Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A recent study by University of California, Berkeley researchers has found evidence of neural compensation in individuals with beta-amyloid deposits, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could help explain how some older adults maintain normal cognitive function despite the presence of these deposits.
A large case-control study found that long-term benzodiazepine use is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that the strongest association was seen with long-acting benzodiazepines, emphasizing the need for careful balance between benefits and risks in elderly patients.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of older adults (18 million) struggle with daily activities, with 20% requiring assistance. The majority receive help from informal caregivers, but unmet needs persist, particularly among those with few economic resources.
A study conducted by National Cancer Centre Singapore found that breast cancer surgery can be safely performed on women aged 80 and above. Most patients recovered without complications, while only 3% developed major complications. The results dispel the misconception that surgery is unsafe for elderly patients.
A meta-analysis found that antihypertensive therapy significantly reduces systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in older adults. The therapy also reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, death from cardiac causes, cardiovascular events, and stroke in this population.
A new study finds that volunteering is associated with reductions in depression symptoms, better overall health, and greater longevity. Volunteering appears to peak at a moderate level, with benefits diminishing beyond 100 hours annually.
A study by the JAMA Network found that vision loss significantly impacts daily life and can increase mortality risk. The research highlights the importance of addressing vision impairment to prevent adverse outcomes.
Researchers at University of Waterloo are investigating factors impacting food intake in long-term care settings, with a focus on improving nutrition for older adults. The study, funded by $1.5 million in grants, aims to understand the complex relationships between meal quality, food access, and mealtime experience.
A new study by Angelina Grigoryeva found that daughters provide an average of 12.3 hours of elderly parent care per month, while sons contribute only 5.6 hours. This gender-based division of caregiving responsibilities has significant implications for the health and well-being of caregivers and their families.
A study suggests that practicing hatha yoga for eight weeks can improve cognitive tasks in older adults, including information recall, mental flexibility, and task-switching. The findings indicate that yoga may boost brain function by reducing stress and anxiety.
A new study presents findings on how older adults coped with the economic downturn, revealing that over 40% reported a decrease in financial strain between 2006 and 2010. The research also found that initial financial strain and increasing strain exacted a toll on mental health, particularly anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Researchers found that a husband's declining health increases his wife's glucose levels, while a widowed spouse only affects men's blood sugar control. Caregiving demands on married women may lead to poor eating habits and inadequate glucose control.
A Vanderbilt-led study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the high-dose flu vaccine is 24% more effective than the standard-dose vaccine in protecting persons ages 65 and over against influenza illness. The study, which enrolled 31,989 participants, showed that the high-dose trivalent vaccine induces significan...
A study found that nearly three-quarters of older adults with malnutrition had never been diagnosed, highlighting the importance of screening in emergency departments. Factors contributing to malnutrition include depression, difficulty buying groceries, and denture problems.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that poor sleep quality is associated with a higher risk of suicide in older adults. The research, conducted over a 10-year period, revealed that individuals who reported poorer sleep at baseline had a significantly increased risk of suicide, even when controlling for depressed mood.
A new study by researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that over half of older emergency department patients were either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Most of these patients had not previously been diagnosed as malnourished, highlighting the need for better nutrition assessments and support services.
A study at the University of Adelaide found that certain areas of the brain remain protected from aging, enabling spatial attention skills to remain consistent across ages. The research challenges current models of cognitive aging and may have implications for understanding Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Psychology and Aging found that older adults who were tested in the morning performed better on demanding cognitive tasks and showed greater activation of attentional control regions in their brains. This suggests that scheduling mentally challenging tasks for the morning can be beneficial for older adults.
A study found that storing medication in the bathroom and incorporating it into daily routines can improve adherence to prescribed inhalers. The research identified six strategies that aid elderly asthmatics in managing their condition, providing clinicians and care coaches with useful ideas to support patients.
A study of over 4,100 New York State residents aged 60+ found that 2.7% were financially exploited in the past year, with 78% having their money or property stolen. Family members, particularly adult children, are the most common perpetrators.
Barbara J. Bowers, PhD, RN, FAAN, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been recognized with the GSA's 2014 Minority Mentorship Award. Her research focuses on frail older adults and quality of care, influencing public policies and organizational practices.
A psychology researcher proposes a new theory, 'selective engagement,' to explain why older adults show declining cognitive ability in lab settings but not in daily life. Motivation plays a key role in this disparity, with tasks deemed personally relevant eliciting higher cognitive performance.
Researchers found that acupuncture at the Taixi (KI3) acupoint activates cerebral neurons in 20 brain regions, including the anterior cingulate gyrus and medial frontal cortex, in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for improving cognitive function in older adults.
A study from UMass Medical School found that older adults have two times the risk of falling while walking out of necessity than walking for recreation. The study also revealed that falls on sidewalks and streets are more likely to result in an injury, even with less walking distance.
New study finds orthopedic surgeries for patients aged 80+ generally safe, with significant decreases in mortality and complication rates. Spinal fusion, total knee replacement, and total hip replacement procedures show improved outcomes in patients without comorbidities.
Researchers found that motivation, crystallized knowledge, and compensatory mechanisms can help maintain cognitive function in older adults. Contrary to popular beliefs, older adults may not be more susceptible to consumer fraud.
A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that the Mediterranean diet has a significant correlation with slower cognitive decline among African American older adults, but not white older adults. The study suggests that further research is needed to confirm this association and understand the underlying factors.
Researchers evaluated 459 patients who underwent transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for failed bioprosthetic aortic valves. The study found that survival rates were associated with surgical valve size and mechanism of failure, with patients experiencing better outcomes for regurgitation compared to stenosis.
Malnutrition is a significant problem in older adults due to chronic health conditions affecting dietary intake. A comprehensive geriatric analysis (CGA) includes nutrition screenings to address potential problems, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions involving healthcare providers.
Researchers at Duke-NUS found that short sleep is linked to faster brain ventricle enlargement and decline in cognitive performance. The study of 66 older Chinese adults suggests that seven hours of sleep per day may be optimal for brain health.
Researchers found that immune cells in the central nervous system of elderly mice fail to activate an important signaling pathway, lowering chances for repair after spinal cord injury. In contrast, young adult mice showed a functional repair response.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that older adults prescribed thiazide diuretics are at a greater risk for developing metabolic-related adverse events. The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that these risks are common and warrant closer monitoring.
A large, multi-site clinical trial will test new patient-centered strategies to prevent fall-related injuries. The trial aims to develop and implement individualized care plans for adults at high risk of falling.
Two Regenstrief Institute investigators, Michael LaMantia and Noll L. Campbell, have received NIH career development awards to study delirium recognition in emergency departments and the adverse cognitive effects of medications in older adults. Their projects aim to improve care and management of older adults with delirium.
Researchers found usability problems with popular activity trackers among older adult users, including low color contrast, small fonts, and inaccurate step count tracking. The study suggests that companies should market their products directly to this demographic to improve health management.
A new study from Uppsala University found that elderly carriers of the FTO gene have higher ghrelin levels and lower leptin levels, making them more prone to weight gain. The study suggests that this genetic variant may facilitate weight gain by shifting the endocrine balance towards hunger hormone ghrelin.
A recent AP-NORC analysis of Californians' experiences with long-term care highlights growing concerns among minority groups, particularly Hispanics and foreign-born individuals. The survey reveals that nearly two-thirds of Californians age 40 or older expect to need long-term care, but many have not planned for it.
A study by University of Waterloo professors found that considering personal dilemmas as outsiders would lead to wiser reasoning. Employing a third-person perspective can help individuals think more wisely about relationship conflicts. The research results contradict the adage that age brings wisdom and highlight the importance of self...
Untrained elderly men achieved marked improvements in maximum oxygen uptake, muscle function, and bone mineralization after playing football for four months. The study shows that intense football training can change the lives of elderly men, making it easier to live an active life and overcome physical challenges.
Research highlights dangers of elderly gun ownership due to dementia, depression, and suicide risks. Proposed '5 L's' questions aim to identify guns in homes with vulnerable individuals.
Older adults who exercised regularly experienced less physical decline than their peers, according to a University of Missouri study. The researchers found that muscle-strengthening exercises, which are crucial for maintaining muscle strength, were often overlooked despite having access to recreational activities and exercise equipment.
A new UCLA-led study found that depression is linked to a far greater chance for early death among adults 65 and older with diabetes, compared to those without depression. The researchers suggest that depressed individuals are less likely to adhere to their prescribed medications and lifestyle changes.
Regular positive interactions with family and friends can help older adults maintain good health, but negative social interactions present health risks. Studies found that social networks are associated with more involvement in leisure activities, leading to better health outcomes.
A daily 20-minute walk can significantly reduce the risk of mobility disability in older adults, with a 18% reduction observed in participants who engaged in physical activity. The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study found that maintaining mobility is key to functioning independently.
A University of Florida study shows that daily moderate physical activity can help aging adults maintain their ability to walk and prevent long-term mobility loss. The study found a 18% increase in walking speed among participants who exercised regularly compared to those who did not.
A study published in JAMA found that participation in a structured moderate-intensity physical activity program significantly reduced the risk of major mobility disability among older adults. The study, known as LIFE, involved 818 participants who were randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a health education program.
Researchers at McGill University discovered that melatonin supplements increase bone volume and density in elderly rats, making them stronger. This finding suggests that melatonin may be a useful tool in combating osteoporosis.
A new study reveals that Sardinians' active lifestyle, social connections, and access to healthcare contribute to lower levels of depression among the elderly. In contrast, residents from Northern Italy face higher rates of depression due to factors like limited social support and high-stress lifestyles.
A new study by Soo Kim and David Gal found that practicing self-acceptance can help individuals avoid damaging behavior and increase the likelihood of improving areas where they fall short. Self-acceptance may be a more effective alternative to self-destructive behaviors, promoting overall well-being.
A UofL research team led by Valerie Lander McCarthy proposes a new definition of successful aging that goes beyond traditional measures of physical and cognitive function. The concept emphasizes the importance of coping with challenges, maintaining social connections, and finding meaning in life.
A cost-saving, coordinated brain care model developed by Indiana University researchers is attracting nationwide attention for its ability to improve health outcomes and quality of care while lowering costs. The ABC model, tested in large clinical trials, improves care at a lower cost than standard care.
A study published in Psychological Science found that finding a direction for life and setting overarching goals can help people live longer. The research analyzed data from over 6000 participants and found that greater purpose in life consistently predicted lower mortality risk across the lifespan.
Researchers found that older adults experiencing weight and age discrimination had significantly lower physical and emotional health compared to those who did not experience such discrimination. Loneliness was the most widespread health consequence of discrimination among older adults.
A multidimensional frailty score developed from the comprehensive geriatric assessment and other variables can predict longer hospital stays and increased risk of complications or death after surgery in elderly patients. The model supports surgical treatment for fit older patients at low risk of complications.
A decade-long study found that older adults with schizophrenia are twice as likely to receive a dementia diagnosis compared to those without the condition. However, they also experience higher rates of other serious illnesses and mortality rates, with a notable exception being lower cancer rates.
The report ranks states based on 42 health care measures, showing that only a few states improved on most indicators, while many lost ground. Despite improvements in some areas, the overall pace of change was slow, with wide gaps persisting among states.
Penn State researchers found that older adults fear companion robots will negatively affect young people, leading to design challenges for developers. To address this concern, robot designers may need to include parental controls to monitor children's use of robots and prevent dependency.
A genome-wide association study found a strong link between ABCC9 gene variations and an increased risk of Hippocampal Sclerosis of Aging (HS-A). The study also suggests that sulfonylurea medication use is associated with an elevated risk for HS-A. Researchers hope this discovery may inform new strategies to search for cures.
A study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that moderate physical activity can preserve the volume of the hippocampus in older adults at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. This suggests a potential delay in cognitive decline and onset of dementia symptoms.
The EORTC and SIOG have updated their expert opinion on NSCLC management in elderly patients, highlighting the need for personalized treatment decisions based on life expectancy and biological age. Multidisciplinary geriatric assessments can improve treatment outcomes for this population.