Monthly Archives: May 2024

Research indicates that ChatGPT could be an effective tool for managing medications, potentially enhancing healthcare for older adults

Polypharmacy, which refers to the simultaneous use of five or more medications, is prevalent among older adults and elevates the risk of adverse drug interactions. Combatting this risk involves deprescribing unnecessary medications, an intricate process that demands considerable time. There is a growing need for robust tools to manage polypharmacy, primarily to assist the often overburdened primary care practitioners.

A recent study by the Mass General Brigham MESH Incubator highlighted the potential of ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, as a valuable resource in managing polypharmacy and facilitating deprescription. The results of this pioneering study, disclosed on April 18th in the Journal of Medical Systems, mark a significant development in the use of AI models in medication management, keeping policymakers informed of the latest advancements.

In their assessment, researchers provided ChatGPT with various clinical scenarios, each depicting an elderly patient on multiple medications but differing in their cardiovascular disease history (CVD) and levels of daily living activities impairment (ADL). ChatGPT was then posed with decision-making questions requiring yes or no answers concerning reducing prescribed medications. The AI tended to recommend deprescribing in cases without CVD history but showed more restraint where CVD was a factor, generally advising to maintain the existing medication regimes. Notably, the severity of ADL impairment did not influence the AI’s decisions.

Interestingly, the study observed that ChatGPT often overlooked pain issues, showing a preference for reducing pain medications rather than other types, such as statins or antihypertensives. The researchers also pointed out that the AI’s responses could vary even when presented with identical scenarios in different sessions, which they attributed to potential inconsistencies in the deprescribing trends on which the AI was trained.

With over 40 per cent of older adults falling into the category of polypharmacy and an increasing number of specialists being involved in their care, primary care providers are often left with the critical task of managing medications. The study suggested that deploying an effective AI tool like ChatGPT could significantly support these efforts.

Dr. Marc Succi, MD, Associate Chair of Innovation and Commercialization at Mass General Brigham Radiology and Executive Director of the MESH Incubator, emphasized the study’s importance. He stated, “Our study provides the first use case of ChatGPT as a clinical support tool for medication management. While enhancing the accuracy of such models is important, AI-assisted polypharmacy management could help alleviate the growing pressure on general practitioners. Continued research with specifically trained AI tools could greatly improve the care provided to elderly patients.”

Arya Rao, the lead author, a researcher at MESH, and a medical student at Harvard, remarked, “Our findings suggest that AI-based tools can play a crucial role in ensuring safe medication practices for older adults; it is vital that we keep refining these tools to better handle the complexities involved in medical decision-making.”

More information: Arya Rao et al, Proactive Polypharmacy Management Using Large Language Models: Opportunities to Enhance Geriatric Care, Journal of Medical Systems. DOI: 10.1007/s10916-024-02058-y

Journal information: Journal of Medical Systems Provided by Mass General Brigham

Older adults are eager to communicate using emojis; they simply struggle with understanding their usage

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A recent study conducted by the University of Ottawa sheds light on how emojis are interpreted across different age groups. It revealed that while older adults comprehend the meanings of emojis, they often need to learn to use them more frequently than their younger counterparts. This hesitation stems from a need for more confidence in using technology for communication, challenging the stereotype that older generations are resistant or incapable of adopting modern digital language such as emojis.

The research led by Isabelle Boutet, an Associate Professor at the School of Psychology within the University’s Faculty of Social Sciences, emphasizes that the reluctance among older adults to use emojis does not arise from an inability to understand them. Instead, it points to a lower tendency to employ emojis, a limited variety in their emoji use, and discomfort in interpreting the symbols. Contrary to the assumption that older individuals cannot accurately interpret emojis, the study found that confidence in using emojis and technology primarily affects their usage patterns.

This comprehensive examination of emoji use across generations, including participants over 60, aimed to document how age and generational differences impact emojis. To investigate how age influences these factors, it assessed several aspects of emoji adoption, such as usage frequency, diversity, ease of interpretation, and accuracy in understanding emojis. Among the findings, the emoji for surprise—a face with wide eyes and raised eyebrows—was identified as particularly challenging for older adults to interpret, followed by emojis representing happiness.

The study observed that as age increases, individuals tend to find emojis more challenging to use, display less confidence in their emoji usage capabilities, and are generally less engaged with technology where emojis are prevalent. This trend led the researchers to conclude that older adults are motivated and able to use emojis but need more confidence and technological expertise.

Recognizing the potential benefits of emojis in enhancing communication, fostering intergenerational connections, combating loneliness, and helping individuals achieve social and emotional objectives, Boutet advocates for initiatives to encourage emoji use among older adults. The importance of these initiatives is underscored by the need to bridge the gap between different generations, fostering understanding and connection in an increasingly digital world.

More information: Isabelle Boutet et al, Are older adults adapting to new forms of communication? A study on emoji adoption across the adult lifespan, Computers in Human Behavior Reports. DOI: 10.1016/j.chbr.2024.100379

Journal information: Computers in Human Behavior Reports Provided by University of Ottawa

Hybrid insulin pumps are highly effective in adults with type 1 diabetes

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New advanced insulin pumps are transforming the management of type 1 diabetes by continuously monitoring blood sugar levels and using specific algorithms to administer insulin doses automatically, maintaining stable glucose levels. This cutting-edge technology, Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop (AHCL), features a pump that continuously delivers insulin through a tube connected to a thin cannula placed in the subcutaneous fatty tissue. In recent years, these pumps have become available in Sweden to treat type 1 diabetes.

Blood sugar control has been a primary focus of a study conducted in collaboration with Sahlgrenska University Hospital Östra, with the findings published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. The study included 142 randomly selected adults with type 1 diabetes treated with one of two AHCL pumps at six different diabetes clinics across Sweden. The average age of the participants was 42 years, and they had been using their AHCL pump for just over one and a half years.

The results showed a notable improvement in blood sugar control among patients using the hybrid pumps. Insulin therapy aims to maintain blood sugar levels within a specific range, between 3.9 and 10 mmol/L. The study found that the time patients spent within this target range increased by approximately three and a half hours daily. Before starting pump therapy, patients’ blood sugar levels were within this range 57% of the time, on average. With the hybrid insulin pumps, this average increased to 71.5%.

Additionally, the risk of organ damage was reduced, as indicated by Dr. Ramanjit Singh, a Resident Physician affiliated with research at the University of Gothenburg and the study’s lead author. Dr Singh highlighted the significance of the improvement, noting that even an additional hour within the target range is crucial for reducing the risk of organ damage. The new treatment also reduced the time patients spent with dangerously low blood sugar levels, from 0.7% to 0.3% during the day, without increasing the occurrence of severe sugar dips.

Participants also reported high satisfaction levels with the advanced insulin pump compared to their previous diabetes treatments. In a research survey, they rated their experience on a scale from minus 18 (worst) to plus 18 (best), with an average score of plus 14.8.

Despite the treatment’s effectiveness, the researchers noted the potential for further improvement. Approximately one-third of the patients experienced skin reactions to the adhesive in the infusion sets or sensors.

Professor Marcus Lind, a leading figure in diabetology at the Sahlgrenska Academy and head of the diabetes research unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital Östra, emphasized the potential for even more significant improvements in blood sugar levels as more patients receive the new treatment. This could further reduce organ damage and improve overall prognosis. He also highlighted the importance of developing products that are more skin-friendly and conducting more extensive studies to assess the safety of the treatment.

The insulin pumps used in the study, MiniMed™ 780 G and Tandem® t:slim X2™ with Control IQ™, represent significant advancements in the field. The study was an academic research project conducted independently of the companies responsible for these pumps, underscoring its objectivity and the significance of the findings in advancing diabetes treatment.

More information: Ramanjit Singh et al, Effects, safety, and treatment experience of advanced hybrid closed loop systems in clinical practice among adults living with type 1 diabetes, Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. DOI: 10.1177/19322968241242386

Journal information: Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology Provided by University of Gothenburg

BNP peptide implicated in eczema

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The groundbreaking research conducted at North Carolina State University has unveiled the pivotal role of a specific peptide in the onset of atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. This discovery holds immense potential in revolutionizing the treatment landscape for this condition, offering more precise and potent therapeutic interventions.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) manifests as itchy, irritated, and thickened skin at affected sites. A particular peptide, the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), is elevated in individuals suffering from AD. According to Santosh Mishra, an associate professor of molecular biomedical sciences at NC State and the study’s corresponding author, BNP is produced in sensory neurons—cells responsible for transmitting sensations to the brain through the spinal cord. Previous studies have established BNP’s role in conveying the itch sensation from the skin to the brain. This research aimed to explore BNP’s involvement in activating AD.

The team made a striking observation through a meticulously designed chemically induced mouse model of AD. Mice that lacked BNP did not exhibit the typical signs of AD, such as thickened or irritated skin, and their itching was significantly reduced compared to the control group with BNP. This rigorous approach to the study instils confidence in the validity of our findings.

“Our findings suggest that BNP likely plays a key role in the activation of itch,” Mishra noted. The study then explored the connection between BNP and periostin, aiming to understand the mechanism behind this activation process.

Periostin, a protein that interacts with sensory neurons in the skin to trigger the itch response, is produced in skin cells known as keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Keratinocytes possess receptors for BNP, known as NPR1 receptors. Activation of these receptors by BNP leads to the production of periostin, which activates the itch sensation.

“The intriguing aspect of our findings is that sensory neurons initiate the activation process,” explained Mishra. The neuron releases BNP, which then activates keratinocytes with NPR1 receptors, releasing periostin.

This research not only sheds light on the role of peripheral neurons, but also initiates a cascade of responses in the development of AD. It all starts in the sensory neurons, triggering a series of events. This significant finding not only deepens our understanding of AD, but also opens up a new realm of therapeutic possibilities. For instance, the potential to inhibit BNP’s interaction with NPR1 receptors in the skin could herald a new era in the treatment of AD, instilling hope in the scientific community.

More information: Joshua J. Wheeler et al, Brain Natriuretic Peptide Exerts Inflammation and Peripheral Itch in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis, Journal of Investigative Dermatology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.09.273

Journal information: Journal of Investigative Dermatology Provided by North Carolina State University

Engaging in intellectually stimulating occupations could potentially offer protection against the onset of dementia in later stages of life

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A recent groundbreaking study, conducted by researchers from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the Columbia Aging Center, and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, illuminates the potential protective effects of engaging in intellectually stimulating occupations against the development of dementia later in life. Published in Neurology, this study delves into the relationship between occupational cognitive demands and the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in individuals aged 70 and above, providing a wealth of new insights.

The findings reveal that individuals who had been involved in cognitively stimulating occupations during their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s exhibited a reduced risk of developing MCI and dementia after reaching the age of 70. This underscores the significance of maintaining cognitive stimulation throughout midlife to preserve cognitive function in old age. Notably, this study distinguishes itself by employing objective assessments rather than relying on subjective evaluations, marking a significant advancement in understanding this association.

Dr Vegard Skirbekk, a professor of Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia Aging Center, who spearheaded the project, emphasises the importance of mentally challenging job tasks in sustaining cognitive functioning as individuals age. Similarly, Trine Holt Edwin, the first author of the study from Oslo University Hospital, underscores the vital role of education and intellectually stimulating work environments in promoting cognitive health during older age.

The researchers used information from the Norwegian administrative registry to gather data for their analysis. They paired it with occupational attributes obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration database. They computed a Routine Task Intensity (RTI) index to gauge the cognitive demands of various occupations, with lower RTI values indicating higher cognitive demands. This approach is built upon previous research on occupational physical activity trajectories.

Using group-based trajectory modelling, the researchers identified four distinct groups with varying occupational cognitive demands across life stages. They then examined the association between these trajectory groups and the incidence of clinically diagnosed MCI and dementia in participants aged 70 and above while also accounting for key dementia risk factors such as age, gender, education, income, overall health, and lifestyle habits.

After adjusting for age, sex, and education, the study revealed that individuals in occupations with low cognitive demands (high RTI group) faced a 37 per cent higher risk of dementia compared to those in occupations with high cognitive demands. Trine Holt Edwin notes that while education played a significant role in this association, it did not entirely explain the relationship between occupational cognitive demands and the risk of MCI and dementia, suggesting that both factors independently influence mental health outcomes.

The study represents a significant advancement in the field by moving beyond retrospective, subjective evaluations of occupational cognitive demands and instead utilising registry data on occupational histories for a more robust analysis. Yaakov Stern, a Principal Investigator of the project at Columbia University, highlights the importance of this approach in strengthening existing evidence.

The findings of this study carry significant implications for our understanding of cognitive health in old age. They underscore the importance of engaging in intellectually stimulating occupations to reduce the risk of MCI and dementia in later life. Dr. Skirbekk stresses that while education and occupational cognitive demands play pivotal roles in mitigating cognitive decline, this research empowers us to make informed choices about our careers and lifestyles to protect our cognitive health.

It is important to note that this study, while providing valuable insights, establishes associations rather than direct causation between occupational cognitive demands and dementia risk. It did not differentiate between varying cognitive requirements within the same occupational category or consider the evolution of job responsibilities over time. These aspects indicate potential avenues for future research and refinement of these findings, sparking curiosity and interest in the future of cognitive health studies.

More information: Trine H. Edwin et al, Trajectories of Occupational Cognitive Demands and Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Later Life, Neurology. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000209353

Journal information: Neurology Provided by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

A study focusing on middle-aged and older adults, which took into account lifestyle and demographic factors, found that a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) is closely linked to poorer mental health, with this association being particularly notable in women

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Obesity and mental health issues stand as substantial challenges to global health. Studies have established a connection between higher levels of body fat and the occurrence of depression and general well-being. Nonetheless, documentation of such evidence remains scarce in Ireland. Additionally, research points to the potential influence of lifestyle choices and health conditions on mental health, which could alter the impact of body fat on depression and overall well-being.

The research involved a cross-sectional analysis of 1,821 individuals, both men and women, aged between 46 and 73 years. These participants were randomly selected from a comprehensive primary care centre. The assessment of depression and well-being was carried out using the 20-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the World Health Organization-Five (WHO-5) Well-Being Index, respectively. Through linear regression analyses, the study examined the relationship between mental health outcomes (as the dependent variable) and levels of adiposity (as the independent variable), as indicated by body mass index (BMI) and waist-height ratio. This examination examined various demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and health conditions.

The results of this study indicate a significant link between higher adiposity and diminished mental health, even when controlling for lifestyle choices and health conditions. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating strategies for weight management at the population level into interventions aimed at reducing depression.

More information: Caoimhe Lonergan et al, Associations between adiposity measures and depression and well-being scores: A cross-sectional analysis of middle- to older-aged adults, PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299029

Journal information: PLoS ONE Provided by PLOS

Cardiovascular fitness reduces mortality and the incidence of diseases by nearly 20%

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New groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia highlights the profound impact of regular exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, on extending one’s lifespan and promoting overall health. The study reveals that maintaining a higher level of cardio fitness can lead to a remarkable 11-17% reduction in mortality risk from any cause.

Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM), this comprehensive study analysed data from 26 systematic reviews with meta-analysis, encompassing over 20.9 million observations from 199 unique cohort studies. It represents the most extensive compilation of scientific evidence on the prospective relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and health outcomes in adults.

The research, led by Senior Author Professor Grant Tomkinson from UniSA, underscores the pivotal role of cardiorespiratory fitness in maintaining good health. CRF, defined as the ability to sustain physical activity over an extended period, correlates strongly and consistently with various health outcomes, including heart disease, depression, diabetes, dementia, and cancer.

The findings reveal a direct association between CRF levels and the risk of premature death and chronic conditions, such as heart failure. For every 1-MET increase in CRF, equivalent to the energy expended during quiet sitting, the risk of early mortality and heart failure decreases by 11-17% and 18%, respectively.

Professor Tomkinson emphasises that regular aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, can effectively boost CRF levels and mitigate the risk of adverse health outcomes. The study’s message is clear: vigorous physical activity significantly reduces the likelihood of premature death and the development of chronic diseases.

Chronic health conditions pose a significant public health challenge, contributing to a substantial burden of disease and disability. In Australia alone, an estimated 11.6 million individuals, representing 47% of the population, grapple with chronic and debilitating health conditions, underscoring the urgency of preventive measures.

Lead author Dr Justin Lang, from the Public Health Agency of Canada and UniSA, underscores the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness as a critical indicator of health status. The study serves as a compelling reminder for individuals to prioritise physical activity and movement to enhance their fitness levels and improve overall health outcomes.

Dr Lang advocates for additional moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking for at least 150 minutes per week, to bolster cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce mortality and disease risk. Moreover, he stresses the importance of routine assessment by clinicians and exercise professionals to identify individuals at higher risk and implement tailored exercise programmes to enhance CRF through regular physical activity.

More information: Justin J Lang et al, Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong and consistent predictor of morbidity and mortality among adults: an overview of meta-analyses representing over 20.9 million observations from 199 unique cohort studies, British Journal of Sports Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107849

Journal information: British Journal of Sports Medicine Provided by University of South Australia

Research review indicates the gut-skin axis as a crucial element in the development of atopic dermatitis

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Atopic dermatitis (AD), a long-term inflammatory condition of the skin, is characterized by symptoms including redness, swelling, and itching rashes. Its prevalence is notably higher among individuals with genetic predispositions. The onset and severity of symptoms are influenced by a combination of factors involving the immune system, environmental influences, and the gut microbiota. Despite ongoing research efforts, the intricacies of this condition remain partially understood. However, recent studies have begun to shed light on significant aspects; for instance, changes in the gut microbiota have been linked to the disease’s severity. Environmental triggers like allergens and pollution can exacerbate symptoms, while genetic predispositions increase susceptibility. Moreover, dietary interventions and faecal transplantation have emerged as potential therapeutic strategies.

A more profound comprehension of the interplay among these variables is crucial for advancing our understanding of atopic dermatitis and developing new treatments. This perspective is not only crucial but also significantly advanced by a review article in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, a testament to the invaluable contributions of researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) in Brazil.

Referred to also as atopic eczema, AD impacts 7%-10% of adults and 20%-25% of children globally. The demographic most affected, in terms of gender, remains unclear. The 21st century has seen a marked increase in AD cases attributed to a range of factors, including genetics, immune system issues, viral infections, and changes in lifestyle and diet, among others. A notable hypothesis for the spike in cases, particularly in developing countries, suggests that reduced exposure to beneficial bacteria might hinder the immune system’s development.

Central to recent research is the gut microbiota’s role in immune regulation, skin barrier function, and overall health. Sabri Saeed Sanabani, a researcher at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (IMT-USP) and the article’s last author, emphasizes the gut microbiota’s critical role in immune system regulation, skin integrity, and the gut-skin axis. Alterations in the gut microbiome, including imbalances in specific bacterial populations, have been implicated in AD’s development. For example, patients with AD show differences in their gut microbiome composition compared to healthy individuals, with variations in bacteria that could contribute to inflammation and disease pathogenesis.

Genetic research, particularly genome-wide association studies (GWAS), has identified genetic markers associated with AD susceptibility and progression. One of the most significant findings relates to mutations in the filaggrin gene, which plays a vital role in skin health. The connection between genetic factors and changes in the gut microbiome remains an area of active investigation.

Though not fully understood, environmental influences on AD are acknowledged to affect skin barrier function and the balance of the gut microbiome. The review highlights emerging treatments targeting these areas, including epigenetic interventions and strategies to alter gut microbiome composition through diet, probiotics, prebiotics, and faecal transplants.

Sanabani notes that the review aims to synthesize current research findings and identify gaps in knowledge, setting a direction for future investigations into atopic dermatitis.

More information: Rodrigo Pessôa et al, The Interaction between the Host Genome, Epigenome, and the Gut–Skin Axis Microbiome in Atopic Dermatitis, International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814322

Journal information: International Journal of Molecular Sciences Provided by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Study confirms weight training improves symptoms of anxiety and depression in older people

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Weight training offers numerous benefits for older individuals, including reductions in body fat and enhancements in muscle strength and mass. These improvements are pivotal for maintaining functional independence and reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted weight training’s positive effects on the mental health of older adults, particularly those grappling with anxiety and depression.

The findings of a study published in Psychiatry Research are significant, as they corroborate the benefits of weight training for older individuals. This comprehensive review and meta-analysis of over 200 articles, conducted by Paolo Cunha, a postdoctoral fellow at the Albert Einstein Jewish-Brazilian Institute of Education and Research in São Paulo, Brazil, underscored resistance training as one of the most effective non-pharmacological strategies for healthy ageing, with notable benefits extending to mental well-being.

The study’s revelations are promising, indicating that weight training not only alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression in the general populace but also exerts a more pronounced effect on individuals diagnosed with these disorders. Cunha pointed out that age-related declines in muscle strength and mass might exacerbate mental health issues due to various physiological changes controlled by the brain.

Furthermore, weight training in a group setting fosters increased social interaction, adding another dimension to its mental health benefits. The investigation also outlined optimal training structures for improving mental health, recommending weight training exercises three times a week, with three sets per exercise, focusing on six critical exercises. Quality over quantity is emphasised, with shorter sets yielding better outcomes.

Edilson Cyrino, the study’s principal investigator, noted that diverse resistance training programmes tailored to older individuals consistently yield improvements in symptoms of anxiety and depression, regardless of intensity or volume. The researchers observed that training with machines and free weights yields superior mental health benefits compared to exercises involving elastic bands or callisthenics, likely due to better control over intensity and volume.

Despite weight training’s evident mental health benefits, the researchers acknowledged the need for further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms. They highlighted the limitations of most existing studies, which suffer from small sample sizes, impeding a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. However, the burgeoning field offers ample opportunities for future advancements, inviting the audience to be part of this journey.

Cunha is currently engaged in a collaborative project with the Research Group on Clinical Intervention and Cardiovascular Disease to explore the impact of prolonged sedentary behaviour on vascular and cognitive functions in older adults, underscoring the multifaceted nature of research to promote the well-being of ageing populations.

More information: Paolo M. Cunha et al, Can resistance training improve mental health outcomes in older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Psychiatry Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115746

Journal information: Psychiatry Research Provided by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Following a Mediterranean lifestyle is linked to a reduced risk of death from all-cause and cancer mortality

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Individuals who follow a Mediterranean lifestyle, characterized by a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, eating habits that minimize the intake of added salts and sugars, and practices that encourage sufficient rest, regular physical activity, and social interactions, are found to have a significantly decreased risk of dying from any cause and from cancer. This conclusion comes from a new study conducted by La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in collaboration with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The research further highlights that adherence to this lifestyle’s focus on adequate rest, physical exercise, and socializing lowers the risk of dying from heart disease.

The findings of this study are scheduled for publication in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings on Wednesday, August 16.

While numerous studies have underscored the health benefits of adopting a Mediterranean diet and overall lifestyle, there needs to be more research exploring the application of this diet beyond its traditional Mediterranean borders. The study presents evidence that adopting the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle is feasible for people outside the Mediterranean region using locally sourced products and adapting the lifestyle to fit their cultural contexts, according to Mercedes Sotos Prieto, the study’s lead author. She holds positions as a Ramon y Cajal research fellow at La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and an adjunct assistant professor of environmental health at Harvard Chan School. The study underscores the adaptability of the Mediterranean lifestyle and its positive impact on health.

This research scrutinized the lifestyle habits of 110,799 UK Biobank participants, including a broad cross-section of individuals from England, Wales, and Scotland. The study employed the Mediterranean Lifestyle (MEDLIFE) index, based on responses to a lifestyle questionnaire and dietary assessments, to evaluate participants’ adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle. The participants, aged between 40 and 75, reported on their lifestyle across three main categories assessed by the index: “Mediterranean food consumption”, focusing on the intake of Mediterranean diet staples like fruits and whole grains; “Mediterranean dietary habits”, emphasizing mealtime practices, such as limiting salt intake and choosing healthy beverages; and “physical activity, rest, and social habits and conviviality” highlighting lifestyle practices like taking regular naps, exercising, and socializing. Scores were assigned within these categories, with higher scores indicating greater adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Upon a nine-year follow-up to assess the participants’ health outcomes, the study found that out of the cohort, 4,247 individuals had passed away from all causes, 2,401 from cancer, and 731 from cardiovascular diseases. Analyzing these health outcomes of the MEDLIFE scores revealed an inverse relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle and mortality risk. Participants with higher MEDLIFE scores had a 29% lower risk of dying from any cause and a 28% reduced risk of dying from cancer compared to those with lower scores. Adherence to each MEDLIFE category was independently linked to a lower risk of all-cause and cancer mortality. Notably, the category “physical activity, rest, and social habits and conviviality” showed the strongest association with these reduced risks and was also linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

More information: Javier Maroto-Rodriguez et al, Association of a Mediterranean Lifestyle With All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Prospective Study from the UK Biobank, Mayo Clinic Proceedings. DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.05.031

Journal information: Mayo Clinic Proceedings Provided by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Health behaviours build up and maintain a relatively consistent pattern throughout middle adulthood

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In a research project undertaken by the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences along with the Gerontology Research Center, it was noted that health behaviours are interconnected. Individuals displaying minimal physical activity also tend to consume the most alcohol, with a notable percentage also indulging in smoking. Conversely, healthier behaviours displayed similar patterns of interrelation.

Our research takes a unique approach. Instead of examining smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity as isolated behaviours, we delve into the reality that individuals usually engage in multiple health behaviours at once. As Johanna Ahola, a doctoral researcher at the Gerontology Research Center and Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, explains, this approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of health behaviours.

The research tracked the same group of individuals aged 42 in 2001, 50 in 2009, and 61 during 2020–2021. It was observed that health behaviour patterns largely remain stable through middle adulthood, although the study period did reveal some notably positive changes.

The findings of our research align with those of previous studies, providing a reassuring consistency. It was particularly heartening to see favourable behaviour changes over the years surveyed. There was a significant reduction in smoking, which might be attributable not just to ageing but also to the broader social context at the time. This suggests that as diseases become more common in middle adulthood, a greater emphasis on general health precautions and health-related objectives takes precedence, thus influencing behavioural adjustments.

The study also highlighted that sociodemographic factors influence health behaviour patterns. Women, married individuals, degree holders, and white-collar professionals tended to exhibit healthier behaviours. Moreover, personality traits such as higher levels of conscientiousness, openness, and agreeableness and lower levels of neuroticism and extraversion were also indicative of healthier behavioural choices.

“Integrating personality traits into the analysis of health behaviour patterns offered a fresh perspective compared to earlier studies,” Ahola added. “Previous observations have shown that highly extroverted individuals are generally more active physically. However, it was surprising to find in our study that lower levels of extraversion were associated with healthier behaviours, providing an intriguing insight for researchers in physical activity.”

More information: Johanna Ahola et al, Stability in health behavior patterns in middle adulthood: a 19-year follow-up study, Psychology and Health. DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2024.2316676

Journal information: Psychology and Health Provided by University of Jyväskylä

A study finds that perceptions of when ‘old age’ begins have shifted to a later age

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A recent study, published by the American Psychological Association, has unveiled a significant shift in the perception of old age among middle-aged and older adults. The study, featured in the journal Psychology and Aging, reveals that these adults now perceive the onset of old age to occur later in life, a stark contrast to the perceptions held by their counterparts several decades ago. The findings suggest that changes in life expectancy and health improvements over the years might be influencing these shifting perceptions, a discovery that holds profound implications for public health and policy.

Dr. Markus Wettstein, a renowned researcher from Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, has authored a groundbreaking study on the perception of old age. He notes that an increase in life expectancy could be a contributing factor to the later perceived onset of old age. Furthermore, he highlights that health advancements have reshaped societal views on ageing, leading to a shift in the perception of what constitutes old age. This shift, he argues, reflects medical and health improvements and changing societal attitudes towards ageing.

The study, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the shifting perceptions of old age, utilized data from the German Ageing Survey. This survey included responses from 14,056 individuals living in Germany who were born between 1911 and 1974. These participants were surveyed up to eight times from 1996 to 2021, providing a longitudinal perspective on their perceptions. The age range of the participants, from 40 to 100 years, and the inclusion of subsequent generations, aged 40 to 85 years, throughout the study, ensured a diverse and representative sample.

One key finding from the study is that participants born later reported perceiving the onset of old age later than those born earlier. For instance, participants born in 1911 believed that old age began at 71 when they were 65, whereas those born in 1956 considered the onset of old age to be at 74 when they were the same age. This indicates a gradual shift in the perception of what constitutes old age.

However, the study also noted a slowdown in this trend over the past two decades, indicating that the delay in perceiving old age might only continue for a while. Wettstein pointed out that the trend is not linear, and its future trajectory is uncertain.

Additionally, the research explored how individual perceptions of old age evolved as participants aged. It was found that individuals tended to view old age as beginning later in life with each passing year. For example, at age 64, the average age at which participants said old age started was 74.7, but by age 74, this had shifted to 76.8. The perceived onset of old age generally increases by about one year for every four to five years a person ages.

The study also examined differences in perceptions based on gender and health status. It found that women, on average, said old age started two years later than men, and this gender difference has grown over time. Furthermore, participants who reported feeling lonelier, in worse health, or older than their actual age believed that old age began earlier, compared to those who felt less lonely, were in better health, and felt younger.

These findings have broader implications for how individuals prepare for ageing and how older adults are viewed in society. Wettstein raised whether the trend towards postponing old age is due to more positive attitudes towards ageing or a desire to avoid the perceived negatives of being old.

The researchers recommend further studies to determine whether this trend will persist and suggest expanding the research to more diverse populations in various countries, including non-Western contexts, to understand better how cultural and societal factors influence ageing perceptions globally. This would help comprehensively understand the dynamics of ageing perceptions and their implications for public health and policy.

More information: Wettstein, M., Park, R., Kornadt, A. E., Wurm, S., Ram, N., & Gerstorf, D. Postponing old age: Evidence for historical change toward a later perceived onset of old age, Psychology and Aging. DOI: 10.1037/pag0000812

Journal information: Psychology and Aging Provided by American Psychological Association