Monthly Archives: December 2024

Baycrest Research Discovers Link Between Elevated Blood Sugar and Reduced Brain Function in Healthy Adults

Baycrest has conducted a study which reveals that high blood sugar may affect brain health even in individuals who do not have diabetes. While the relationship between elevated blood sugar levels and cognitive function is well-established among those with diabetes, this is the first study to explore this connection in non-diabetic individuals.

Dr. Jean Chen, the study’s senior author and a Senior Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute, which is part of the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE), commented on the findings. “Our results indicate that high blood sugar levels could be detrimentally affecting brain health irrespective of a diabetes diagnosis,” she explained. Dr Chen emphasised that blood sugar levels are not strictly categorised into ‘healthy’ or ‘unhealthy’ but should be viewed on a spectrum instead.

The study, “The associations among glycemic control, heart variability, and autonomic brain function in healthy individuals: Age- and sex-related differences,” has been published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging. It involved 146 healthy adults aged 18 and over. The research team conducted detailed analyses using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess brain activity and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings to measure heart rate variability for each participant.

Dr Chen, who also holds the position of Canada Research Chair in Neuroimaging of Aging and is a Professor of Biomedical Physics at the University of Toronto, stressed the importance of blood sugar management through diet and exercise for overall well-being, particularly for maintaining brain health. She recommended regular health check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals, especially for those diagnosed with or at risk of pre-diabetes.

Key findings from the study included a correlation between higher blood sugar levels and a reduction in connectivity within brain networks critical for various cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and emotional regulation. The impact was noted to be more pronounced in older adults, who typically have higher blood sugar levels than younger individuals, and was also more significant in women than in men. Furthermore, the research identified a relationship between elevated blood sugar levels and decreased heart rate variability, a measure previously linked to better brain health.

The researchers are considering further investigations into improving brain function by modulating heart rate variability, which may present a more accessible target for intervention than blood sugar levels in non-diabetic individuals. This approach could open new pathways for enhancing cognitive health across various populations.

More information: Jean Chen al, The associations among glycemic control, heart variability, and autonomic brain function in healthy individuals: Age- and sex-related differences, Neurobiology of Aging. DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.05.007

Journal information: Neurobiology of Aging Provided by Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care

Intellectual Capacity and Physical Well-Being as Predictors of Dementia in Later Years

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A new RAND report asserts that a person’s cognitive abilities, functional limitations, and physical health can significantly forecast the likelihood of developing dementia up to two decades before the disease manifests. This finding underscores the vital role of early cognitive assessments in mitigating the adverse effects associated with the loss of financial and physical autonomy.

Emerging research highlights the benefits of early detection of cognitive impairments, enabling individuals to take proactive steps to prepare for potential declines in their financial and physical independence. However, the current uptake of cognitive testing among older adults could be much higher. Further studies suggest that the availability of cost-free and easily accessible cognitive assessments and advancements in treatments could substantially increase their usage.

The critical nature of early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, particularly among the 58 million Americans aged over 65, cannot be overstated. This urgency is driven by the fact that existing disease-modifying treatments are only effective in the early stages of the disease. Yet, only 16% of seniors receive such assessments during routine health visits.

RAND researchers undertook three studies to identify individuals at heightened risk of cognitive decline, boost the prevalence of cognitive testing among older adults, and encourage continuous care for brain health among those at risk. The first study utilized data from the Health and Retirement Study to identify early indicators of dementia risk well before its onset. It revealed that lifestyle choices such as inadequate exercise, obesity, and a lack of engagement in hobbies at age 60 are significant predictors of future dementia.

The research also pointed to regional disparities, with individuals born in the Southern United States exhibiting a higher likelihood of developing dementia, even when accounting for various other factors. Interestingly, while certain demographic groups appeared more vulnerable, race and ethnicity ceased to be predictors once factors like education and income were considered. Family health history, size, and marital history were found to be less predictive of dementia.

Peter Hudomiet, the lead author and a senior economist at RAND, emphasized that understanding these risk factors enables healthcare providers and policymakers to target interventions more effectively to those most at risk, potentially delaying cognitive decline or mitigating its impacts.

Another study explored how individuals reacted upon learning about potential cognitive impairments. It found that those newly diagnosed with dementia were significantly more likely to take preparatory actions for the future, such as seeking financial help from family or setting up living wills, compared to those without a diagnosis. This proactive behaviour was observed even among individuals not officially diagnosed but who recognized signs of cognitive issues through survey measures.

A third study by RAND surveyed a national sample to assess barriers to seeking cognitive evaluations and treatment. The study identified cost as the primary deterrent. Most respondents indicated they would be more likely to undergo cognitive testing if it were free, highlighting the impact of financial barriers on health-seeking behaviour. The promise of more effective treatments was also a strong motivator for seeking medical advice, with many expressing willingness to adopt therapies that could prolong their independence.

In conclusion, the comprehensive research by RAND illustrates the intricate interplay between cognitive health and later life outcomes. It underscores the necessity of broadening access to cognitive assessments as a strategic approach to enhance early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, providing individuals with valuable insights to better prepare for their future health needs.

More information: Peter Hudomiet et al, Identifying Early Predictors of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in a Large Nationally Representative U.S. Sample, RAND. DOI: 10.7249/RRA3207-1

Journal information: RAND Provided by RAND Corporation

Recent research indicates that managing blood sugar is crucial in decelerating brain ageing, underscoring the advantages of the Mediterranean diet

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Age-related brain atrophy, characterised by the gradual loss of neurons and reduction in brain tissue, naturally occurs as we age, potentially leading to cognitive decline and other neurological complications.

Although the ageing process is inevitable, a glimmer of hope arises from recent findings from an 18-month dietary intervention, suggesting that lifestyle and nutritional adjustments could decelerate brain ageing. This revelation comes from an international study spearheaded by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, forming part of the DIRECT PLUS Brain MRI trial, highlighting the significant role of blood sugar control in maintaining brain health.

The study utilises MRI measurements of the hippocampus and lateral ventricles to evaluate ‘brain age’ — a concept that reflects the biological ageing of the brain, potentially differing from the individual’s chronological age. The chronological age measures the total number of years a person has lived, whereas brain age gauges the actual condition of the brain. Common signs of brain ageing include the shrinkage of the hippocampus and the expansion of the lateral ventricles. It’s not unusual for some individuals to exhibit a brain age that is either younger or older than their chronological age, with a younger brain age suggesting better cognitive health and an older one indicating accelerated ageing and a heightened risk of cognitive decline.

This study, recently published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2024, was conducted by a global team of experts in brain health and nutrition, including researchers from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Leipzig University, and more. PhD student Dafna Pachter primarily undertook the research under the supervision of Professor Iris Shai and several international collaborators.

Building on a previous study from 2022, which demonstrated that the Mediterranean (MED) and green-MED diets substantially reduced age-related brain atrophy by approximately 50% within 18 months, the current research delves into understanding the mechanisms behind the slowing of brain atrophy. It found that reductions in HbA1c—a key marker of long-term blood sugar levels—are linked to significant positive changes in specific brain regions vulnerable to age-related atrophy. MRI results indicated lower HbA1c levels were associated with notable changes in the thalamus, caudate nucleus, and cerebellum—critical for cognitive functions, motor control, and sensory processing. The findings suggest that enhanced blood sugar management could be a pivotal factor in mitigating age-related changes in the brain.

The research also sheds light on the benefits of the Green Mediterranean (Green-Med) diet, which is known for improving blood sugar control and being rich in polyphenols from plant-based sources like Mankai (a high-protein aquatic plant) and green tea while low in red and processed meats. The study underscores that the Green-Med diet may bolster metabolic health and provide protective benefits for brain structure and function.

The DIRECT PLUS trial, one of the most extensive and prolonged brain MRI studies, involved 300 participants divided into three dietary groups. Whole-brain MRI measurements were conducted before and after the 18-month trial to monitor changes in brain health. Researchers employed Hippocampal Occupancy (HOC) to indicate brain age, which typically declines with age and can predict future dementia risk. Intriguingly, some participants displayed a brain age that was either younger or older than their chronological age.

The research team quantified and segmented data from brain MRIs using NeuroQuant, an FDA-authorized, fully automated tool. The study aimed to determine whether improved glycemic control and specific dietary components could slow brain ageing. The results indicated that participants who managed to enhance their blood sugar levels and achieve a normal glucose status experienced a more significant attenuation of brain ageing. Notably, those who consumed higher amounts of green tea and Mankai duckweed shakes saw the most critical improvements in blood sugar levels and brain health.

Professor Iris Shai, the study’s lead researcher from Ben-Gurion University, also an adjunct professor at Harvard University and an Honorary Professor at Leipzig University, explains, “Maintaining low blood sugar levels, even within the normal range, shows promise for preserving a younger brain, especially when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Specifically, polyphenols found in plant-based foods may cross the blood-brain barrier and help reduce brain inflammation, which is crucial for memory.”

Dafna Pachter, the PhD student and first author of the paper, concludes, “This trial offers a safe approach to potentially slow down our brain ageing—by adopting the components of a green-Mediterranean diet.” This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for combating age-related brain deterioration through dietary strategies that enhance overall brain health and function.

More information: Dafna Pachter et al, Glycemic control contributes to the neuroprotective effects of Mediterranean and green-Mediterranean diets on brain age: the DIRECT PLUS brain-magnetic resonance imaging randomized controlled trial, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.09.013

Journal information: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Provided by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Potential Link Between Air Pollution Exposure and Eczema Development

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A recent study, published on November 13, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Dr. Jeffrey Cohen from the Yale School of Medicine in the USA, reveals that individuals residing in areas with elevated air pollution levels are more prone to eczema. This correlation is drawn from a broad dataset provided by the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program, which includes extensive information from hundreds of thousands of U.S. adults. The specific subset analysed in this study encompassed 286,862 participants, from whom detailed demographic, zip code, and electronic health record data were available.

The findings of this comprehensive study indicate that 12,695 participants, or 4.4%, had been diagnosed with eczema out of the analysed group. The researchers adjusted for various factors, including demographics and smoking status. They identified a strong correlation between eczema occurrence and residence in zip codes with higher concentrations of delicate particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. Specifically, it was found that individuals were over twice as likely to suffer from eczema for each increment of 10 µm/m3 in the average PM2.5 levels.

The researchers suggest that the increased prevalence of eczema could be influenced by the impact of PM2.5 on the immune system. This aligns with the global rise in eczema cases alongside industrialisation, pointing towards a significant environmental component in the disease’s epidemiology.

In their conclusion, the study authors state that the findings underscore the profound implications of ambient air pollution on health, particularly highlighting how exposure to particulate matter significantly raises the likelihood of developing eczema in the United States. This research deepens our understanding of the environmental determinants of health. It could guide future public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing the impact of environmental pollutants on chronic health conditions.

More information: Gloria F. Chen et al, Association between fine particulate matter and eczema: A cross-sectional study of the All of Us Research Program and the Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions, PLOS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310498

Journal information: PLOS ONE Provided by PLOS

Association of Joint Pain and Depressive Symptoms with Accelerated Cognitive Decline in the Elderly

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Older adults exhibiting symptoms of depression coupled with moderate to severe joint pain are likely to experience an accelerated decline in cognitive functions, particularly memory. This finding emerges from a study supported by FAPESP and published in the journal Aging & Mental Health, which draws on data from 4,718 participants aged 50 and above, tracked over 12 years. The research team includes experts from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in Brazil and University College London (UCL) in the UK.

The study suggests that pain and depressive symptoms impact brain regions, notably the hippocampus, which are crucial for cognitive processes. This dual burden potentially leads to a ‘clogging’ of cognitive functions, forcing the brain to redistribute tasks to manage both pain and depressive symptoms, adversely affecting memory formation and overall cognitive performance. According to Patrícia Silva Tofani, a researcher in the Gerontology Program at UFSCar and a professor at the Federal University of Sergipe, this cognitive overload progressively leads to a swifter decline in cognitive abilities over time.

The study’s participants are part of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA Study), which forms a component of the International Collaboration of Longitudinal Studies of Ageing (InterCoLAgeing), a global consortium headed by Tiago da Silva Alexandre, a professor in UFSCar’s Department of Gerontology. Tofani conducted this research during her postdoctoral studies, focusing on the correlation between memory decline and the co-occurrence of chronic pain and depressive symptoms.

Analysis from the study indicates that individuals suffering concurrently from pain and depression exhibited a more rapid deterioration in both memory and overall cognitive function over the 12-year follow-up compared to those with neither condition. Interestingly, those experiencing only one of these issues did not face an accelerated decline, which was an unexpected discovery. Alexandre noted that while they anticipated a more significant cognitive decline in individuals with both depressive symptoms and chronic joint pain compared to those with only one of these conditions, the compounded impact of both was notably more detrimental than anticipated.

The study identifies six cognitive domains affected: executive function, language, attention, memory, perceptomotor functions, and social cognition. Despite observing a decline in global cognition and memory, the researchers did not detect a decrease in executive function, which Tofani highlights as crucial for maintaining independence in elderly individuals, allowing them to manage daily living tasks effectively.

Both depressive symptoms and joint pain are prevalent among older adults, often underreported, and commonly misattributed to normal ageing processes. This misattribution can lead to inadequate assessment and management in primary care settings, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and targeted care for these conditions. Chronic joint pain is typically linked to conditions like osteoarthritis, which is prevalent among older adults.

The study’s findings underscore the critical need for primary care practitioners to better recognize and address depressive symptoms and joint pain in older adults. Overlooking these conditions can adversely affect not only the mood and physical mobility of the elderly but also their cognitive functions. Alexandre stresses the importance of not dismissing these symptoms as mere effects of ageing, as doing so can prevent the identification and treatment of conditions that, while familiar, are modifiable with appropriate medical intervention.

More information: Patrícia Silva Tofani et al, Does the coexistence of pain and depressive symptoms accelerate cognitive decline? Aging & Mental Health. DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2392737

Journal information: Aging & Mental Health Provided by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

The Impact of Depression on the Occupational and Recreational Activities of Young Adults in Finland

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According to a comprehensive study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland, the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela), and Monash University in Australia, depression and other mental health conditions significantly reduce productivity-adjusted life years (PALYs) more than musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases. This groundbreaking research marks the first time the loss of PALYs due to chronic conditions has been assessed at the population level in Finland. The findings were reported in the prestigious journal Value in Health, known for its contributions to the field of health economics.

PALYs, an innovative metric devised at Monash University, measures the impact of diseases on work and functional ability, accounting for the requirements of both professional and domestic life. The metric reflects a year lived in complete working and functional health.

The recent findings reveal that annually, depression and other mental health disorders account for a loss of 99,570 PALYs in the workplace and 256,086 in domestic and volunteer activities among Finnish individuals aged 18–79. This significant toll is particularly pronounced in women aged 18–34. In comparison, musculoskeletal conditions lead to 67,945 PALYs lost annually in professional settings and 198,544 in leisure activities. Cardiovascular diseases cause a loss 55,329 in the workplace and 143,453 in leisure activities yearly. The study also looked at other chronic conditions, including asthma, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, migraines, and thyroid disorders.

In Finland, mental health issues have historically been the leading cause of sick leave among individuals aged 16–34, as reported by Kela. Since 2017, these conditions have also topped the list for those aged 35–49. Although an increase in mental health-related sick leave is observed in those aged 50–67, musculoskeletal diseases remain predominant in this older age bracket.

Senior Researcher Piia Lavikainen from the University of Eastern Finland highlights that the rising number of PALYs lost due to depression and mental health concerns among young adults could reflect better disease diagnosis and decreasing stigma. However, it may also signify the escalating work pressures and social media’s influence.

The study utilised a representative sample of 2,187 individuals from the Finnish adult population in 2022, stratified by age, gender, and hospital district. Participants were surveyed about their health conditions and their perceived work and functional capacity. Using Statistics Finland’s demographic data, these responses were extrapolated to estimate PALYs across the adult population, considering the prevalence of chronic conditions and their impact on work and life functionalities.

Professor Janne Martikainen from the University of Eastern Finland, who led the study, emphasised that the PALY metric not only illuminates the burden of various diseases but also aids in evaluating the societal advantages of preventive strategies and treatments. This approach promises to enhance future healthcare policies by focusing on the practical capacities affected by illnesses.

More information: Piia Lavikainen et al, The Impact of Chronic Conditions on Productivity-Adjusted Life-Years in Both the Workplace and Household Settings in the General Adult Population in Finland, Value in Health. DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.09.017

Journal information: Value in Health Provided by University of Eastern Finland

Even Moderate Exercise Can Lower the Risk of Common Heart Conditions

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A new study spearheaded by researchers at NYU Langone Health has demonstrated that incorporating just an additional hour of physical activity each week may diminish the likelihood of developing the most prevalent type of arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, by 11%.

Atrial fibrillation is characterised by an erratic and rapid beating of the heart’s upper chambers, which, if not managed, can lead to severe complications such as stroke and heart failure. Previous research has consistently indicated a correlation between physical exercise and a decreased risk of this heart condition. However, these studies typically depended on self-reported participant data, which can often be unreliable.

To overcome this limitation, the research team turned to data from Fitbit devices to objectively quantify the physical activity of over 6,000 individuals across the United States. Their findings revealed that higher weekly physical activity levels correlate with a reduced likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation. It is particularly noteworthy that even modest amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activities — which could include activities as simple as brisk walking, household chores, swimming, or jogging — were linked to a decreased risk.

The study outlined specific findings: Participants who engaged in 2.5 to 5 hours of exercise per week—aligning with the minimum guidelines suggested by the American Heart Association—experienced a 60% lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Those who exercised for more than 5 hours weekly saw an even more significant risk reduction, estimated at 65%.

Preventive cardiologist Sean Heffron, MD, the study’s senior author and an assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, emphasised that significant health benefits could be achieved through moderate activity without engaging in extreme fitness routines like marathon running. Dr Heffron, who also directs the cardiovascular fitness and nutrition at NYU Langone’s Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, highlighted the study’s unique use of activity monitors over a prolonged period, contrasting it with previous studies that only followed participants for a short duration, potentially failing to capture habitual exercise patterns.

This research, the largest of its type thus far, monitored participants for an entire year using Fitbits they already owned and continued to track their health for an additional five years. This study forms part of the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us program, which aims to enhance the representation of historically underrepresented groups in medical research, including racial minorities, women, and rural populations.

Lead author Souptik Barua, PhD, also noted the importance of tools like Fitbits in research for providing an objective measure of exercise over extended periods. This capability allows researchers to gain more nuanced insights into how different activity patterns influence health outcomes. However, he also mentioned that despite the study’s strengths, it primarily included college-educated white women, thus reflecting a less diverse cohort than the overall All of Us population. Plans are underway to include more diverse groups in future studies by providing free devices to participants from underrepresented communities.

Lastly, while the findings strongly suggest a link between physical activity levels and reduced risk of atrial fibrillation, the study was not designed to prove causation definitively prove causation or explore the mechanisms behind this association or other influencing factors such as socioeconomic status.

More information: Souptik Barua et al, Fitbit-measured physical activity is inversely associated with incident atrial fibrillation among All of Us participants, medRxiv. DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.27.24308221

Journal information: medRxiv Provided by NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine