Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
The University of Birmingham is rolling out the REACT programme, a group-based exercise programme proven to support people with mobility limitations, to regions around England. The three-year programme aims to improve and maintain physical function and reduce health care costs in older adults.
A modeling study finds that COVID-19 vaccination is more cost-effective for individuals aged 65 and above, with favorable results across different parameter input scenarios. The study's findings support the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' decision to recommend vaccination with the 2023-2024 mRNA vaccines.
SuperAgers, individuals with exceptional memory performance beyond their age, have been studied for 25 years. Their brains show a distinct neurobiological profile, linked to resistance and resilience mechanisms that may prevent Alzheimer's disease progression.
Researchers found a 9% increased risk of death from all causes for those living in flood-affected zip codes, with higher risks in Connecticut and New York City. The study highlights the importance of considering long-term health impacts of hurricane-related flooding on older adults.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that lithium loss in the brain is an early change leading to Alzheimer's, while a novel lithium compound can reverse memory in mice. The study suggests a new theory of the disease and a potential strategy for diagnosis and treatment.
A comprehensive genetic analysis of nearly one million participants found hundreds of genetic markers influencing frailty risk. The study reveals frailty is not caused by a single factor but by multiple genes affecting the immune system, brain, and metabolism.
A study by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that older adults participate more in social activities after moving into long-term care facilities. However, gaps in access to these opportunities persist, affecting men, nursing home residents from minority groups, and those with lower participation rates before admi...
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that centenarians tend to accumulate diseases at a slower rate compared to non-centenarians. The study showed that centenarians are less likely to develop multiple diseases simultaneously, and those diseases often occur later in life.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum suggests that Medicare could save $3.6 billion annually by eliminating or reducing low-value tests and procedures for patients who do not benefit from them. This reduction in unnecessary care could also result in $800 million less in out-of-pocket costs for older adults.
A study found that semaglutide and liraglutide use are associated with a higher risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in older patients with type 2 diabetes. The GLP-1 receptor agonists showed varying levels of risk, with liraglutide posing the greatest threat.
A large study examines 17 years of Medicare hospitalization claims and major flooding events, finding increased rates of specific health issues among older adults. The research highlights the need for targeted outreach, robust evacuation planning, and improved access to medical services to protect public health during climate change.
Researchers found that taking blood thinners like warfarin does not significantly increase the risk of brain bleeding after blunt head trauma, contradicting previous assumptions. In fact, patients with poorly controlled warfarin activity had the highest bleeding risk.
Two studies from University of Michigan researchers suggest many older adults and people with disabilities need more impartial help picking the best Medicare plan. Only about 13% of enrollees switch plans annually, and even fewer use the internet to research options.
The US POINTER trial found that a structured lifestyle intervention of regular exercise, adherence to the MIND diet and social engagement had greater benefits on global cognition compared to an unstructured intervention. The study showed significant cognitive benefit after two years in older adults at elevated risk of Alzheimer disease.
A comparative effectiveness study estimates that COVID-19 vaccinations averted 2.5 million deaths during 2020-2024, with the majority of benefits secured for older adults within this age group.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that up to 40% of hospital transfers from nursing homes can be avoided. The study identified common medical conditions linked to unnecessary hospitalizations, including feeding tube complications and urinary tract infections.
A retrospective study found that older adults hospitalized with RSV experienced significantly longer hospital stays, transfers to intensive care, and 30-day mortality compared to patients with other conditions. Additionally, RSV hospitalization was associated with higher rates of heart failure and atrial fibrillation post-discharge.
Aging and depression are linked to complex brain-body communication, with organs aging at different rates and influencing disease susceptibility. Dr. Hamilton Oh's research reveals how immune cells and metabolic organs amplify or dampen mood symptoms, offering novel therapeutic targets.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) treatment was associated with reduced all-cause mortality among older patients with cancer and type 2 diabetes. The survival benefit persisted across various subgroups, including age, sex, and cancer type.
A new study introduces a novel muscular clock, MAA, which measures how quickly an individual's muscles are aging compared to their actual age. The research found that about 25% of healthy middle-aged and older adults experience accelerated muscle aging, increasing the risk of sarcopenia.
A new poll suggests that older adults are divided on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), with some expressing curiosity and others skepticism. The study found that nearly all participants wanted clear labeling of AI-generated information, while also acknowledging its potential benefits for independent living. However, many express...
A new study found that older adults with insomnia face triple the risk of developing depressive symptoms compared to sound sleepers. The study suggests that treatments targeted at inflammation-related depression may benefit these patients and improve their overall quality of life.
A new study found that walking at a pace 14 steps per minute faster than usual can improve physical function in frail or at-risk older adults. Researchers developed a smartphone app to accurately measure walking cadence, making it easier for daily use.
A recent study of over 5,500 widowed individuals found that emotional loneliness increases significantly after a spouse's death and continues for years. Despite stronger parent-child relationships, particularly among mothers who act as kin-keepers, social and emotional loneliness persists.
A study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting found that socially isolated older adults are 34% more likely to have diabetes and 75% more likely to have poor blood sugar control. Social isolation is being recognized as a critical social determinant of health, highlighting its importance in caring for older patients.
A study of 62,839 people diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer in Sweden found that those treated according to NCCN Guidelines were likely to survive their cancer for their remaining life-expectancy. Those with low- and intermediate-risk cancer were six times more likely to die of other causes than prostate cancer.
Higher anticholinergic exposure accelerates decline in gait speed and grip strength in older adults, affecting healthy aging. The study suggests minimizing anticholinergic medications is crucial for maintaining physical function.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered that psilocybin can delay cellular aging by over 50% and extend the lifespan of human skin and lung cells. In a study involving aged mice, psilocybin was shown to increase survival by 30% and improve physical features, suggesting potential for anti-aging therapies.
The study found that acute hepatitis E incidence and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) increased globally from 1990 to 2021, with a slight rise in age-standardized rates. The number of incident cases is expected to continue increasing up to 2030.
A nationwide study of 1,500 US women aged 40-65 found that most continue to experience orgasm at the same frequency and quality as younger peers. The study suggests promoting masturbation among older women may enhance well-being and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
A Brazilian researcher is studying induced pluripotent stem cells from centenarians to understand cellular resilience in COVID-19 survivors. The study aims to identify key cellular pathways that influence longevity and potentially contribute to therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases.
A recent multinational study found that people diagnosed with dementia are living longer due to advancements in diagnosis and care. The study of over 1.2 million individuals across eight regions revealed a lower risk of death in five regions, primarily attributed to improved prevention and treatment methods.
A new study from the University of Southern California reveals that just 30 days of guided mindfulness meditation can significantly enhance key aspects of attentional control. The study demonstrates that even short-term meditation can lead to measurable cognitive improvements, particularly in reaction speed.
A new pilot study found that brain stimulation plus coaching significantly increased physical activity in older adults, with an average daily step count of 1,179 steps per day. The results suggest that brain stimulation may enhance motivation and behavior change, particularly when paired with accessible coaching.
Research from Kyoto University found that continuing to play a musical instrument into old age preserves brain function and prevents atrophy in the putamen. Long-term practice showed no decline in verbal working memory performance or gray matter volume, while short-term practice improved memory function for four months.
A study of over 2,500 adults aged 50-80 found that nearly 1 in 6 take aspirin for cardiovascular protection without a history of heart disease. Despite revised guidelines reducing aspirin use for primary prevention after age 70, many patients are unaware of the increased risk of bleeding.
A community-based pneumococcal vaccination support program in Sera Town, Japan, reduced pneumonia-related mortality by 25% among the elderly. The program reversed a previously increasing trend in pneumonia mortality rate in the community.
A new study found that slower arm movements in older adults increase the risk of falls, which can lead to hip fractures. The research team discovered that faster arm corrections can limit whole-body movement during a slip, highlighting the importance of strengthening targeted muscles.
Scientists at Duke University have developed a freely available tool that can estimate an individual's rate of aging and predict their risk for chronic diseases like dementia. The tool, called DunedinPACNI, analyzes brain scans to identify those who are aging faster, which may lead to cognitive decline and age-related health problems.
A new study from the University of Bath found that inappropriate polypharmacy is a major driver of emergency hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and over. The researchers developed a digital tool to proactively identify older adults at risk of medication-related harm, which could reduce preventable emergency hospitalisations.
A large-scale study found no association between medication use and the development of microscopic colitis, contradicting previous findings. SSRIs were linked to a slightly higher risk, but also increased the likelihood of receiving a colonoscopy.
A community-based cohort study found that COVID-19 hospitalization was associated with accelerated declines in cognition among older adults, compared to those not infected. Avoiding severe SARS-CoV-2 infection may help preserve cognitive function in this population.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma investigate the overlap between cognitive decline caused by chemotherapy and aging, discovering decreased blood flow, disrupted blood-brain barriers, and senescent cells. Removing these cells with senolytics can improve cerebral blood flow, cognition, and overall brain health.
The study found that 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines provide additional protection against medically attended COVID-19 and critical illness. These results highlight the significance of receiving recommended COVID-19 vaccinations for adults 18 years or older, contributing to improved public health outcomes.
A new poll reveals significant variation in older adults' preparations to age in place, with 46% having taken steps to make their home more age-friendly. However, differences persist based on health, disability, and home ownership status, highlighting opportunities for policymakers and families.
Dr. Eric Sun's groundbreaking work uses spatial aging clocks to measure biological age at the individual cell level, identifying specific cell types that drive brain aging in neighboring tissues. His machine learning models reveal complex intercellular communication networks that determine aging rates.
A USC study found that high levels of iron in the brain contribute to cell damage and oxidative stress, accelerating Alzheimer’s symptoms in individuals with Down syndrome. This connection could lead to targeted treatments and improved outcomes for those at risk.
A large-scale study identified early indicators of frailty decline in older adults, including health deficits such as sleep disturbances and muscle weakness. Early intervention programs addressing these modifiable health issues can contribute to disease control and slow frailty progression.
Dr. Sophia Shi's groundbreaking research reveals that the glycocalyx deteriorates with age, leading to blood-brain barrier dysfunction and cognitive decline. Her work provides concrete molecular targets for drug development and may lead to treatments that address the root causes of neurodegeneration.
A study on long-lived bats found that they possess robust tumor-suppressor mechanisms that protect against cancer. The researchers discovered that increased activity of the p53 gene is a key defense against cancer, and that safely increasing telomerase enzyme activity could be a way to apply their findings to humans.
Researchers developed a blood-based proteomic score to predict healthy aging and age-related diseases. A lower score is associated with higher mortality and disease risk, offering a powerful tool for understanding biological aging.
A study analyzing health and long-term care insurance data from Tsukuba City found that 73.5% of older patients were weaned off ventilators within 180 days, while 42.6% were discharged from the hospital. Patients with higher care levels had longer hospital stays.
A study found slightly lower adenoma detection rates in adults aged 45-49 compared to older groups, consistent with previous evaluations of screening colonoscopies. The study's findings suggest that the lowered screening age may have a beneficial effect on colon cancer prevention.
A new study found that problems with accessing high-quality care were a major driver for switching Medicare Advantage plans, not cost concerns. Dissatisfaction with medical care access was more common among those in poor health, and those who enrolled in MA plans with low star ratings were also more likely to switch.
A study found that cannabis use among older adults in the US has reached a new high, with 7% of adults aged 65 and over reporting current use. The profile of those who use cannabis has changed, with pronounced increases in use by college-educated, married, female, and higher-income individuals.
Prevalence of current cannabis use rose significantly among adults aged 65+, particularly those with higher incomes. Adults with initial lower cannabis use rates now exhibit the highest prevalence by 2023.
A cohort study of 4 countries found that both maternal and paternal higher education levels were linked to reduced cognitive decline, with own education mediating these associations. The study highlights the long-term impact of parental education on offspring cognitive health across diverse cultural contexts.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that mindfulness training and non-invasive brain stimulation can significantly reduce bladder leaks and feelings of urgency evoked by specific environments or scenarios. The study, published in Continence, used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to activate the prefrontal co...
A combination of Rapamycin and Trametinib therapies significantly prolongs the life of mice by up to 30%, reducing chronic inflammation and delaying cancer onset. The unique combination achieves novel effects on gene expression, offering a potential geroprotector approach to extend human lifespan.
Sustained midlife weight loss was associated with lower chronic disease incidence and decreased all-cause mortality. The study's findings suggest that maintaining a healthy weight during middle age can have long-term health benefits.