Monthly Archives: April 2026

Chronic Stress and Cancer Progression

Stress is a constant companion in the oncologist’s office. It emerges at diagnosis, intensifies throughout treatment, and often lingers even after therapy has formally ended. Patients experience it while making difficult treatment decisions, waiting for test results, coping with fears of recurrence, and adjusting to changes in daily life. Research increasingly shows that chronic stress is not merely an emotional burden but can activate biological processes that may promote disease progression while weakening the body’s natural defences.

This perspective is drawn from a systematic review conducted by researchers at Wroclaw Medical University and published in 2026 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. The review examined evidence across four types of cancer—breast, prostate, pancreatic, and ovarian—organising findings in relation to five-year survival rates. By synthesising existing studies, the authors sought to understand better how prolonged stress interacts with cancer biology and patient outcomes.

From a biological standpoint, chronic stress represents a sustained strain on the body’s adaptive systems. Unlike a short-term response to an acute challenge, it reflects a prolonged state in which stress-response mechanisms remain continuously activated over weeks or months. In oncology, stress is rarely limited to feelings of anxiety or sadness. It often encompasses social pressures, disruptions to professional life, family responsibilities, and deeper existential concerns. For many patients, a cancer diagnosis requires a profound re-evaluation of identity, life plans, and personal control, all of which contribute to a persistent stress burden.

The review outlines interconnected biological pathways that may link chronic stress to cancer progression. One key mechanism involves prolonged activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in elevated levels of cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. This sustained “alarm state” can promote inflammation while suppressing immune function. Stress hormones also influence immune surveillance, potentially reducing the body’s ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells. At the tissue level, these changes may affect tumour growth, angiogenesis, and the ability of cancer cells to migrate or resist treatment. However, the authors emphasise that while these mechanisms are biologically plausible, it remains challenging to isolate the specific effects of stress in clinical settings, where many overlapping factors are at play.

Importantly, the impact of chronic stress appears to vary across different cancers. In cancers with relatively higher survival rates, such as breast and prostate cancer, stress often manifests as prolonged uncertainty. Patients may live with the disease for years, managing ongoing fears of recurrence and the long-term consequences of treatment. In these cases, biological pathways involving stress hormones have been linked in preclinical studies to processes such as metastasis and treatment response. In contrast, cancers with poorer prognoses, such as pancreatic and ovarian cancer, are more frequently associated with severe psychological distress and depression. In some instances, these symptoms may even precede diagnosis, suggesting a deeper biological interplay involving inflammation and cytokine activity, including elevated levels of markers such as interleukin-6.

The review also highlights the role of psychotherapy as more than emotional support. Psychological interventions have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, improve quality of life, and influence biological markers associated with stress and inflammation. Nevertheless, the researchers caution against assuming a direct link between psychotherapy and improved survival outcomes. While measurable biological changes have been observed, current evidence does not allow for definitive conclusions about mortality. Furthermore, the benefits of psychological support may diminish over time, underscoring the importance of sustained, rather than short-term, interventions.

Overall, the authors stress that chronic stress should not be viewed as a personal failing but as a clinically relevant factor intertwined with biological processes. Like pain, nutrition, or sleep disturbances, it represents an aspect of patient care that warrants systematic attention. They advocate for integrating psycho-oncology into standard cancer care, including routine screening for distress, timely access to support services, and resources for caregivers. Expanding digital health interventions and ensuring continuity of psychological care are also identified as priorities. In this view, addressing chronic stress is not an optional addition but a necessary component of comprehensive oncology care.

More information: Katarzyna Herbetko et al, The Impact of Chronic Stress on Treatment Outcomes of Cancer Patients with Divergent Survival Rates: A Systematic Review, International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms27020686

Journal information: International Journal of Molecular Sciences Provided by Wroclaw Medical University

Research in Sweden Reveals Subtle Complexities in Japanese Ageing

Leave a Reply

Although people in Japan are known for their longevity, longer life does not automatically equate to better health compared with other populations. New research from Karolinska Institutet and collaborators suggests that older adults in Japan and Sweden experience a similar number of healthy years—if “healthy” is defined as living independently at home without formal elder care. At the same time, mortality rates among those receiving elder care are lower in Japan than in Sweden.

“Japan’s high life expectancy may not simply reflect a healthier population,” explains Karin Modig, senior lecturer and associate professor at the Institute of Environmental Medicine. “Our findings point to a more nuanced reality, where the key differences appear among individuals who require care.”

The study, led by Modig, examined remaining life expectancy at age 75 for both women and men in Sweden and Japan, drawing on large-scale registry data. It included over 850,000 individuals in Sweden and more than 330,000 individuals across nine municipalities in Japan. Participants were grouped based on whether they received home care, lived in residential care, or did not use formal elder care services.

Published in BMC Medicine, the findings show that while older Japanese adults generally have lower mortality rates than their Swedish counterparts, this advantage is largely concentrated among those receiving some form of care. For example, a 75-year-old woman in Japan could expect an average of 10.4 years living independently without formal care and an additional 5.1 years receiving care. In Sweden, the comparable figures were 9.9 years without care and 3.8 years with care.

“These results suggest that Japanese women spend more years in care, but the underlying reasons are not yet clear,” says Shunsuke Murata. “Understanding which aspects of elder care contribute to longer survival is essential, especially as more people reach very advanced ages.”

Among men, the differences were minimal. Japanese men at age 75 could expect 9.8 years of independent living compared with 9.6 years in Sweden, alongside 2.2 years with care in Japan versus 2.1 years in Sweden.

The researchers suggest several possible factors behind the observed differences in mortality among care recipients. These include variations in eligibility and timing of care, structural differences in care systems, more intensive medical treatment at the end of life in Japan, and a stronger role for family-based care at home. As Modig notes, this study represents an early step in a broader collaboration exploring ageing in the two countries, with further research already underway to examine health outcomes across different stages of care.

More information: Shunsuke Murata et al, Understanding Japan’s mortality advantage: a comparison of mortality in independent and dependent older adults in Japan and Sweden, BMC Medicine. DOI: 10.1186/s12916-026-04786-z

Journal information: BMC Medicine Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Physical Fitness Drives Better Work Outcomes

Leave a Reply

A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä has found that maintaining regular leisure-time physical activity from a young age can help prevent a decline in work ability towards the end of one’s career. The findings carry substantial societal relevance, as reduced work ability is associated with significant productivity losses, costing economies billions of euros each year. By highlighting the long-term benefits of sustained physical activity, the research adds weight to the argument that lifestyle habits formed early in life can have far-reaching implications for both individuals and society.

The study drew on extensive longitudinal data from the LISE study, which has tracked the same group of participants over a remarkable 45-year period. Researchers measured participants’ leisure-time physical activity at three distinct life stages: during school years (ages 10–19), mid-adulthood (ages 35–44), and later adulthood (ages 55–64). Using these repeated measurements, they constructed an overall picture of lifetime physical activity and analysed how it relates to work ability in later life.

The results reveal a clear and consistent association between an active lifestyle and sustained work ability across the lifespan. Individuals who engaged in higher levels of leisure-time physical activity throughout their lives demonstrated better work ability in late adulthood. Importantly, each of the three measurement periods contributed meaningfully to both overall activity levels and eventual work outcomes, underscoring the cumulative impact of physical activity over time.

In addition, the study found that meeting physical activity recommendations in later adulthood was associated with further improvements in work ability, following a dose–response pattern. This means that greater adherence to recommended activity levels corresponded with progressively better outcomes. Such findings reinforce the idea that it is never too late to benefit from physical activity, even though early-life habits remain particularly influential.

A key strength of the research lies in its use of repeated, long-term measurements, which allows for a more robust understanding of causality. Earlier studies often assessed physical activity and work ability at the same point in time, making it difficult to determine whether reduced activity led to poorer work ability or vice versa. As noted by Perttu Laakso, health problems that diminish work ability can also discourage physical activity, creating a risk of reverse causation. By following participants over decades, this study provides stronger evidence that physical activity itself plays a causal role in maintaining work ability.

The findings also emphasise the importance of promoting physical activity during childhood and adolescence. Evidence from previous research suggests that habits established early in life are likely to persist into adulthood, shaping long-term health and behavioural patterns. Encouraging young people to adopt active lifestyles may therefore yield benefits that extend well beyond immediate health outcomes, influencing their ability to remain productive and engaged in the workforce later in life.

From an economic perspective, the implications are considerable. Investing in physical activity among young people can be viewed as a strategic approach to building a healthier, more productive future workforce. Strengthening school-based physical education programmes offers a practical means of reaching entire age groups, while ensuring that organised sports and recreational opportunities are accessible to children from all socioeconomic backgrounds can further support equitable participation. Such investments not only promote individual well-being but also contribute to broader societal and economic resilience.

More information: Perttu Laakso et al, Association of leisure-time physical activity at different phases of life with work ability at the end of working life: a Finland-representative 45-year prospective cohort study, British Journal of Sports Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2025-110339

Journal information: British Journal of Sports Medicine Provided by University of Jyväskylä – Jyväskylän yliopisto

Financial Instability Associated with Faster Cognitive Decline in Older Populations

Leave a Reply

Worsening financial well-being in midlife and later life—particularly when it declines over time—is linked to poorer memory performance and a faster pace of cognitive decline, according to new research from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Individuals who experienced the most pronounced financial deterioration showed levels of memory decline comparable to ageing an additional five months each year. The findings highlight how economic circumstances may play a meaningful role in shaping cognitive health as people grow older.

This study is among the first to explore the cognitive implications of financial well-being as a multidimensional construct rather than relying solely on income or wealth. Published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the research demonstrates that both persistently low financial well-being and worsening financial conditions are associated with lower memory scores and more rapid decline over time. These relationships were especially pronounced among adults aged 65 and older and remained consistent across a range of analytical tests designed to address potential bias, including reverse causation and participant dropout.

The researchers suggest that financial well-being represents an important and emerging economic determinant of health, particularly in relation to cognitive ageing. Prolonged financial strain may tax mental capacity, limiting the cognitive resources available for everyday functioning and long-term brain health. Over time, this sustained pressure could contribute to measurable declines in memory and other cognitive abilities, underscoring the broader impact of financial stress beyond material hardship.

To investigate these associations, the study analysed data from 7,676 adults aged 50 and above who participated in the Health and Retirement Study between 2010 and 2020. The research examined both average financial well-being and changes over a four-year period, linking these measures to memory performance in the following years. This longitudinal approach allowed the team to assess not only static financial conditions but also the effects of financial trajectories over time.

A key feature of the study was the development of an eight-item financial well-being index derived from existing survey data. This index captured both psychosocial and material dimensions of financial strain, including dissatisfaction with financial status, stress, difficulty paying bills, low income, and limited access to essential needs. The measure was validated against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Financial Well-Being Scale, lending credibility to its ability to reflect real-world financial experiences. Notably, each one-point decline in financial well-being was associated with worse memory outcomes and faster decline, whereas improvements in financial circumstances did not consistently translate into cognitive gains.

The findings suggest that older adults may be particularly vulnerable to the cognitive effects of financial instability, given their limited opportunities to recover financially and their reliance on fixed incomes such as pensions or social benefits. Financial strain may influence cognitive health through several pathways, including chronic stress, reduced access to healthcare and nutritious food, and diminished opportunities for social engagement. These results point to potential policy implications, indicating that financial support measures in later life could help protect cognitive function and potentially reduce the risk of dementia. Overall, the study reinforces the idea that declining financial well-being may play a significant role in accelerating cognitive ageing.

More information: Katrina L Kezios et al, Changes in financial well-being and memory function and decline in middle-aged and older adults, American Journal of Epidemiology. DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwag054

Journal information: American Journal of Epidemiology Provided by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health

Study Finds Strong Connection Between Severe Infections and Dementia Risk

Leave a Reply

Severe infections may raise the risk of dementia independently of other coexisting health conditions, according to a new study published on 24 March in the journal PLOS Medicine. The research was led by Pyry Sipilä at the University of Helsinki and adds important clarity to a long-standing question: whether infections themselves contribute to dementia risk, or whether the observed link is largely explained by other underlying illnesses.

Previous research has consistently suggested that people who experience serious infections face a higher likelihood of developing dementia later in life. However, the relationship has remained difficult to interpret, as many individuals with infections also live with other chronic conditions that could independently increase dementia risk. These overlapping health issues have made it challenging to determine whether infections play a direct role or reflect broader vulnerability in already at-risk populations.

To address this uncertainty, the researchers analysed nationwide Finnish health registry data, focusing on more than 62,000 individuals aged 65 and older who were diagnosed with late-onset dementia between 2017 and 2020. These cases were compared with over 312,000 matched individuals without dementia. Taking a comprehensive approach, the team examined hospital-treated conditions recorded over the previous two decades, identifying 29 diseases that showed a consistent association with increased dementia risk. Notably, nearly half—47 per cent—of those diagnosed with dementia had experienced at least one of these conditions before their diagnosis.

Among the 29 diseases identified, two were infections: cystitis, a common urinary tract infection, and bacterial infections of unspecified origin. The remaining conditions were non-infectious, with the strongest links observed for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including mental disorders due to brain damage or physical illness, Parkinson’s disease, and alcohol-related mental and behavioural disorders. These findings underscore the complex interplay between physical health, neurological conditions, and cognitive decline.

Crucially, when the researchers adjusted for the presence of the 27 non-infectious conditions, the association between infections and dementia remained largely unchanged. In fact, less than one-seventh of the increased dementia risk among individuals with hospital-treated infections could be explained by pre-existing illnesses. The connection appeared even stronger in cases of early-onset dementia, diagnosed before the age of 65, where multiple infections—including pneumonia and dental conditions such as caries—were linked to elevated risk. These patterns suggest that infections may contribute independently to processes that accelerate cognitive decline.

The authors caution that the study has important limitations, including the absence of baseline cognitive assessments and detailed clinical data prior to dementia diagnosis, as well as limited information on how infections were treated. As an observational study, it cannot establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship. Nonetheless, the findings point to the possibility that severe infections may hasten underlying neurodegenerative processes, often occurring five to six years before a dementia diagnosis. The researchers emphasise the need for intervention studies to determine whether improved infection prevention or treatment could reduce dementia risk or delay its onset, highlighting a potentially important avenue for future public health strategies.

More information: Pyry Sipilä et al, The role of noninfectious comorbidities in the association between severe infections and risk of dementia in Finland: A nationwide registry study, PLOS Medicine. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004688

Journal information: PLOS Medicine Provided by PLOS

Newly Developed Mandarin Toolkit Helps Spot Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Leave a Reply

Asian Americans represent the fastest-growing segment of older adults in the United States, yet many encounter persistent linguistic and cultural barriers when seeking care for dementia-related conditions. These challenges can delay diagnosis, limit access to appropriate services, and contribute to disparities in outcomes. For Mandarin-speaking older adults in particular, standard assessment tools—largely designed for English-speaking populations—may fail to capture important nuances in language, cognition, and cultural context.

In response, a research team led by Rutgers Health has collaborated with leading clinicians and scientists from institutions including the National Institute on Aging-funded Rutgers-NYU Resource Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and the Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Their work focuses on addressing gaps in dementia care for older adults from China and Taiwan living in the United States, offering a culturally and linguistically appropriate solution tailored to this population.

Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the study introduces a newly developed suite of neuropsychological assessments specifically designed for Mandarin-speaking older adults. Rather than relying on direct translations of English tests, the researchers created tools grounded in the structural and cultural characteristics of the Chinese language. These assessments consider the non-alphabetical writing system, the frequency and familiarity of characters used in everyday life, and the cultural experiences of individuals before immigration.

The research was conducted through the Chinese Older Adult Study (COAST), which included 208 participants aged 60 to 90 across regions such as New Jersey, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Participants represented a spectrum of bilingual abilities, allowing researchers to examine how language proficiency might influence test performance. Over six months, the team evaluated the reliability of the new assessments, their equivalence to established English-language tests, and their alignment with recognised domains of memory and cognitive function.

According to William Hu, professor of neurology and chief of Cognitive Neurology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, traditional translation tools often fall short. He notes that direct translation can overlook critical linguistic and cultural subtleties, resulting in underdiagnosis, clinical misunderstandings, and diminished trust between patients and healthcare providers. The newly validated toolkit represents a significant advance, as it is the first of its kind rigorously tested among older adults from China, Taiwan, and the broader Chinese diaspora.

The findings show that the Mandarin-based assessments demonstrate strong reliability over time, correlate well with English-language benchmarks, and align with emerging blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. Looking ahead, researchers aim to digitise these tools for use on tablets and immersive platforms such as virtual reality, enabling more accessible and standardised testing without requiring Mandarin-speaking clinicians. Further validation in Cantonese and other Chinese dialects is also planned, with the broader goal of improving diagnostic accuracy, expanding clinical trial participation, and ensuring more inclusive approaches to dementia care and research.

More information: William Hu et al, Development and validation of novel cognitive tests in Mandarin-speaking older Americans, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.71133

Journal information: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Provided by Rutgers University

New findings associate early heart stress, prediabetes, and high blood pressure with greater heart failure risk

Leave a Reply

A new study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine provides compelling evidence that certain blood markers—indicating early, silent damage or stress in the heart—are linked to a higher risk of heart failure in adults who have both high blood pressure and prediabetes. These markers reflect subtle changes in the heart muscle that occur before any obvious symptoms, such as those seen during a heart attack, begin to appear.

The findings suggest that a group of people who may seem relatively healthy could, in fact, face a significantly elevated risk of developing heart failure. Importantly, these individuals can be identified through routine blood tests, offering a practical way for clinicians to intervene early and potentially prevent more serious outcomes. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in JAMA Cardiology, underscoring how common and often unnoticed health issues can combine to increase cardiovascular risk.

Prediabetes plays a central role in this research. It is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Although it may not cause immediate symptoms, prediabetes is widespread and is already known to increase the risk of heart, kidney, and nerve problems. The study highlights that when prediabetes occurs alongside high blood pressure and early signs of heart stress, the combined effect can be particularly harmful.

To better understand this risk, the researchers analysed data from more than 8,000 adults aged 50 and older who took part in the SPRINT trial. This large clinical study originally examined how lowering blood pressure affects overall health. For this new analysis, participants did not have diagnosed diabetes, allowing researchers to focus specifically on the role of prediabetes and early heart changes.

At the start of the study, a substantial proportion of participants had prediabetes, while many also showed signs of silent heart injury or stress based on specific blood biomarkers. Over an average follow-up period of just over three years, the results were striking. Individuals who had both prediabetes and these early heart changes were about ten times more likely to develop heart failure compared to those without these combined risk factors. By contrast, people without prediabetes but with similar heart markers showed only a moderate increase in risk.

The researchers also looked at how changes in these biomarkers over time affected outcomes. They found that participants whose biomarker levels increased significantly within the first year were much more likely to develop heart failure later on, particularly if they also had prediabetes. Interestingly, prediabetes on its own was not linked to a higher or lower risk, suggesting that it is the combination with underlying heart stress that drives the danger.

Overall, the study highlights an important opportunity for early detection and prevention. By using simple blood tests, clinicians may be able to identify patients who are quietly at high risk and begin treatment before serious heart problems develop. As senior author Justin Basile Echouffo Tcheugui explains, recognising these vulnerable groups could help shift care towards prevention, ensuring that patients receive support before a medical emergency occurs.

More information: Arnaud D. Kaze et al, Prediabetes, Subclinical Myocardial Injury or Stress, and Heart Failure Risk for Adults With Hypertension, JAMA Cardiology. DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2025.4927

Journal information: JAMA Cardiology Provided by Johns Hopkins Medicine

Surgical Recovery Slower in Older Adults Than Anticipated, Emphasising Better Planning Needs

Leave a Reply

A new study led by researchers at the University of Toronto reveals that recovery after surgery in older adults often takes significantly longer than expected. The findings show that nearly one in five older patients continues to experience difficulties with basic activities of daily living well into the recovery period, raising important questions about how post-operative care is planned and communicated.

This extended recovery period places considerable strain not only on patients but also on their caregivers. The added burden increases the likelihood of adverse outcomes, including infections, visits to the emergency department, and hospital readmissions. These challenges underscore the need for more comprehensive support systems to ensure safer and more manageable recoveries for older adults.

Co-author Martine Puts, a professor at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, notes that while previous research has largely focused on mortality and readmission rates, far less attention has been paid to the lived recovery experiences of patients and their caregivers. This gap, she suggests, has led to an underestimation of the true demands of post-surgical recovery in older populations.

“The healthcare system often assumes that caregivers will instinctively know what to expect and how to support recovery,” says Puts, who also holds the Canada Research Chair in Care of Frail Older Adults. “However, our study shows that guidance is minimal, particularly when it comes to critical aspects such as wound care. Many participants reported feeling unprepared for what lay ahead after surgery.”

The study, one of the largest of its kind, followed 289 participants across 17 hospital sites in Canada between 2021 and 2023. This included 204 older adults and 85 caregivers, all tracked for six months after elective non-cardiac surgery. Researchers assessed participants’ ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living, such as managing finances, household responsibilities, and appointments, as well as basic activities like bathing, eating, and toileting. Two months after surgery, 64 per cent of older adults reported difficulty with instrumental tasks, while one-third experienced challenges with basic daily activities. Even after six months, 42 per cent continued to struggle with instrumental activities and 19 per cent with basic care needs.

“These findings are quite striking and highlight the real challenges faced during recovery,” says co-author Shabbir Alibhai, a Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and professor at Temerty Medicine. “We need to develop better strategies to support both patients and caregivers throughout this process.” The study also found that many caregivers experienced a greater-than-expected impact on their mental health, often due to a lack of preparation for the duration and intensity of care required.

Study participant Michele Chaban, who underwent spinal surgery at age 71, shared her experience navigating recovery. Despite preparing in advance and having a background in healthcare, she encountered serious complications when her surgical incision reopened shortly after the procedure. She also struggled with unmanaged pain and ultimately left the hospital early to seek better care, only to return to the emergency department with complications. Reflecting on her experience, Chaban emphasised the need for clearer communication and more proactive planning, suggesting that tools such as pre-operative educational videos and better guidance could significantly improve outcomes for older adults and their caregivers.

More information: Nelly Toledano et al, Recovery Experiences of Older Adults and Their Caregivers After Major Elective Noncardiac Surgery, Surgery. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.0692

Journal information: Surgery Provided by University of Toronto

The Lancet Global Health: Study suggests climate change may worsen inactivity trends and lead to half a million early deaths globally

Leave a Reply

Rising temperatures linked to climate change could push millions more adults worldwide into physical inactivity by 2050, contributing to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths and billions of dollars in lost productivity, according to a modelling study published in The Lancet Global Health. The findings highlight how environmental change may increasingly shape everyday health behaviours, with far-reaching consequences for population health and economic stability.

As global temperatures climb, heat exposure is expected to make it more difficult for people to remain physically active, particularly in already warm regions. Physical inactivity is already a major public health concern, with roughly one in three adults failing to meet recommended levels of weekly exercise set by the World Health Organization. The study suggests that worsening climate conditions may further compound this challenge, potentially reversing progress in global health promotion efforts.

The research analysed data from 156 countries spanning 2000 to 2022 to estimate how rising temperatures could influence physical activity patterns through to 2050. According to the model, each additional month with an average temperature above 27.8°C could increase global physical inactivity by 1.5 percentage points, rising to 1.85 percentage points in low- and middle-income countries. No consistent effect was observed in high-income countries, possibly reflecting greater access to climate-controlled environments and infrastructure that supports activity despite extreme weather.

These projected shifts in behaviour carry substantial health and economic implications. The study estimates that an increase in inactivity linked to rising temperatures could result in approximately 470,000 to 700,000 additional premature deaths annually by mid-century. In parallel, reduced physical activity is expected to translate into productivity losses of between US$2.40 billion and US$3.68 billion each year, underscoring the broader societal costs associated with climate-driven health risks.

The greatest increases in inactivity are expected in regions that are already hot, including Central America, the Caribbean, Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa, and equatorial areas of Southeast Asia. In these settings, inactivity could rise by more than four percentage points for every additional month above the temperature threshold. However, the authors caution that these findings are based on modelling and rely in part on self-reported activity data, while focusing solely on temperature rather than other climate-related factors. As such, there remains uncertainty regarding the precise scale and distribution of real-world impacts.

Despite these limitations, the study points to the need for proactive measures to mitigate the health effects of rising heat. Suggested strategies include designing cooler urban environments, expanding access to affordable, climate-controlled spaces for exercise, and providing clear public guidance on staying active and safe during extreme heat events. At the same time, the authors emphasise the importance of addressing the root cause by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recognising that climate change is increasingly intertwined with global patterns of health and wellbeing.

More information: Christian García-Witulski et al, Effects of climate change on physical inactivity: a panel data study across 156 countries from 2000 to 2022, The Lancet Global Health. DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(25)00472-3

Journal information: The Lancet Global Health Provided by The Lancet

Modest Improvements in Sleep, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Could Help Prevent Heart Attack and Stroke

Leave a Reply

New research suggests that making small improvements to sleep, diet, and physical activity—when done together—can significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Rather than focusing on one major lifestyle change, the findings highlight how modest adjustments across several areas of daily life can add up to meaningful health benefits.

The study followed more than 53,000 adults from the UK Biobank over eight years. Researchers found that even slight improvements in sleep, activity, and diet, when combined, were linked to noticeable reductions in cardiovascular risk. This suggests that small, manageable changes may be both effective and easier for people to maintain over time compared with more drastic lifestyle shifts.

For example, sleeping just 11 minutes longer each night, doing an extra 4.5 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and eating an additional quarter cup of vegetables were associated with a 10% lower risk of major cardiovascular events. Moderate-to-vigorous activity does not have to mean structured exercise—it can include everyday actions such as walking briskly, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries.

The study also identified what might be considered an “optimal” combination of behaviours. This included getting eight to nine hours of sleep per night, completing more than 42 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, and maintaining a reasonably healthy diet. People who met this combination had a 57% lower risk of major cardiovascular events compared with those with the least healthy patterns.

The findings were published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology and represent one of the first studies to look at how sleep, diet, and physical activity work together in influencing heart health. Previous research has often examined these behaviours separately or in pairs, but in real life, they are closely connected and can affect one another in important ways.

For instance, poor sleep can disrupt appetite hormones, which may lead to unhealthy eating habits or overeating. Physical activity can improve sleep quality, but feeling tired from lack of sleep may reduce motivation to be active. Diet also plays a role by affecting both energy levels and sleep patterns. The researchers note that, while their findings are promising, the study is observational, meaning it cannot prove cause and effect. Further research, including intervention studies, will be needed to confirm how these small, combined lifestyle changes can best be used to improve long-term heart health.

More information: Nicholas Koemel et al, Combined variations in sleep, physical activity, and nutrition and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwag141

Journal information: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology Provided by European Society of Cardiology

The Rug Pull Effect: Uncovering How Humans Restore Stability

Leave a Reply

Lena Ting and her colleagues at Emory University have been investigating how the body and brain work together to restore balance when stability is suddenly disrupted, and how this process changes with ageing and neurological disease. Their work focuses in particular on individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, a condition known to affect movement, coordination, and postural control. By examining both neural and muscular responses, the researchers aim to understand better why some individuals struggle more than others to recover from a loss of balance, and how these differences may signal increased risk of falls.

In earlier experiments, Ting’s team demonstrated that when a rug was unexpectedly pulled out from under young, healthy adults, the body responded in a rapid and highly organised manner. First, there was an immediate, involuntary reaction driven by the brainstem and spinal circuits, producing a swift muscular response to prevent a fall. This was followed by a second phase of activity involving higher brain regions, particularly when the balance disturbance was more challenging. This two-stage response suggested that balance recovery relies on both automatic reflexes and more deliberate neural processing, working together to maintain stability under changing conditions.

Building on these findings, the team conducted a new study involving older adults, both with and without Parkinson’s disease, with results published in eNeuro. They found that, even during relatively small balance disturbances, these groups exhibited heightened brain activity alongside increased muscle activation compared to younger individuals. This suggests that maintaining balance requires greater effort and neural engagement in these populations. As Ting explains, when the brain must work harder to stabilise the body, the overall system becomes less efficient, ultimately leading to poorer balance recovery. In addition, the researchers observed a pattern of muscle co-contraction: when one muscle group was activated to restore balance, opposing muscles would simultaneously stiffen. This stiffening response, while perhaps intended to provide stability, was associated with worse balance performance, indicating a less adaptable and more rigid control strategy.

The researchers highlight that their experimental approach may have important clinical applications, particularly in identifying individuals at risk of falls before an incident occurs. By analysing muscle activity following a controlled perturbation—such as pulling a rug away—it may be possible to infer underlying brain activity without directly measuring it. Ting notes that further refinement of this method is needed, but the potential is significant. If clinicians can detect early signs of impaired balance control, they could intervene with targeted balance training or exercise programmes to reduce fall risk. Such preventative strategies are especially important for older adults and those with Parkinson’s disease, where falls can lead to serious injury, loss of independence, and diminished quality of life.

More information: Scott E. Boebinger et al, Cortically Mediated Muscle Responses to Balance Perturbations Increase with Perturbation Magnitude in Older Adults with and without Parkinson’s Disease, eNeuro. DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0423-25.2026

Journal information: eNeuro Provided by Society for Neuroscience

Older Adults Who Cook Weekly May See a 30% Drop in Dementia Risk

Leave a Reply

Preparing a home-cooked meal at least once a week may reduce older adults’ risk of developing dementia by around 30%, according to research published online in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. The findings point to a potentially simple, everyday activity that could support cognitive health in later life, even when done infrequently.

The effect appears to be particularly strong among those with limited cooking experience. Older adults who identified as novice cooks saw their dementia risk drop by as much as 70% when they prepared meals from scratch at least once a week. This suggests that the mental effort involved in learning and practising basic cooking tasks may offer meaningful cognitive benefits.

The researchers, based in Japan, highlight a broader societal shift away from home cooking towards reliance on restaurants, takeaway foods, and ready-made meals. While these options are convenient, they may reduce opportunities for both physical movement and mental engagement. Cooking, by contrast, involves planning, coordination, and problem-solving, all of which may help maintain cognitive function as people age.

To investigate this relationship, the study analysed data from 10,978 adults aged 65 and older who were part of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. Participants were followed for six years, up to 2022. The sample included a wide range of individuals: about one in five were aged 80 or above, half were women, and many had lower levels of education and income. More than half were retired, reflecting a typical older population.

Participants reported how often they cooked meals at home, ranging from never to more than five times a week, and assessed their cooking ability across seven skills, from basic food preparation to more complex dishes. Around half said they cooked frequently, while over a quarter rarely or never cooked. During the study period, 1,195 participants developed dementia. Those who cooked at least once a week had a 23% lower risk if they were men and a 27% lower risk if they were women, compared with those who cooked less often. Among those with limited cooking skills, the risk reduction reached 67%, even after accounting for factors such as lifestyle, income, education, and other cognitively stimulating activities.

The researchers caution that the study is observational, meaning it cannot prove that cooking directly prevents dementia. Some milder cases may not have been captured, and the measure of cooking ability may not fully distinguish between lack of skill and lack of interest. Cultural differences in food and cooking practices may also affect how broadly the findings apply. Nevertheless, the authors suggest that creating opportunities and supportive environments for older adults to cook could be a practical way to promote cognitive health and potentially reduce dementia risk.

More information: Yukako Tani et al, Home cooking, cooking skills and dementia requiring long-term care: a population-based cohort study in Japan, Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. DOI: 10.1136/jech-2025-225139

Journal information: Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health Provided by BMJ Group