Monthly Archives: December 2025

Efforts to cut cannabis-impaired driving overlook older adults, new study suggests

As cannabis-related traffic crashes continue to rise, new research suggests that prevention campaigns may be overlooking a vital group: older adults. Public messaging about cannabis-impaired driving has primarily focused on younger people. Yet, the study shows that a significant number of adults aged over 50 also drive soon after using cannabis, at a time when impairment from THC is still likely. The findings challenge the widespread perception that “driving while high” is primarily a youth problem and call for broader, age-inclusive road safety strategies.

The study found that around 20% of cannabis users aged 50 and over reported driving within two hours of using the drug at least once in the past year. This window is particularly risky, as THC can impair reaction time, attention and judgement, all of which are essential for safe driving. Older adults may underestimate these effects, especially if they consider themselves experienced drivers or believe cannabis to be less impairing than alcohol. However, the research makes clear that age and driving experience do not eliminate the cognitive and motor impacts of THC.

The research was conducted by a team at the University of Michigan, led by addiction psychologist Erin E. Bonar. The findings were published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence and are based on data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging. While earlier analyses highlighted cannabis use among older adults, this latest paper takes a deeper look at how often and why people over 50 may be driving after using cannabis.

Specific patterns emerged that help identify higher-risk groups. Adults over 50 who used cannabis daily or nearly daily were about three times more likely to report driving after use than those who used it rarely. Those who used cannabis for mental health or mood-related reasons were roughly twice as likely to drive after using it. The study also found a gender difference, with men over 50 more likely than women in the same age group to report post-use driving. These findings suggest that targeted messaging could be particularly valuable for frequent users and those using cannabis to manage mental health concerns.

At the same time, the researchers stress that the issue extends beyond a small subset of users. Just over one-fifth of adults aged 50 and above reported using cannabis in the past year, with usage more common among those aged 50 to 64 than among those over 65. Patterns of use varied widely, ranging from daily use to once or twice a year. Notably, there were no significant differences in post-cannabis driving based on age group, income, race, or whether recreational cannabis was legal in the person’s state, reinforcing the case for broad-based public health messaging.

The study also highlights the need for age-specific guidance that reflects the realities of ageing. Older adults are more likely to experience slower reaction times, take prescription medications and be exposed to stronger cannabis products than those available earlier in their lives. The researchers suggest that health care providers and public health agencies should encourage practical strategies, such as using cannabis only at times when driving is unlikely, planning alternative transport, and discussing evidence-based treatments for conditions like sleep or mental health problems. Taken together, the findings underline that reducing cannabis-impaired driving requires attention not just to young people, but to drivers of all ages.

More information: Erin E. Bonar et al, Driving after cannabis consumption among US adults ages 50 years and older: A short communication, Drug and Alcohol Dependence. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2025.112985

Journal information: Drug and Alcohol Dependence Provided by Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan

Scientific Laboratory Study Detects No Changes in Stress Levels or Brain Activity Following 5G Exposure

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A recent GOLIAT research programme conducted by scientists at INERIS found no measurable biological effects from short-term exposure to 5G radiofrequency signals in healthy adults. The studies investigated whether such exposure could influence physiological stress responses or alter the brain’s electrical activity, and reported no detectable changes in either domain. The findings were published across two peer-reviewed papers in Environmental Research and represent the first coordinated human laboratory investigations to assess the acute effects of exposure to the highest-frequency band currently used for 5G, under conditions designed to reflect real environmental levels.

Both studies examined exposure to genuine, operational 5G signals rather than simulated emissions. Participants were exposed to signals comparable to those encountered outdoors, and their responses were compared with sham (placebo) exposure sessions. Across both investigations, the researchers found no differences between real and sham exposure in physiological stress markers or in resting brain activity. These results suggest that brief exposure to environmental levels of 5G does not disrupt the body’s immediate stress regulation or the brain’s natural electrical rhythms.

Methodologically, the studies were designed to a high standard. Each used a triple-blind, randomised protocol in which participants, experimenters, and data analysts were unaware of the exposure condition. All sessions took place in an electromagnetically shielded room to prevent interference from external radiofrequency sources. Volunteers were seated 120 centimetres from a horn antenna emitting a 5G New Radio signal at 26 GHz. Field strengths reached 2 V/m at head level and 1 V/m at the torso, corresponding to the highest values measured in real outdoor environments by the French national frequency authority. Each participant completed two sessions—one with real exposure and one with sham exposure—each lasting around an hour, including 26.5 minutes of exposure.

During the sessions, researchers collected saliva samples to analyse cortisol and alpha-amylase, two widely validated biomarkers of stress and autonomic nervous system activity. At the same time, brain activity was recorded using electroencephalography, allowing the team to monitor the brain’s electrical oscillations across major frequency bands, including delta, theta, alpha, and beta. Analysis showed no differences between real and sham exposure at any time point before, during, or after exposure. Similarly, cortisol and alpha-amylase levels remained stable throughout, indicating no activation of acute stress responses.

The focus on the 26 GHz frequency band reflects its emerging role in 5G networks, where it supports faster data transmission than lower bands such as 3.5 GHz. Lisa Michelant, the first author of both studies, explains that this band has been relatively understudied in humans and differs physically from lower-frequency bands, notably in its limited penetration into the skin. Senior author Brahim Selmaoui adds that the findings are consistent with existing scientific evidence showing no acute biological effects at commonly encountered levels of radiofrequency exposure. While further research is needed to examine long-term or repeated exposures, the authors conclude that their results provide reassuring data and contribute to ongoing safety assessments by health authorities of 5G technologies.

More information: Lisa Michelant et al, Millimeter-wave high frequency 5G (26 GHz) electromagnetic fields do not modulate human brain electrical activity, Environmental Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123349

Journal information: Environmental Research Provided by Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)

New study signals rising risk as blood pressure control declines in England

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A significant new analysis suggests that England has lost much of the progress it made during the 2000s in preventing, detecting, and managing high blood pressure, raising concerns about growing cardiovascular risk across the population. Researchers found that gains achieved through improved screening, diagnosis, and treatment have stalled over the past decade and, in some cases, reversed, leaving millions of people with hypertension either undiagnosed or inadequately controlled.

The study analysed data from more than 67,000 adults who participated in the Health Survey for England between 2003 and 2021, allowing researchers to examine long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations. Their findings show that rates of high blood pressure, undiagnosed hypertension, and inadequate treatment control improved steadily until around 2011. After that point, progress plateaued, and several key indicators worsened, particularly in the period following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, the prevalence of high blood pressure fell from 37.8 per cent in 2003 to 33.2 per cent by 2018, reflecting sustained improvement over the years. However, this downward trend did not continue, with little evidence of further progress up to 2021. The authors describe this stagnation as a sign that earlier public health and clinical strategies have lost momentum amid growing pressures on the healthcare system and changing population health patterns.

Trends in undiagnosed hypertension show an even more apparent reversal. The proportion of people with high blood pressure who were unaware of their condition declined sharply from 32.6 per cent in 2003 to 23.7 per cent in 2011. Over the following decade, however, this figure rose steadily, reaching 32.4 per cent by 2021. As a result, levels of undiagnosed hypertension have effectively returned to where they were two decades ago, undoing years of improvement in early detection.

The study also found that blood pressure control among those receiving treatment has weakened. Although the share of people with hypertension achieving adequate control increased strongly until 2011, it showed no meaningful improvement thereafter and declined from 63.1 per cent in 2011 to 56.8 per cent in 2021. These patterns suggest that around five million adults in England may now be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. At the same time, a similar number have been diagnosed but do not have their condition under control.

Senior author Dr Ajay Gupta warned that only 38.3 per cent of people with hypertension currently have adequately controlled blood pressure, far below the level that might have been achieved had earlier trends continued. He argued that this shortfall is likely contributing to the recent rise in cardiovascular deaths and called for urgent action from policymakers and healthcare providers.

High blood pressure remains the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in England, and the researchers note that recent increases in premature cardiovascular deaths closely track the growing burden of poorly controlled and undiagnosed hypertension. They also point to wider influences, including rising obesity, high salt intake, widening socioeconomic inequalities, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted access to routine care and blood pressure monitoring. Reversing these trends, they conclude, will require coordinated national action to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, and long-term management of high blood pressure.

More information: Catherine Graham et al, Trends in hypertension prevalence, control, and antihypertensive use in England from 2003 to 2021: insights from annual, nationwide Health Surveys for England, BMJ Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2025-001556

Journal information: BMJ Medicine Provided by Queen Mary University of London

Sustaining life and wellbeing in old age: the vital role of social support

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Recent research from the University of Eastern Finland highlights the significant role that social support plays in shaping health, wellbeing, and survival in later life. Drawing on two complementary studies, the findings show that older adults with access to adequate social support tend to live longer and enjoy a higher quality of life, including those who rely on home care services. Together, the studies reinforce the idea that social relationships are a core component of healthy ageing rather than a peripheral benefit.

The first study examined how different dimensions of social support predict mortality among older adults over a long period. Using 21 years of follow-up data from the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia study, the researchers found that both general and health-related social support were associated with a reduced risk of death. On average, older adults who reported having access to social support lived approximately two years longer than those who did not. These findings provide strong longitudinal evidence that social support has a measurable and lasting impact on longevity.

An important insight from the study concerned the source of support. Older adults who received support only from relatives were found to have a higher mortality risk than those whose support networks also included friends, neighbours, and colleagues. This suggests that diverse social ties offer unique protective benefits beyond family relationships alone. Broader networks may enhance emotional wellbeing, provide practical assistance, and foster social engagement, all of which can contribute to better health outcomes in later life.

The researchers also identified an unexpected age-related pattern. Individuals under the age of 70 who lacked general and health-related social support faced a higher mortality risk than their counterparts aged over 70. As noted by Doctoral Researcher Catherine Kayonga, this finding challenges common assumptions that social support becomes most critical only in advanced old age. Instead, it suggests that insufficient support earlier in later adulthood may have particularly harmful consequences.

The second study focused on the quality of life among older adults with increased care needs who receive home care services. Using survey data from the Old-age Social Exclusion in Home Care – Prevalence, Meanings & Intervention project, combined with administrative records, the researchers found a clear association between social support and better quality of life. Older adults with more substantial social support reported higher levels of wellbeing, while those with limited backing experienced poorer quality of life.

In addition to social support, psychological wellbeing and functional ability were key factors. Lower levels of depression and better ability to carry out daily activities were linked to improved quality of life. Higher educational attainment was also associated with better outcomes, while difficulties with activities of daily living were linked to declines in wellbeing. Overall, the findings emphasise the importance of addressing older adults’ social needs alongside their physical health. They also point to the value of policies and interventions that promote social connections throughout the life course, supporting not only longer lives but better lives in old age.

More information: Catherine Kayonga et al, Association Between Social Support and Quality of Life: Cross-Sectional Study Among Older Adults Receiving Home Care Services in Finland, Home Health Care Management & Practice. DOI: 10.1177/10848223251385092

Journal information: Home Health Care Management & Practice Provided by University of Eastern Finland

A Personal Journey Inspires Scientific Progress in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s

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Rutgers neuroscientist Peng Jiang was visiting his hometown of Qianshan in China’s Anhui province when a conversation with a neighbour left a deep and lasting impression. The man had come to Jiang’s parents’ home to share a painful story about his mother, one that captured the quiet devastation of Alzheimer’s disease in a way that statistics never could. As he spoke, it became clear that this was not simply a recollection of illness, but an expression of fear, grief, and uncertainty about the future.

The neighbour explained that his mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in her early sixties. Over nearly a decade, her condition slowly worsened, erasing memories and relationships until she no longer recognised her own son. One morning, she looked at him kindly and asked how his mother was doing, as if speaking to a stranger. Recounting the moment, the neighbour broke down. Alzheimer’s, he said, ran in his family, and he lived with the fear that his own children might one day watch him disappear just as he had watched his mother’s memory fade. The encounter stayed with Jiang long after he returned to the United States.

At the time, Jiang was already deeply involved in Alzheimer’s research, but the conversation sharpened his sense of purpose. Back at Rutgers University, where he is an associate professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience and a faculty member of the Rutgers Brain Health Institute, Jiang returned to his laboratory with renewed urgency. The lack of effective treatments, he has said, only strengthened his resolve to explore new therapeutic ideas that might one day make a meaningful difference for families like the one he met in Qianshan.

That resolve has now contributed to a significant scientific advance. Working with his colleague Mengmeng Jin, the first author of the study, Jiang helped uncover a rare gene mutation that appears to protect the brain’s immune cells from the damage typically caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Their findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggest a shift in how researchers might think about treatment. Instead of focusing solely on genetic changes that increase disease risk, the team looked for mutations that promote resilience.

The work reflects a broader change in Alzheimer’s research. For many years, efforts have centred on removing toxic proteins that accumulate in the brain. While this approach has been informative, it has yet to deliver transformative therapies. Jiang’s research points towards another possibility: strengthening the brain’s own defence systems so they can remain effective for longer, even in the presence of disease-related pathology.

This idea emerged in part from observations in people with Down syndrome, who almost universally develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease due to accelerated protein accumulation. Intriguingly, a small number never develop dementia. Investigating this resilience, the Rutgers team identified a rare mutation, CSF2RB A455D, in the immune cells of some individuals with Down syndrome. Using stem cell technology, they created human microglia carrying the mutation and studied how these cells behaved in living brain environments exposed to Alzheimer ’s-related proteins.

The mutated microglia remained healthy, avoided chronic inflammation, and were more effective at clearing harmful proteins and protecting neurons. Over time, they even outperformed unmutated cells. The discovery opens the door to potential therapies that enhance the brain’s natural defences, offering a new source of hope rooted in both human experience and biological insight.

More information: Mengmeng Jin et al, A myeloid trisomy 21-associated gene variant is protective from Alzheimer’s disease, Nature Neuroscience. DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-02117-8

Journal information: Nature Neuroscience Provided by Rutgers University

How visual impairment influences perception of approaching traffic

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Patricia DeLucia has spent much of her career investigating a question that rarely reaches conscious awareness but is fundamental to everyday safety: how people judge whether a collision is about to occur. These judgements underpin countless routine actions, from catching a ball to crossing a busy road. For DeLucia, now a professor of psychological sciences, this research interest has personal roots that extend back to her childhood, long before she entered academia.

Growing up, DeLucia was deeply involved in sport, an environment where accurately anticipating collisions is essential. On the field, she constantly assessed whether a ball was coming towards her, whether another player was about to make contact, and whether there was enough time to react. At the time, these judgements felt intuitive rather than analytical. Only later did she realise that these early experiences had shaped the questions that would define her scientific work, turning instinctive reactions into objects of systematic study.

That long-standing curiosity eventually led DeLucia to focus on collision judgments made by people with visual impairment, particularly individuals with age-related macular degeneration, a condition that affects central vision. Despite the apparent importance of collision perception for activities such as navigating streets or crowded environments, relatively little research has examined how visual impairment influences these abilities. DeLucia’s work aims to address this gap by exploring not only performance differences but also how people adapt to changes in sensory input.

In a recent study published in PLOS One, DeLucia and her collaborators used a sophisticated virtual reality system to examine how adults with and without macular degeneration estimate the arrival time of an approaching vehicle. Participants experienced realistic simulations in which a car approached along a road and then disappeared. The system combined visual displays with authentic vehicle sounds, allowing the researchers to present sight alone, sound alone, or both together. Participants indicated when they believed the vehicle would have reached them by pressing a button. The study involved a multidisciplinary team across the United States and Europe and was supported by funding from the National Eye Institute.

The researchers were particularly interested in whether people with impaired vision rely more heavily on sound, and whether combining sight and sound improves accuracy. They expected that individuals with macular degeneration would still use their remaining vision rather than depend entirely on auditory cues. The results were striking: participants with macular degeneration performed very similarly to those with normal vision when estimating vehicle arrival times. Although they appeared to rely more on less precise cues, their overall performance was comparable. Even with impaired central vision, participants continued to use visual information and integrated it with available auditory information.

When vision or sound was presented alone, both groups showed perceptual biases observed in earlier studies. Louder vehicles were judged to arrive sooner than quieter ones, and larger vehicles were judged to arrive sooner than smaller ones. These heuristic shortcuts appeared slightly more often in the macular degeneration group, but the differences were minor. Contrary to expectations, having both vision and sound did not improve accuracy for either group, suggesting that multisensory input does not always confer an advantage.

DeLucia emphasises that clinical measures such as visual acuity do not always predict real-world functioning. However, she cautions that the findings are based on simplified virtual scenarios and do not imply that people with visual impairment can navigate real traffic environments as safely as those without impairment. Still, she hopes the research will inform future work on mobility, rehabilitation and safety, ultimately helping to enhance independence for people with visual impairment.

More information: Patricia DeLucia et al, Visual, auditory, and audiovisual time-to-collision estimation among participants with age-related macular degeneration compared to a normal-vision group: The TTC-AMD study, PLOS One. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03123-x

Journal information: PLOS One Provided by Rice University

Internet use may support social connectedness among caregivers

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Staying connected online may play an important role in supporting older adults who care for family members or friends, helping them feel less lonely and better able to cope with the demands of caregiving. This was the conclusion of a recent study led by researchers at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and published in JMIR Aging. The findings add to growing evidence that digital technology can be a valuable resource for older people, particularly those whose caring responsibilities limit their time, mobility, and social opportunities.

Caregiving is widespread in the United States, with around 59 million people providing unpaid care to ageing adults or individuals with complex medical needs. Many informal caregivers look after spouses, relatives, or close friends, often for extended periods and with little external support. While caregiving can be deeply meaningful, it is also physically and emotionally demanding. For older caregivers, these challenges can be especially intense, as they may be managing their own health issues at the same time.

According to the study’s lead author, Xiang Qi, an assistant professor at NYU Meyers, caregiving can take a significant toll on both body and mind. Chronic stress, anxiety, and physical strain from tasks such as lifting or assisting another person are everyday occurrences. Over time, caregivers may prioritise the needs of the person they support at the expense of their own health, delaying medical care or ignoring warning signs of exhaustion and illness. This combination of stress and self-neglect can gradually erode wellbeing.

Caregiving can also be socially isolating. The time and energy required often reduce opportunities to go out, meet friends, or maintain regular social contact. As responsibilities increase, social networks may shrink, leaving caregivers feeling cut off from others. In this context, technology can offer alternative ways to stay connected. Online tools such as video calls, messaging apps, virtual support groups, and caregiving forums provide opportunities for interaction without requiring physical travel or large blocks of free time.

While technology is sometimes criticised for increasing isolation, particularly among younger people, the researchers wanted to explore whether it might have a different effect for older caregivers. They analysed data from the 2019–2020 California Health Interview Survey, the largest statewide health survey in the United States, focusing on 3,957 participants aged 65 and over who provided unpaid care to a family member or friend.

The analysis showed that about 12 per cent of older caregivers reported physical or mental health problems linked to their caregiving role. These individuals were also more likely to feel lonely, reflecting the cumulative strain of poor health and social restriction. However, the study found that caregivers who used the internet more frequently tended to report lower overall loneliness. Regular internet use buffer against loneliness, particularly for those experiencing health difficulties.

Although the study did not examine specific online activities, Qi suggests that the type of internet use may matter. Interactive activities such as video chatting or participating in online support groups are constructive, as they involve direct social connection rather than passive consumption. Based on these findings, the researchers encourage older caregivers to see the internet as a practical tool for staying connected, finding support, and accessing reliable information, helping to ease the emotional burden of caregiving and reinforce a sense of not being alone.

More information: Xiang Qi et al, Buffering Effects of Internet Use on Caregiving-Related Health Impacts and Loneliness Among Older Informal Caregivers in California: Cross-Sectional Study, JMIR Aging. DOI: 10.2196/74209

Journal information: JMIR Aging Provided by New York University

A next-generation platform designed to guarantee ethical and equitable AI use in healthcare

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Researchers have created a pioneering platform that enables commercial artificial intelligence systems to be tested head-to-head under real clinical conditions, marking the first time such a large-scale evaluation has been possible for NHS use. The platform is designed to assess whether AI tools detect disease in a fair, equitable, transparent and trustworthy manner, with diabetic eye disease chosen as the initial exemplar. By operating independently from industry, the system removes the risk of commercial bias and ensures every participating company is judged on identical, rigorously controlled criteria.

Although NHS AI procurement currently focuses on cost-effectiveness and human-level accuracy, deeper challenges persist. There is a pressing need for stronger digital infrastructure and far more robust testing of commercial algorithms before they reach patients. Crucially, AI tools used as medical devices have rarely been assessed for fairness across large and diverse populations. The consequences of neglecting these issues are already known from devices such as pulse oximeters, which have been shown to perform less accurately on people with darker skin, prompting government reviews of equity in medical technologies.

The new platform, described in The Lancet Digital Health, was developed by researchers led by Professor Alicja Rudnicka at City St George’s, University of London, and Adnan Tufail at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Kingston University and Homerton Healthcare NHS Trust. It was used to test commercial diabetic eye-detection algorithms on 1.2 million retinal images drawn from one of England’s largest and most diverse diabetic screening programmes. With over three million people screened every one to two years and roughly 18 million images generated annually, the current dependence on multiple human graders is increasingly unsustainable.

Twenty-five companies with CE-marked algorithms were invited to participate, and eight agreed to submit their systems. These were integrated into a secure ‘trusted research environment’ where they could analyse images without ever accessing patient data or the human grading results. Their performance was directly compared with that of human graders using established NHS protocols. The algorithms processed each patient’s images within milliseconds to seconds, far faster than the twenty minutes often required for manual assessment.

Accuracy for detecting cases potentially requiring clinical intervention ranged from 83.7% to 98.7%. For moderate-to-severe and proliferative diabetic eye disease, accuracy ranged from 95.8% to 99.8%, matching or surpassing human performance reported in earlier studies. The platform also measured how often healthy eyes were incorrectly flagged as diseased —an additional vital safety indicator —and confirmed that accuracy was consistent across ethnic groups—the first large-scale demonstration of fairness in diabetic eye-screening AI.

The researchers envision scaling the platform nationally, creating a centralised AI infrastructure where approved algorithms could analyse retinal images sent from screening centres, with results returned directly to electronic health records. Such an approach would reduce duplication, lower costs and ensure consistent, equitable service. It would allow clinicians to focus on higher-risk cases while giving companies independent feedback to refine their technologies. Ultimately, the model offers a blueprint for evaluating AI across other chronic conditions, supporting safer, fairer and more transparent adoption of AI throughout healthcare.

More information: Alicja Rudnicka et al, Automated retinal image analysis systems to triage for grading of diabetic retinopathy: a large-scale, open-label, national screening programme in England, The Lancet Digital Health. DOI: 10.1016/j.landig.2025.100914

Journal information: The Lancet Digital Health Provided by City St George’s, University of London

Could Everyday Driving Provide Clues About Brain Health?

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Recent research published on 26 November 2025 in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that patterns captured through in-vehicle driving data may help identify individuals at elevated risk of cognitive decline. Rather than relying solely on clinic-based tests or demographic factors, the study explored the informative potential of everyday driving behaviour, recorded passively through a GPS tracking device. This approach reflects a broader movement toward real-world, unobtrusive monitoring tools that can reveal early cognitive changes long before they become clinically apparent.

Lead author Ganesh M. Babulal, PhD, OTD, of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, explained that spotting older drivers who may be unsafe on the road has long proved challenging. Traditional assessments are time-consuming, episodic, and often unable to capture the gradual behavioural shifts associated with early impairment. In the study, however, the driving data provided a more sensitive indicator of emerging issues. Babulal noted that GPS-derived patterns were more accurate at detecting cognitive decline than models drawing only on age, cognitive test results, or genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, offering a compelling rationale for incorporating behavioural monitoring into future assessment strategies.

The research followed 56 older adults with mild cognitive impairment—widely understood as a precursor to Alzheimer’s—alongside 242 cognitively healthy peers, all with an average age of 75. At the outset, everyone was driving at least weekly and agreed to complete cognitive tests and have a monitoring device installed in their car. Over more than three years of follow-up, the long observation window enabled the team to identify subtle trajectories of behavioural change, capturing patterns that short-term studies or one-off evaluations might easily overlook.

Although both groups displayed similar driving profiles at the start, differences emerged over time. Participants with mild cognitive impairment gradually reduced how often they drove each month, curtailed night-time driving, and showed less variation in the places they travelled. These shifts, while not immediately dramatic, signalled the gradual tightening of routine that often accompanies early cognitive difficulties. By examining characteristics such as trip distance, speeding frequency, and route variability, the researchers developed models that detected mild cognitive impairment with 82 per cent accuracy, rising to 87 per cent when demographic data, cognitive test scores, and genetic information were added. Without driving data, accuracy fell to 76 per cent, demonstrating the unique value of real-world behavioural indicators.

While the findings offer an encouraging step toward earlier identification and intervention, the authors acknowledge essential limitations. Most participants were highly educated and white, raising questions about whether the results can be generalised to broader, more diverse populations. The promise of driving-behaviour monitoring also raises ethical considerations around privacy, autonomy, and data governance. As Babulal pointed out, although such monitoring is low-burden and unobtrusive, its use must be balanced with safeguards that preserve individuals’ rights and dignity. Further research across more varied communities will be essential to determine how widely these behavioural patterns apply and how best to implement such tools responsibly.

More information: Ganesh M. Babulal et al, Association of Daily Driving Behaviors With Mild Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults Followed Over 10 Years, Neurology. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000214440

Journal information: Neurology Provided by American Academy of Neurology

Hospital-acquired infections linked to increased likelihood of dementia

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A new study published in Volume 17, Issue 10 of Aging-US on 13 October 2025 offers compelling evidence that hospitalisation for infections may play a significant role in increasing long-term dementia risk. The paper, titled “Hospitalization with infections and risk of Dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” brings together the most extensive collection of research yet assembled on this topic. Led by first author Wei Yu Chua of the National University of Singapore and corresponding author Eng-King Tan of the National Neuroscience Institute and Duke-NUS Medical School, the study delivers one of the clearest examinations to date of how serious infections intersect with cognitive decline in later life.

The researchers began by screening approximately 1,900 studies, eventually narrowing their analysis to 16 high-quality studies involving a total of 4,266,276 individuals. This immense dataset allowed for a far more precise understanding of the association between infection-related hospital stays and subsequent brain health. Their findings indicate that adults hospitalised for infections face an 83% higher risk of developing all-cause dementia than those who were never admitted for similar reasons. Among the infections examined, sepsis was linked to the greatest increase in risk, followed by pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin or soft-tissue infections. In terms of dementia subtypes, vascular dementia showed a notably stronger association with infection history than Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the study’s central insights concerns the role of systemic inflammation. Infections trigger widespread immune activity, and inflammatory molecules can sometimes penetrate the blood–brain barrier. Once in the brain, they may contribute to the accumulation of harmful proteins or accelerate neuronal damage, especially in older adults whose immune responses tend to recover more slowly. The analysis suggests that even a single hospitalisation for infection may set in motion processes that hasten cognitive decline, particularly in people already at heightened risk due to age or underlying health conditions.

The timing of dementia onset following infection appears to be particularly significant. The researchers found that the risk is highest during the first year after hospital discharge, indicating a period of increased vulnerability. However, the elevated risk persists well beyond this initial phase. Studies that followed participants for more than ten years showed even stronger links, suggesting that the effects of severe infection may cast a long shadow over later cognitive health. These results underline the value of early cognitive monitoring and long-term follow-up for older adults recovering from primary infections.

The implications of this research extend well beyond clinical settings. As global populations continue to age, infections are becoming an increasingly common reason for hospital admission. With over 50 million people living with dementia worldwide and annual care costs in the United States alone exceeding USD 300 billion, understanding preventable or modifiable risk factors is crucial. By highlighting the potential cognitive consequences of infection-related hospitalisation, this study points to new avenues for early intervention, improved hospital care, and enhanced post-discharge monitoring to safeguard long-term brain health.

More information: Wei Yu Chua et al, Hospitalization with infections and risk of Dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Aging-US. DOI: 10.18632/aging.206329

Journal information: Aging-US Provided by Impact Journals LLC

Exercising in polluted air may not deliver full health rewards

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Long-term exposure to toxic air can significantly weaken the health benefits typically gained from regular exercise, according to a major international study involving researchers from UCL (University College London). While physical activity remains beneficial even in polluted environments, the findings show that air pollution can substantially reduce its protective effects on long-term health.

Published in the journal BMC Medicine, the study analysed health data from more than 1.5 million adults who were followed for over a decade across several countries, including the UK, Taiwan, China, Denmark, and the United States. This large population allowed researchers to closely examine how air quality interacts with exercise to influence the risk of death from all causes, as well as from cancer and heart disease specifically.

The researchers found that regular physical activity lowers the risk of dying. However, this protective effect was noticeably reduced among people living in areas with high levels of fine particle pollution. In heavily polluted regions, exercise still offered health benefits, but these were weakened rather than eliminated, suggesting that air quality plays a decisive role in shaping overall outcomes.

The study focused on delicate particulate matter known as PM2.5, which consists of tiny airborne particles measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, where they can contribute to inflammation, cardiovascular stress, and long-term disease. The researchers found that once average yearly PM2.5 levels reached 25 micrograms per cubic metre or higher, the health benefits of exercise declined significantly. Around 46% of the world’s population currently lives in areas above this threshold.

Lead author Professor Po-Wen Ku of National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan said the results show that exercise remains essential even in polluted environments. Still, cleaner air would significantly enhance its benefits. UCL co-author Professor Andrew Steptoe added that toxic air can partially block the benefits of physical activity and that the findings provide further evidence of the serious harm caused by fine particle pollution. He stressed that both clean air and regular exercise are essential for healthy ageing.

The research team combined evidence from seven existing studies, including three unpublished ones. For three of these, they re-analysed individual participant data to improve accuracy. Overall, they found that people who completed at least 2.5 hours of moderate or vigorous exercise per week had a 30% lower risk of death than those who were less active.

However, among highly active people living in areas with PM2.5 levels above 25 micrograms per cubic metre, this risk reduction fell to just 12–15%. At even higher pollution levels, above 35 micrograms per cubic metre, the protective effects weakened further, especially for cancer deaths. About 36% of the global population lives in areas exceeding this higher pollution threshold.

In the UK, average yearly PM2.5 levels were much lower, at around 10 micrograms per cubic metre. However, pollution levels can spike above 25 micrograms per cubic metre in cities, particularly during winter. UCL co-author Professor Paola Zaninotto said the findings should not discourage outdoor exercise but advised checking air quality, choosing cleaner routes, and reducing intensity on highly polluted days.

More information: Po-Wen Ku et al, Does ambient PM2.5 reduce the protective association of leisure-time physical activity with mortality? A systematic review, meta-analysis, and individual-level pooled analysis of cohort studies involving 1.5 million adults, BMC Medicine. DOI: 10.1186/s12916-025-04496-y

Journal information: BMC Medicine Provided by University College London

Dietary Polyphenols May Support Lifelong Heart Health

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People who regularly consume foods and drinks rich in polyphenols—such as tea, coffee, berries, cocoa, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil—may benefit from better long-term heart health. New research suggests that consistent intake of these plant compounds is linked to lower cardiovascular risk as people age, strengthening evidence that everyday dietary choices can play an essential role in protecting the heart.

The study, led by researchers at King’s College London, found that individuals who most closely adhered to polyphenol-rich dietary patterns had a lower predicted risk of cardiovascular disease. Those with greater adherence to these eating habits consistently showed more favourable long-term heart health than participants whose diets contained fewer polyphenol-rich foods.

Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found in a wide range of plant-based foods and are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They have previously been linked to benefits for heart, brain, and gut health. These protective effects are likely due to their ability to reduce inflammation, support blood vessel function, and influence cholesterol metabolism.

Published in BMC Medicine, the study followed more than 3,100 adults from the TwinsUK cohort for over a decade. The researchers observed that diets rich in specific groups of polyphenols were associated with healthier blood pressure levels and more balanced cholesterol profiles. These factors contributed to lower overall cardiovascular disease risk scores throughout the follow-up period.

For the first time in this kind of research, the team also analysed a wide range of urinary metabolites produced when the body breaks down polyphenols. These biological markers provided objective confirmation of dietary intake. Participants with higher levels of polyphenol metabolites—particularly those linked to flavonoids and phenolic acids—had lower cardiovascular risk scores and higher levels of HDL, or ‘good’, cholesterol.

To better reflect real-world diets, the researchers developed a new polyphenol dietary score (PPS) that captures intake from 20 key polyphenol-rich foods commonly consumed in the UK. This included tea, coffee, berries, olive oil, nuts, and whole grains. The PPS showed stronger links with cardiovascular health than estimates of total polyphenol intake alone, suggesting that overall dietary patterns offer a more accurate picture than focusing on individual compounds. This finding supports the idea that whole foods work together to deliver long-term health benefits.

Professor Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, senior author and Professor of Human Nutrition at King’s College London, said the findings demonstrate how sustained dietary habits can significantly influence cardiovascular ageing. She noted that even small but consistent shifts towards polyphenol-rich foods may meaningfully slow the rise in heart disease risk over time. Dr Yong Li, the study’s first author, added that regularly including these foods in the diet is a simple and accessible strategy for supporting heart health, as polyphenols are already present in many everyday foods.

The researchers also emphasised that although cardiovascular risk naturally increases with age, higher polyphenol intake was associated with a slower progression of cardiovascular risk over the 11-year study period. They highlighted the need for further dietary intervention studies to confirm these findings and strengthen understanding of how polyphenol-rich diets may contribute to long-term cardiovascular prevention.

More information: Yong Li et al, Higher adherence to (poly)phenol-rich diet is associated with lower CVD risk in the TwinsUK cohort, BMC Medicine. DOI: 10.1186/s12916-025-04481-5

Journal information: BMC Medicine Provided by King’s College London