Monthly Archives: August 2025

Genes help explain why ageing brings frailty for some

A new study has uncovered genetic variants connected to brain activity, immune response, and metabolism that play a role in the development of frailty among older adults. Published in Nature Aging by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, the findings offer fresh biological insight into how frailty arises and why it affects people differently.

Frailty is a condition in which the body gradually loses resilience, leaving individuals more susceptible to infections, falls, and other physical stresses. It is a major risk factor for hospitalisation and premature death, making it crucial to understand why some people develop it earlier than others.

Drawing on genetic data from nearly one million individuals in Finland and the United Kingdom, the research team carried out one of the most extensive genetic analyses of frailty to date. By examining DNA profiles alongside health information, they identified hundreds of genetic markers that increase the likelihood of becoming frail with age.

“Our findings demonstrate that frailty does not stem from a single cause. Instead, it reflects the combined influence of many genes affecting the brain, metabolism, and immune system. Several of these genes are entirely new discoveries,” explains Juulia Jylhävä, associate professor at Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics and senior author of the study.

The study also shows that an individual’s genetic predisposition to frailty can be quantified, creating the possibility of predicting who may be at higher risk of illness or requiring care in later life. This knowledge could transform approaches to prevention and treatment.

“In the future, it may be possible to pinpoint those at risk as early as middle age, when preventive measures can still make a difference. This opens up promising opportunities to protect health and independence in older age,” Jylhävä concludes.

More information: Juulia Jylhävä et al, Large-scale genome-wide analyses with proteomics integration reveal novel loci and biological insights into frailty, Nature Aging. DOI: 10.1038/s43587-025-00925-y

Journal information: Nature Aging Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Breakthrough tool aids seniors in lowering reliance on unnecessary drugs

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Researchers at McGill University have developed a digital tool designed to help patients safely reduce their use of medications that may be unnecessary or even harmful. The software, called MedSafer, is now being licensed for broader use and has already demonstrated strong results in clinical settings. By guiding clinicians through a patient’s medication list, the tool helps identify drugs that may no longer be appropriate and provides recommendations on how to taper or stop them safely.

In a recent clinical trial, MedSafer proved to be nearly three times more effective than standard medication reviews. Among residents in long-term care facilities, 36 per cent had potentially harmful medications discontinued with the support of the software, compared with far lower rates when clinicians worked without it. “Sometimes we blame ageing for memory loss or mobility issues when the real culprit is the medications,” explained Dr Emily McDonald, Associate Professor in McGill’s Department of Medicine and Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. “I’ve seen patients go from barely responsive to having full conversations again after stopping a sedating drug.”

The issue of polypharmacy—taking multiple medications at once—is especially pressing among older adults. Nearly two-thirds of Canadian seniors are prescribed five or more medications each day, with numbers even higher in long-term care settings. Over time, prescriptions tend to accumulate, and some are even added to manage the side effects of other drugs, creating what experts call a “prescribing cascade.” This cycle not only complicates treatment but also increases the risk of dangerous side effects, such as falls, confusion, and hospitalisations.

MedSafer is intended to provide a practical solution within routine care. In long-term care homes, medications are typically reviewed every three months, but there is no consistent framework for deprescribing. The software acts as a structured checklist for clinicians, comparing a resident’s prescriptions with their health conditions, flagging potential concerns, and offering evidence-based alternatives. In the New Brunswick trial, which involved 725 residents across five facilities, participants were taking an average of ten different medications each, highlighting the scale of the challenge.

The tool was co-developed by Dr McDonald and Dr Todd Lee, Associate Professor of Medicine at McGill and fellow Scientist at the Research Institute. Both stress that the long-term goal is to see MedSafer integrated into primary care, where it could intervene earlier in a patient’s treatment journey. By identifying and discontinuing unnecessary prescriptions before individuals enter long-term care, the tool has the potential to reduce medication-related harm on a much broader scale.

For McDonald and Lee, the promise of MedSafer lies in transforming deprescribing into a new standard of care. “No one should be on a medication that’s doing more harm than good,” said Dr McDonald. With growing evidence of its effectiveness, the researchers hope their tool will help shift clinical practice towards a safer, more personalised approach to prescribing, improving not only patient health but also quality of life for countless older adults.

More information: Emily McDonald et al, Electronic Decision Support for Deprescribing in Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care, A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.12931

Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by McGill University

How daily habits may erode the brain’s control system and heighten dementia risk

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Nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes, with factors such as exercise, diet, and social connection playing an important role in shaping an individual’s risk. But what if these risk factors were also leaving subtle chemical traces in the brain—well before any symptoms of dementia appeared?

A research team at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute believes they have uncovered exactly that. Their findings open up new avenues for early detection in dementia research and deepen our understanding of the biological processes that increase vulnerability to cognitive decline.

The study, published today in Cerebral Cortex, used Magnetic Resonance Imaging and MR-spectroscopy to examine the brain chemistry of 79 healthy older adults. All participants had normal memory, thinking abilities, and cognitive function, but their “modifiable dementia risk scores” differed, based on health and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet, sleep quality, and social engagement.

Lead author Dr Jacob Levenstein explained that the team identified distinct patterns in brain chemistry linked to higher dementia risk. In particular, they focused on Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key neurochemical often described as the brain’s “brake system” because it calms neural activity and maintains balance in brain networks. Individuals with higher risk scores were found to have lower GABA concentrations in sensory and motor regions of the brain.

The researchers also found that in the prefrontal cortex—the brain’s “command centre” for decision-making and complex thought—higher risk scores were associated with lower levels of two additional neurochemicals: total N-acetylaspartate (tNAA) and total choline (tCho). Both play vital roles in sustaining brain tissue and supporting cell-to-cell communication. According to Dr Levenstein, diminished levels of these markers suggest that subtle brain deterioration may begin long before behavioural or memory changes become evident.

These findings are significant because they identify three potential neurochemical warning signs of dementia in otherwise healthy adults. As Dr Levenstein noted, this opens the possibility of detecting dementia risk years before symptoms appear, creating opportunities for earlier intervention and prevention strategies.

Co-author Dr Sophie Andrews, Lead of the Thompson Institute’s Healthy Brain Ageing Program, emphasised that the encouraging aspect of this research is its focus on modifiable factors. “Simple lifestyle adjustments can change the trajectory of brain health,” she said. “Improving sleep quality, increasing physical activity, looking after mental health, and adopting a Mediterranean-style diet are all proven ways to strengthen long-term brain function.”

More information: Jacob Levenstein et al, Neurophysiological correlates of modifiable dementia risk factors in cognitively unimpaired older adults, Cerebral Cortex. DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaf179

Journal information: Cerebral Cortex Provided by University of the Sunshine Coast

Stand More, Live Better: Research Reveals Heart Benefits After Menopause

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A recent study from the University of California, San Diego suggests that the simple act of standing up more frequently could offer measurable heart health benefits for postmenopausal women. The research, which focused on women with overweight or obesity, found that increasing the number of daily sit-to-stand movements was linked to improvements in blood pressure. The findings, published in the journal Circulation, indicate that such changes in everyday behaviour could have a meaningful impact on cardiovascular wellness without requiring strenuous exercise.

Lead author Sheri Hartman, Ph.D., professor at UC San Diego’s Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, noted that while public health advice often encourages people to “sit less,” it does not always provide practical strategies. This study shows that breaking up sitting time with short standing intervals — even if overall sitting time is not significantly reduced — can help to support healthy blood pressure levels. The approach offers a straightforward, accessible way to improve wellbeing, especially for women in the postmenopausal stage of life who may be at increased risk for heart disease.

The research formed part of the Rise for Health Study, a randomised controlled trial exploring how changes in sedentary behaviour might affect blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Postmenopausal women typically spend much of their waking day seated, which can raise their risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and premature mortality. Participants in the study were divided into three groups: one aimed to “sit less” overall, another was instructed to focus on more frequent sit-to-stand movements, and a control group received only general health information without any changes to their sitting habits.

Over three months, the “sit less” group succeeded in reducing their sitting time by an average of 75 minutes per day and saw some blood pressure improvements. However, these changes were not statistically significant. By contrast, the “sit-to-stand” group increased their number of daily standing events by an average of 25 and lowered their diastolic blood pressure by 2.24 mmHg compared with the control group. While this reduction did not reach the clinically significant threshold of 3–5 mmHg, it still represents a positive change achieved in a short period. Interestingly, neither intervention produced substantial improvements in blood sugar levels, suggesting that such benefits may require different or more prolonged behavioural changes.

The researchers believe that more substantial results might emerge over a longer time frame and have already applied for additional funding to extend their investigation. Future studies will examine both strategies over a longer period and include older men as well as women. The potential for cumulative benefits from small, repeated movements throughout the day offers a promising avenue for public health strategies targeting older adults who may not be able to engage in high-intensity activity.

Co-author Andrea Z. LaCroix, Ph.D., distinguished professor at the same institution, expressed optimism about the participants’ ability to set their own goals and successfully change their behaviours. She emphasised that realistic, everyday actions — such as standing up an additional 25 times per day, roughly twice an hour over 12 waking hours — could be achievable for a wide range of people. While more research is needed, the message from this study is that even modest, consistent changes in daily habits may contribute to better heart health after menopause, providing an attainable and sustainable approach to wellness.

More information: Sheri Hartman et al, Impacts of Reducing Sitting Time or Increasing Sit-to-Stand Transitions on Blood Pressure and Glucose Regulation in Postmenopausal Women: Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial, Circulation. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.073385

Journal information: Circulation Provided by University of California – San Diego

Long-term physical activity shown to aid brain connectivity recovery in Parkinson’s patients, say medical researchers

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In the early 2000s, scientists first demonstrated that exercise could help ease the tremors often associated with Parkinson’s disease. Yet despite years of research, the precise mechanism behind this benefit has remained elusive. Now, new findings from University Hospitals and the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System—through the Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Center—are offering fresh clues. This pioneering study suggests that long-term, dynamic exercise programmes may produce more extensive restorative effects on the brain’s neural signalling in people with Parkinson’s disease than previously recognised.

The research team analysed data from participants with implanted deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices, using these recordings to explore how sustained exercise might reactivate connections disrupted by the disease. What sets this study apart from earlier work is its combined use of second-generation DBS technology and a targeted long-term dynamic cycling regimen, allowing the researchers to investigate the neural changes associated with improvements in motor symptoms. The pilot investigation, published in the June 2025 issue of Clinical Neurophysiology, was supported by a VA Merit Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and philanthropic funding for the Department of Neurology at University Hospitals. Leading the work was Dr. Aasef Shaikh, MD, PhD—neurologist at University Hospitals and the VA, Vice Chair for Research at University Hospitals, Professor of Neurology, and Associate Medical Director of the Cleveland FES Center. The study’s lead author, Prajakta Joshi, is a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering at the Shaikh Lab, part of University Hospitals and the Cleveland FES Center at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.

Over four weeks, participants—some of whom were military veterans—took part in twelve dynamic cycling sessions. Each individual had a DBS device implanted to help manage their motor symptoms, and during each session, brain signals from the implanted electrodes were recorded. The cycling programme was not a static routine; instead, it was adaptive, meaning the equipment responded to the rider’s performance. Guided by a game-like visual display, participants were instructed to maintain a pedalling speed of around 80 revolutions per minute for approximately 30 minutes. Their pedalling intensity was represented on-screen by a virtual balloon that they had to keep within a specific range, requiring careful balance between effort and control. The adaptive motor in the bike would provide assistance or add resistance, keeping riders engaged and constantly adjusting their output. This push-and-pull mechanism, the researchers believe, plays a vital role in alleviating Parkinson’s symptoms.

As co-author Lara Shigo, a Kent State University PhD candidate, explained, the 80 RPM target is faster than most people would select voluntarily. However, because the motorised assistance reduces strain, it does not typically cause fatigue. This approach ensured participants could sustain the pace needed to achieve the desired neurological stimulation without overexertion. The regimen’s complexity and variability may also have contributed to the observed brain changes by challenging motor control pathways in novel ways.

The results were intriguing. While no immediate changes were detected in brain signals following individual sessions, a clear shift emerged after the complete twelve-session programme. The researchers documented measurable alterations in neural activity within the regions responsible for motor control and movement—precisely where Parkinson’s pathology is most evident. These findings indicate that the benefits of exercise in Parkinson’s disease may not be instantaneous but instead build over time, potentially reflecting a process of gradual neural reorganisation.

Joshi and her colleagues noted that, although modern DBS systems offer an unprecedented window into brain function, their reach is inherently localised to the electrode implantation site. This means that other parts of the brain, potentially critical to the observed improvements, remain outside the current monitoring capability. Nonetheless, the data suggest that exercise may influence a far-reaching neural network. As Joshi put it, “There may be a broader circuit involved. Numerous upstream and downstream pathways could be influenced by exercise, and it’s possible that we’re inducing a network-level change that drives the improvement in motor symptoms.” Future research could help map this wider circuitry and shed light on the exact biological mechanisms at work.

Dr. Shaikh emphasised the importance of the collaboration between University Hospitals and the VA, which expanded the pool of eligible participants and enriched the study’s scope. He also stressed the promise of combining DBS technology with long-term, adaptive exercise programmes, not only to treat Parkinson’s symptoms but also to understand better the neural processes underpinning those improvements. This integration of advanced neuromodulation and targeted physical activity represents a potentially transformative approach to managing Parkinson’s disease, offering hope for more personalised and effective interventions in the future.

More information: Prajakta Joshi et al, Electrophysiological correlates of dynamic cycling in Parkinson’s disease, Clinical Neurophysiology. DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2025.03.018

Journal information: Clinical Neurophysiology Provided by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Nutritious Diet Linked to Slower Progression of Chronic Diseases in Seniors

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A recent study from the Karolinska Institutet, published in Nature Aging, has found that a healthy diet can slow the build-up of chronic diseases in older adults. In contrast, diets high in inflammatory foods may hasten it. The research sheds light on the long-term impact of dietary patterns, showing that food choices can meaningfully influence health outcomes in ageing populations.

The study examined the effects of four distinct dietary patterns on the progression of chronic illness in later life. Three of these diets were categorised as healthy, emphasising regular consumption of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and unsaturated fats, while limiting sweets, red meat, processed meat, and butter or margarine. The fourth, a pro-inflammatory diet, focused more heavily on red and processed meats, refined grains, and sugar-sweetened beverages, with lower consumption of vegetables, tea, and coffee.

More than 2,400 older adults in Sweden were followed over 15 years. Researchers observed that participants adhering to the healthy dietary patterns developed chronic diseases at a slower rate. The protective effect was particularly evident in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia, though no significant effect was found for conditions affecting muscles and bones. Conversely, those whose eating habits aligned with the pro-inflammatory diet faced a heightened risk of developing multiple chronic illnesses.

“Our results show how important diet is in influencing the development of multimorbidity in ageing populations,” explained Adrián Carballo-Casla, co-first author and postdoctoral researcher at the Aging Research Centre, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society at Karolinska Institutet. His comments underscore the potential for diet to act as a preventative measure against the clustering of multiple diseases in older age.

The findings contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the role of nutrition in healthy ageing. They highlight how food not only affects individual diseases but also the broader trajectory of overall health and resilience in later life. This is particularly relevant in the context of multimorbidity, where the simultaneous presence of several chronic conditions can complicate treatment and reduce quality of life.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to pinpoint the most effective dietary recommendations for promoting longevity. They also aim to identify which subgroups of older adults—distinguished by age, gender, psychosocial background, or existing health conditions—stand to benefit the most from tailored nutritional guidance. By refining these recommendations, the hope is to create more targeted interventions that can extend healthy life expectancy and ease the burden of chronic disease in an ageing society.

More information: David Abbad-Gomez et al, Dietary patterns and accelerated multimorbidity in older adults, Nature Aging. DOI: 10.1038/s43587-025-00929-8

Journal information: Nature Aging Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Average Dementia Diagnosis Occurs 3.5 Years After Symptom Onset

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People with dementia typically receive a diagnosis an average of 3.5 years after symptoms are first noticed, according to a study led by researchers at UCL. For those with early-onset dementia, the delay is even longer, averaging 4.1 years. The research, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to examine global evidence on the time taken to diagnose dementia.

The team analysed data from 13 previously published studies carried out in Europe, the United States, Australia, and China, involving 30,257 participants. They measured the time between the first signs of symptoms—reported by patients or family carers through interviews or medical records—and a formal diagnosis. A pooled meta-analysis of 10 studies confirmed the average delay of 3.5 years, with early-onset dementia cases taking even longer. Younger age at onset and a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia were associated with greater delays. At the same time, limited evidence indicated racial disparities, with one study showing that black patients faced longer waits.

Lead author Dr Vasiliki Orgeta (UCL Division of Psychiatry) said that timely diagnosis remains a significant challenge worldwide, shaped by complex and interlinked factors. Other research suggests that only 50–65% of cases are diagnosed in high-income countries, with rates even lower elsewhere. “Timely diagnosis can improve access to treatments and, for some people, prolong the time living with mild dementia before symptoms worsen,” she noted.

The study identified several barriers contributing to diagnostic delays. Symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing, while fear, stigma, and low public awareness can discourage people from seeking medical advice. Within healthcare systems, inconsistent referral pathways, shortages of specialists, and under-resourced memory clinics further hinder timely diagnosis. In some cases, language barriers and the absence of culturally appropriate assessment tools create additional obstacles, especially in diverse populations.

Professor Rafael Del-Pino-Casado (University of Jaén, Spain) highlighted systemic issues that need to be addressed: “Within healthcare systems, inconsistent referral pathways, limited access to specialists, and under-resourced memory clinics can create further delays. For some, language differences or a lack of culturally appropriate assessment tools can make access to timely diagnosis even harder.” Dr Phuong Leung (UCL Division of Psychiatry) added that public misconceptions also play a role, with early symptoms too often dismissed as part of the natural ageing process.

The researchers emphasise the need for a multi-pronged approach to reduce delays. Public awareness campaigns could help people recognise early symptoms and reduce stigma, encouraging them to seek help sooner. Clinician training is also critical to improve early recognition and referral, while expanding access to early intervention and individualised support is essential so that people with dementia and their families receive timely and appropriate care. Dr Orgeta concluded that creating a clear framework for diagnosis—developed in collaboration with patients, carers, and support networks—is vital for addressing the global challenge of delayed dementia diagnosis.

More information: Olubunmi Kusoro et al, Time to Diagnosis in Dementia: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. DOI: 10.1002/gps.70129

Journal information: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Provided by University College London

Nature-themed virtual reality enhances emotional health in older adults with dementia

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Experiencing nature — even through a virtual environment — can significantly improve emotional well-being and enhance quality of life for older adults living with dementia. This is the key finding of a recent pilot study led by Junhyoung “Paul” Kim, a health technology researcher in the Department of Health Behavior at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health. The research also examined the practical challenges these individuals face when using virtual reality (VR) for the first time, providing valuable insights into how immersive technology can be tailored for this population.

Published in the American Journal of Health Behavior, the study involved 11 residents of a long-term memory care facility who had been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Over five weeks, participants engaged in twice-weekly VR sessions lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Using Oculus Quest 2 headsets and the Nature Treks Virtual Reality application, they were immersed in tranquil landscapes such as forests, meadows, ocean views, and glowing sunsets, with opportunities to interact with animated plants and animals.

Kim highlighted that while the benefits of nature-based activities for people with dementia are well established, many face serious barriers to accessing outdoor experiences. Factors such as limited mobility, environmental hazards, and safety concerns often prevent participation in real-world programmes. The VR intervention provided a safe, adaptable alternative, allowing residents to explore diverse natural environments in a way that was both personalised and meaningful, without leaving the security of their care facility.

The research team employed a pretest-posttest design to measure changes in emotional well-being and perceived quality of life. Results indicated a marked increase in feelings of pleasure and alertness, alongside reductions in negative emotions including anxiety, sadness, and anger. Many participants also reported a greater sense of overall life satisfaction after completing the sessions, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of immersive experiences for those with cognitive impairments.

To complement these findings, in-depth interviews were conducted with participants and their caregivers during the final week of the study. Three central themes emerged: the joy of exploring virtual natural spaces, the novelty and excitement of the VR experience, and the way it evoked fond memories and reminiscence. However, the research also uncovered usability challenges, with some participants struggling with headset fit or finding the handheld controllers difficult to manage. The team suggested that simplifying controls and improving ergonomic design could enhance accessibility for older users.

Despite these technical barriers, Kim and his colleagues see strong promise in integrating VR into dementia care. They believe that immersive technology can reduce emotional distress, foster engagement, and offer enriching experiences to those whose physical limitations restrict real-world activities. As the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease — now over seven million — continues to rise, such innovations could become an important tool in expanding the scope and quality of care available to this growing population.

More information: Junhyoung Kim et al, The Effects of a Nature-based Virtual Reality Program on Emotional Health and Quality of Life among Older Adults with Dementia, American Journal of Health Behavior. DOI: 10.5993/AJHB.47.1.1

Journal information: American Journal of Health Behavior Provided by Texas A&M University

Extensive Research Reveals How Flooding Uniquely Affects the Health of Older Adults

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A new study analysing 17 years of Medicare hospitalisation records alongside major flood events has found a marked rise in specific health problems among adults aged 65 and older in the weeks following severe flooding. Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Ohio State University, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health published their findings in The Lancet Planetary Health, revealing significant increases in hospital admissions for skin diseases, nervous system conditions, and injuries or poisonings.

Unlike earlier studies, which tended to focus on single flood events or a narrow range of health outcomes, this research offers broad, generalisable insights with a focus on older populations in high-income countries. By matching Medicare data from 2000 to 2016 with satellite-based, high-resolution flood maps from the Global Flood Database, the team examined hospitalisation trends across 72 major floods, covering more than 4.5 million admissions. They calculated relative percentage changes for 13 disease categories within four weeks following flood exposure.

Their results showed an average increase in hospitalisations for skin diseases (3.1%), nervous system diseases (2.5%), musculoskeletal disorders (1.3%), and injuries or poisonings (1.1%). The analysis also uncovered disparities linked to community demographics. In areas with fewer Black residents, nervous system-related admissions rose sharply (7.6%). In contrast, in communities with larger Black populations, there were higher increases for skin diseases (6.1%) and mental health-related conditions (3.0%) during flood exposure. These differences may reflect variations in pre-existing health conditions, housing quality, emergency resource access, healthcare availability, and even potential biases in medical coding practices.

The study points out that older adults face heightened vulnerability to flood-related health risks due to factors such as weakened immune systems, limited mobility, pre-existing medical conditions like dementia, and reduced access to routine medical care. For example, skin infections may result from contact with polluted water, crowded shelters, and poor sanitation. Nervous system complications, such as seizures, could stem from traumatic brain injuries or stress-triggered episodes in those with epilepsy. Musculoskeletal injuries may arise both from direct harm during the flood and from strain incurred during post-flood clean-up, especially when care is delayed.

The authors stress that their findings should inform climate adaptation and disaster preparedness strategies. They recommend targeted outreach and evacuation planning for older adults, community-based alert systems, and ensuring hospital infrastructure remains functional during floods by relocating critical equipment above flood levels. They also highlight the potential role of mobile medical units, telemedicine, and drone technology in delivering essential supplies and guiding evacuations in real time. These measures could substantially reduce the health toll of flooding on vulnerable populations as climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

More information: Sarika Aggarwal et al, Severe flooding and cause-specific hospitalisation among older adults in the USA: a retrospective matched cohort analysis, The Lancet Planetary Health. DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(25)00132-9

Journal information: The Lancet Planetary Health Provided by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health

US POINTER Trial Shows Structured Lifestyle Changes Can Slow Cognitive Decline

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In US POINTER, participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a structured, higher-intensity lifestyle programme or a self-guided, lower-intensity approach. The structured intervention incorporated regular moderate- to high-intensity physical exercise, adherence to the MIND diet (a dietary pattern linked to brain health), cognitively stimulating activities and social engagement, and regular monitoring of cardiovascular health. The self-guided group received educational materials and general health advice, but without the same level of structure, intensity, or ongoing support.

The results showed that the structured intervention produced a statistically significant greater improvement in global cognition over two years compared with the self-guided programme. Specifically, the mean annual composite z-score for global cognition increased by 0.243 standard deviations per year in the structured group, compared with 0.213 in the self-guided group. While the absolute difference was modest, it was consistent and statistically significant, suggesting that higher-intensity, multidomain interventions can have a measurable impact on cognitive performance in at-risk older adults.

The findings support the growing evidence base for lifestyle-based, non-pharmacological strategies in dementia risk reduction. Although further research is required to determine the clinical significance and long-term effects of such interventions, the US POINTER trial reinforces the value of combining physical activity, healthy diet, cognitive challenge, social interaction, and cardiovascular health management in a structured format. These results also lend weight to the argument that prevention strategies should extend beyond single-target pharmacological approaches and incorporate comprehensive lifestyle changes to address the complex, multifactorial nature of cognitive decline in late life.

More information: Laura D. Baker et al, Structured vs Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Global Cognitive Function, JAMA. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.12923

Journal information: JAMA Provided by JAMA Network

Most UK Adults Falling Short on Plant-Based Diets, Study Reveals

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A new study conducted by researchers at King’s College London has revealed that adults in the United Kingdom consume a median of only eight different plant-based foods per day, with some individuals eating as few as two. This figure includes not just fruits and vegetables but also herbs, spices, legumes, and oils derived from plants. While this number may seem modest, the researchers argue that increasing the variety—not merely the quantity—of plant-based foods in one’s diet could have significant implications for improving cardiometabolic health across the population.

The study, published in Clinical Nutrition, is the first of its kind in the UK to analyse the types and variety of plant foods consumed and how this diversity correlates with markers of cardiometabolic health, which include cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and overall nutrient intake. Drawing on data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey for 2016–2017, the researchers assessed the dietary habits of over 670 adults, the vast majority of whom followed omnivorous diets. Participants were grouped according to the daily diversity of plant-based foods they consumed, ranging from an average of 5.5 foods in the low-diversity group to 11 in the high-diversity category.

The findings suggest a strong relationship between dietary diversity and positive health indicators. For instance, individuals with more varied plant consumption exhibited higher levels of HDL cholesterol, the so-called “good” cholesterol known to reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, a higher variety of plant foods was associated with lower concentrations of HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar regulation and an important indicator in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. These associations held even when adjusting for other factors such as age, body weight, and overall caloric intake.

Beyond biological markers, the study also found lifestyle differences among the groups. Those in the high-diversity group tended to lead healthier lives overall. Only 6% of these participants were smokers, compared with 30% in the low-diversity group. They also had more favourable blood lipid profiles. They were more likely to meet dietary fibre recommendations, although interestingly, they also consumed more total sugar, primarily from fruits and fruit juices. Despite concerns about sugar intake, the researchers noted that the fibre and antioxidants found in fruits might mitigate some of the adverse effects of natural sugars on blood glucose and metabolic health.

According to Dr Eirini Dimidi, Senior Lecturer in Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London and the study’s lead author, the results highlight a gap in current public health messaging. “UK dietary guidelines tend to emphasise the quantity of fruit and vegetables, such as the well-known ‘5-a-day’ message. Our research shows that the variety of plant-based foods consumed may be just as crucial as the quantity for achieving better health outcomes,” she said. Dr Dimidi added that even among the most diverse eaters in the study, key nutrient shortfalls remained, particularly in fibre and several micronutrients essential for immune function and maintaining healthy bones and tissues.

An analysis of food categories revealed that vegetables were the most significant contributors to plant diversity, accounting for just over 21% of the total. This was followed closely by plant-based fats and oils (18.8%) and fruit (17%). Foods with high nutritional value, such as nuts, seeds, and legumes, however, made a surprisingly minimal contribution to overall dietary variety. This highlights a missed opportunity, as these foods are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients that support a range of bodily functions.

In light of these findings, the researchers advocate for a broader and more inclusive understanding of plant-based eating. Dr Dimidi encourages people to incorporate lesser-used ingredients into everyday meals to enhance dietary diversity. Suggestions include adding a spoonful of mixed seeds or crushed nuts to morning porridge, experimenting with different herbs and spices to flavour meals, and varying the types of vegetables used in daily cooking. She points to seasonal produce like courgettes, broad beans, and broccoli in the summer months as easy and nutritious additions. Overall, the study suggests that promoting not only the consumption of plant foods but also their diversity could be a robust public health strategy to improve the nation’s diet quality and reduce the burden of cardiometabolic diseases.

More information: Eirini Dimidi et al, Characterising the diversity of plant-based food and beverage consumption in adults, and exploring associations with cardiometabolic health outcomes: A cross-sectional study, Clinical Nutrition. DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2025.07.011

Journal information: Clinical Nutrition Provided by King’s College London

Growing Public Support for Enhanced Protections for Older Adults

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Support for Social Security remains high in the United States. As the population grows older, more Americans believe the government should step in to help families care for ageing adults. A new study led by Cornell University researchers shows that public attitudes toward ageing policies have shifted significantly over the past few decades. People are increasingly seeing elder care not just as a personal or family issue, but as a shared responsibility that deserves government support.

The researchers analysed data from the General Social Survey (GSS), a long-running, nationally representative poll. They found that between 1984 and 2022, support for increased spending on Social Security rose to nearly 58%, an increase of more than eight percentage points. Interestingly, the political divide on this issue has narrowed, with Democrats and Republicans now showing similar levels of support for Social Security spending.

Beyond Social Security, more Americans now believe the government should help older adults with daily tasks like grocery shopping, cleaning, and laundry. Around 50% of respondents support government assistance with these tasks, up from 38% in 2012. Lead researcher Adriana Reyes noted that this reflects a broad and growing agreement that more needs to be done to support older adults and their families.

While support for direct government provision of care services is still relatively low, it is growing. The share of Americans backing government-run services for older adults increased from 14% to 24% over the past decade. This trend suggests that as caregiving needs become more pressing, the public is slowly warming up to more comprehensive forms of government support.

Although Democrats and independents are more likely than Republicans to favour government-funded care services, overall support for policies that help older adults is rising across the political spectrum. With the ageing population continuing to grow, these changing attitudes may influence future decisions on how the government addresses elder care in the years ahead.

More information: Adriana Reyes et al, Attitudes Toward Government Supports for Older Adults in the U.S. (1984–2022), Journal of Aging & Social Policy. DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2025.2523128

Journal information: Journal of Aging & Social Policy Provided by Cornell University