Monthly Archives: January 2025

Scientists uncover three psychological profiles that may shape mental, cognitive, and brain health in ageing

An international study featured in Nature Mental Health has identified three distinct psychological profiles that correlate with varying cognitive and brain decline patterns in ageing. Conducted by David Bartrés-Faz and his team at the University of Barcelona and the Institut Guttmann Barcelona Brain Health Initiative, the research analysed data from over 1,000 middle-aged and older adults. It revealed that specific psychological traits within these profiles could influence the risk of developing dementia and affect brain decline rates and sleep quality. These insights could help tailor more personalised prevention strategies.

The study underscores the necessity for detailed psychological assessments in ageing adults to identify unique psychological profiles. This would enable the implementation of more targeted and personalised behaviour change strategies to mitigate dementia risk. Bartrés-Faz highlighted that traditionally, psychological risk and protective factors have been studied in isolation—a method that may overlook the interplay of these characteristics.

The findings indicate that a balanced psychological profile, combining moderate protective factors and lower risk factors, correlates with better mental, cognitive, and brain health across all age groups. In contrast, profiles with minimal protective traits or high-risk traits like distress and negative thinking showed poorer cognitive outcomes, more significant brain atrophy, and less healthy lifestyle adherence.

The research suggests potential for future interventions that could modify psychological factors and lifestyle choices to prevent cognitive decline. Specifically, tailored psychological therapies could be developed for individuals based on their psychological profile to enhance cognitive and mental health.

More information: David Bartrés-Faz et al, Psychological profiles associated with mental, cognitive and brain health in middle-aged and older adults, Nature Mental Health. DOI: 10.1038/s44220-024-00361-8

Journal information: Nature Mental Health Provided by University of Barcelona

Is it Possible to Use Carrots as a Treatment for Diabetes?

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The potential of everyday vegetables to influence severe health conditions has long been a topic of scientific inquiry. A recent study by researchers from Southern Denmark University (SDU) suggests that the humble carrot could play a role in treating type 2 diabetes. This research highlights how carrots might improve the body’s regulation of blood sugar levels and positively affect the gut microbiome’s composition.

Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern globally, with the number of affected individuals increasing significantly, including in Denmark, where cases have multiplied since 1996. Managing this condition often involves a combination of dietary adjustments and medications, which, unfortunately, can lead to undesirable side effects for many patients. The collaboration between researchers at SDU, Odense University Hospital, and the University of Copenhagen has brought forward a natural alternative that could reduce reliance on pharmaceutical treatments.

The study specifically explored the impact of carrots on blood sugar control and gut health over 16 weeks using a mouse model. These mice, induced with type 2 diabetes and maintained on a high-fat diet to simulate poor lifestyle choices in humans, were divided into two groups. One group’s diet included 10% freeze-dried carrot powder, while the other did not. The diets were calibrated to ensure calorie intake was consistent across both groups, isolating the carrots’ bioactive compounds as the variable under investigation. The results were promising, with the carrot-fed group showing better glucose tolerance, an indicator of improved blood sugar regulation.

Glucose tolerance tests, which measure the body’s ability to manage blood glucose after consuming sugar, indicated that the carrots had a beneficial effect. Project coordinator Morten Kobæk Larsen, an associate professor at SDU’s Department of Clinical Research, pointed out that the study revealed changes in the gut microbiome, increasing beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These acids are crucial for energy metabolism and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and they also support overall gut health.

The mechanism behind carrots’ beneficial effects involves bioactive compounds that enhance cellular sugar uptake. These compounds, found in carrots and related vegetables like parsley, celery, and parsnips, could be key components of dietary strategies to manage or prevent type 2 diabetes.

Despite these encouraging findings, the direct applicability to human conditions remains to be validated through clinical trials. The research team is cautious but hopeful, planning further studies to explore the effects of carrots with high bioactive compound concentrations on human subjects.

Furthermore, the study touches on the role of preparation methods in preserving the bioactive compounds in carrots. While cooking can reduce the concentration of these health-promoting substances, they are not entirely lost, and techniques like steaming or light cooking might be preferable to retain the most benefits.

In addition to the diabetes-related findings, the study also sheds light on the broader spectrum of bioactive compounds. These organic and biologically derived substances play significant roles in influencing physiological processes and are found in various plant and fungal sources. The primary bioactive compounds in carrots include falcarinol and falcarindiol, which help the plant fend off fungal infections and exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties.

More information: Morten Kobaek-Larsen et al, Effect of carrot intake on glucose tolerance, microbiota, and gene expression in a type 2 diabetes mouse model, Clinical and Translational Science. DOI: 10.1111/cts.70090

Journal information: Clinical and Translational Science Provided by University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences

Higher Incidence of Suicidal Behaviour Among Construction Workers

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Male construction workers exhibit a 50 per cent elevated risk of engaging in suicide attempts and actual suicides, as evidenced by research from the University of Gothenburg. This study reinforces the observation that suicidal behaviour tends to be more prevalent amongst men in lower educational requirement professions.

Published in the journal BMC Public Health, the research utilised registry data encompassing 1,542,665 Swedish men of working age, investigating the correlations between suicide and suicide attempts and the occupation held by the individuals the year preceding such events.

These men were selected for the study via conscription data and had no known history of suicidal behaviour before the survey; throughout the study, which spanned from 2002 to 2019 and included men aged between 25 and 65, slightly over two per cent experienced at least one incident of suicidal behaviour, which included 31,797 attempts at suicide and 5,526 actual suicides.

The construction sector has been identified as a high-risk industry. The research team at the University of Gothenburg had previously uncovered that a macho culture and stigmatisation towards mental health issues often dominate the work environment within the construction industry. The current findings indicate that the likelihood of engaging in suicidal behaviour is 50 per cent higher among male construction workers in Sweden compared to the broader group of men involved in the study.

Maria Åberg, Professor of General Medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and co-author of the study, said, “The construction industry is physically very demanding and stressful, which adversely affects both physical and mental well-being. Our earlier studies also pointed out chronic pain as a contributing factor that may lead to the excessive consumption of alcohol and painkillers.”

Additionally, the research highlighted that among working men, those in professions requiring lower educational levels faced the highest risks of suicidal behaviour. This category includes roles such as cleaners, sanitation workers, newspaper delivery workers, fast food employees, factory workers, and salespeople. For men employed in these roles, the risk of suicide and suicide attempts was found to be sixty per cent higher.

Jenny Nyberg, Associate Professor of Public Health at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and the study lead authority’s lead author, notes, “Men in service and care professions often experience high work-related stress and possess limited control over their work circumstances. While this can precipitate mental health issues, other studies have suggested that these professions may attract individuals who are already mentally vulnerable.”

The study also observed that the highest risk of suicidal behaviour was among unemployed men, where the risk more than doubled in comparison to the average risk across all men in the study. Conversely, the lowest risk was noted among men who held managerial positions in sales and marketing. Among highly educated professionals such as engineers and researchers, the risk of suicidal behaviour was significantly lower, showing a reduction by half when compared to the overall group of men in the study.

More information: Jenny Nyberg et al, Occupational groups and risk of suicidal behavior in men: a Swedish national cohort study during 2002–2019, BMC Public Health. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20887-x

Journal information: BMC Public Health Provided by University of Gothenburg

New Study Suggests Retirement Could Harm Mental Health, with Alcohol Use Potentially Exacerbating the Problem

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The phenomenon of retirement leading to increased signs of depression, compared to those still employed, and the complicating role of alcohol consumption are detailed in a new study involving over 50,000 participants over the age of 50 in the U.S. This extensive research spanning 14 years and published in the peer-reviewed journal Aging and Mental Health, sheds light on the intricate dynamics between retirement, mental health, and alcohol use.

The study finds that binge drinking exacerbates depressive symptoms in retirees, contrasting sharply with the effects seen in those who drink moderately. According to the research, moderate drinkers displayed fewer depressive symptoms than those who abstained entirely from alcohol. This subtle nuance highlights the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and mental health in the context of retirement.

Dr. Christina Sellers, an Associate Professor of Social Work at Simmons University, emphasizes the importance of providing retirees with alternatives to heavy drinking as a coping mechanism. She points out the necessity of addressing both depressive symptoms and alcohol use among older adults, especially given their increased susceptibility to the adverse effects of alcohol and other underlying health conditions. This dual focus is crucial, considering that past studies have noted a rise in depressive states among the older population, alongside an increase in drinking around the time of retirement. Notably, data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that alcohol consumption is significantly higher among the baby boomer generation, with a notable percentage of those aged 60-64 and 65 and above engaging in binge drinking.

The interplay between mental health and alcohol use in the context of retirement has been ambiguous until now. To address this gap, researchers from Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile, and Simmons University in Boston, USA, embarked on the first study to explicitly examine the relationship between retirement, depression, and alcohol consumption. Their analysis, which relied on data from 27,575 participants of the Health and Retirement Study, offers a comprehensive look at how post-retirement changes influence mental health and drinking behaviours.

Participants in the study, who were either retired or not (including those semi-retired), showed an average of 1.4 symptoms of depression out of a possible eight. Those retired reported slightly more symptoms, with an average difference of 0.04 more than their working counterparts. Notably, retirees who engaged in binge drinking reported even more depressive symptoms, with an average increase of 0.07 symptoms compared to non-drinkers. Conversely, those who drank moderately experienced fewer depressive symptoms, averaging 0.09 fewer than those who abstained from alcohol.

The findings suggest that the loss of identity, economic challenges, and changes to routines and social networks that accompany retirement can lead to deteriorating mental health. The researchers warn of the risks associated with turning to alcohol as a coping strategy during this transitional phase. They highlight the detrimental effects of alcohol on older adults, who may not process it as effectively as younger individuals and might be taking medications that could interact with alcohol.

Dr Antonia Diaz-Valdes, from Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile, sheds light on why moderate drinking might appear to be associated with fewer depressive symptoms, suggesting that alcohol’s socialization aspect could temporarily enhance mood. However, she strongly cautions against regular alcohol consumption as a means of coping with retirement, pointing out the risks of falls, injuries, and the potential for dependency and associated health declines.

The World Health Organisation has underscored that no level of alcohol consumption is beneficial for health, with research indicating that even light or moderate drinking can contribute to alcohol-related cancers. Dr. Diaz-Valdes concludes by emphasizing the importance of screening older adults for depression and assessing their alcohol intake. She advocates for providing healthier alternatives to alcohol for those adjusting to retirement.

In conclusion, the study calls for policymakers to focus on supporting individuals through the retirement transition and to implement interventions that manage alcohol consumption effectively. However, the study also acknowledges certain limitations, such as the challenges in distinguishing between types of retirement and the potential inaccuracies in self-reported alcohol consumption.

More information: Antonia Diaz-Valdes et al, Testing the mediating mechanism of alcohol use on the association between retirement and depressive symptoms in the United States using generalized mixed effect models, Aging & Mental Health. DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2423262

Journal information: Aging & Mental Health Provided by Taylor & Francis Group

Recent research connects sugary beverages to millions of diabetes and heart disease incidents worldwide

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A recent study conducted by researchers at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, published in Nature Medicine on January 6, has found that globally, 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease are associated with the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages each year.

The impact is particularly pronounced in developing regions. For instance, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the research indicates that over 21% of all new diabetes diagnoses can be linked to the consumption of these beverages. In the regions of Latin America and the Caribbean, the figures are equally alarming, with nearly 24% of new diabetes cases and more than 11% of new cardiovascular disease cases connected to sugary drink consumption.

Specific countries like Colombia, Mexico, and South Africa face severe impacts. In Colombia, nearly half of all new diabetes cases are due to sugary drink consumption. In Mexico, this figure is about one-third, while in South Africa, 27.6% of new diabetes cases and 14.6% of cardiovascular disease cases are related to these beverages.

Consuming sugary beverages leads to rapid digestion and a spike in blood sugar levels, providing little nutritional benefit. Continuous intake can result in weight gain, insulin resistance, and various metabolic problems that contribute to type 2 diabetes and heart disease—two of the leading causes of death globally.

Dariush Mozaffarian, the study’s senior author and director of the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School, highlights the aggressive marketing and sales strategies of sugar-sweetened beverages in low- and middle-income countries. These communities consume these harmful products in large quantities and lack adequate resources to manage the long-term health repercussions.

As economic conditions improve and incomes increase, sugary drinks become more accessible and appealing, particularly to men and younger adults, who are statistically more likely to suffer the adverse effects of these beverages than women and older individuals, according to the researchers.

Laura Lara-Castor, the paper’s lead author and a recent PhD graduate from the Friedman School, now at the University of Washington, calls for immediate, evidence-based measures to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages worldwide to prevent further loss of life due to diabetes and heart disease.

The authors advocate for a comprehensive strategy that includes public health initiatives, stricter regulations on advertising sugary drinks, and imposing taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages. Mexico, for instance, has implemented such a tax since 2014, which has shown promising results in decreasing consumption, especially among the economically disadvantaged.

Mozaffarian stresses the urgent need for further action, particularly in regions like Latin America and Africa, where consumption rates are high and the health consequences are severe. He emphasizes that addressing the global consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is crucial for the health of the human population.

More information: Dariush Mozaffarian et al, Burdens of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributable to sugar-sweetened beverages in 184 countries, Nature Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03345-4

Journal information: Nature Medicine Provided by Tufts University

Isolation Associated with Increased Risk of Heart Conditions, Stroke, and Infection Vulnerability

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New research posits that maintaining social interactions with friends and family could be vital for our health. These interactions enhance our immune system and mitigate the risk of diseases like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. This insight comes from a collaboration between researchers in the UK and China. They analysed proteins from blood samples of over 42,000 adults registered with the UK Biobank. The study’s findings were published in the Nature Human Behaviour journal.

The significance of social relationships to our overall health is becoming increasingly apparent. Studies consistently show that both social isolation and loneliness correlate with poorer health outcomes and even premature death. However, the specific biological processes by which social connections influence health have been less understood. The researchers tackled this by examining proteins in the blood. Proteins, produced by our genes, are crucial for the proper functioning of our bodies and can also be targeted by drugs to treat diseases.

Led by teams from the University of Cambridge and Fudan University, the study focused on the ‘proteomes’—arrays of proteins found in the blood samples of 42,000 adults aged between 40 and 69 participating in the UK Biobank. This examination helped determine which proteins were more prevalent among those who experienced social isolation or felt lonely and how these proteins are linked to health deterioration. Social isolation was measured objectively—considering factors like living alone, social contact frequency, and participation in social activities—while loneliness was assessed as a subjective feeling.

Upon analysing the proteomes and adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic factors, the researchers identified 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 with loneliness, noting a significant overlap between the two. These proteins, often produced in response to inflammation or viral infections, are also linked to conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and early mortality.
Using Mendelian randomisation, a method that helps infer causal relationships from genetic associations, the researchers pinpointed five proteins that increased in abundance due to loneliness.

Dr Chun Shen of the University of Cambridge and the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence at Fudan University remarked on the significance of these findings, noting that specific proteins seemed particularly influential in the health impacts of loneliness.

Professor Jianfeng Feng from the University of Warwick highlighted the role of AI and proteomics in identifying key proteins that can inform the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of many diseases, fundamentally altering our understanding of human health.

One such protein, ADM, known to respond to stress and regulate stress-related and social hormones like oxytocin—the ‘love hormone’—was found in higher levels in lonely individuals. This protein increase is associated with decreased volume in brain areas linked to emotional and social processing and an increased risk of early death. Other proteins identified include ASGR1, linked to higher cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, and others contributing to insulin resistance, arterial disease, and cancer progression.

Professor Barbara Sahakian of the University of Cambridge stressed the importance of social contact for health. With increasing reports of loneliness across ages, the World Health Organization has labelled social isolation and loneliness as significant global public health concerns, underscoring the need for strategies to address this issue and promote social connectivity for better health outcomes.

More information: Chun Shen et al, Plasma proteomic signatures of social isolation and loneliness associated with morbidity and mortality, Nature Human Behaviour. DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-02078-1

Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour Provided by University of Cambridge

Chrononutrition: Can Eating at the Right Times Be a Cure for Tiredness?

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Fatigue is becoming increasingly common within industrialised societies, signalling a pressing need for effective clinical and lifestyle interventions. It presents itself as diminished muscle endurance and strength, coupled with a pervasive feeling of exhaustion, frequently linked with disturbances in the circadian rhythm. Despite its extensive influence, the molecular foundations of fatigue are not yet fully comprehended. Recent research has revealed the molecular basis for the diurnal fluctuations in muscular endurance and highlighted circadian dietary interventions that alleviate muscle and cognitive impairments in rodent models. Time-restricted feeding has demonstrated considerable effectiveness in lessening fatigue through its impacts on both brain and muscle tissues. Consequently, circadian nutrition emerges as a promising lifestyle strategy for combating fatigue.

The circadian regulation of muscle fatigue and associated cognitive dysfunctions is vital. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) restricts daily food consumption to specific time windows, establishing an intermittent feeding-fasting cycle. Growing evidence shows that night/active phase-restricted feeding (NRF), similar to the 16:8 intermittent fasting regime in humans, synchronises the feeding-fasting cycle with the circadian clock, thus averting diet-induced metabolic disorders in mice. NRF enhances muscle endurance in mice fed an obesogenic diet across their lifespan in both genders. Mechanistically, NRF promotes increased metabolic flexibility. Conversely, day/sleep phase-restricted feeding (DRF), comparable to Ramadan fasting in humans, bolsters muscular endurance in lean mice throughout the entire day/night cycle. Recent findings show that TRF can restore muscle fibre strength in aged mice through the synchronised efforts of the brain and muscle clocks.

Clinical trials focusing on metabolic diseases have consistently identified circadian nutrition as a safe and feasible lifestyle intervention. A more profound grasp of the circadian biology of fatigue at the molecular level could solve the social and economic burdens of fatigue.

More information: Min-Dian Li et al, Circadian nutrition: is meal timing an elixir for fatigue? Science Bulletin. DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.11.043

Journal information: Science Bulletin Provided by Science China Press

Challenging Myths About Ageing: Seniors Show Greater Risk Tolerance and Resilience Against Manipulation

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The Polish society is undergoing a notable demographic shift. Data from Statistics Poland (GUS) reveals that in 2023, the population segment aged 65 and over expanded to 7.5 million, now representing over 20% of the national demographic. This statistic is especially pertinent given that this age group frequently faces crucial financial and health decisions.

The existing literature on the decision-making prowess of older adults presents mixed findings. Some studies depict this demographic as cautious and easily swayed, while other research presents a contrasting view. A recent investigation by scholars at SWPS University has tested these traditional notions, particularly regarding how ageing influences decision-making in contexts filled with risk and uncertainty. The findings suggest that elderly individuals, with adequate practice and task familiarity, can handle complex decision-making on par with their younger counterparts. Thus, they should not be undervalued or overly shielded when making significant life choices.

This study fundamentally questions the prevailing stereotypes about ageing and decision-making. “All too frequently, elderly individuals are seen as vulnerable and less competent in making sound decisions, potentially leading to their infantilisation or marginalisation from crucial decision-making processes,” highlights Dr Maciej Kościelniak, a prominent author of the study and the Head of the Department of Social and Cross-Cultural Psychology at the Faculty of Psychology and Law in Poznań, affiliated with SWPS University.

The research, detailed in the paper “Effect of Age on Susceptibility to Attraction Effect in Sequential Risky Decision-Making,” published in Ageing and Society, concentrated on elderly adults’ susceptibility to the attraction effect—also known as the decoy effect or asymmetric dominance effect. The study examined how decision-making in risky situations evolves with age.

Researchers employed specifically tailored gambling tasks in two distinct experiments: an online survey involving 357 participants and a laboratory study with 173 participants, categorised into groups of young adults (18-33 years), middle-aged adults (42-57 years), and older adults (65-80 years). Education levels were uniformly distributed across these groups.
The results were enlightening: older adults displayed a significant propensity towards risk-taking, more so than their younger counterparts, yet both groups demonstrated a similar capacity to withstand manipulative tactics associated with the attraction effect.

It is crucial to note that while older adults initially made more errors in high-stakes situations, they exhibited a remarkable ability to learn from these missteps and enhance their decision-making skills through practice, albeit at a slower pace. By the end of the experiments, their performance reached levels comparable to that of younger adults. This indicates that while ageing may slow the rate at which new information is processed, it does not diminish the ability to make sound decisions or defend against manipulation.

Dr. Kościelniak remarked on these findings: “The revelation that learning capabilities are preserved across ages has significantly altered my perspective on cognitive functions during the ageing process—it’s not merely a decline but an adaptation.” These insights into the cognitive abilities of older adults suggest that their decision-making capacity in later life might be more nuanced than previously understood.

The implications of these findings are profound, especially in combating age-related stereotypes. “In dealing with financial advisors, healthcare providers, or family members who assist elderly individuals in decision-making, it is clear from our research that older adults often require not protection but rather the opportunity and adequate time to acclimatise to new situations,” concludes Dr Kościelniak.

More information: Maciej Koscielniak et al, Effect of age on susceptibility to the attraction effect in sequential risky decision-making, Ageing and Society. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03123-x

Journal information: Ageing and Society Provided by SWPS University

Research: How the Mediterranean Diet Alters Gut Microbiota to Enhance Memory and Cognitive Function

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A recent study conducted by Tulane University has revealed that the brain-enhancing properties of the Mediterranean diet might be attributed to its impact on the gut microbiota.

Published in the journal Gut Microbes Reports, the research undertaken by the Tulane University School of Medicine reveals that individuals adhering to a Mediterranean diet exhibit distinct patterns of gut bacteria compared to those consuming a typical Western diet. This variation in gut bacteria is strongly associated with improved memory and cognitive functions. Rebecca Solch-Ottaiano, PhD, a neurology research instructor at Tulane’s Clinical Neuroscience Research Center and the study’s lead author, stated, “We’ve long understood that our dietary choices influence brain functions. This research provides insights into the mechanisms behind this influence, suggesting that the gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in this process.”

In an experimental setup involving rats, the study demonstrated that a 14-week diet rich in key Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, fish, and fibre led to an increase in four beneficial types of gut bacteria and a decrease in five detrimental types. These changes were directly linked to enhanced performance in maze tests designed to assess memory and learning capabilities. Notably, higher levels of certain bacteria like Candidatus Saccharimonas were tied to superior cognitive performance, whereas an increase in bacteria such as Bifidobacterium was associated with poorer memory functionality.

The findings also highlighted that rats on the Mediterranean diet showed greater cognitive flexibility—the ability to process and adapt to new information—and demonstrated improved working memory compared to their counterparts on the Western diet. Additionally, these rats maintained lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol.

This groundbreaking study is the first to evaluate the Mediterranean diet’s effects on microbiota and cognitive function in a rodent model, providing potential insight into its benefits during critical developmental periods. The research team, led by Dr. Demetrius M. Maraganore, the Herbert J. Harvey, Jr. Chair of Neurosciences at Tulane, used young rats roughly equivalent to 18-year-old humans to simulate the impact of dietary patterns during significant developmental phases. The choice of diet for the study reflects the complexity of human dietary habits.

Dr. Maraganore remarked, “Our results suggest that the Mediterranean diet, or its biological impacts, might be utilized to enhance academic performance in teenagers or professional performance in young adults. Although our findings are initially based on animal models, they resonate with human studies that connect the Mediterranean diet with enhanced memory capabilities and a reduced risk of dementia.”

The researchers stress the need for more extensive human studies to corroborate these findings and deepen our understanding of the intricate interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and brain function in the youth.

For individuals keen on adopting a Mediterranean dietary pattern, essential elements include using olive oil as the primary fat source, consuming ample vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, including fish and lean proteins in the diet, limiting the intake of red meat and saturated fats, and ensuring a high fibre intake from a variety of plant sources. This diet not only supports cognitive and gut health but also offers a balanced approach to eating that could be beneficial across various stages of life.

More information: Rebecca Solch-Ottaiano et al, Comparison between two divergent diets, Mediterranean and Western, on gut microbiota and cognitive function in young sprague dawley rats, Gut Microbes Reports. DOI: 10.1080/29933935.2024.2439490

Journal information: Gut Microbes Reports Provided by Tulane University

Recent Research Shows That Sleep Helps Block Intrusive Memories

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The relationship between inadequate sleep and mental health issues may stem from impairments in brain areas responsible for blocking undesirable thoughts, according to a study conducted by the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Sleep disturbances are key factors in the development and persistence of various mental health conditions, yet the exact reasons for this association remain unclear.

A recent publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) sheds light on the cognitive and neural processes that link sleep disturbances with mental health. These insights could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches and preventative measures for mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Dr Marcus Harrington, a lecturer at UEA’s School of Psychology and the lead author of the study titled ‘Memory control deficits in the sleep-deprived human brain’, collaborated with colleagues from York, Cambridge, Sussex, and Queen’s University in Canada.

For the first time, functional neuroimaging has revealed that the inability to control memories following sleep deprivation is due to difficulties activating brain regions that inhibit memory retrieval. Furthermore, restoring these brain regions overnight is associated with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

Dr Harrington explained: “Memories of unpleasant experiences can pop into our minds, often triggered by reminders. While such intrusive memories are brief and infrequent disturbances for most, they can be persistent, vivid, and distressing for those with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“The failure to control these memories can significantly influence our emotional perception of the world around us, which may explain the link between sleep loss and emotional disturbances.
“Understanding the mechanisms that lead to intrusive memories is crucial for enhancing emotional wellbeing and reducing the widespread impact of mental health conditions.”

In the study, eighty-five healthy adults were tasked with suppressing unwanted memories while undergoing functional MRI scans. Half of the participants slept a whole night in a sleep lab before the task, while the others stayed awake throughout the night.

The results showed that those who had slept exhibited more significant activity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—a brain area that governs thoughts, actions, and emotions—than those who had been awake. Additionally, the well-rested participants displayed decreased activity in the hippocampus—a brain region associated with memory retrieval—during their efforts to suppress unwanted memories.

Among those who slept in the lab, individuals who spent more time in REM sleep demonstrated better engagement of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during memory suppression. This finding underscores the importance of REM sleep in revitalising the brain mechanisms that prevent unwanted memories from surfacing.

Dr Harrington concluded: “Our findings underscore the vital role of sleep in managing our memories and ongoing thoughts effectively.”

More information: Marcus O. Harrington et al, Memory control deficits in the sleep-deprived human brain, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400743122

Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Provided by University of East Anglia

Africa: Improved Road Infrastructure Enhances Dietary Variety

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The importance of a balanced diet in reducing hunger and malnutrition is widely acknowledged. Researchers have traditionally encouraged small farmers in low- and middle-income countries to cultivate diverse foods to combat these issues. However, a new study is beginning to challenge this long-standing advice to a certain degree. The study proposes that having good access to regional markets might be more crucial than smallholders’ efforts to grow various crops on their farms. This access could lead to better-functioning markets that increase the availability of diverse foods locally, benefiting the entire population. These findings are set to be published in the journal Nature Food.

An unbalanced diet can significantly harm one’s health, a situation that is especially prevalent in poorer countries. This issue is particularly acute among small-farm households, representing a significant portion of the world’s malnourished population. The standard recommendation has been for these farmers to grow a variety of foods themselves. However, questions arise regarding the effectiveness of this approach and whether there might be more beneficial alternatives.

Addressing these questions, researchers at the University of Bonn have uncovered extensive data through surveys conducted on nearly 90,000 households across Africa, including countries like Ethiopia, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda, from 2008 to 2022. These households were predominantly smallholders. “The surveys offered insights into the variety of crops cultivated and the number of animal species reared by these farmers,” explains Professor Matin Qaim from the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn. “Additionally, the data shed light on the types of food consumed within these households.”
The findings revealed that although farmers who produced a wider range of crops and livestock tended to have more balanced diets, the impact was relatively minor. “Small-scale agricultural production in Africa is already quite diverse,” notes ZEF researcher Dr Thanh Tung Nguyen, who conducted the study alongside Professor Qaim. “It turns out that ensuring good access to local and regional markets is more significant than merely increasing the diversity of crops on each individual farm. These markets allow farmers to sell their surplus produce and buy foods that are otherwise missing from their diets.”

Moreover, the analysis of dietary patterns in these farm households indicated that markets are, more often than not, a more crucial source of nutritious food today than the farmers’ production. On average, the farmers’ food consumed only about one-third of their total food consumption. Proximity to local markets typically resulted in a diet richer in purchased foods, consistent across all surveyed countries. “Our research underscores the critical importance of access to local and regional markets for achieving a high-quality diet,” emphasizes Nguyen. However, suitable infrastructure remains lacking in many areas, with poor road conditions often prolonging travel times to markets and leading to spoilage or damage of products.

The study advocates shifting the focus from enhancing crop diversity on individual farms to improving infrastructure and market access. Over-diversifying an individual farmer’s crops could be counterproductive, as each crop has specific needs and requires particular expertise. “It’s more advantageous to concentrate on crops that thrive under local conditions and then sell any excess,” suggests Nguyen. Nevertheless, it is still worthwhile to diversify crops to a reasonable extent for both environmental benefits and to mitigate risks for farmers.

Professor Matin Qaim, also a member of the transdisciplinary research area “Sustainable Futures” and the PhenoRob Cluster of Excellence, concludes, “It is not essential for each small farm to produce all the food items necessary for a healthy diet by themselves. It suffices if a wide array of foods is grown regionally because then local households can buy diverse foods at markets.” This approach fosters a division of labour, enhancing dietary quality and contributing significantly to broader economic development.

More information: Thanh-Tung Nguyen et al, Local and regional food production diversity are positively associated with household dietary diversity in rural Africa, Nature Food. DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-01096-6

Journal information: Nature Food Provided by University of Bonn

Driving Behaviour in Older Adults with Major Depressive Disorder

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By 2050, the population of older adults 65 years and above is expected to reach 88 million in the US and 400 million globally. At 65, individuals are projected to live an additional 19 years, and those aged 85 are expected to live another 6 to 7 years. It is estimated that by 2050, 25% of all drivers will be over 65. The importance of driving mobility is accentuated as many older adults continue working beyond the traditional retirement age 65. Driving enables social participation and access to healthcare and supports independence, allowing older adults to age in place. Despite alternatives such as mass transit or e-hailing services, older drivers prefer personal vehicles.

A comprehensive study involving 72,878 participants across 48 studies indicated a global prevalence of 28% for depression among older adults. In the US, the prevalence of depression was 13% in 2022, with higher rates observed in women. Major depressive disorder (MDD) impacts around 8.4% of US adults aged 18 and over. Late-life depression includes both recurrent lifelong illness and late-onset depression, which may arise from biological factors (such as physical decline and comorbidities or acute conditions like strokes) and psychosocial factors (such as bereavement or financial changes). Often undetected, only 39.4% of individuals with late-life depression had received a formal diagnosis by 2022, and many did not seek mental health expertise despite moderate depression symptoms.

Compared to those aged 25-64, older drivers have a higher likelihood of causing traffic accidents. As older adults are driving for more extended periods, the incidence of crashes and related fatalities is expected to rise. Factors contributing to this increased risk include medication side effects, cognitive impairments related to dementia, and depression. Depression can adversely affect cognitive functions crucial for driving, such as reaction time, attention, executive function, and memory. Research has shown that depression significantly correlates with poorer driving performance and a heightened risk of accidents. Studies indicate that depression nearly doubles the odds of being involved in a crash. Our previous research also highlighted that older adults with depression are three times more likely to perform poorly in standardized driving tests.

Most driving studies focus on individuals without depression, assessing driving fitness and crash risk. This study aims to investigate the driving behaviours of older adults with MDD over time, hypothesizing that they will exhibit more pronounced changes in driving patterns, engage in riskier behaviours such as speeding and hard braking, and have fewer outings and trips compared to their healthy, non-depressed counterparts.

More information: Ganesh M. Babulal et al, Major Depressive Disorder and Driving Behavior Among Older Adults, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.52038

Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by JAMA Network