Monthly Archives: October 2025

Short, Frequent Exercise Sessions Could Improve Fitness in Sedentary Adults

A new analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that “exercise snacks” — short bursts of physical activity lasting five minutes or less — could help improve cardiorespiratory fitness among adults who are otherwise physically inactive. The review found that this approach may be a practical and appealing way to increase fitness levels without requiring large time commitments or structured workout sessions.

Researchers noted that adherence to exercise snacking was high, suggesting that it may successfully address two of the most common barriers to regular physical activity: lack of time and low motivation. Around one in three adults globally, and 80 per cent of teenagers, fail to meet recommended physical activity targets. This inactivity contributes significantly to poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders, underscoring the need for accessible exercise strategies.

To assess the effectiveness of this approach, the researchers reviewed 11 clinical trials conducted in Australia, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom, involving 414 sedentary or physically inactive adults. The majority of participants were women, and the interventions lasted between four and twelve weeks. Exercise snacks were defined as short sessions of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity performed at least twice a day, excluding warm-up and cool-down periods.

Most of the included studies focused on stair climbing — either in single bouts or repeated intervals — particularly for young and middle-aged adults. Among older adults, the dominant forms of activity were leg-focused strength training and tai chi. Overall, the analysis showed that exercise snacking significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness. However, its effects on muscular endurance, leg strength, and cardiometabolic measures such as blood pressure and cholesterol were less conclusive.

Despite limited evidence for changes in other health indicators, adherence to exercise snacking was notably high. On average, 91 per cent of participants completed their sessions, and 83 per cent sustained the routine throughout the study period. These figures suggest that exercise snacking is not only practical but also feasible in unsupervised, real-world settings — an important consideration for public health strategies targeting widespread inactivity.

The researchers acknowledged several limitations, including the limited number of available studies and their varied designs and methodologies. However, they emphasised that the time-efficient and flexible nature of exercise snacks may help overcome key psychological and logistical barriers to exercise. Short, manageable bouts of physical activity may make it easier for people to maintain consistent movement throughout the day, thereby supporting long-term improvements in fitness and overall health.

More information: Miguel Ángel Rodríguez et al, Effect of exercise snacks on fitness and cardiometabolic health in physically inactive individuals: systematic review and meta-analysis, British Journal of Sports Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2025-110027

Journal information: British Journal of Sports Medicine Provided by BMJ Group

Believing positively about ageing may help people stay healthier and more active, researchers find

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Older adults who hold positive perceptions of ageing are significantly more likely to engage in vigorous physical activity, even when living with health conditions, according to new research led by the University of Surrey. The study suggests that having an optimistic outlook on ageing could play a crucial role in maintaining an active lifestyle, potentially counteracting the physical limitations often associated with chronic illness or older age. Researchers argue that such positive attitudes can influence behaviour and motivation, shaping how individuals approach exercise and wellbeing during later life.

The research team at the University of Surrey examined the relationship between attitudes towards ageing and physical activity, discovering that one’s personal outlook – whether ageing is viewed as a period of continued growth or inevitable decline – serves as a strong indicator of how physically active a person might be. In essence, those who embrace ageing as an opportunity for personal development and fulfilment are more likely to maintain or even increase their participation in vigorous exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. This finding highlights the psychological dimension of ageing, demonstrating that perceptions and beliefs can exert measurable effects on physical health outcomes.

Published in Healthcare, the study analysed data gathered from 1,699 UK residents aged 50 and over. The results revealed a consistent association between positive views of ageing and a greater likelihood of engaging in high-intensity physical activity. Importantly, this connection persisted even among individuals managing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular conditions. Those with more health challenges but an optimistic perspective on ageing were still considerably more active than their peers who viewed ageing negatively. This suggests that a positive mindset may not only enhance motivation but also mitigate some of the physical and emotional burdens of illness.

Professor Victoria Tischler, co-author of the study and Professor of Behavioural Science at the University of Surrey, emphasised the implications of these findings for public health. She explained that a positive outlook on ageing may serve as a “psychological buffer,” enabling individuals to remain active despite ongoing health difficulties. According to Professor Tischler, addressing people’s beliefs about ageing should be considered as important as treating their physical health concerns. This, she argues, should be a central consideration in the design of public health initiatives aimed at encouraging healthy, active lifestyles among older populations. By shifting the focus to both mindset and physical capability, policymakers and healthcare providers could empower more individuals to take charge of their wellbeing.

The researchers also propose that public health campaigns and community programmes should place greater emphasis on fostering positive attitudes towards physical activity in older adults, particularly those living with chronic conditions. Encouraging a sense of confidence, purpose, and agency could help older people view ageing not as a decline but as a dynamic life stage full of potential for engagement and activity. Promoting such perspectives may not only support physical health but also enhance emotional wellbeing and life satisfaction. Suppose ageing is reframed as an active, evolving process rather than a passive experience of loss. In that case, older adults might feel more inclined to maintain healthy routines and social connections, both of which contribute to long-term vitality and resilience.

Dr Serena Sabatini, lead author of the study and visiting lecturer at the University of Surrey, concluded that the research points towards a broader social goal. “The ultimate aim,” she noted, “is to create a society where an active and engaged later life is not only possible but expected, even in the presence of health challenges.” This vision underscores the need for a cultural shift in how ageing is perceived – from a time of limitation to one of opportunity. By cultivating more positive narratives about ageing and by providing resources that make physical activity accessible to everyone, society can move closer to ensuring that later life is defined by autonomy, health, and active participation rather than by decline and withdrawal.

More information: Serena Sabatini et al, Personal and General Views on Aging, Non-Communicable Diseases, and Their Interaction as Cross-Sectional Correlates of Vigorous Physical Activity in UK Individuals Aged 50+, Healthcare. DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13162071

Journal information: Healthcare Provided by University of Surrey

Living arrangements and cardiovascular mortality risk in ageing Japanese adults

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A six-year cohort study in Japan involving nearly 39,000 older adults has found that people living in rental flats and owner-occupied detached houses face a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) than those in owner-occupied flats. The researchers suggest that colder and less stable indoor temperatures in these types of homes may be responsible for the increased risk. They argue that improving housing quality to maintain warmer, more stable indoor environments could help reduce cardiovascular deaths, especially among men.

Housing has long been recognised as a key determinant of health. Studies across the world have shown that poor housing conditions increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted in its Housing and Health Guidelines that cold homes are strongly linked to cardiovascular problems because exposure to cold raises blood pressure. Similarly, Japan’s 2024 Cardiovascular Disease Clinical Practice Guidelines identified housing as an important social and environmental factor influencing cardiovascular health outcomes.

The new research, published in BMJ Public Health in September 2025, was conducted by scientists from the Institute of Science Tokyo, led by Assistant Professor Wataru Umishio. The team included collaborators from Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Nihon Fukushi University, and Chiba University. Using data from 38,731 participants with an average age of 73.6 years, the researchers linked housing type and ownership status—such as detached houses or flats, rented or owned—to official records of deaths caused by cardiovascular conditions like heart failure, arrhythmias, heart attacks, and strokes.

One primary explanation for the differences lies in the structural features of various housing types. Detached houses, exposed on all sides, tend to have colder, more unstable indoor temperatures than flats, which benefit from insulation provided by neighbouring units. Previous studies in Japan have shown that these temperature fluctuations can raise blood pressure and increase its variability, contributing to cardiovascular risk. Men appeared to be more affected, as they generally have higher blood pressure levels than women, particularly in their 60s and 70s.

Rental flats presented another source of risk. Many of these properties have poor insulation and outdated heating systems, mainly due to the “split incentive” problem: landlords have little financial incentive to invest in energy-efficient improvements that primarily benefit tenants. National data show that only about 15% of Japan’s rental homes have double-glazed windows, compared with nearly 40% of owner-occupied ones. This insulation gap means that rental flats are more likely to have cold indoor environments, increasing strain on the cardiovascular system during winter.

The study concludes that improving home insulation and maintaining indoor temperatures above the WHO-recommended minimum of 18 °C could help reduce cardiovascular deaths in Japan’s ageing society. Better housing conditions would not only protect vulnerable older adults but also reduce energy consumption, supporting climate goals. As Professor Umishio notes, promoting high-quality, energy-efficient housing can improve both human and planetary health—ensuring that people live not just longer, but healthier lives in warmer, safer homes.

More information: Wataru Umishio et al, Combination of housing type (detached houses vs flats) and tenure (owned vs rented) in relation to cardiovascular mortality: findings from a 6-year cohort study in Japan, BMJ Public Health. DOI: 10.1136/bmjph-2025-003073

Journal information: BMJ Public Health Provided by Institute of Science Tokyo

Calming the Mind Through Music: Examining the Effects of Relaxing Slow-Tempo Tunes on Delirium in Hospitalised Older Adults

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A large-scale multi-centre randomised controlled trial examined whether listening to slow-tempo music could reduce the duration or severity of delirium and coma among critically ill older adults admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). The study included patients aged fifty years and older and compared the effects of twice-daily sessions of slow-tempo music—played at sixty to eighty beats per minute—with a silence-track control. Results showed that the music intervention did not significantly shorten the length of delirium or coma, nor did it reduce delirium severity, anxiety, or pain levels. Despite its calming qualities, the prescribed slow-tempo music failed to produce measurable clinical improvements when compared with silence, challenging assumptions about the direct therapeutic effects of music in critical care settings.

Although the primary outcomes were neutral, secondary findings revealed an interesting trend. Patients who received at least seven doses of the slow-tempo music appeared to experience fewer days of delirium or coma, suggesting a possible cumulative or dose-related effect. Moreover, among patients who had been administered benzodiazepines—a class of sedatives known to increase delirium risk—there was also a trend toward fewer days spent in delirium or coma when exposed to the music intervention. These observations, while not statistically definitive, highlight potential interactions between sedative medications and non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy. The findings invite further exploration of how auditory stimulation might serve as an adjunctive therapy, particularly for vulnerable populations of older adults requiring mechanical ventilation or prolonged ICU stays.

Delirium, a common and serious complication in hospitalised older adults, manifests as acute confusion, disorientation, and fluctuating levels of consciousness. It carries both immediate and long-term consequences, including increased mortality, prolonged hospitalisation, and a heightened risk of post-ICU cognitive decline or dementia. Estimates suggest that up to seventy-five per cent of older adults in the ICU experience delirium at some point during their admission. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of identifying effective, low-risk interventions to mitigate delirium’s impact. While pharmacological treatments have shown limited efficacy and often carry side effects, music therapy represents a promising, non-invasive alternative that could be integrated into routine care if its benefits are confirmed through further research.

The Decreasing Delirium through Music in Critically Ill Older Adults (DDM) Trial was carried out across several prominent institutions, including hospitals affiliated with the Indiana University School of Medicine—such as Indiana University Health and the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis—as well as the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The research team brought together experts from Indiana University, the Mayo Clinic, the Regenstrief Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, and Area 10 Labs. This collaborative effort ensured rigorous trial design and methodological precision, making it one of the most comprehensive studies to date examining the effects of music in critical care. The two-arm trial used concealed outcome assessments and standardised delivery of both music and control conditions. Sessions were administered twice daily for up to seven days using computer tablets and over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones, ensuring consistency and minimising environmental interference.

The DDM Trial also demonstrated the feasibility of a centralised, app-based system for delivering music interventions in the demanding ICU environment. By leveraging digital technology, the research team could standardise the ‘dose’ of music across multiple sites, track adherence, and maintain data integrity. Such infrastructure has broader implications for the future of personalised digital therapeutics in healthcare. The study, entitled “Slow-Tempo Music and Delirium/Coma-Free Days Among Older Adults Undergoing Mechanical Ventilation: A Randomised Controlled Trial,” was published in JAMA Internal Medicine, a journal of the American Medical Association. Despite the lack of significant outcome changes, the research contributes valuable insights by delineating the limits of standardised, non-personalised music interventions and highlighting the need for more individualised approaches.

Co-lead author Dr Babar Khan emphasised that while the idea of calming music in the ICU is intuitively appealing, empirical evidence must guide practice. He noted that the trial’s findings refine current understanding, suggesting that future research should prioritise personalised, therapist-guided approaches rather than standardised playlists. Dr Linda L. Chlan of the Mayo Clinic, another co-lead investigator, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that music’s therapeutic potential depends on personal meaning and patient preference. She pointed out that a prescribed set of songs may lack emotional relevance for individual patients, thereby diminishing its effectiveness. Dr Sikandar Khan, also a co-lead author, added that the study successfully demonstrated the practicality of tracking the “dose” of music through app-based delivery. He further remarked that exploratory analyses revealed promising trends among patients who remained in the ICU long enough to receive seven days of intervention, particularly those who had received benzodiazepines. This observation opens new avenues for investigating how sedation levels and personalised auditory stimuli may interact to affect brain function and recovery trajectories in critically ill older adults.

More information: Babar Khan et al, Slow-Tempo Music and Delirium/Coma-Free Days Among Older Adults Undergoing Mechanical Ventilation, JAMA Internal Medicine. DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.5263

Journal information: JAMA Internal Medicine Provided by Regenstrief Institute

Your neighbourhood could influence your brain’s wellbeing, new research reveals

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A new study from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine has found that the conditions of your neighbourhood may play a major role in shaping your brain health and even your risk of developing dementia. Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Behaviour & Socioeconomics of Aging, the research suggests that people living in areas with higher social and environmental disadvantage show apparent differences in brain structure and function compared to those in more privileged environments.

According to Timothy Hughes, PhD, an associate professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine at Wake Forest and the study’s senior author, the findings confirm that where we live can have a profound impact on how our brains age. “This study is consistent with other research showing that the social environment in which people live can profoundly affect their brain health,” he explained. The research suggests that neighbourhood conditions influence not only general wellbeing but also biological processes linked to memory and cognition.

The researchers analysed data from 679 adults taking part in the Healthy Brain Study at the Wake Forest Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Each participant underwent brain scans and blood tests designed to identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The team then compared these results with national measures of neighbourhood quality — including the Area Deprivation Index, the Social Vulnerability Index, and the Environmental Justice Index. These tools reflect levels of poverty, pollution, and social instability at the community level.

The study found that people living in areas with higher scores on these indices — meaning more social and environmental disadvantage — had brain changes often associated with dementia. These included a thinner outer layer of the brain, changes in white matter linked to vascular disease, and reduced blood flow. The effects were most substantial among Black participants, whose neighbourhoods tended to experience greater social and environmental burdens, highlighting how structural inequality may increase dementia risk.

Lead author Sudarshan Krishnamurthy, a sixth-year M.D.-Ph.D. candidate, noted that this is one of the first studies to link community conditions with biological markers of dementia. “It shows that where people live — their access to clean air, safe housing, healthy food and economic opportunity — can leave a lasting mark on brain health,” he said. This adds to growing evidence that Alzheimer’s disease is shaped not only by genes or individual habits but also by broader social and environmental forces.

The researchers believe their findings carry an important message for public health policy. To truly improve brain health for all, they argue, society must focus on the wider systems that shape life at the neighbourhood level. Addressing issues like poverty, pollution, and lack of resources could help protect brain health and reduce dementia risk. In short, the study reminds us that a healthy mind depends not only on personal choices, but also on the health of the community and environment we call home.

More information: Sudarshan Krishnamurthy et al, Associations of place-based social determinants of health with biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging. DOI: 10.1002/bsa3.70030

Journal information: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging Provided by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

What your brain does to keep you sharp as you age

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Do you naturally see the best in people, or are you quick to notice signs of frustration or anger? According to new research from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), how you interpret others’ emotions may depend on your age. The study found that older adults tend to view ambiguous facial expressions—those that are neither clearly happy nor clearly angry—as more positive than younger people do. This suggests that as we age, our brains may help us focus more on the good, which, in turn, can improve our sense of well-being.

Researcher Maryam Ziaei at NTNU’s Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience led the study, exploring how the brain processes uncertainty in others’ emotions. She focused on a tiny structure called the locus coeruleus, located deep in the brainstem. Despite being only about 1.5 centimetres tall, it plays a significant role in how alert we are and how we respond to stress. This area produces norepinephrine, often called the “fight-or-flight” hormone, which helps us stay awake, attentive, and ready to act in response to danger or sudden change. Too little activity in this region makes us sluggish and tired, but too much can cause stress and distraction.

When we look at someone whose expression is hard to read—perhaps smiling slightly but with furrowed brows—the locus coeruleus helps us stay alert and decide whether the situation is friendly or threatening. As we grow older, our cognitive abilities naturally decline, yet the NTNU researchers discovered that the locus coeruleus seems to adapt to these changes. In their study, 144 participants—half young adults aged 21 to 30, and half older adults aged 67 to 75—were shown a series of facial expressions ranging from happy to angry, including ambiguous ones in between. The older group took slightly longer to decide what they saw, but they were also more likely to interpret the uncertain faces as happy.

Brain scans revealed that older adults showed greater activity in the locus coeruleus when viewing ambiguous faces than younger adults. Moreover, this brain activity was more strongly linked to the frontal lobe, particularly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for memory, attention, and self-control. This increased connection supports positive interpretation and emotional regulation. Older participants with stronger links between these two brain areas also reported higher levels of mental well-being and fewer symptoms of anxiety or depression.

These results suggest that as the brain ages, it adjusts by strengthening pathways that help maintain emotional stability and positivity. The locus coeruleus appears to compensate for the mild cognitive decline that typically accompanies ageing, helping older adults remain emotionally balanced. Since the same regions are involved in conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, understanding how these systems change with age could lead to new ways of treating emotional or cognitive difficulties in older people.

Ziaei and her team believe this adaptation has a protective effect. When the locus coeruleus remains responsive, it helps older adults stay alert to essential signals in their surroundings—like noticing a car approaching when distracted—while filtering out unnecessary stress. Future research may explore how stimulation, medication, or even mental exercises could enhance this system. Ultimately, understanding how our brains process social and emotional signals could help people of all ages maintain better mental health and emotional resilience throughout life.

More information: Maryam Ziaei et al, Age-Related Increase in Locus Ceruleus Activity and Connectivity with the Prefrontal Cortex during Ambiguity Processing, JNeurosci. DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2059-24.2025

Journal information: JNeurosci Provided by Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Supporting close friends brings emotional rewards for older adults

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Older adults who offer practical help to close friends—such as running errands, cooking meals, or assisting with household chores—tend to experience better moods in daily life. New research from the University of Michigan, supported by the National Institute on Aging, suggests that such acts of kindness are linked to greater emotional well-being in later life. However, the findings also reveal striking differences between men and women in how they experience the emotional effects of helping their friends.

The study found that, while both older men and women provide support to friends, their emotional responses to doing so differ. Older men are less likely than women to offer emotional support, and when they do, they often report a dip in upbeat mood on those days. In contrast, women’s moods remain stable or even improve when they offer emotional comfort to friends. Researchers believe this difference may be tied to gender norms and expectations about emotional expression.

Crystal Ng of the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center explained that men may feel less comfortable engaging in emotionally expressive conversations, which could conflict with traditional masculine roles. “Offering emotional support to friends may be linked to a lower positive mood for older men,” Ng noted, “possibly because expressing empathy or discussing emotions may cause discomfort or emotional strain.” Women, on the other hand, often base their friendships on emotional closeness and communication, making such interactions more natural and rewarding for them.

The research highlights the unique and irreplaceable role friendships play in older adulthood. Unlike family relationships, which often come with obligations, friendships are chosen and usually centred on shared enjoyment and companionship. “Friends are especially important for emotional well-being in older age,” Ng said, “particularly for those who are unmarried, widowed, divorced, single, or childless.” Maintaining active, supportive friendships can provide a powerful buffer against loneliness and emotional decline.

The study, published in Research on Aging, is one of the first to explore how providing help to close friends affects daily mood in real-world settings. Researchers followed 180 older adults in the Greater Austin area of Texas, with an average age of 74. Participants reported on their mood and the kinds of support they exchanged with friends every three hours over several days. Emotional support was the most common form of help, followed by giving advice and offering practical assistance. Contrary to stereotypes, the findings show that many older adults continue to provide help to others, challenging the idea that they are mainly recipients of care.

Ng believes these results offer promising insights into how social engagement can enhance quality of life in older adulthood. Acts of practical help—such as providing transport, helping with chores, or running errands—don’t just strengthen friendships but can also give older adults a renewed sense of purpose and usefulness. For men in particular, encouraging these active, hands-on ways of helping may be especially beneficial. As Ng suggests, community programmes might focus on expanding opportunities for practical social involvement or finding meaningful ways for older men to engage in emotional support without strain, ensuring that friendship remains a vital source of joy and connection in later life.

More information: Yee To Ng et al, Daily Support to Close Friends and Mood Among Older Men and Women, Research on Aging. DOI: 10.1177/01640275251383546

Journal information: Research on Aging Provided by University of Michigan

The Lasting Health Impacts of Incarceration

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A new study has found that older adults who have experienced incarceration face significantly poorer physical and mental health than their peers who have never been imprisoned—even when their time behind bars occurred decades earlier. The research, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, underscores how the long shadow of incarceration extends well into later life, with implications for healthcare and social policy.

The analysis drew on data from 1,318 participants aged fifty and above who took part in the Family History of Incarceration Survey. Of these respondents, roughly one in five—around twenty-one per cent—had been incarcerated at some point in their lives. The researchers observed that formerly incarcerated older adults were disproportionately male, non-Hispanic Black or of other minority racial and ethnic backgrounds. They were also more likely to be unmarried, have a disability, and report lower income and educational attainment compared with those who had never been incarcerated. This demographic and socioeconomic profile suggests that the experience of incarceration is entangled with broader patterns of disadvantage.

Even after accounting for factors such as age, race, education, income, and marital status, prior incarceration remained a powerful predictor of poor self-reported physical health. The study revealed that those with a history of imprisonment had nearly ninety per cent higher odds of describing their health as “fair” or “poor” compared with their counterparts without such a history. Notably, this link did not diminish with time: individuals who had been incarcerated more than ten years ago reported health outcomes just as poor as those who had been released more recently. This finding suggests that the negative health effects of incarceration endure long after reintegration into society, potentially reflecting both the physical and psychological toll of prison life and the cumulative challenges faced upon re-entry.

The researchers also explored the relationship between incarceration and mental health, finding that poorer mental wellbeing among formerly incarcerated older adults could be partly explained by income and employment disparities. This indicates that the stressors associated with economic instability and limited job opportunities following incarceration may continue to erode mental health over the life course. These findings align with broader evidence linking incarceration to structural barriers such as stigma, restricted access to healthcare, and weakened social support networks—all of which can compound over time and manifest in chronic stress and illness.

The authors argue that the findings carry important implications for healthcare providers, particularly those caring for ageing populations. They suggest that clinicians consider screening patients for a history of incarceration, as this information could help identify individuals at higher risk for health problems that might otherwise go unexplained. Recognising incarceration as a social determinant of health could guide providers to connect such patients with appropriate support services and community organisations, including those specialising in re-entry assistance, mental health counselling, and disability resources.

“Mass incarceration began in 1973, so older adults have spent most of their adult lives in this era and millions have been incarcerated in the past,” said corresponding author Dr Louisa W. Holaday of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “It is critical to understand how incarceration—even in the distant past—may affect the health of older adults and what we can do to improve their health.” Her statement highlights the growing urgency of addressing the lasting health consequences of incarceration as the population of formerly incarcerated older adults continues to rise. By revealing the enduring impact of imprisonment on ageing bodies and minds, the study calls attention to an often-overlooked facet of public health and social justice.

More information: Louisa W. Holaday et al, The Long Shadow of Incarceration: The Association of Incarceration History With Self-Reported Health Among Older Adults, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. DOI: 10.1111/jgs.70069

Journal information: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Provided by Wiley

Large-scale analysis of Alzheimer’s disease in African American brain samples identifies multiple previously unrecognised genetic contributors

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Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects African Americans at nearly twice the rate of White or European-ancestry (EA) individuals in the United States. Researchers believe this difference is partly due to social and environmental factors, including unequal access to healthcare, differences in education quality, and biases in diagnostic testing. In addition, African Americans face higher rates of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are known risk factors for Alzheimer’s. These overlapping issues highlight how both biology and social conditions contribute to the higher burden of AD in this population.

Previous studies have explored how genes behave differently in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease compared to those without it. This is often done by measuring gene expression, which shows how active a gene is in producing its protein. However, most of these studies have focused on people of European ancestry or mixed backgrounds. When African Americans were included, their numbers were usually too small to allow meaningful conclusions about this group. As a result, scientists have had a limited understanding of the genetic and molecular features of Alzheimer’s disease in African American individuals.

A new study from Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has changed that. In the most extensive investigation yet of Alzheimer’s disease using brain tissue from African American donors, researchers identified many genes that were significantly more or less active in people with Alzheimer’s compared to those without. Importantly, many of these genes had not previously been linked to the disease in other genetic studies. One of the most striking discoveries was a 1.5-fold increase in the activity of a gene called ADAMTS2 in the brains of people who had autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer’s disease.

The research team collected post-mortem prefrontal cortex samples from 207 African American donors through 14 NIH-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centres across the country. Of these, 125 had Alzheimer’s disease confirmed by pathology, and 82 did not. When the team compared gene expression levels between the two groups, ADAMTS2 stood out as the most significantly different gene. Interestingly, in a separate and much larger study conducted by the same team using brain tissue from European-ancestry donors, ADAMTS2 was again identified as the top-ranked gene associated with Alzheimer’s. This suggests that ADAMTS2 plays an important role in the disease, regardless of ancestry.

“This is the first time that two parallel studies—one in White and one in African American populations—have identified the same most significant gene,” said Dr Lindsay A. Farrer, chief of biomedical genetics at Boston University. He explained that this finding is rare in Alzheimer’s research, as most genetic variants linked to the disease tend to differ between populations. The shared increase in ADAMTS2 expression suggests a standard biological process that contributes to Alzheimer’s across groups. According to the researchers, this discovery could be key to understanding disease mechanisms that are not limited to one ancestry.

The study represents a significant step forward in uncovering the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans, a group often underrepresented in medical research. It also reinforces the need to study diverse populations to gain a more complete picture of how Alzheimer’s develops. The consistent link to ADAMTS2 across both African American and European-ancestry groups makes this gene a promising candidate for future research and possibly new treatment strategies. By broadening the diversity of study participants, scientists move closer to understanding the whole biological landscape of Alzheimer’s disease and developing therapies that work for everyone.

More information: Lindsay A. Farrer et al, Novel differentially expressed genes and multiple biological pathways for Alzheimer’s disease identified in brain tissue from African American donors, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.70629

Journal information: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Provided by Boston University School of Medicine

Mental Stimulation Promotes Optimal Brain Ageing

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As the number of people aged 65 and older continues to rise, so does the urgency to understand how to protect the brain from age-related decline. Cognitive abilities often weaken with age, but certain factors appear to help preserve mental sharpness. Scientists are now working to uncover the specific mechanisms that support brain health and help older adults maintain strong cognitive function throughout life.

Previous research has shown that education, mental stimulation, and family history all play roles in supporting brain health. People who pursue more years of formal learning, engage in mentally challenging activities, or come from families with a history of longevity tend to perform better on cognitive tests. Yet it has remained unclear how these factors interact — whether they work together, or act through separate pathways to strengthen the brain against decline.

A new study led by researchers at Boston University sheds light on this question. For the first time, scientists examined how family longevity, education, and mentally engaging activities interact to promote cognitive resilience in older adulthood. They found that older adults who did not come from long-lived families could achieve similar levels of executive function and language skills as those who did — provided they regularly took part in activities like reading, writing, playing games, and visiting museums. However, when both groups had similar engagement levels, those with a family history of longevity still showed stronger memory performance.

“Our findings highlight the importance of keeping your mind engaged in different ways to maintain brain health,” said senior author Stacy Andersen, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and co-director of the New England Centenarian Study. “If there’s something that sparks your curiosity, learn more about it — it might help protect your brain too.”

The study used data from the National Institute on Aging-funded Long Life Family Study, which tracks genetic and behavioural factors linked to healthy ageing. Participants completed a series of cognitive tests and a questionnaire about their mental activities. Researchers compared results between those with and without family histories of longevity, exploring how inherited traits and lifestyle habits combine to shape cognitive outcomes in older age.

By modelling how these factors work together, the researchers were able to see how education, family background, and mental engagement each contribute to cognitive ageing. Corresponding author Nicole Roth, MS, a biostatistician with Boston University, explained that understanding these pathways can help scientists design strategies to protect the brain. Such insights could inform future efforts to delay or prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, where mental resilience may offer a vital defence even in the presence of harmful brain changes.

More information: Stacy Andersen et al, Pathway analysis of cognitive resilience factors and cognitive function in the Long Life Family Study (LLFS), Neuropsychology. DOI: 10.1037/neu0001039

Journal information: Neuropsychology Provided by Boston University School of Medicine

Older Adults, Particularly Gen X Women, Struggle with Ultra-Processed Food Addiction

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Generation X was the first American generation to grow up surrounded by ultra-processed foods. From childhood, they were exposed to products rich in sugar, fat, salt, and artificial flavourings, all designed to make people crave more. These foods became a regular part of everyday life at a time when eating habits were forming. A new study shows that 21 per cent of women and 10 per cent of men from Generation X and the youngest Baby Boomers—those now in their fifties and early sixties—meet the criteria for addiction to ultra-processed foods. In comparison, only 12 per cent of women and 4 per cent of men aged between 65 and 80 show similar signs. This difference suggests that growing up in an environment full of such products may have lasting effects.

The research, published in the journal Addiction by the University of Michigan, used data from more than 2,000 older Americans who took part in the National Poll on Healthy Aging. The study, supported by Michigan Medicine, explores how addiction to processed foods differs between generations and how it relates to health and wellbeing. It shows that those who were children when fast food and ready-made snacks became common are more likely to struggle with these foods later in life. The findings build on earlier work that linked diets high in processed food to obesity, chronic illness, and even premature death.

To measure addiction, the researchers used the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale, a questionnaire adapted from substance use tests. It asks about cravings, failed attempts to cut back, withdrawal symptoms, and avoiding social activities because of overeating. In this case, the addictive “substance” is not alcohol or tobacco but items like sweets, fried foods, and sugary drinks. The study highlights how these products, engineered for maximum pleasure, can trigger the same brain pathways as drugs. Lead researcher Lucy K. Loch said the study helps fill a gap in understanding food addiction among older adults, especially since they grew up during a major shift in the American food system.

The research also revealed apparent differences between men and women. While traditional addictions such as alcohol or smoking are more common among men, ultra-processed food addiction affects more women. One reason could be how food companies targeted women in the 1980s with “diet” products—low-fat biscuits, microwave meals, and snacks promoted as healthy options. These foods often replace fat with sugar and refined carbohydrates, creating stronger cravings. Professor Ashley Gearhardt, who leads the University of Michigan’s Food and Addiction Science & Treatment Lab, noted that women who are now in their fifties and sixties were heavily exposed to these marketing trends during key stages of their lives.

The study also found links between addiction, health, and social factors. Women who thought they were overweight were eleven times more likely to show signs of addiction than those who felt their weight was normal. For men, the figure was nineteen times higher. People with poor mental or physical health were also far more likely to be affected, as were those who often felt lonely or isolated. The researchers believe that individuals who see themselves as overweight are especially vulnerable to “health-washed” processed foods—products marketed as low-fat or high-protein but still made to encourage overeating. These false health claims may worsen cravings, especially for women under social pressure to control their weight.

Looking ahead, the study raises concerns about the long-term effects of growing up surrounded by ultra-processed foods. Generation X is the first to live almost entirely within this modern food environment, but younger generations may face even greater risks. Today’s children and teenagers get an even higher share of their calories from ultra-processed products than their parents did, suggesting future rates of addiction could rise further. Professor Gearhardt warned that early intervention will be vital. Just as with alcohol or tobacco, teaching healthy habits and reducing exposure early in life may be key to preventing addiction later on. The findings serve as a warning about how deeply modern diets have changed—and how the consequences of those changes may continue for generations.

More information: Lucy K. Loch et al, Ultra-processed food addiction in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the USA, Addiction. DOI: 10.1111/add.70186

Journal information: Addiction Provided by The Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan

Lack of quality sleep may speed up brain ageing

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A study from Karolinska Institutet published in eBioMedicine reveals that poor sleep could make the brain appear older than its actual age. The research suggests that low-grade inflammation may play a role in this link. While inadequate sleep is known to be associated with dementia, it remains unclear whether it causes the disease or is a precursor. This new study aims to shed light on the connection between sleep habits and brain ageing.

The study analysed data from 27,500 middle-aged and older individuals from the UK Biobank, who underwent brain MRIs. Machine learning was used to estimate their brain’s biological age, comparing it with their chronological age. The participants were asked about five key sleep factors: chronotype (whether they were morning or evening types), sleep duration, insomnia, snoring, and daytime sleepiness.

Participants were then categorised into three groups based on their sleep quality: healthy, intermediate, or poor. The study found that the gap between brain age and chronological age increased by about six months for every point decrease in sleep quality. People with poor sleep had brains that appeared, on average, one year older than their actual age.

To investigate the cause, researchers examined levels of low-grade inflammation, which could explain around 10% of the brain age discrepancy. Abigail Dove, the lead researcher, suggested that inflammation could be one of the key mechanisms behind the link between poor sleep and accelerated brain ageing.

The study also considered other potential factors, such as poor sleep’s effect on the brain’s waste clearance system, which is most active during sleep. Additionally, the researchers proposed that inadequate sleep could affect cardiovascular health, which in turn impacts the brain. These factors may contribute to the observed brain ageing.

While the findings are insightful, there are limitations. The UK Biobank participants tend to be healthier than the general population, which may affect the generalisability of the results. Moreover, since sleep data was self-reported, the accuracy of the sleep quality assessment could also be a concern. Despite these limitations, the study offers promising insights into how improving sleep could slow brain ageing.

More information: Abigail Dove et al, Poor sleep health is associated with older brain age: the role of systemic inflammation, EBioMedicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105941

Journal information: EBioMedicine Provided by Karolinska Institutet