Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that older adults use their brains differently when it comes to storing memories associated with negative emotions. Older adults have less connectivity between emotion-generating and memory regions, but stronger connections with the frontal cortex, which controls lower-order brain functions.
A subanalysis of the AZA-001 phase III trial reveals Vidaza extends overall survival and reduces death risk in elderly higher-risk MDS patients. The treatment also improves one-year survival rates in all response categories.
Researchers found older adults' brains show increased activation in regions processing external noise during memory encoding failure. This leads to decreased performance and 'misses' in face recognition tasks.
A new study shows JANUVIA (sitagliptin), a diabetes medicine, effectively lowers blood glucose levels in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and is not associated with hypoglycemia. The study found that advanced age can contribute to the risk of hypoglycemia, which is why this treatment is beneficial for older patients.
Researchers at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine discovered that super-aged brains have a lower number of fiber-like tangles, which accumulate inside brain cells and are thought to kill them. This finding suggests that individuals with fewer tangles perform better cognitively.
The article reveals substantial inequalities in healthy life years (HLYs) from the age of 50 across EU countries, with GDP and spending on elderly care being key factors. HLYs at 50 are highest in Denmark and Malta for men, and France, Italy, and Spain for women, while lowest in Estonia and Hungary.
A new study by the Oregon Evidence-based Practice Center finds that patients are more likely to use interactive health IT systems when they perceive a real health benefit and receive tailored feedback. The most effective disease self-management systems provide a complete feedback loop with active participation from physicians, current ...
The grant will support the development of leaders in geriatric medicine and teaching programs, as well as new training opportunities for medical students and residents. The Wake Forest University School of Medicine will also establish a curriculum for specialty physicians to integrate geriatrics principles into their teaching programs.
A double-blind study found that beta-alanine supplementation increases physical working capacity in elderly individuals, improving fitness levels by 67% compared to placebo. This increase is clinically significant, as decreased functional capacity is associated with increased mortality.
A new study examines how stress affects decision-making in older and younger adults, revealing that stressed older adults alter their behavior more significantly. The researchers found that stressed older adults were not only more cautious but also jerkier drivers, braking almost three times as much as their calmer peers.
A recent study found that caregiving is linked to poorer health outcomes in older white caregivers compared to black female caregivers. The study also revealed that physical activity played a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of caregiving on health.
A new study from the University of New Hampshire found that elderly women can increase muscle strength similar to young women after an eight-week training regime. However, the older group showed a reduced capacity to increase power, which is more closely related to preventing falls.
Rutgers University has received a $2.3 million federal grant to lead a national study on the use, safety, and effectiveness of antipsychotic medications. The study will focus on subpopulations such as the elderly and youth, where evidence is incomplete on medication outcomes.
A landmark study by NC State University researchers found that African-American seniors with sleep trouble have poorer memory performance. The study of 174 subjects aged 65-90 suggests that identifying and treating sleep difficulties may help preserve cognitive functioning.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has found that restless nights significantly increase the risk of depression recurrence in older adults. The research suggests that sleep disturbances can act as a precursor to another attack of depression, even in individuals who have not experienced symptoms before.
Nearly 20% of octogenarians studied had dysphonia, while 14% experienced painful swallowing. Despite expressing interest in treatment, many seniors lacked awareness and received inadequate care from primary care physicians. The study highlights the need for better education to improve quality of life outcomes.
A retrospective cohort analysis involving over 280,000 patients found that statin use was associated with a 28% increased risk of postoperative delirium in elderly patients. The study also revealed that longer surgeries and age over 70 years increased the risk of delirium.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center developed a minimally invasive procedure to bypass narrowed aortic valves in high-risk elderly patients. The study showed that this procedure can be performed safely without stopping the heart and offers effective treatment for those who were previously considered too frail for s...
A study found that an audio relaxation program lowered blood pressure more than listening to Mozart music in a group of elderly people with high blood pressure. The program used binaural sound and guided relaxation techniques to lower systolic blood pressure by 6.4% compared to a 5% reduction from Mozart music.
A study found that older problem gamblers are three to four times more likely to harm themselves than younger counterparts. They prefer non-strategic games, which may accelerate the downward spiral of gambling problems.
A study by Brandeis University suggests that age-related differences exist in how people view their past, present, and future expectations. Younger adults tend to be more optimistic about their future, while older adults are more realistic and accurate in their predictions.
Dr. Torke, an assistant professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, will conduct a large study on surrogate decision making for hospitalized older adults. The two-year, $200,000 award is sponsored by the John A. Hartford Foundation and supports physician-scientists focused on improving healthcare for older adults.
A study published in Neurology found that taking cholesterol-lowering drugs after a stroke or mini-stroke lowers the risk of another stroke in both young and elderly individuals. The study involved over 4,700 participants aged 18 and older, with significant reductions in LDL 'bad' cholesterol levels.
A study found that older adults with insomnia are less sensitive to changes in skin temperature, making it harder for them to detect when their body is too hot or cold. Warming the skin can facilitate sleep onset despite this decreased sensitivity.
A study found that older adults who slept more during rehabilitation had less functional recovery and took longer to recover. The study suggests that interventions to improve sleep patterns may promote functional recovery in older adults.
Researchers analyzed data from over 700 elderly patients and found no significant reduction in all-cause mortality among those vaccinated against flu. Despite initial reports of a large mortality benefit, the study controlled for various variables and concluded that any potential benefit was small and statistically non-significant.
A study analyzing prescription data found that anti-psychotic drug use increased by 20% among elderly patients with dementia after safety warnings were issued. The warnings, issued between 2002 and 2007, aimed to reduce the risk of stroke or death associated with these drugs.
A University of Chicago study found that over 13% of elderly Americans experience mistreatment, with verbal and financial abuse being the most prevalent forms. The study also revealed wide variations in mistreatment depending on age and ethnicity.
A recent study found that elderly trauma patients are undertriaged and less likely to be transported to trauma centers compared to younger patients. The study suggests that unconscious age bias among emergency medical services personnel may contribute to this disparity.
A study found that older adult dementia caregivers have significantly worse sleep patterns than non-caregivers, with less total sleep time and increased daytime sleepiness. Caregivers also reported lower subjective sleep quality and higher depressive symptom scores.
A study found that older runners were less likely to become disabled and may survive longer than non-runners. Regular exercise, including running, was associated with improved health outcomes, including lower levels of inflammatory markers and better cognitive function.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine tracked 500 older runners for over 20 years, finding that regular running delays disability and reduces the risk of early death. The study's findings support the theory that 'comparing morbidity' - compressing the period of declining health - can extend high-quality life.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that eating broiled or baked tuna and other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent silent brain infarcts, which are associated with dementia and stroke. The risk was lower for those who ate these types of fish regularly.
Researchers analyzed 1173 cases of community-acquired pneumonia and found that flu vaccination was not associated with a reduced risk. The study suggests that the vaccine may not be effective in reducing influenza infection in elderly individuals at risk of pneumonia.
A study by Indiana University researchers reveals a significant communication gap between older adults and their surgeons, with only half of concerns discussed during consultations. This mismatch can lead to poorly tailored treatment recommendations, emphasizing the need for effective communication.
A new study found that a protein produced by fat cells may increase the risk of heart attack in older adults. Adiponectin levels were associated with a higher risk of heart disease events, particularly among those with high levels.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that Ritalin, used for Attention Deficit Disorder, can improve seniors' cognitive abilities and gait, cutting the risk of serious falls. The study suggests using Ritalin to reduce fall risk in older adults by targeting cognitive deficits.
A new study reveals that treating overweight or obese elderly individuals costs Medicare 6-17% more over a lifetime than treating those with a healthy weight. This translates to an extra $15,000 for overweight individuals and $26,000 for obese individuals.
Researchers at Yale University found that fall prevention educational campaigns and interventions can reduce elderly falls by 11%, resulting in fewer hip fractures and head injuries. The study suggests that embedding fall risk assessment and management into clinical practice can lead to significant cost savings.
A University of Georgia study found that participating in a walking exercise program can decrease elderly disability risk by 41% and increase physical function by 25%. The study also showed that walking increased aerobic capacity by 19% compared to a control group.
Researchers found that a higher MMSE score threshold of 27 can more effectively detect dementia in highly educated older adults. This new criterion may facilitate early detection and timely treatment of the disease.
Dr. Greg Sachs is conducting a two-year pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating an outpatient palliative care program for patients with dementia into primary care practices. The goal is to provide improved symptom management, enhanced family support, and assistance with difficult decision making.
Older adults with severe hip or knee osteoarthritis who undergo joint replacement surgery experience significant improvements in osteoarthritis symptoms, with most patients returning to regular activities within a month. The study's findings support the use of joint replacement as an option for older adults with severe osteoarthritis.
A recent study found that older adults are less likely to commit the sunk-cost fallacy, instead viewing situations from a balanced perspective. This allows them to recognize that past investments cannot be recovered by continuing to invest time.
Research from the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) found that reducing blood pressure can lead to a significant reduction in dementia risk. The study, which included over 3,300 participants, showed that antihypertensive treatment was associated with a 13% lower incidence of dementia.
Researchers found that coronary arterial calcium scans can detect overall death risk in elderly adults, predicting those likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. The study validated the use of CT scans to assess death risk, enabling physicians to advise patients on lifestyle changes and preventive measures.
A new screening tool, Everyday Cognition (ECog), evaluates basic mental functioning in everyday activities, revealing potential cognitive impairment. The ECog helps clinicians identify individuals at risk for developing dementia, enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention.
A study of 506 healthy older adults found that subtle neurological abnormalities are associated with increased disability, depression, and cognitive decline. Those with three or more such abnormalities were more likely to die or experience a stroke over eight years.
Researchers found that subtle neurological abnormalities in disability-free older adults can predict cognitive and functional declines. The study used standardized neurological exams to devise a scale measuring these abnormalities, providing evidence for the value of standard neurological exams in predicting future brain health.
Researchers found that older adults are just as socially satisfied as younger counterparts, contrary to conventional wisdom. The study suggests that older adults' perception of their experiences brings them more satisfaction, enabling them to find uplift in everyday life.
Researchers found that actively engaging in health control strategies can prevent chronic health problems and functional limitations in older adults. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that these strategies may be particularly effective in preventing decline during the early stages of physical aging.
A study of 28 spousally bereaved seniors found significant sleep disruption, with grief-related differences in alertness and reduced daytime regularity. The research highlights the importance of maintaining good sleep hygiene to mitigate the negative effects of disturbed sleep on mental health.
A new study published at SLEEP 2008 found strong associations between disturbed rest/activity rhythms and mortality rates in older, community-dwelling men. The research, which included 3,053 men aged 67 years and older, showed that those with lower amplitude (i.e., weaker) rhythms had higher mortality rates than those with stronger rhy...
A study of 2,226 women aged 60 found that fewer complaints of sleep maintenance insomnia and less daytime napping were associated with successful aging. The research highlights the importance of good sleep for healthy aging, suggesting healthcare professionals should prioritize sleep improvement.
A study of 3,000 older men found that disrupted rest and activity biological rhythms were associated with a higher risk of death. Men with more robust rest/activity rhythms had lower mortality rates, highlighting the importance of regular sleep routines for health and longevity in older adults.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are enhancing motion-capture technology to benefit older adults, enabling frequent assessment of physical function and improving exercise effectiveness and safety. The technology preserves privacy while providing valuable insights for healthcare providers.
A study found that bright lighting reduced cognitive deterioration by 5% and improved functional limitations by 53%. Melatonin also improved sleep and reduced depressive symptoms. The combination of light and melatonin had a positive effect on mood, while individual use of melatonin was associated with adverse effects.
A unique case study found a 115-year-old woman had an essentially normal brain with little evidence of Alzheimer's disease. The findings question the inevitability of cognitive decline in elderly individuals and suggest potential for preserving brain function.
A pilot study showed that older adults with early memory decline who drank Concord grape juice daily experienced improved list learning and trends of short-term retention and spatial memory. The study, led by Robert Krikorian, found significant benefits in cognitive function.
A new study found that elderly men with higher IGF-1 bioactivity have a significantly lower mortality rate compared to those with low bioactivity. The researchers used a new method to measure IGF-1 function, which revealed the association between high circulating IGF-1 bioactivity and extended survival.