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The new dressing robot can imitate the actions of care workers

Researchers have made a breakthrough by developing a new robot capable of replicating care workers’ two-handed techniques for dressing individuals. Historically, robots designed to assist with dressing, aimed at supporting elderly individuals or those with disabilities, were constructed with only one arm. However, feedback indicated that such designs could lead to discomfort or impracticality for users.

Addressing this issue, Dr Jihong Zhu, affiliated with the University of York’s Institute for Safe Autonomy, introduced an innovative two-armed assistive dressing approach. This concept, which diverges from prior research, draws inspiration from caregivers’ methods, highlighting that specific manoeuvres are crucial to minimize discomfort and distress for the care recipient.

Implementing this technology can revolutionize the social care sector by enabling care workers to allocate more time to the health and mental well-being of those under their care rather than focusing solely on physical tasks.

Dr Zhu and his team embarked on a meticulous study to understand the movement patterns of care workers during the dressing process. By allowing a robot to observe and learn from these human actions and subsequently applying AI to create a model that replicates these tasks, they were able to underscore the necessity of using both hands for dressing, as opposed to one. This research also highlights the importance of arm angles and the occasional need for human intervention to adjust or halt specific robot movements.

Dr Zhu, representing the Institute for Safe Autonomy and the School of Physics, Engineering, and Technology at the University of York, expressed that practical tasks like dressing could be automated through robotics. That would free care workers to focus more on fostering companionship and monitoring the overall well-being of those in their care. He emphasized the importance of understanding real-time care worker tasks to apply this technology outside the laboratory setting successfully.

The research team utilized a method known as ‘learning from demonstration,’ which bypasses the need for expert programming. Instead, a robot learns by observing the required human motion, understanding that care workers use both arms to effectively attend to individuals with varying abilities. This dual-arm approach enables one hand to guide the individual’s hand through a garment. At the same time, the other adjusts the garment itself, overcoming the limitations of previous one-armed designs that demanded too much effort from patients.

Moreover, the team developed algorithms that allow the robotic arms to perform actions flexibly, such as pulling and lifting, while also stopping or altering movements based on a gentle human touch or guidance, without resistance from the robot.

Dr Zhu highlighted the significance of human modelling in enhancing the efficiency and safety of interactions between humans and robots. He stressed that beyond performing tasks, the robot must be able to pause or modify its actions mid-task, should the user wish so. Building trust in this human-robot interaction is paramount, with future research focused on testing the robot’s safety boundaries and its acceptance by those who most benefit from it.

More information: Jihong Zhu et al, Do You Need a Hand? – A Bimanual Robotic Dressing Assistance Scheme, IEEE Transactions on Robotics. DOI: 10.1109/TRO.2024.3366008

Journal information: IEEE Transactions on Robotics Provided by University of York

Impoverished areas associated with increased risk of dementia and accelerated brain ageing

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Residing in less affluent areas is associated with both quicker brain ageing and a heightened risk of developing dementia early in life, irrespective of an individual’s income or educational background, according to a study led by Duke University. This research, published on March 14 in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, points to the potential benefits of implementing dementia prevention initiatives in economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods and suggests that healthcare professionals should take into account a patient’s living environment as a factor in dementia risk assessment.

The study underscores the importance of considering an individual’s residential area in the broader context of dementia prevention. Aaron Reuben, PhD, the lead researcher and clinical neuropsychologist, highlighted the significance of addressing the topic of one’s living environment when assessing dementia risk. This research aligns with the growing concern over Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent type of dementia that significantly impairs memory and cognitive abilities. Currently affecting an estimated 58 million people worldwide, the number of dementia cases is expected to surge to 150 million by 2050. Given the absence of curative treatments or highly effective medications, the focus has shifted towards prevention through lifestyle adjustments such as diet and exercise.

Reuben was motivated by geographic patterns in dementia risk, analogous to “blue zones” where people tend to live longer. The study examined the living conditions and medical records of 1.41 million individuals in New Zealand, evaluating the socioeconomic status of neighbourhoods based on national census data, including average income, employment rates, and access to transportation. Findings revealed that individuals in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods faced a 43% higher risk of developing dementia over two decades.

The research further delved into early indicators of neurodegeneration associated with living in economically disadvantaged areas. Utilizing data from the Dunedin Study, tracking nearly 1,000 New Zealanders from birth through adulthood, the team observed signs of poorer brain health by age 45 in individuals from poorer neighbourhoods, regardless of their income or education. That was evidenced through various measures, including the density and size of nerve cells in key brain areas and the efficiency of neural communication.

These individuals also exhibited brain characteristics typically associated with older age in MRI scans, appearing approximately three years older than their actual age. They faced more challenges with memory and daily cognitive tasks. The study suggests that the environment one lives in plays a critical role in brain health and dementia risk, potentially due to factors like air quality, social interaction levels, stress, and neighbourhood walkability.

Reuben advocates for targeted community interventions and early consideration of a person’s living environment as strategies to address and mitigate the risk of dementia. This approach highlights the necessity of starting dementia prevention efforts early, acknowledging that signs of the condition can manifest decades before a formal diagnosis. Through community-focused initiatives and considering environmental factors in dementia risk assessments, there may be a path forward in combating the increasing challenge of dementia globally.

More information: Aaron Reuben, Leah S. Richmond-Rakerd, Barry Milne, Devesh Shah, Amber Pearson et al, Dementia, dementia’s risk factors and premorbid brain structure are concentrated in disadvantaged areas: National register and birth-cohort geographic analyses, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.13727

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

Research identifies alterations in cognitive function among elderly drivers through the use of sensors installed in vehicles

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It is estimated that between four to eight million older adults in the United States who are experiencing mild cognitive impairment are currently behind the wheel. Remarkably, a third of these individuals are at risk of developing dementia within the next five years. As dementia progresses, it eventually impairs the ability to drive safely, yet many of these individuals remain oblivious to their deteriorating cognitive health.

The capacity for current driving screening and evaluation services to assess individuals with cognitive concerns is limited, leaving many undiagnosed who need to understand whether they require medical intervention.

Researchers from a multidisciplinary team at Florida Atlantic University, encompassing fields such as nursing, engineering, and neuropsychology, are pioneering the evaluation and testing of a new, discreet in-vehicle sensing system they have devised. This innovation holds the potential to be the first step towards providing an extensive, cost-effective early warning system for cognitive decline among the vast population of older drivers in the U.S. and potentially worldwide.

Their research, published in BMC Geriatrics, methodically investigates how this system can identify unusual driving behaviours that may suggest cognitive impairments. More studies must look at the continuous, discreet monitoring of daily complex activities over time for signs of subtle cognitive changes. This gap presents an uncharted opportunity to recognize early cognitive decline in a significant segment of the older driving population.

Ruth Tappen, Ed.D., the study’s lead investigator and senior author, highlighted the critical nature of early detection of cognitive dysfunction. She pointed out that autopsies of older drivers who died in car accidents, who were unaware they had Alzheimer’s disease, showed brain neuropathologies of the condition. According to her, sensor systems fitted in the vehicles of older drivers could be instrumental in identifying these cognitive shifts, thus providing timely alerts for possible cognitive deterioration.

The study employs a naturalistic longitudinal approach, continuously monitoring driving behaviours and correlating these observations with comprehensive cognitive assessments conducted quarterly over three years. That includes installing cameras facing the driver and the road alongside a telematics unit within the vehicle. Data is collected every three months, concurrent with cognitive testing.

The researchers monitor aberrant driving behaviours such as disorientation, disregard for traffic signals, near-collisions, distraction, and drowsiness, as well as specific driving patterns like the number of trips made, miles driven, and driving under different conditions.

The sensor network developed by FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science utilizes open-source hardware and software to streamline in-vehicle development. The system emphasizes seizing simplicity and compactness to its discreetness. The system includes two distributed sensing units for collecting telematics and video data.

The video component features built-in artificial intelligence capabilities for real-time analysis, including monitoring the driver’s facial expressions, behaviours, and external events. Indicators of driver behaviour analyzed include adherence to traffic signs, detection of nearby objects and pedestrians, and lane discipline, which are crucial for identifying changes in an older driver’s cognitive and physical capabilities.

The study will involve 460 participants from Southeast Florida, categorized into groups based on their cognitive status: mild cognitive impairment, early dementia, and unimpaired. The Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center, operated by FAU’s College of Nursing, is the clinical site for comprehensive assessments covering cognitive function, daily living activities, mood, executive function, and attention.

Tappen emphasizes that the innovative aspect of their research lies in the hidden nature of the sensing and monitoring system. This system leverages modern open-source technologies to develop a novel application for detecting cognitive changes in drivers. This approach represents a significant step forward in the early detection and monitoring of mental health among older drivers, potentially leading to improved safety and quality of life for this demographic.

More information: Ruth Tappen et al, Study protocol for “In-vehicle sensors to detect changes in cognition of older drivers”, BMC Geriatrics. DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04550-5

Journal information: BMC Geriatrics Provided by Florida Atlantic University

Fresh perspectives on the role of serotonin in governing behaviour

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For several decades, the prevalence of anxiety and depression has been on a steady incline globally, a situation significantly worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Groundbreaking research spearheaded by Frank Schroeder from the Boyce Thompson Institute is paving the way towards developing novel treatments aimed at mitigating this widespread mental health crisis.

Serotonin, a neurotransmitter identified in the 1930s and prevalent across various animal species, plays a critical role in regulating numerous behaviours, including eating, sleeping, mood, and cognitive functions. Currently, medications that modulate serotonin levels are the primary treatment for psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as eating disorders.

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a tiny roundworm, is a simplified yet powerful model for neurobiological research, particularly in studying how serotonin influences behaviour and dietary habits. Traditionally, it was believed that C. elegans synthesised serotonin through a singular molecular pathway before its rapid degradation. However, Schroeder’s research team, collaborating with colleagues at Columbia University, has uncovered that these beliefs were only partially accurate.

Schroeder discovered an alternative biosynthetic pathway responsible for approximately half of the total serotonin generated in their model organism. This finding was detailed in a publication in Nature Chemical Biology on October 10.

The research, initiated about three years ago, led to the unexpected identification of an enzyme that transforms serotonin into derivative compounds. Contrary to the prevailing assumption that serotonin is swiftly broken down post-synthesis, Schroeder’s team found it serves as a precursor for other compounds, which play a part in serotonin’s known effects. This revelation prompted a deeper investigation into serotonin’s biosynthesis and its conversion into these novel molecules.

Jingfang Yu, a doctoral candidate in Schroeder’s lab and the paper’s lead author, demonstrated that these new serotonin derivatives influence feeding behaviour in worms. Without endogenous serotonin, the worms exhibit rapid movement across bacterial food sources and seldom pause to explore their environment. This behaviour, however, is mitigated when the worms are treated with serotonin derivatives, suggesting these compounds are critical contributors to effects previously attributed to serotonin itself.

C. elegans is an exemplary model for serotonin research, given the significant conservation of its molecular signalling pathways across species, including humans. Much like in humans, a considerable portion of serotonin in C. elegans is produced in the gut.

Schroeder hinted that human serotonin might undergo similar conversions into metabolites like those found in C. elegans. He posited that this breakthrough lays the groundwork for further investigation into the implications of these findings for humans.

Schroeder, who also teaches in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Cornell University, underscored the potential for future research to explore the significance of these metabolites in humans, the comparative roles of different biosynthetic pathways, and how these pathways and metabolites influence human behaviours, particularly those related to mental health and eating.

The team is actively investigating how these newly discovered serotonin derivatives impact behaviour in C. elegans and whether analogous metabolites are present in humans, hoping to shed more light on the complex mechanisms underlying mental health and dietary behaviours.

More information: Jingfang Yu et al, Parallel pathways for serotonin biosynthesis and metabolism in C. elegans, Nature Chemical Biology. DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01148-7

Journal information: Nature Chemical Biology Provided by Boyce Thompson Institute

As we age, our cells become less likely to express longer genes

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Ageing might not primarily hinge on specific “ageing genes” but rather on the length of a gene. That is the perspective researchers offer in an opinion piece published on March 21 in Trends in Genetics. Many ageing-related changes might stem from a reduced expression of long genes. This trend has been observed across various animals, from worms to humans, various human cells and tissue types, and even individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Experiments with mice have demonstrated that known anti-ageing interventions, such as dietary restrictions, can alleviate this decline in the expression of long genes with age.

Jan Hoeijmakers, a molecular biologist at Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam; the University of Cologne; and Oncode Institute/Princess Maxima Institute, Utrecht, and co-author of the study, believes this to be a key driver of systemic ageing throughout the body.

The study combines findings from four research groups based in Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States. All are converging on similar conclusions through diverse methodologies.

Ageing manifests in various molecular, cellular, and organ-level changes, ranging from altered protein production and suboptimal cell metabolism to compromised tissue integrity. These alterations are often attributed to DNA damage accrued from exposure to harmful agents like UV radiation or the reactive oxygen species produced by metabolism.

Historically, ageing research has focused on specific genes linked to the ageing process, seeking to identify those that might hasten or slow it down. However, investigations into which genes are most affected by ageing have not uncovered a consistent pattern regarding gene function. Instead, vulnerability appears to be related to gene lengths.

Ander Izeta, co-author of the paper and of the Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute and Donostia University Hospital in Spain, points out that the focus on ageing-associated genes may be misplaced. Susceptibility to ageing seems more a matter of physical chance related to gene length than the specific functions or identities of the genes.

The researchers compared the problem to a road trip, where the longer the journey, the greater the chance of encountering problems. Some cell types are more prone to expressing long genes and are more susceptible to accumulating DNA damage over time. Non-dividing or rarely dividing cells are particularly vulnerable compared to those that divide rapidly, as the former have more time to accrue DNA damage and rely more heavily on DNA repair mechanisms, whereas the latter are generally short-lived.

Neural cells are mainly at risk. They are known for expressing longer genes and their slow or non-dividing nature, making them highly susceptible to ageing and neurodegeneration. Notably, many genes that prevent protein aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease are exceptionally long. Additionally, pediatric cancer survivors treated with DNA-damaging chemotherapy often experience premature ageing and neurodegeneration.

The researchers propose that damage to long genes could underlie many ageing characteristics. This damage correlates with known ageing accelerants and can be mitigated by established anti-ageing treatments like dietary restriction. This diet has been shown to limit DNA damage.

Another co-author, Thomas Stoeger of Northwestern University, notes that various ageing factors could lead to this length-dependent regulation, including different types of radiation, smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and oxidative stress.

Yet, while the link between long-gene expression decline and ageing is vital, proving causation remains a challenge. “Of course, you never know which came first, the egg or the chicken, but we can see a strong relationship between this phenomenon and many of the well-known hallmarks of ageing,” says Izeta.

In future studies, the research team plans to delve deeper into the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, its evolutionary implications, and its connection to neurodegeneration.

More information: Sourena Soheili-Nezhad, Olga Ibáñez-Solé, Ander Izeta, Jan H.J. Hoeijmakers, Thomas Stoeger et al, Time is ticking faster for long genes in aging, Trends in Genetics. DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.01.009

Journal information: Trends in Genetics Provided by Cell Press

Young adults who experience migraines, along with other unconventional risk factors, may face an increased risk of stroke

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Adults under the age of 35 to 45 may face a higher risk of stroke from less conventional risk factors like migraines than from traditional ones such as hypertension. This insight comes from recent research in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, endorsed by the American Heart Association. Typically, strokes are attributed to well-known risk factors, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, Type 2 diabetes, smoking habits, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol misuse, or coronary artery disease. However, current studies have indicated a rising occurrence of strokes in younger adults who do not have these risk factors.

Michelle Leppert, M.D., M.S., M.B.A., FAHA, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, Colorado, and the lead author of the study, expressed a desire to pinpoint the primary risk factors contributing to stroke risk among younger adults. Through the analysis of health insurance claim data from Colorado, the research team compared over 2,600 individuals who had experienced strokes with more than 7,800 who had not, aiming to identify the risk factors most commonly leading to strokes.

The findings revealed a significant association between unconventional stroke risk factors — such as migraines, blood clotting disorders, kidney failure, autoimmune diseases, or cancer — and stroke occurrence in individuals aged 18 to 44. This association was even more pronounced in those younger than 35. The study highlighted that:

– In the 18 to 34 age group, strokes linked to nontraditional risk factors were more prevalent (31% in men and about 43% in women) than those related to traditional risk factors (about 25% in men and more than 33% in women).
– Migraines emerged as the most significant nontraditional stroke risk factor in the 18 to 34 age bracket, contributing to 20% of strokes in men and nearly 35% in women.
– The influence of traditional stroke risk factors was most notable among adults aged 35 to 44, being associated with nearly 33% of strokes in men and about 40% in women.
– For individuals aged 45 to 55, nontraditional risk factors were responsible for over 19% of strokes in men and nearly 28% in women, with high blood pressure being the primary traditional risk factor in this age group, accounting for 28% of strokes in men and about 27% in women.
– The presence of each additional traditional or nontraditional risk factor was linked to an increased stroke risk across all sex and age categories.

Leppert emphasized the importance of not overlooking nontraditional stroke risk factors in favour of focusing solely on traditional ones, as both types are crucial in young people’s stroke development. The younger an individual at the time of their stroke, the more likely it is to be attributed to a nontraditional risk factor, necessitating a deeper understanding of these factors to devise targeted prevention strategies.

The study’s findings were unexpected, revealing that nontraditional risk factors hold equal importance to traditional ones in young adults’ stroke development. Astonishing was the significant role of migraines in stroke occurrence. This study, pioneering in highlighting the extent of stroke risk associated with migraines, utilized data from the Colorado All Payer Claims Database, covering 2012-2019, focusing on ischemic strokes caused by blood flow obstruction to the brain.

Despite its comprehensive data, the study faced limitations, such as potential inaccuracies in risk factor documentation and the absence of race and ethnicity information for many participants. Additionally, because the research was conducted in areas over a mile above sea level, its findings might only apply sometimes. This study underscores the need for heightened awareness and research into both traditional and nontraditional stroke risk factors among younger populations to understand better and mitigate the risk of stroke across all demographics.

More information: Michelle H. Leppert et al, Association of Traditional and Nontraditional Risk Factors in the Development of Strokes Among Young Adults by Sex and Age Group: A Retrospective Case-Control Study, Circulation. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03123-x

Journal information: Circulation Provided by American Heart Association

Factors contributing to the increased risk of frailty in old age vary between men and women

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Elderly individuals diagnosed with frailty syndrome require prioritization in primary healthcare settings due to their heightened susceptibility to falls, hospitalizations, disability, and premature mortality. This syndrome is identified by three or more of the following indicators: unintended weight loss, exhaustion, muscle weakness, slow walking speed, and a reduced level of physical activity.

Research conducted by the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in Brazil and University College London (UCL) in the UK has unveiled that the precursors to frailty in old age are distinct for men and women.

Funded by FAPESP, this investigation’s findings have been documented in an article in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics journal.

The study highlights that in men, the risk of developing frailty is escalated by osteoporosis, underweight, cardiac ailments, and impaired hearing. Conversely, in women, elevated fibrinogen levels (an indicator of cardiovascular disease), diabetes, and stroke significantly increase the risk of frailty.

These conclusions stem from an analysis of data involving 1,747 participants from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), a continuous survey initiated in 2002 that examines the interplay between health, functionality, social connections, and economic status among individuals aged 50 and above residing in England. The selected participants, aged 60 or older, were devoid of frailty syndrome at the outset and were not considered pre-frail. Their interviews and evaluations were conducted quadrennially from 2004 to 2016.

Tiago da Silva Alexandre, a professor in the Department of Gerontology at UFSCar and the study’s senior author, posited that frailty syndrome signals the potential for adverse outcomes in the elderly. The study revealed multiple pathways to frailty and highlighted significant gender disparities that policymakers must consider. These insights could inform gender-specific strategies and interventions in primary healthcare for older adults.

Alexandre further explained that frailty syndrome possesses a phenotype, meaning a collection of easily recognizable signs and symptoms aimed at identifying older adults at a greater risk of adverse health outcomes. The research seeks to identify the attributes that may predispose individuals to frailty, thereby aiding in anticipating potential issues and formulating public policies tailored to both men and women.

Originating from Dayane Capra de Oliveira’s doctoral research under Alexandre’s supervision, the study underscores the role of sex-specific differences in risk factors for frailty, largely attributed to differing social roles and resource access throughout life between men and women.

Oliveira noted that frailty is a multifactorial condition. For men, socioeconomic factors, skeletal muscle disorders, heart disease, and low weight are fundamental to the onset of frailty. In contrast, for women, cardiovascular and neuroendocrine disturbances primarily drive the condition.

The research also points out the higher prevalence of frailty syndrome in women, partly due to their longer life expectancy. According to Alexandre, this complexity arises from varying life spans and disease prevalence between genders, with women more frequently affected by chronic, disabling conditions, leading to a higher incidence of frailty syndrome.

While certain frailty risk factors are common to both genders, such as age, low educational levels, sedentary lifestyles, and depression, differences in body composition and fat distribution, particularly in old age, may lead to metabolic changes and disease development, increasing frailty risk.

The study’s focus on individuals aged 60 or older residing in England does not necessarily predict how these gender-specific differences will manifest in future generations. However, it was observed that men in the cohort were more exposed to various risk factors, including working conditions, unhealthy diets, less frequent medical consultations, and higher consumption of alcohol and other substances, elevating their risk of cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks.

In summary, the gender-specific differences highlighted by the study serve as a backdrop to different ageing processes, causes of death or disability, and types of frailty experienced by men and women, underscoring the need for tailored approaches in managing frailty syndrome among the elderly.

More information: Dayane Capra de Oliveira et al, Does the incidence of frailty differ between men and women over time?, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104880

Journal information: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Provided by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

It’s not just you: Young people appear and feel older when under stress

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A recent study has discovered that younger adults tend to look and feel older when they experience stress, particularly when they perceive they have less control over their lives.

“Shevaun Neupert, a professor of psychology at North Carolina State University and the corresponding author of the study, highlights the considerable amount of research indicating that stress causes older adults to feel their age or even older than they are,” says Neupert. “The existing literature suggests that feeling older than one’s actual age among seniors is linked with various adverse health outcomes. However, there needs to be more research focusing on this effect among younger adults – individuals in their teens, 20s, and 30s. Gaining a better understanding of how this phenomenon affects people across different age groups could aid in creating interventions to safeguard both mental and physical health.

Neupert also points out that this research comes at a critical time, as there appears to be a rise in the stress levels experienced by younger adults today, compared to the stress levels endured by previous generations at the same age.”

This study gathered data from 107 younger adults aged between 18 and 36 years, with the average participant being around 20 years old. Participants completed a baseline survey and detailed daily surveys over eight consecutive days. These daily surveys aimed to measure the participants’ daily stress levels, their perceived control over their lives on that day, and how old they felt and looked each day.

Neupert explains, “A significant observation from the study was that participants felt and appeared older on days when they reported higher than usual levels of stress, but this effect was only noted on days when they also felt they had less control over their daily lives than usual. It’s crucial to note that the measurements of both stress and control were relative.”

That means that participants reporting lower-than-usual stress levels still exhibited the ageing effect if their stress was higher than they typically reported. Similarly, those who felt they maintained significant control over their lives still showed the effect if they reported less power than usual.

“This finding broadens our understanding by showing that the aging effect of stress isn’t exclusive to older individuals; young people are affected too,” Neupert remarks. “This is particularly significant given the knowledge that chronic stress can lead to negative health outcomes and that people generally report higher levels of stress as they transition from young adulthood into midlife. Given that young people are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of stress for their age, and this stress influences their perceived age, it’s crucial for us to closely monitor the indicators used to evaluate the physical and mental health impacts of stress in this generation.”

More information: Sofia E. Lee et al, The effect of control beliefs on the relationship between daily stressors and subjective age in younger adults, Mental Health Science. DOI: 10.1002/mhs2.56

Journal information: Mental Health Science Provided by North Carolina State University

Selenium as an indicator of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged women

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A study published in the journal Aging, known in academic circles as “Aging (Albany NY)” according to MEDLINE/PubMed and as “Aging-US” by Web of Science, in its Volume 15, Issue 6, focuses on “Selenium as a predictor of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged women.”

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a significant and widespread clinical concern, increasingly recognised as an epidemic on a global scale. The trace element selenium is acknowledged for its pivotal role in maintaining metabolic equilibrium. Notably, its potential influence on the expression and functionality of PPAR-γ, a crucial factor in energy regulation and cellular differentiation, has been brought to light. In this groundbreaking research, the team comprising Daria Schneider-Matyka, Anna Maria Cybulska, Małgorzata Szkup, Bogumiła Pilarczyk, Mariusz Panczyk, Agnieszka Tomza-Marciniak, and Elżbieta Grochans from the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, alongside collaborators from the West Pomeranian University of Technology and the Medical University of Warsaw, embarked on an exploration of the interplay between selenium levels and MetS in women, a demographic particularly vulnerable to MetS as they age.

The core objective of the research was to elucidate the correlation between selenium levels and MetS, mainly focusing on how PPAR-γ impacts MetS incidence under the moderating influence of selenium.

The research encompassed 390 middle-aged women and was structured in several phases: a questionnaire segment, anthropometric data collection, and the biochemical analysis of blood samples for glycemia, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and selenium concentrations, along with a genetic study focusing on PPAR-γ polymorphisms. Findings indicated that selenium levels could modulate the impact of the G allele of the PPAR-γ gene on the development of increased waist circumference and elevated blood pressure, presenting a nuanced interplay between genetic factors and selenium in the metabolic profile. Higher selenium levels were associated with more favourable HDL cholesterol levels, especially among participants fitting the MetS diagnostic criteria.

The study’s conclusions are multifaceted. No direct effect of selenium on MetS or its components was established. The study did not demonstrate a direct impact of specific PPAR-γ gene alleles on MetS or its components. Selenium levels appeared to influence waist circumference among G allele carriers and arterial hypertension among carriers of both C and G alleles, likely through modulating PPAR-γ expression. Elevated selenium levels were correlated with an increased likelihood of higher HDL levels in individuals diagnosed with MetS.

This investigation underscores the complexity of selenium’s role in metabolic health, highlighting its potential implications for managing components of MetS such as waist size, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol levels. The researchers suggest that serum selenium concentrations are a noteworthy factor in addressing specific MetS components, aligning with the global health initiative to optimise selenium intake to counteract diseases linked to both selenium deficiency and excess. This study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced interactions between diet, genetics, and metabolic health, marking a significant step forward in our understanding of MetS and the potential for targeted nutritional interventions.

More information: Daria Schneider-Matyka et al, Selenium as a predictor of metabolic syndrome in middle age women, Aging-US. DOI: 10.18632/aging.204590

Journal information: Aging-US Provided by Impact Journals LLC

A wake-up call for everyone to establish consistent healthy sleeping patterns

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It has been conclusively determined that achieving the recommended nightly 7-9 hours of sleep is beyond the grasp of nearly a third of the population. This revelation comes from the expertise of Flinders University specialists, who have discovered that 31% of adults fall short of this optimal sleep duration.

An extensive international study involving thousands of adults and published in Sleep Health found that a mere 15% of participants managed to sleep within the recommended range of 7-9 hours for five or more nights each week. Moreover, even among those who averaged 7-9 hours per night throughout a nine-month monitoring period, around 40% of their nights needed to align with the ideal sleep duration.

This finding is of significant importance, as Dr Hannah Scott, a researcher at Flinders University, points out. The pattern of not getting enough sleep, or in some cases, getting too much, is linked with adverse health outcomes, and the ramifications of inconsistent sleep are just beginning to be understood. Dr Scott emphasises the difficulty many face in consistently achieving the recommended sleep range, particularly during the working week.

The study used sleep tracker data gathered through an under-mattress sensor to examine the sleep patterns of nearly 68,000 adults globally over nine months. This cohort comprised 67,254 adults, predominantly from Europe and North America, monitored using the Withings under-mattress Sleep Analyser.

The health implications of sleeping less than six hours on average per night are severe, including an increased risk of mortality and various conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and heart disease. Furthermore, sleeping less than seven or more than 9 hours daily is associated with a spectrum of adverse health and well-being outcomes, including issues related to digestion and neuro-behavioural health.

The study noted gender differences in sleep duration, with female participants generally achieving longer sleep than males, and age-related variations, where middle-aged individuals tended to sleep less than younger and older people.

Professor Danny Eckert, the co-author of the study, an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) leadership fellow, and director of Sleep Health research at Flinders University, calls for public health and advocacy efforts to support community and individual initiatives towards achieving more regular sleep within the recommended range. Prof. Eckert stresses the necessity of assisting individuals with chronic sleep difficulties and encouraging everyone to prioritise sleep for their health.

Additionally, the research highlights the correlation between regular snoring and hypertension, underscoring the wide-reaching effects of sleep patterns on health.

The Flinders sleep researchers offer several recommendations for improving sleep regimes. These include maintaining a regular sleep schedule to ensure restorative sleep, adjusting for unavoidable commitments like shift work, and being vigilant for symptoms of insufficient sleep. Experimenting with longer sleep schedules or naps might benefit those suspecting they are not getting enough sleep. The advice also extends to good sleep hygiene practices, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake and avoiding heavy meals before bedtime. Lastly, individuals concerned about their sleep are advised to consult their GP, who can refer them to sleep specialists for further assessment and treatment of sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea and insomnia.

More information: Hannah Scott, et al, Are we getting enough sleep? Frequent irregular sleep found in an analysis of over 11 million nights of objective in-home sleep data, Sleep Health. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2023.10.016

Journal information: Sleep Health Provided by Flinders University

Improved mental and physical well-being in the elderly linked to proximity to natural environments

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The availability of urban green and blue spaces, even in small increments, might be linked to improved mental and physical health among older adults, as per a study by Washington State University. The research revealed that a mere 10% increase in forest area within a person’s residential ZIP code could lessen severe psychological distress. This type of distress encompasses mental health issues that necessitate treatment and disrupt everyday activities, including work and social interactions. Similarly, a 10% augmentation in green spaces, including parks, tree canopies, water bodies, or trails, was associated with a decreased likelihood of older individuals reporting their overall health as poor or fair.

Adithya Vegaraju, the study’s lead author and a medical student at the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, commented on the implications of the findings. He suggested that reducing urban green and blue spaces due to swift urban development might pose environmental concerns and public health risks. The study, published in Health & Place, analyzed health survey data from over 42,000 individuals aged 65 and above residing in urban locales across Washington state from 2011 to 2019. The researchers correlated the health outcomes of these individuals, both general and mental, with various metrics measuring access to green and blue spaces within their residential ZIP codes. Approximately 2% of the surveyed participants exhibited signs of severe psychological distress, and 19% reported their general health status as fair or poor.

The research team presented early findings at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in April 2023, focusing on the link between severe psychological distress and proximity to the nearest green and blue spaces. The final study expanded on this by exploring additional factors, such as the percentage of green space, tree canopy, forest area, open space within ZIP codes, and trail lengths. It also considered how these factors correlate with self-reported general health while accounting for demographic differences among survey respondents, like race and education level.

Vegaraju highlighted the novelty of the study, pointing out that it’s among the first in the United States to explore how proximity to nature affects the health of older adults. This demographic is particularly susceptible to mental health issues like depression, which can heighten the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Moreover, older adults are often less inclined to seek treatment for their mental health conditions.

The study also touches on the potential of “nature prescriptions,” a concept where healthcare professionals prescribe time spent in natural settings to patients. This approach could be a novel way to combat mental health issues in the elderly. Solmaz Amiri, the senior study author, emphasized the need for further research to understand how nature exposure might contribute to better mental and general health and its potential role in mitigating cognitive decline, an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Amiri, a research assistant professor at the WSU College of Medicine and a researcher at the Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health (IREACH), hopes that the findings will help address health disparities among older adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. These disparities are often linked to unequal access to green and blue spaces in urban settings.

More information: Adithya Vegaraju et al, Urban green and blue spaces and general and mental health among older adults in Washington state: Analysis of BRFSS data between 2011-2019, Health & Place. DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103148

Journal information: Health & Place Provided by Washington State University

Mediterranean diet linked to reduced dementia risk

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A study suggests that adhering to a diet reminiscent of the traditional Mediterranean style, which includes an abundance of seafood, fruits, and nuts, could potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia by nearly one-quarter. Researchers from Newcastle University discovered that individuals following a diet similar to the Mediterranean model experienced a risk reduction for dementia of up to 23% compared to those who did not follow such a diet.

Published in BMC Medicine, this research stands out due to its scale. Past investigations into the topic have typically been constrained by smaller sample sizes and a limited number of dementia cases. This study significantly advances the understanding of the potential dietary influences on dementia risk.

The study’s methodology involved analyzing data from 60,298 UK Biobank participants, representing a broad cross-section of the UK population who had previously submitted detailed dietary information. The researchers assessed the participants’ diets based on their adherence to the critical characteristics of a Mediterranean diet. They followed the participants for nearly a decade, during which 882 instances of dementia were recorded.

An innovative aspect of the study was considering each participant’s genetic predisposition to dementia. This was evaluated through a polygenic risk score, which aggregates the impact of various genes associated with the risk of developing dementia.

The research team, led by Dr Oliver Shannon, Professor Emma Stevenson, and Professor David Llewellyn as joint senior authors, collaborated with experts from Edinburgh, UEA, and Exeter. This work is part of the Medical Research Council-funded NuBrain consortium.

Dr Shannon highlighted the importance of finding strategies to mitigate the risk of dementia, given the condition’s significant impact worldwide and the current lack of effective treatments. He emphasized that adopting a diet more aligned with Mediterranean principles could be a viable approach to reducing the risk of dementia.

The study found no significant interaction between the genetic risk of dementia and the positive effects of adhering to a Mediterranean diet. It suggests that even individuals with a higher genetic risk might lower their chances of developing dementia by improving their diet. However, the authors acknowledge the need for further research to explore the relationship between diet, genetics, and dementia risk more thoroughly.

Professor John Mathers reflected on the encouraging implications of the study, reinforcing the message that a better diet can decrease the likelihood of dementia, even among those at higher genetic risk. He advocated for more research to bolster the case for public health interventions focusing on dietary improvements.

The researchers caution that their findings primarily apply to white, British, or Irish individuals due to the study’s reliance on genetic data from European ancestry. They call for further investigation across diverse populations to fully understand the potential benefits of a Mediterranean diet in reducing dementia risk.

Concluding their findings, the authors propose that a diet rich in healthy plant-based foods, characteristic of the Mediterranean diet, should be considered an essential component of future strategies to lower the risk of dementia.

Dr Janice Ranson, a joint lead author from the University of Exeter, emphasized the long-term brain health advantages of consuming a Mediterranean diet. She suggested that future efforts to prevent dementia could extend beyond general healthy eating advice to include specific recommendations on increasing the intake of foods and nutrients vital for brain health.

More information: Oliver M. Shannon et al, Mediterranean diet adherence is associated with lower dementia risk, independent of genetic predisposition: findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study, BMC Medicine. DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02772-3

Journal information: BMC Medicine Provided by Newcastle University