Articles tagged with Older Adults
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.
A new research paper published in Aging-US identified unintentional weight loss as the strongest predictor of fall risk among Taiwanese elderly. The study found that analyzing each frailty feature individually provided more accurate predictions of fall risk than using a broad frailty label.
A study found that prescribing guideline-directed medical treatment to patients 90 years and older following their first heart attack can improve survival rates. The greatest benefit was observed in those who received all four recommended therapies, including beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.
The study highlights a substantial growing burden of skin cancer among older adults, particularly males living in high-socioeconomic countries. Effective prevention and management strategies are urgently needed to address this issue.
A new study finds that cannabis use disorder diagnoses rose substantially across all age groups, race/ethnicity, and comorbidity subgroups nationwide from 2000 to 2022. People living with HIV experienced the greatest relative increase in CUD diagnoses, particularly among older adults.
Researchers used machine learning to classify older adults in Japan by physical and cognitive functions. Five functional subtypes were identified, including severe multicomponent and moderate physical types, which showed higher risks of death and hospitalization respectively.
A study of 2,268 US individuals aged 60+ found strong association between social activities and low 4-year mortality risk. High social engagement, such as charity work and sports participation, was significantly linked to reduced risk of dying.
Research highlights potential link between microplastics in ultra-processed foods and brain health, with possible connections to depression and dementia. The studies propose a novel hypothesis connecting ultra-processed food consumption, microplastic exposure, and mental health outcomes.
US survivors of adolescence and young adult cancer experience significantly worse mental health outcomes into middle age and older adulthood. Cancer clinicians should acknowledge this mental health burden and take steps to address it.
Researchers found that midlife intakes of high-quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber were associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and physical function impairments. Intakes of refined carbohydrates, on the other hand, were linked to a higher risk of unhealthy aging.
A cohort study found that high-quality carbohydrate intake and dietary fiber consumption were positively correlated with healthy outcomes in older adulthood. The study suggests that focusing on carbohydrate quality may be crucial for maintaining overall health as people age.
A national study in Sweden reveals that COVID-19 vaccination levels among older people have become increasingly uneven, with regional and socio-economic differences emerging. The study found lower vaccination rates among certain groups, including those born outside Sweden, men, and individuals with low income and education.
A study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity reveals that older adults in sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of HIV infection, particularly those who have experienced social stigma and lack access to education. Interventions such as repeated testing, PrEP, and awareness campaigns can help reduce infections among the elderly.
A cross-sectional study found that more than one-third of veterans aged 65-84 who used cannabis in the past 30 days had a cannabis use disorder. Routine health screening for cannabis use is necessary to identify older adults with cannabis use. Frequent and inhaled cannabis use was associated with higher odds of any cannabis use disorder.
A new study found that patients using factor Xa inhibitors experienced significantly fewer cardiovascular problems than those on other anticoagulants. Researchers followed over 1,000 patients aged 80 and above for up to five years, revealing lower rates of heart failure, artery disease, and cardiovascular death.
A new robot designed to physically support the elderly and prevent falls as they move around their homes. The Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot (E-BAR) has a set of robotic handlebars that can be used for support, with airbags that inflate instantly to catch users if they fall.
A new study suggests that including pork in plant-forward diets makes meals more appealing and just as healthy, offering a higher protein quality score compared to plant-based proteins. The study found that meals with lean pork delivered significantly better results for satisfaction, satiety, and willingness to adopt post-trial.
A space-saving version of boccia, called Boccia XR, has been developed as a rehabilitation program for older adults. Participants showed improved moods, vitality, and energy after experiencing both Boccia XR and traditional boccia, with increased muscle activity in the rectus femoris during both types of boccia.
Researchers found that people with diverse, active relationships had the highest levels of self-rated health, while those in smaller, more isolated groups reported poorer health. Frequent, meaningful interactions can buffer limited network size, but starting in a restricted network is challenging to escape.
The Buck Institute's hybrid intervention combines a daily ketone ester with ICOPE-INTENSE, a personalized approach improving Intrinsic Capacity and age-related functions. The team aims to restore muscle, cognition, and immune function by 10 years in one year or less.
A new study found that providing hearing aids and advice on their use can help preserve social connections in older adults, reducing loneliness. The study showed that those treated for hearing loss retained one additional social connection over a three-year period compared to those who received no treatment.
The RSV protein subunit vaccine showed similar efficacy to clinical trials, with diminished immune response in immunocompromised patients. The vaccine was associated with a small increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome, but not immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
A multicentre study found that biological ageing, measured by frailty index and telomere length, can predict cardiovascular disease risk more accurately than traditional tools. The study, involving over 14,000 individuals, suggests that incorporating biological age into risk assessments could improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
The study found that mRNA-1083 induced higher immune responses than standard care influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, with an acceptable tolerability and safety profile. The vaccine met noninferiority criteria for all 4 influenza strains and SARS-CoV-2 across various age groups.
Paul Mulhausen, MD, will lead the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) in advancing healthcare for older adults. The AGS has elected Mulhausen as its new President following his extensive experience in clinical care, medical education, and policy advocacy.
Researchers developed a new health-assessment tool that uses eight metrics derived from physical exams and routine lab tests to characterize biological age. The tool predicts risk of disability and death better than current health predictors.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine reveals that nearly two-thirds of Americans over 50 believe Medicare will cover their nursing home costs, despite it not currently paying for this type. Only half have taken key actions to prepare for long-term care needs. The poll also shows that 70% of people who survive to age 65 will need long-term c...
This study found a decline in racial and ethnic disparities in receipt of ERBB2-targeted therapies among older Medicare beneficiaries with ERBB2-positive breast cancer. The narrowing of disparities may be attributed to changes in healthcare practices or policies over time.
A new MRI technique measures a person's 'functional age' of their heart, revealing how unhealthy lifestyles add years to their heart's aging process. This method has the potential to transform heart disease diagnosis and offer a lifeline to millions by catching problems early.
Researchers have identified Clusterin as a novel marker capable of functionally categorizing aged HSCs. Clu-positive HSCs showed an increased propensity towards differentiating into platelets or myeloid cells, while Clu-negative HSCs maintained a balanced cell production approach typical of younger stages.
Exposure to high levels of smoke pollution increases hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in older adults. The study highlights the need for interventions to mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure.
A recent study developed a VR game that combines olfactory stimulation with immersive gameplay to improve cognitive function in older adults. After just 20 minutes of play, participants showed significant improvements in visuospatial rotation and memory tasks.
A long-term follow-up study found that cycling among older adults improves health and life expectancy, particularly among nondrivers, who experience lower risks of long-term care requirements and mortality. Cycling contributes to maintaining physical and mental health, making it a vital lifestyle companion for this demographic.
A new study suggests habitual coffee consumption of 4-6 cups per day is associated with reduced risk of frailty. The research highlights the possible beneficial association between daily coffee consumption and reduced risk of frailty in later life.
A new study found that staying active through moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with significantly better processing speed, working memory, and executive function in older adults. Even small changes to daily activities can have big impacts on brain health.
Cigarette smoking prevalence is expected to decrease in the US by 2035, primarily among young adults in historically high-prevalence states. This trend is likely to slow health consequences, particularly for older adults.
A new study from the University of Missouri highlights how 'smoothed' graphs can help doctors better manage patients with hypertension. The findings suggest that these graphs can reduce errors in assessing blood pressure control, potentially alleviating pressure on the healthcare system.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has honored 21 leaders in the field of geriatrics, representing various medical disciplines. The award recipients have made significant contributions to high-quality, person-centered care for older adults.
A recent study published in The Gerontologist found no difference in spatial working memory between older people with autistic traits and those who are neurotypical. Most participants maintained their cognitive ability over time, suggesting that autism is not associated with increased risk of age-related cognitive decline.
A new study led by University College London researchers found that people with Alzheimer's disease scored slightly higher on a measure of empathy than peers with mild cognitive impairment. Despite this, emotional reactivity to negative emotions was heightened among those with Alzheimer's disease, contributing to difficulties regulatin...
A study of 120,238 Ontario long-term care residents found that 20% became permanently unable to make everyday decisions, with 13% becoming totally dependent on care. Advance care directives reduced time spent living with severe disability.
A study of 50-90 year olds across 29 countries found that middle-aged Americans experience high levels of loneliness, unlike other countries. The reasons for this vary by country, but factors like unemployment, depression, and poor health contribute to the problem.