected with COVID-19 in the first wave in 2020 were 40% less likely to get infected during the first six months of Omicron activity. Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, were significantly less likely to be infected than younger adults.
A new multicenter study led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that adding the drug aripiprazole (Abilify) to an antidepressant improves treatment outcomes for older adults with clinical depression that has not responded to standard treatments. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, sho...
A new study found that walking an additional 500 steps per day was associated with a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. This benefit is significant for older adults, as most studies have focused on early-to-midlife adults.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a method to predict fall accidents and cognitive illnesses like Alzheimer's disease using radar sensors that track walking patterns. The technology can help healthcare staff make more reliable risk assessments and tailor interventions for improved patient outcomes.
Researchers explore cellular senescence's complex relationship with growth stimulation and cell cycle arrest, revealing potential anti-aging drug targets. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new treatments for age-related diseases.
A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that while private automobiles remain dominant, the share of car trips has decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, transit, non-motorized, and taxicab trips have increased. Lower-income groups rely heavily on public transportation due to limited mobility options.
A new screening tool developed by Cleveland Clinic researchers can effectively detect mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer's disease, and other related dementias in older adults. The tool has been shown to identify 90% of patients with mild cognitive impairment, offering a potential solution for early detection and prevention.
Researchers discovered that telomere shortening is associated with early subjective depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints among healthy elderly individuals. The study also found a link between telomere shortening and increased interleukin-6 levels.
A new study called IGROOVE will investigate the effects of various dance styles, frequency, and social interaction on fitness, memory, and brain health in older adults. The research aims to answer fundamental questions about the optimal dosage of dance for cognitive benefits.
A study finds that aggressive end-of-life care remains common among older adults with metastatic cancer, particularly in nursing home residents. Multilevel interventions targeting hospital admissions and in-hospital death are crucial to reducing its prevalence.
A study of 4,000 middle-age workers reveals a link between sustained low hourly wages and elevated all-cause mortality risk. The findings suggest that improving the financial standing of low-wage workers through policies like minimum wage laws could lead to better mortality outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that irregular sleeping habits may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis among adults older than 45. Maintaining regular sleep schedules can help reduce cardiovascular risk for aging adults and improve overall health.
A University of Gothenburg study found that wheelchair users had significantly lower rates of fractures compared to ambulatory older adults. The study, which included 55,442 wheelchair users in Sweden, showed that wheelchair use was associated with a reduced risk of fractures, particularly osteoporotic and hip fractures.
Researchers from the University of Colorado found that Paxlovid significantly reduced rates of hospitalization and death among non-hospitalized patients infected with recent Omicron subvariants. The study used real-world data from 28,000 patients and suggested a benefit for Paxlovid in preventing severe disease.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of late-life depression diagnosis in older adults. The research analyzed data from 8.9 million Medicare enrollees, highlighting the potential health impacts of air pollution on mental health.
Research finds that older workers who are motivated to grow and develop at work, as well as those in organizations that encourage learning, are more likely to stay. An age-inclusive environment also aids in retention by mitigating age stereotypes and removing barriers for training participation.
A new analysis of 7,068 elderly Americans found that only 41% of cognitive decline can be statistically accounted for by dementia. Personal education, race, household wealth and income were the biggest contributors to population-level variation, but all factors accounted for only 5.6% of age-related change.
A national study found that common risk factors for cognitive decline, such as socioeconomic status and education, explained a modest 38% of the variation in mental abilities among older Americans. Health behaviors like exercise had a small effect on functioning, with only 5.6% explaining the rate of cognitive decline.
A recent study found that nearly half of older adults receive no dental care and half lack dental insurance. After becoming eligible for Medicare, the percentage of people receiving restorative dental care decreased by 8.7%, while complete edentulism increased by almost 5 percentage points among those aged 65 and above.
A recent study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine suggests that golf may be just as healthy or even healthier than Nordic walking for older adults. The research compared the acute effects of three aerobic exercises: an 18-hole round of golf, 6km of Nordic walking, and a 6km walk. The results showed that all three types of ...
A study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care found that married individuals tend to have lower average glycemic levels compared to those without a partner. The researchers also discovered that marital transitions, such as divorce, can significantly impact blood glucose levels and the risk of pre-diabetes.
The study found that CoronaVac and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines remained effective against severe SARS-CoV-2 Omicron outcomes, but older individuals' protection waned after six months. A booster dose is recommended for older patients to restore immunity.
Adults living in neighborhoods with dense fast food and unhealthy food environments, known as
A large Dutch study found that the BCG vaccine does not protect elderly people with co-morbidities against COVID-19 symptoms. The study analyzed 6,112 participants and showed no difference in disease manifestations or hospitalizations between those who received the vaccine and those who received a placebo.
A study of over 1,000 women found that regular high-intensity physical activity in early adulthood was associated with an increased risk of symptoms like urge urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence. Women who engaged in competitive sports as young adults were more likely to experience these issues.
The Geriatric Fracture Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been shown to reduce hospital stays by 2.12 days and lower hospital-related costs by $5,316 for patients aged 65 and older. The program's comprehensive care approach, including bone strength assessments and fall prevention strategies, is effective in improving outcomes.
A new study found that sleep medications increase the risk of dementia in white adults. However, the relationship between sleep medications and dementia risk varies by medication type and socio-economic status. The study suggests that patients with poor sleep should consider alternative solutions before taking medications.
Researchers analyzed over 500,000 patient records and found that patients diagnosed at age 70 were nearly twice as likely to be passed over for post-surgical radiation therapy. This significant gap in treatment recommendations suggests that cognitive heuristics play a major role in physician decision-making.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine and U-M found that 13% of people aged 50-80 experience addiction to highly processed foods, with higher rates among women and those in poor physical or mental health. The survey used a standardized questionnaire to measure addictive eating habits.
A study of 4,078 cases found that sports-related cardiac arrests in people 65 and older are rare, occurring in only 1.9% of cases. Those who experienced exercise-related cardiac arrests tended to have fewer cardiovascular risk factors and better health outcomes.
Researchers found that continuous glucose monitors and wearable devices pose challenges for patients and caregivers, including issues with hardware, software, and device use. Nearly three-quarters of participants experienced low blood sugar levels, highlighting the need for improved technology to manage diabetes effectively.
A new study led by the University of California San Diego found that daily walking and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity significantly reduced the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia in senior women. With each additional 1,865 steps per day, the risk was lowered by 33%, while moderate-to-vigorous physical acti...
A decade-long study found that a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and cognitive activity, slows memory decline in older adults. Participants with the APOE gene, associated with Alzheimer's disease, also experienced slower memory loss.
Researchers found that the F-box gene FBXC-58 is a novel mediator of dietary restriction effects on extending the health span of Caenorhabditis elegans. FBXC-58 prevents muscle aging and extends longevity through an S6 kinase-dependent pathway.
Researchers have discovered an anti-ageing gene that can rewind the heart's biological age by 10 years, offering a potential target for patients with heart failure. The study found that administering the healthy mutant gene to elderly patients with severe heart problems improved their cardiac function and rejuvenated their immune system.
Research finds that seniors living in R3 program sites have lower hospitalization rates, days, payments, and readmissions compared to control sites. The R3 initiative embeds wellness teams in senior housing, providing assessments, proactive check-in calls, risk stratification, and care coordination.
A recent study published in Respiratory Medicine found that older adults with asthma are at high risk of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately half of those with a pre-pandemic history of depression experienced a recurrence, while one in seven without a history of depression developed depression for the first time.
Researchers found that older adults who are comfortable traveling short distances have higher risks of functional disability and mortality. A study in Japan linked acceptable walking and cycling distances to future health outcomes, providing valuable insights for policymakers and researchers.
A new study modified the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) for remote use, enabling hospitals to continue support despite in-person interactions limitations. The adapted protocol achieved full implementation and high adherence, supporting improved delirium prevention and care for older adults.
A new study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University explored the effects of resistance training on older adults' cellular level. The study found that resistance training did not significantly affect inflammatory proteins or redox balance markers, but showed a significant reduction in a specific protein ratio. This may support the...
Researchers developed HippoCamera, a new smartphone app that significantly improves memory recall by boosting attention to daily events. Users record videos and audio descriptions of everyday experiences, which are then replayed to reinforce memory consolidation.
A reading project that pairs school-age children with older adults has been found to boost wellbeing among both groups. The Silver Stories programme built relationships between generations and helped children develop social skills and confidence, while also fighting loneliness for listeners.
Researchers from UNIGE observed that negative emotions modify the brains of older adults excessively and over time, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala. This could be prevented with better emotional management, such as meditation, which could limit neurodegeneration.
A recent study found that social support has a significant impact on depression risk, particularly in individuals with high genetic risk scores. The research used data from two groups: first-year doctors and recently widowed older adults, showing that those who gained social support during stressful times had lower depressive symptoms.