Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A new study identifies a reason for why older adults are more susceptible to infectious diseases and paves the way for potential therapeutic targets. Researchers found that sex-dimorphic elevation of N-glycan branching contributes to age-associated impairment of T cell immunity.
A recent study suggests that many older adults with rheumatoid arthritis are not prescribed disease-modifying medications, despite guidelines calling for early and aggressive treatment. Only 45% of patients over 65 were prescribed these medications, highlighting the need to improve prescribing practices among primary care physicians.
A study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle found that BAM15 improves health outcomes for aged mice with obesity by preventing muscle loss and increasing energy expenditure. The compound helped mice lose fat, gain strength and increase physical activity.
A study of 3,900 older adults found factors associated with decreased physical activity include older age, living alone, obesity, adverse health conditions, and poor physical functioning. The results highlight the need for interventions targeting these barriers to promote healthy lifestyles in older age.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that the Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) program successfully reduced the proportion of patients who needed admission to a specialized inpatient unit by 60%. This suggests that VBM is highly effective for managing severe neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia without p...
Researchers found that cereal fiber, but not fruit or vegetable fibers, was associated with lower inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults. The study used data from a large cohort of elderly individuals and confirmed previous associations between dietary fiber and CVD.
Research finds that late-onset alcohol abuse may be a presenting symptom of dementia, particularly in patients with frontotemporal dementia. The study identified that up to 7% of patients with frontotemporal dementia started abusing alcohol late in life, and 5% did so as the first symptom of the disease.
A University of Otago study found altering an existing assessment tool could double the capture rate of elder abuse sufferers. By adding an 'unable to determine' category, tens of thousands of older New Zealanders may be identified as victims of abuse.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research has found that older men with lower amounts of muscle mass have a significantly increased risk of hip and potentially other fractures. The study, led by investigators at Sutter Health's San Francisco Coordinating Center, used a new measure of muscle mass called D3Cr to e...
A six-week study found that high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training improved exercise tolerance by 12% in adults aged 50 and older. The treatment involved inhaling through a handheld device adding resistance to the breath for five minutes daily.
A new study reveals that nearly half of all older adults now die with a dementia diagnosis listed on their medical record, a 36% increase from two decades ago. This rise may be attributed to better public awareness, more detailed medical records, and Medicare billing practices, rather than an actual increase in the condition.
A new study found associations between older adults' personality traits and their satisfaction with life, income, and leisure after exiting the workforce. Conscientiousness was linked to increased satisfaction with leisure time, while extraversion was associated with lower satisfaction in some cases.
The rate of older adults treated for substance abuse increased sharply from 2000 to 2017, with a notable rise in cannabis and cocaine use. This trend is attributed to decreasing stigma around substance abuse, allowing more older adults to seek help through self-referrals.
A study published in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that antidepressants were associated with a lower risk of suicide among residents aged 75+, who had a significantly increased risk if taking sleep medication or having a history of self-harm. The research highlights the need for early recognition and quality care ...
A study led by University of Gothenburg researchers found that comprehensive preventive measures cut catheter-related urinary tract infections (UTIs) in frail elderly patients with hip fractures from 18% to 4%. The interventions included aseptic procedures, training videos, and knowledge testing.
Professor Antonio Cherubini has made significant contributions to the field of geriatric medicine and musculoskeletal diseases. He is recognized for his work on aging, bone health, and age-related diseases.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology finds that people over 60 account for nearly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is due to their consumption habits, including higher energy usage and housing expenses, which are influenced by their wealth and aging population.
A new Brazilian database of whole-genome sequences brings diverse genetic information to international databases, shedding light on the genetics of aging and disease in Brazil's elderly population. The study identified over 2 million novel genetic variants, providing insights into the health and well-being of older adults.
A landmark study demonstrates that a community-based group exercise programme can prevent physical decline and improve quality of life in older adults with mobility limitations. The REACT programme, which involves individually tailored exercises and social interaction, shows promising results in reducing health and care costs.
A new study suggests including the 'Deciding Not to Decide' treatment option can improve care for older adults with chronic kidney disease, giving them more time to make informed decisions about their treatment. Researchers argue that this approach strengthens patient-centered care and increases patient autonomy.
A study of 29,000 Medicare claims data found a strong association between midlife BMI and later-life health outcomes. The research suggests that individuals with higher BMIs in midlife are more likely to experience adverse health and reduced longevity.
Ben-Gurion University researchers found that participants overwhelmingly preferred virtual reality for short-term cognitive tasks, but split over the long term. A combination of both virtual reality and socially adaptive robots may be key to keeping people engaged in remote cognitive training.
A study of insurance claims data found that state laws governing opioid prescribing had a negligible effect on opioid prescribing trends. The authors suggest that shifting clinical guidelines, professional norms, or other factors may be driving the decline in opioid prescribing. In contrast, a post-hoc analysis of an ASPREE trial found...
The study found that nearly half of older adults in the US have poor diet quality, with overall diet quality worsening over the past two decades. Diet quality is a significant concern for this age group, as it can impact their health and well-being.
A new poll reveals that older adults aged 50-80 who consider elective surgery harbor concerns about costs, discomfort, caregiving needs, and more. Despite these concerns, most adults are satisfied with the result of their operation. Satisfaction varies depending on physical and mental health status.
A study found that severe COVID-19 infections in older adults increased the risk of cognitive decline. Researchers in Wuhan, China analyzed data from discharged patients aged 60 and above, revealing a significant association between SARS-CoV-2 infection severity and cognitive changes.
Research from the University of Georgia shows that physical activity can improve cognitive function and brain networks in older adults. Regular movement can help maintain executive function and independence as people age.
A retrospective analysis found that socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults are at a higher risk of decline in function and cognition after an intensive care unit hospitalization. The study highlights the need to prioritize low-income seniors in rehabilitation and recovery efforts after critical illness.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies found that taking more daily steps helps lower the risk of premature death, with benefits seen in adults younger and older than 60. The study suggests that walking at least 6,000-8,000 steps per day for older adults and 8,000-10,000 steps per day for younger adults may be optimal for longevity.
A new study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found higher mortality rates among older adults with cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed a 24% increase in mortality for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and a 36% increase for nursing home residents with ADRD.
A study of 53.6 million Medicare enrollees found COVID-19 associated increased mortality in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, especially in nursing homes and minority populations. The results suggest a potential association between the pandemic and accelerated mortality rates for these vulnerable groups.
A new study has found that research participation is associated with greater use of and adherence to medications for dementia, while also revealing significant racial/ethnic disparities. The research suggests that Black and Latino participants had lower rates of medication uptake and persistent use compared to White participants.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who underwent non-elective surgery had more disabilities in daily activities after surgery. Factors associated with increased disability burden included age, sex, ethnicity, neighborhood disadvantage, multimorbidity, frailty, and health conditions.
A study found that older adults are open to using smart packaging to track their medication, with ease of use and social support being key factors. However, device size, cost, and inconsistent technology usage were major drawbacks, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to assess patient needs before recommending these products.
An analysis of over 11,000 older Japanese adults found that current dog owners were approximately half as likely to have a disability. Regular exercise among dog owners further reduced the risk. In contrast, cat ownership showed no association with increased or decreased disability risk.
Researchers discovered a crucial RNA strand called CYTOR that helps build muscle mass, and found it decreases with age. Gene therapy stimulated CYTOR production, leading to increased fast-twitch muscle fibers and improved muscle function in humans and mice.
A study led by Dr. Cubas found that regular nut consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome in elderly people in northern Spain. The research, published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, involved 556 participants aged 65-79 years.
The US falls short in 'geriatricizing' emergency departments, with most institutions lacking resources and support to implement the Geriatric Emergency Department (GED) Guidelines. Delirium, falls, and polypharmacy are common issues that require more attention from care teams.
New Penn State research found that the maximum wet-bulb temperature for humans is lower than previously thought, at around 31°C in warm-humid environments. This finding has significant implications for planning and preparing for extreme heat events.
A study of 2,800 adults aged 75+ found that severe financial strain increased the risk of death in the six months following a heart attack. The research highlights the importance of addressing financial stress for older adults with cardiovascular disease.
A new poll of people aged 50 and older found that nearly 1 in 3 had a COVID-related delay for healthcare appointments in 2021. Many unvaccinated individuals still haven't rescheduled their appointments, posing concerns about preventive care, chronic condition management, and operations.
A study of 3099 older Italians found that increasing physical activity levels between 65-75 years old can lower cardiovascular disease risks in late old age. Maintaining an active lifestyle over time was associated with a 52% lower risk of cardiovascular disease among men.
A study published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences found that older adults tend to store irrelevant information, making it harder to remember specific details. This can lead to a 'flood' of information, but also benefits like improved prior knowledge utilization and decision-making.
A study by Washington State University found that social support can mitigate the risk of heart disease and death in older American Indians. Higher rates of depression symptoms, poor quality of life, and social isolation were linked to increased mortality, but instrumental social support reversed this effect.
As people age, their brains allocate more space to accumulated knowledge, making memory retrieval challenging. However, this prior experience can also enhance creativity and decision-making skills.
Seventy- to eighty-year-olds who train for better fitness demonstrate better problem-solving skills and reduced cognitive decline. Regular physical activity is linked to increased brain health, including faster reaction times and improved working memory.
The anticholinergic burden scale helps identify patients at risk of cognitive decline from these medications. The editorial highlights the complexity of safely reducing or stopping these medications due to their risks.
A new poll found that less than half of people aged 50-80 have ever used a health-related app, with those in poor health and lower incomes being even less likely. Only 28% of current users share information with healthcare providers, highlighting the potential for apps to support health behaviors and improve outcomes.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that more intensive hypertension treatment can delay or prevent strokes in older adults. The analysis of nine clinical trials involving 38,779 adults aged 66-84 showed a significant reduction in stroke risk with more aggressive treatment.
Researchers found no clinical improvements in very elderly patients with CPAP therapy for moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. The study suggests that CPAP treatment is less effective in patients older than 80 due to a more sedentary lifestyle and other underlying disorders, limiting its long-term adherence.
A US study found that 32% of older adults who contracted COVID-19 in 2020 developed new or persistent conditions, with increased risks for respiratory failure, fatigue, high blood pressure, and mental health diagnoses. The study's results can help anticipate future health complications and improve healthcare resource planning.
A recent study found that using personal assistant applications on smartphones can significantly improve memory in older adults with dementia. The researchers trained participants to use the technology to receive reminders about daily events and activities, resulting in improved memory performance.
A major study has found that spinal anesthesia is not safer or more effective than general anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures. The study, involving 1,600 patients, showed similar outcomes and risks between the two types of anesthesia, contradicting accepted wisdom.
A study of over 27,400 Women's Health Initiative participants found that loneliness increased among women aged 70+ during the pandemic, leading to worsening mental health. The 'silent epidemic' also showed a decline in social connections and increased isolation among women of color.
The incidence of stroke among adults ages 49 and younger in the US has increased over the last 30 years, particularly in the South and Midwest regions. Meanwhile, the rate of strokes among older adults (ages 75+) has declined.
A study examining the health records of 37,379 Medicare beneficiaries found that older adults are at the highest risk of stroke within the first three days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Vaccination and other preventive measures can help reduce this risk.
Researchers found that adding chipotle seasoning to white sauce formulations made it difficult for older adults to differentiate between low and high levels of salt. Conversely, herbs like basil leaves and garlic powder were not as effective at masking salty flavors.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that unique strengths and facilitators within American Indian and Alaska Native communities can help reduce food insecurity. The study found that cultural values such as sharing and supporting one another can improve healthy food access for older adults.
A new study found that daily physical activity increases executive function performance in people aged 50-74, while decreased activity leads to lower cognitive performance. The correlation held even after adjusting for various co-morbidities.
A £5.6m joint investment will drive cutting-edge research into smart homes, connected devices, remote monitoring, and health models for older adults to live independently. The deal aims to create new jobs, skills, and tech start-ups in the region.