Monthly Archives: December 2024

People Suffering from Migraines Have Increased Risk of Depression Amidst Pandemic

A recent in-depth study by the University of Toronto has shed light on the severe mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults suffering from migraine.

The research utilised data from over 2,000 elderly individuals with migraine, part of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, to track changes in their depression status throughout the pandemic. The findings revealed that over 14% of these individuals encountered depression for the first time due to the pandemic. In contrast, around 50% of those with a previous history of depression saw a recurrence during this challenging period.

“Individuals with migraine are particularly susceptible to negative mental health outcomes like depression,” commented Esme Fuller-Thomson, the study’s lead researcher and a professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) as well as the director of the Institute for Life Course & Aging (ILCA). “The pandemic brought with it increased stressors including interruptions to medical treatments and healthcare services, compelling us to examine their impact on the mental well-being of migraine sufferers.”

The study identified specific risk factors for depression to understand better which subgroups of migraine sufferers were most at risk during the pandemic. One notable finding was that increased familial discord during the pandemic posed a significant risk, elevating the chances of developing depression by five times and tripling the risk of depression recurrence.

“Many families faced heightened tensions and disagreements during lockdown periods, which reduced access to vital stress relief resources such as outdoor physical activities and social interactions with friends. These factors significantly contributed to the mental health struggles observed during the pandemic,” explained Andie MacNeil, a PhD student at FIFSW and co-author of the study.

The research also highlighted other pandemic-related stressors linked to the onset of depression among older adults with migraine, such as difficulties in accessing healthcare services. “Before the pandemic, accessing comprehensive healthcare was already a significant challenge for those suffering from migraine,” stated Aneisha Taunque, another co-author and a research assistant at the Institute for Life Course and Aging. “The situation deteriorated during the pandemic, likely exacerbating the mental health issues within this group.”

Furthermore, the study found that increased caregiving responsibilities and related challenges approximately doubled the risk of developing depression. “Caregiving is particularly demanding for individuals dealing with severe pain like that caused by migraines, and many reported an increase in their caregiving duties during the pandemic,” mentioned Ying Jiang, a Senior Epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency of Canada and co-author of the study.

Sarah Leo, a recent MSW graduate from FIFSW, Dr. Grace Li, a former research associate at ILCA, and Margaret de Groh, a retired scientific manager at the Public Health Agency of Canada, contributed additional contributions to the study.

The researchers stressed the need for continued investigation into the depression rates among migraine sufferers. “It’s crucial to determine whether the spikes in depression rates were a temporary phenomenon driven by pandemic-related stressors, or if they represent a longer-term trend,” Fuller-Thomson concluded. “Understanding these patterns will enable us to develop targeted screening and interventions for individuals with migraine.”

More information: MacNeil A et al, The Mental Health Toll of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults with Migraine: A Prospective Analysis of Depression Using the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, Journal of Pain Research. DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S469798

Journal information: Journal of Pain Research Provided by University of Toronto

Promising Natural Extracts Herald a New Era in Anti-Ageing Skin Care: Pioneering Advances in Dermatological Health

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Cyanobacteria, often called blue-green algae, are ancient organisms that have thrived for billions of years across various environments due to their remarkable capacity for photosynthesis and self-sustenance. These attributes have rendered them a point of significant interest within the scientific community. A particular strain of cyanobacteria native to Japan, known as Aphanothece sacrum or Suizenji-nori, has garnered attention due to its bioactive properties and potential health benefits. Of special interest are the natural compounds, saclipins A and B, that this cyanobacterium produces under drought-stress conditions. These compounds are notable for blocking ultraviolet (UV) A and UV-B radiation, which suggests a potential role in skin protection.

In 2023, Professor Hakuto Kageyama, the Dean of the Graduate School of Environmental and Human Sciences at Meijo University in Japan, made a significant discovery about saclipins in the Aphanothece sacrum. His research illuminated the unique properties of sculpins, including their capacity to absorb UV radiation and their anti-ageing benefits, such as antioxidative and antiglycative activities. Professor Kageyama emphasized the versatility of saclipins, stating that these characteristics make them suitable for topical applications or as dietary supplements. Inspired by these findings, he was motivated to explore the potential uses of saclipins in skincare and cosmetics.

In a subsequent study conducted in 2024, Professor Kageyama collaborated with Yoshie Uchida and Masaki Honda from Meijo University and Rungaroon Waditee-Sirisattha from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. Their research, published in ACS Agricultural Science & Technology on November 1, 2024, aimed to delve deeper into the anti-aging properties of saclipins. The team used dried and powdered Aphanothece sacrum to extract saclipins, testing them for their anti-aging efficacy. They assessed the chemical stability of saclipins under various light and heat conditions and evaluated their ability to scavenge singlet oxygen, a measure of antioxidant potential.

Professor Kageyama’s team explored how saclipins impact skin health by inhibiting elastase, a key enzyme in skin ageing, and by boosting the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which are vital for skin firmness and hydration. They also examined the inhibitory effects of saclipins on tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production and skin pigmentation. Their findings indicated that saclipins promote skin quality improvements by enhancing collagen and hyaluronic acid levels and possess skin-whitening properties by reducing melanin production.

The research included both purified saclipins A and B and extracts containing these compounds from dried Aphanothece sacrum. Notably, the extracts displayed similar, if not enhanced, activity compared to their purified counterparts, suggesting that they could be more cost-effective and easier to incorporate into skincare products. Professor Kageyama pointed out that this could facilitate cheaper production methods and simplify formulations, making saclipins an attractive component for the skincare industry.

Given the global concern over skin ageing and the burgeoning skincare market, the demand for Aphanothece sacrum and the discovery of its saclipins could stimulate large-scale cultivation, aiding in the conservation of this endangered species and revitalizing the aquaculture industry. In conclusion, Professor Kageyama highlighted the importance of these developments for the skincare market and conservation efforts, potentially preventing the extinction of this valuable cyanobacterium.

Thus, the research into saclipins illuminates the anti-ageing capabilities of Aphanothece sacrum and underscores its broader potential benefits, making it a promising candidate for future skincare innovations.

More information: Yoshie Uchida et al, Photo- and Thermo-Chemical Properties and Biological Activities of Saclipins, UV-Absorbing Compounds Derived from the Cyanobacterium Aphanothece sacrum, ACS Agricultural Science & Technology. DOI: 10.1021/acsagscitech.4c00571

Journal information: ACS Agricultural Science & Technology Provided by Meijo University

Cardiovascular Medications Could Lower Dementia Risk

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Cardiovascular disease and dementia are significant public health issues that impose substantial burdens on healthcare systems and society alike. A recent study conducted by Karolinska Institutet in Sweden has revealed that the prolonged use of widely prescribed cardiovascular medications is linked to a decreased risk of developing dementia in later life.

Mozhu Ding, an assistant professor at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, and a leading study author, highlighted the study’s findings. “We observe a consistent association between the extended use—five years or more—of these medications and a lowered risk of dementia as individuals age,” Ding explained. This study utilised extensive data from Swedish national registers, incorporating about 88,000 individuals aged over 70 who were diagnosed with dementia between 2011 and 2016, alongside 880,000 control subjects. The analysis included data on cardiovascular drugs sourced from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register.

The findings indicated that the long-term administration of medications such as antihypertensives, cholesterol-lowering agents, diuretics, and anticoagulants correlated with a 4 to 25 per cent reduction in dementia risk. Notably, the combined use of these drugs showed even more significant protective effects than their individual use. Alexandra Wennberg, another lead author and affiliated researcher at the Institute, commented on the study’s approach: “Unlike previous research, which often focused on specific drugs and targeted patient groups, our study adopts a more comprehensive perspective.”

However, the research also presented some contrasting results, particularly concerning antiplatelet drugs commonly used to prevent strokes and reduce clotting. These drugs were associated with an increased risk of dementia, potentially due to their role in promoting microbleeds within the brain, which are linked to cognitive decline.

This study is considered a crucial step towards developing new interventions for dementia, a condition currently without a cure. “Finding preventive strategies is vital since we do not yet have a cure for dementia,” Wennberg stressed. The researchers emphasised the need for further research, particularly randomised controlled clinical trials, to deepen understanding of the mechanisms underlying these observations. They also plan to explore how dietary and lifestyle factors and cardiovascular drug treatments influence dementia risk. This holistic approach could potentially unveil new preventive measures against dementia, enriching our strategies for managing these pervasive public health challenges.

More information: Mozhu Ding et al, Use of common cardiovascular disease drugs and risk of dementia: A case–control study in Swedish national register data, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.14389

Journal information: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Earlier Detection of Diabetes Associated with Increased Dementia Risk

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The study conducted by researchers at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, recently published in PLOS ONE, reveals that an earlier diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, particularly among adults who are obese. This research underscores the potential cognitive repercussions of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age, and it highlights the necessity for preventive strategies against dementia that address both diabetes and obesity, according to Xiang Qi, assistant professor at NYU Meyers and the study’s lead author.

Type 2 diabetes has long been recognised as a risk factor for dementia, although the exact mechanisms linking the two conditions remain unclear. Researchers speculate that characteristics typical of diabetes, such as elevated blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, might facilitate the development of dementia-related changes within the brain. The condition, traditionally seen in older adults, is now increasingly diagnosed in younger individuals, with statistics showing that one in five people with type 2 diabetes globally is under 40.

The research team delved into the relationship between the age at which diabetes is diagnosed and the subsequent risk of dementia by analysing data from 2002 to 2016 from the Health and Retirement Study conducted by the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research. The study comprised 1,213 U.S. adults over the age of 50 who had confirmed type 2 diabetes via blood tests and were free of dementia at the onset of the study. Over a follow-up period of up to 14 years, 216 participants (17.8%) developed dementia, as determined through follow-up telephone interviews.

Findings indicated that those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at younger ages faced a significantly higher risk of developing dementia compared to those diagnosed after the age of 70. Specifically, adults diagnosed before 50 were 1.9 times more likely to develop dementia than those diagnosed at 70 or older. Similarly, those diagnosed between 50-59 and 60-69 had 1.72 and 1.7 times the risk, respectively. Moreover, linear trend tests conducted by the researchers revealed a graded relationship between the age at diabetes diagnosis and the risk of dementia, with each younger year of diagnosis correlating with a 1.9% increase in dementia risk.

Bei Wu, the Dean’s Professor in Global Health and vice dean for research at NYU Meyers and the study’s senior author, speculated that earlier diagnosis of diabetes might increase dementia risk due to more prevalent vascular complications, poorer blood sugar control, and increased insulin resistance, all known contributors to cognitive decline. Additionally, obesity seemed to exacerbate the relationship between diabetes and dementia, with those diagnosed before 50 who were also obese showing the highest dementia risk in the study.

This research offers new insights into the interconnectedness of diabetes onset, obesity, and dementia, which could help shape targeted interventions aimed at preventing dementia. It emphasises the importance of age in diabetes diagnosis and suggests that addressing obesity—through dietary changes, physical activity, or possibly medication—could play a critical role in preventing dementia in younger adults with diabetes. Wu’s closing remarks highlighted the study’s call to action for focusing on obesity as a modifiable factor in reducing dementia risk among younger populations with diabetes.

More information: Xiang Qi et al, Age at diagnosis of diabetes, obesity, and the risk of dementia among adult patients with type 2 diabetes, PLOS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310964

Journal information: PLOS ONE Provided by New York University

The Human Heart’s Concealed Capacity for Self-Repair

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After experiencing severe heart failure, the heart’s natural capacity to regenerate by creating new cells is significantly diminished. Yet, a new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, published in the journal ‘Circulation’, reveals that treatment involving a supportive heart pump can significantly enhance this regenerative ability, surpassing even that of a healthy heart.

The human heart’s potential to renew itself through the regeneration of its muscle cells, known as myocytes, is notably restricted under normal circumstances. The extent of this regenerative capability in hearts suffering from severe failure has remained unclear until now.

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have uncovered that post-injury, the heart’s cell renewal rate declines even further than a healthy heart. The typical treatment for patients with advanced heart failure involves the surgical implantation of a device designed to aid the heart in pumping blood, known as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). This device appears to activate the heart’s repair mechanisms.

Unexpectedly, the study found that patients equipped with this type of heart pump and who had noted considerable improvements in heart function exhibited the ability to regenerate heart muscle cells at a rate more than six times that observed in healthy individuals.

Olaf Bergmann, a senior researcher at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at Karolinska Institutet and the study’s last author, commented on the findings. “The results suggest that there might be an undiscovered method to initiate the heart’s inherent repair mechanism,” he noted. The precise mechanism driving this effect remains elusive, and current data offer no clear explanations.

“It is challenging to pinpoint the reason,” Bergmann added. “We have not found a clear explanation for this phenomenon in our current data, but our future research will focus on understanding this process at both the cellular and molecular levels.”

These findings pave the way for new treatments to enhance the heart’s ability to repair following damage, thus reducing the dependence on heart transplants and other forms of long-term mechanical support. “This provides a glimmer of hope that recovery from a heart incident could potentially be accelerated,” Bergmann remarked.

Determining the age of cells within the human body poses significant challenges, particularly in distinguishing between new and old cells. However, the research team has employed a novel method developed by Jonas Frisén, a professor of stem cell research at Karolinska Institutet. This technique relies on the fact that the level of radioactive carbon in the atmosphere has decreased steadily since the nuclear test ban in 1963. Each subsequent year sees a reduction in radioactivity in newly formed cells, allowing researchers to ‘date’ these cells by measuring their radioactive content.

More information: Wouter Derks et al, A Latent Cardiomyocyte Regeneration Potential in Human Heart Disease, Circulation. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.067156

Journal information: Circulation Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Women Experience Less Sleep and More Frequent Awakenings Compared to Men

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A new animal study by researchers at CU Boulder has revealed significant differences in sleep patterns between males and females. The study, published in Scientific Reports, explores the potential biological underpinnings of these differences, challenging the long-standing focus on males in biomedical research.

The senior author and assistant professor of integrative physiology, Rachel Rowe, highlighted the common assumption that differences in sleep patterns between men and women are mainly due to lifestyle factors and caregiving roles. However, the study’s findings suggest that biological factors may be more influential than previously understood in shaping these differences.

The burgeoning field of sleep research has seen an influx of animal studies investigating the effects of sleep deprivation on disease risk, including diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and immune disorders, as well as the efficacy and side effects of new sleep medications. Historically, these studies have primarily utilised male mice, potentially skewing results due to the lack of female representation.

The study’s first author, Grant Mannino, noted that the commonly used “C57BL/6J” mouse strain exhibits sex-specific sleep behaviours. Ignoring these differences can lead to misinterpretations of data, with significant implications for the validity of biomedical research. In their non-invasive study, using cages equipped with ultra-sensitive movement sensors, they monitored the sleep patterns of 267 mice. Findings revealed that male mice slept approximately 670 minutes in 24 hours, about an hour more than their female counterparts, with the extra sleep consisting mainly of non-rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, crucial for bodily repair.

The study also found that female mice had more fragmented sleep patterns. This characteristic has been observed in other species and has evolutionary advantages, possibly because females need to be more alert to care for their young. This sensitivity could be influenced by stress hormones like cortisol and sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which vary throughout the menstrual cycle and affect sleep quality.

Rowe also reflected on whether societal expectations around sleep are causing undue stress, especially when women compare their sleep patterns with those of male partners, questioning whether their own natural sleep patterns might actually be normal for them.

The authors hope that these findings will encourage further research into the biological differences in sleep between sexes and prompt a re-evaluation of how research is conducted. In 2016, the National Institutes of Health mandated the consideration of sex as a biological variable in animal studies. Despite progress, research demonstrates that a sex bias still exists, affecting the development of treatments and potentially overlooking side effects that are more severe in females.

The study advocates for equal representation of both sexes in research, separate data analysis for each sex, and re-assessing past studies where female subjects were underrepresented. The authors emphasise the critical need for a paradigm shift in research methodology to enhance the translational success of treatments from laboratory settings to clinical trials, acknowledging that the journey from bench to bedside, often spanning decades, needs to be more inclusive of sex-based differences. The revelation that male and female mice sleep differently is not just a confirmation of suspected sex-specific behaviours but a call to action for the scientific community to integrate these insights into future research, ensuring that findings are valid and applicable across sexes.

More information: Grant Mannino et al, The importance of including both sexes in preclinical sleep studies and analyses, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70996-1

Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by University of Colorado at Boulder

The Influence of Educational Achievement on Memory Retention and Dementia Risk in Later Years

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A recent study led by a researcher from Rutgers Health reveals that historical, educational policies have long-lasting benefits for memory preservation and reduce the risk of dementia in later life. Published in Epidemiology, the research explores how variations in state-mandated schooling years correlate with cognitive performance outcomes decades later among residents.

The study’s lead author, Min Hee Kim, a faculty member at the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, emphasises the long-term cognitive benefits of enhancing both the quantity and quality of education. The findings suggest that educational attainment serves as a reliable predictor of improved cognitive performance, better memory functions, increased life expectancy, and delayed onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Despite established links between educational mandates and cognitive health in older adults, the study notes significant gaps in equitable research. For instance, earlier studies have often combined data from white and Black older adults without considering the uneven enforcement of educational policies for Black children in the United States.

During her tenure as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, from 2022 to 2024, Kim led a team that analysed data from over 20,000 older Black and white adults. Their investigation focused on evaluating state educational policies and their long-term effects on cognitive performance, including memory and verbal fluency, which are key indicators of dementia risk.

The research specifically examined the impact of educational policies on Black Americans, highlighting the inequalities faced by current generations of Black older adults who were educated in a system marred by racial segregation and discrimination. Despite these challenges, the study found that educational investments yield comparable cognitive benefits across racial groups in later life. However, the potential benefits of enhancing access to and quality of education are likely to be more substantial for Black Americans due to their historically limited access to educational resources.

Kim, now an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Nursing, stresses the importance of investing in education for health equity. The study supports previous research indicating that individuals who grew up in states with high-quality educational systems are at a lower risk of developing dementia later in life. This underscores the crucial role of academic quality and accessibility in shaping long-term health outcomes across different demographic groups.

More information: Kim, Min Hee et al, State Schooling Policies and Cognitive Performance Trajectories: A Natural Experiment in a National US Cohort of Black and White Adults, Epidemiology. DOI: 10.1097/EDE.0000000000001799

Journal information: Epidemiology Provided by Rutgers University

Complex Interconnections Between Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Frailty Among Older Adults

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A recent study spearheaded by a researcher at Concordia University delves into the interdependent effects of social isolation, loneliness, and frailty among older adults. It reveals the complex interactions and bidirectional influences these factors exert as individuals age.

Fereshteh Mehrabi, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychology, and her colleagues explore this intricate dynamic in a publication featured in the journal Age and Ageing. Their analysis is based on seven sequential surveys involving over 2,300 elderly Dutch participants, tracked triennially from 1995 to 2016. The findings underscore that physical frailty may predict future social isolation and that loneliness can be both a precursor and a result of increasing frailty.

The study illuminates how these three elements—frailty, loneliness, and social isolation—can intensify one another over time. Individuals who are lonely and isolated tend to experience an increase in frailty; conversely, as they become more frail, their feelings of isolation and loneliness intensify, particularly as they age.

Mehrabi notes significant correlations in the data across multiple survey waves spanning 18 years: older adults exhibiting frailty were more prone to loneliness, and in most of the data sets, they also faced social isolation.

This comprehensive research utilised data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, initiated in 1992. The average age of the participants was 72.6 years, with females representing approximately 52 per cent of the sample. Eligibility for the study required participants to be at least 55 years old.

The assessment of social isolation involved participants responding to six criteria, including marital status, living arrangements, frequency of contact with family and friends, and participation in organised activities. A higher tally on this scale indicated more excellent social isolation, focusing on the breadth of an individual’s social interactions.

Conversely, loneliness was evaluated through the quality of interpersonal relationships, assessed via responses to 11 targeted questions. These queries aimed to gauge feelings associated with the lack of close personal connections, with higher scores reflecting increased loneliness.

Frailty was measured through a combination of self-reported chronic conditions, overall health status, functional limitations (such as managing finances or grocery shopping independently), physical performance, memory issues, and signs of depression. This measure reflects a decline in physiological resilience and capacity to recover from stressors like illness or injury.

Interestingly, Mehrabi highlights that socially isolated individuals often adopt less healthy lifestyles, which can include smoking, inadequate nutrition, poor sleep patterns, and limited social interaction. However, she also points out the reversibility of social isolation and frailty through lifestyle modifications, particularly at the pre-frail stage. Such adjustments include improved nutrition, increased physical activity, and greater engagement in group-based activities.

The research advocates for targeted interventions that focus on socially isolated older adults and frail older adults to enhance their social engagement through community-based programs. Activities recommended for inclusion in such interventions include yoga and tai chi, facilitated through local community centres like libraries.

Mehrabi stresses the importance of bolstering social connections among older adults, particularly those showing signs of pre-frailty, to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life. This approach addresses the symptoms and root causes of frailty and isolation, offering a holistic strategy to improve the lives of older adults.

More information: Fereshteh Mehrabi et al, The temporal sequence and reciprocal relationships of frailty, social isolation and loneliness in older adults across 21 years, Age and Ageing. DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae215

Journal information: Age and Ageing Provided by Concordia University

Cannabis Consumption May Lead to Chromosomal Harm, Elevating Cancer Risk and Affecting Future Generations

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The latest research paper published in the journal Addiction Biology presents alarming findings that the use of cannabis can lead to cellular damage, which significantly increases the risk of developing highly malignant tumours. According to the study, cannabis is classified as a “genotoxic” substance because it can inflict harm on the genetic information within a cell. This damage can result in DNA mutations, accelerate ageing, and increase cancer risks. Moreover, the repercussions of such genotoxicity might extend beyond the user, potentially affecting their progeny through genetic alterations in sperm and egg cells, suggesting that the hazards associated with cannabis consumption could span multiple generations.

In a detailed examination, researchers from The University of Western Australia have correlated well-established facts that cannabis impairs cellular energy production by targeting mitochondria with emerging cancer research, as recently reported in the journal Science. Although these studies in Science were not explicitly focused on cannabis, they offer crucial mechanistic insights which help in understanding previously obscure observations about cannabis. For instance, it is now more evident that cannabis induces damage not only in the mitochondria but also at the genetic level. The current findings, therefore, integrate historical research on cannabis, highlighting the ubiquitous potential risks of cannabis-related genotoxic damage, which, although not always visible, is a significant concern.

Dr. Stuart Reece, one of the study’s co-authors, has articulated the gravity of these findings. He notes that the established connection between cannabis use and genotoxic effects underscores the profound, far-reaching implications of genetic damage induced by cannabis, which can be inherited across generations. Dr Reece suggests that these insights should pivot the debate on cannabis legalisation from a matter of personal choice to a broader consideration involving the health and well-being of future generations. This reframing is vital in understanding the long-term public health implications of cannabis use and in informing policy decisions regarding its legal status.

More information: Albert Stuart Reece et al, Key insights into cannabis-cancer pathobiology and genotoxicity, Addiction Biology. DOI: 10.1111/adb.70003

Journal information: Addiction Biology Provided by Society for the Study of Addiction

Vibrant New Communities: Rejuvenating Neighbourhoods Amidst an Ageing Population

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Initially developed in England, new towns—planned suburban residential neighbourhoods in metropolitan areas—have spread globally, reaching from Europe to East Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In Japan, the proliferation was significant, with 2,903 new towns established. However, these towns have experienced a rapid decline in population and an increase in ageing demographics over the past four decades. As a result, many have transformed from burgeoning new towns into what are now termed ‘old new towns’, necessitating a transformation of their facilities to adapt to these demographic shifts.

Dr. Haruka Kato, a junior associate professor at Osaka Metropolitan University, and Professor Emeritus Kazuhiko Mori undertook action research in Senboku New Town, one of the largest of these old new towns in Japan. Over time, Senboku New Town saw its population decrease from 170,000 to 115,000 by 2022.

Simultaneously, the older segment of the population increased by approximately 42,500 individuals, making up 37.1% of the total population. This demographic change has posed significant challenges, particularly as local shops began closing. This severely impacted the daily lives of older adults, who found it increasingly difficult to access necessary services within a manageable distance.

In response to these challenges, residents initiated several community-led projects with support from community federations, non-profit organisations, social welfare groups, governmental bodies, and educational institutions. One notable initiative is the Senboku Hottokenai Network Project, which has progressively repurposed vacant buildings to serve as supportive housing for older adults, group homes for individuals with disabilities, and community restaurants. This initiative revitalised Senboku New Town and inspired similar transformations in neighbouring areas, highlighting the efficacy of community-led urban redevelopment.

Dr Kato explains that the phrase ‘Hottokenai’, which means ‘leave no one behind’ in Japanese, echoes the core commitment of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals. The project’s success in Senboku New Town underscores the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration and community-driven co-creation in revitalising old new towns. Dr Kato advocates for expanding this new town movement program, suggesting similar strategies be applied to other new old cities across East Asia to ensure that these communities can adapt to and thrive amidst demographic changes, ensuring no one is left behind.

More information: Haruka Kato et al, Community-led urban transformation project as transdisciplinary approach: Case of Senboku Hottokenai Network Project, Habitat International. DOI: 10.1016/j.habitatint.2024.103197

Journal information: Habitat International Provided by Osaka Metropolitan University

Recycling during Middle Age Could Be Essential for Maintaining Brain Health

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Mitochondria, often called the powerhouses of our cells, play an indispensable role in maintaining cellular vitality. When these mitochondria sustain damage, they are removed through a process known as mitophagy, which is vital for the health of long-lived cells, particularly those in the brain. There is a strong link between disrupted mitophagy and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, highlighting its significance in the pursuit of therapeutic interventions and drug development.

Recently, groundbreaking research led by Anna Rappe, MSc, a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki’s McWilliams lab, has uncovered new and unexpected variations in mitophagy among different types of brain cells throughout the ageing process. Notably, in a specific region of the mouse brain associated with movement, mitophagy levels were found to increase with age. Conversely, in brain cells related to memory, there was an initial increase in mitophagy, which sharply declined as the mice reached old age. These observations pinpoint midlife as a critical juncture for promoting healthy brain ageing and provide fresh insights into the molecular mechanisms that support the functioning of the mammalian brain.

Another pivotal discovery from this study is the reduction in acidity of some lysosomes—structures that break down cellular debris—as the brain ages. This finding is particularly compelling as it mirrors changes observed in models of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that the ageing processes could intensify in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. These results defy the previously held belief that mitophagy uniformly declines with age across all species, demonstrating that this recycling process is far more dynamic and complex in longer-lived mammals.

Historically, studies employing short-lived models like yeast and worms have indicated a decline in mitophagy throughout an organism’s lifespan, marking it as a characteristic of ageing. However, exploring this phenomenon in the ageing mammalian brain has proven challenging due to the intricate nature of brain tissue and the limitations of traditional research methodologies. The advent of new tools capable of monitoring mitophagy in different tissues and organs in mammals has only recently become available. Utilising state-of-the-art techniques in mouse genetics, optobiology, neuroscience, and advanced imaging, the McWilliams Lab has been able to track mitophagy across various brain cell types over time. Their findings underscore the importance of adopting new perspectives when investigating brain ageing in species with longer lifespans, identifying midlife as a crucial phase for maintaining brain functionality.

Implications for Understanding Brain Ageing in Health and Disease Associate Professor Thomas McWilliams, who oversaw the research, emphasised the dynamic nature of mitophagy in the ageing brain of mice and the importance of midlife in maintaining brain health in mammals. He remarked, “There is no doubt that mitophagy diminishes in shorter-lived species. Although we share significant genes and mechanisms, the tissues of longer-lived mammals have evolved under unique pressures to tackle different challenges. Our research illustrates that mitophagy is highly dynamic in the ageing mouse brain, underscoring midlife as a pivotal time for brain health in mammals.”

Professor McWilliams further noted the significant strides made in understanding neurodegenerative diseases, although he acknowledged current treatments’ high failure rate, underscoring the necessity for novel approaches. Optimistically, He concluded, “Much work remains, but these new insights are reshaping our understanding of brain ageing. In collaboration with our clinical partners, we are dedicated to pushing this research forward towards applications that are more centered around human needs. We are hopeful that our findings will provide a valuable framework for companies and translational researchers, accelerating the development of new treatments for brain diseases.”

More information: Anna Rappe et al, Longitudinal autophagy profiling of the mammalian brain reveals sustained mitophagy throughout healthy aging, EMBO Molecular Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00241-y

Journal information: EMBO Molecular Medicine Provided by University of Helsinki

Sun Protection Leading to Nutritional Shortfalls: Exploring Vitamin D Deficiency Among Japanese Women

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Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient primarily synthesised through sun exposure and found in certain foods. Nonetheless, an excessive focus on preventing sunburn has led to a significant issue: vitamin D deficiency, particularly among young women in Japan.

The deficiency of this essential vitamin is linked not only to individual health concerns but also to broader public health issues, including pregnancy-induced hypertension and low birth weight among newborns. Identifying individuals at high risk promptly and providing them with proper health advice is of utmost importance. However, the prevalent method for determining serum vitamin D levels involves costly and invasive procedures, highlighting a pressing need to develop more straightforward, cost-effective risk assessment tools.

In response to this need, a research initiative headed by Professor Akiko Kuwabara at the Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology undertook a comprehensive cross-sectional survey. The study encompassed 583 Japanese women aged between 18 and 40, all affiliated with a university specialising in nutrition. The survey collected data on various factors, including age, residential area, the timing of blood sample collection, medical history, medication use, smoking and drinking habits, exercise frequency, sun exposure, fish consumption frequency, and vitamin D supplements.

A dietary survey was conducted utilising the self-administered Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), and the data on average and cumulative ultraviolet irradiation exposure for the 30 days preceding the blood collection was also gathered for each participant’s region. Through these comprehensive data collections, Professor Kuwabara’s team successfully developed the Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring system (ViDDPreS), a novel, non-invasive, and economical tool for assessing vitamin D deficiency risks in young women.

Professor Kuwabara commented on the development of ViDDPreS, emphasising its utility in identifying populations that require intervention at minimal cost and its capacity to pinpoint the contributory factors to vitamin D deficiency. She also noted the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in those found to be deficient. The introduction of ViDDPreS is expected to facilitate the targeted use of supplements, thereby ensuring that those in need receive appropriate nutritional support. This approach helps address the immediate deficiencies and contributes to broader health improvements among the population at risk.

More information: Akiko Kuwabara et al, Development of a predictive scoring system for vitamin D deficiency ‘Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring (ViDDPreS)’ based on the vitamin D status in young Japanese women: a nationwide cross-sectional study, Public Health Nutrition. DOI: 10.1017/S1368980024001708

Journal information: Public Health Nutrition Provided by Osaka Metropolitan University