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Women Can Experience Heart Attacks Even With Less Plaque Than Men

Women may have less artery-clogging plaque than men, yet this does not necessarily shield them from heart disease, according to new research published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, a journal of the American Heart Association. The findings challenge a long-held assumption that lower plaque levels automatically translate into lower cardiovascular risk. Instead, the study suggests that women can face comparable dangers even when the buildup within their arteries appears less severe.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of illness and death both in the United States and globally. Data from the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics highlight the scale of the issue, affecting millions of people each year. Previous research has consistently shown that women tend to have a lower prevalence of arterial plaque than men, which has often been interpreted as a protective factor. However, the new study indicates that this difference may not provide the level of protection once believed.

To better understand how plaque levels relate to heart risk, researchers analysed health data from more than 4,200 adults, with women making up over half of the participants. All individuals had stable chest pain but no prior diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Participants were randomly assigned to undergo coronary computed tomography angiography, an imaging technique that uses X-rays to examine the heart and blood vessels. They were then monitored for approximately two years to track outcomes such as heart attacks, hospitalisations, or death.

The study revealed clear differences in plaque presence between men and women. About 55% of women had plaque in their coronary arteries compared to 75% of men. In addition, women had significantly lower volumes of plaque overall, with a median measurement of 78 mm³ versus 156 mm³ in men. Despite these differences, the likelihood of serious outcomes remained similar. Rates of death, non-fatal heart attack, or hospital admission for chest pain were 2.3% in women and 3.4% in men, indicating that lower plaque levels did not correspond to markedly lower risk.

Researchers also found that women began to face increased cardiovascular risk at lower plaque thresholds than men. For total plaque burden, women’s risk started to rise at around 20%, whereas men’s risk increased at approximately 28%. As plaque levels grew, the associated risk escalated more sharply in women. One possible explanation is that women typically have smaller coronary arteries, meaning even modest plaque accumulation can have a greater impact on blood flow and overall heart health.

Experts say the findings highlight important biological differences in how cardiovascular disease develops and affects men and women. These differences can influence everything from risk factors and symptoms to treatment outcomes. The study underscores the need for more tailored approaches to assessing and managing heart disease in women, as traditional definitions of “high risk” may underestimate their vulnerability. With cardiovascular disease accounting for 433,254 deaths among females of all ages—nearly half of all cardiovascular-related deaths—the research adds to growing evidence that improved awareness and targeted care are essential for reducing its impact.

More information: Jan Brendel et al, Risk in Women Emerges at Lower Coronary Plaque Burden Than in Men: PROMISE Trial, Circulation Cardiovascular Imaging. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.125.019011

Journal information: Circulation Cardiovascular Imaging Provided by American Heart Association

Clinical pilot study shows potential of low-dose lithium in slowing verbal memory loss

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Lithium, a treatment long used for bipolar disorder, may offer neuroprotective effects that extend beyond mood stabilisation. An exploratory clinical trial conducted by the University of Pittsburgh suggests that low-dose oral lithium could help slow the decline of verbal memory—the ability to remember and recall words and sentences—in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The potential benefit appeared most pronounced among individuals with evidence of amyloid beta, a key biomarker associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The study, published in JAMA Neurology on 2 March, was designed to address an important early-stage question: whether lithium shows enough promise to justify a larger clinical trial focused on slowing cognitive decline linked to Alzheimer’s disease. While lithium has been studied for decades in psychiatric contexts, its possible role in neurodegeneration remains an area of active investigation.

The research was led by Dr Ariel Gildengers, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh and a geriatric psychiatrist at UPMC. His previous work found that older adults with bipolar disorder who used lithium over long periods tended to show signs of better brain integrity. These earlier findings provided the scientific basis for testing whether lithium’s apparent protective effects on the brain might also apply beyond mood disorders.

To explore this question, the research team designed a two-year clinical trial involving adults aged 60 and above who had mild cognitive impairment. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a low dose of lithium or a placebo. Over the course of the study, which concluded in August 2024, participants underwent annual evaluations that included detailed cognitive assessments, high-resolution brain imaging, and analysis of biological markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The results indicated that those receiving lithium experienced a slower rate of decline in verbal memory, a cognitive function that is often affected early in Alzheimer’s disease. Although the findings were not definitive, they were considered encouraging, particularly in this domain. Brain imaging revealed that the hippocampus, a region essential for memory, decreased in size over time in both groups. However, exploratory analyses suggested that participants with amyloid beta showed potentially greater benefit from lithium, hinting at a biological effect that warrants further study. Importantly, the treatment was found to be safe and well-tolerated when carefully monitored.

One limitation of the study was that participants were selected based on clinical symptoms rather than confirmed amyloid status, as blood-based diagnostic tools were not widely available when the trial began. This may have reduced the ability to detect stronger effects. Future research aims to address this by using modern biomarker testing to enrol participants more precisely. Researchers are now seeking support for a larger trial that could determine whether lithium can meaningfully delay cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. While the current findings are preliminary, they suggest that further investigation is both feasible and justified.

More information: Ariel Gildengers et al, Low-Dose Lithium for Mild Cognitive Impairment A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA Neurology. DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2026.0072

Journal information: JAMA Neurology Provided by University of Pittsburgh

Majority of Older Adults in England Regard Climate Change as a Serious Issue

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Six in ten older people in England consider climate change a serious risk. At the same time, only a small minority—around one in 17 (5.8%)—dismiss such concerns altogether, according to new research led by University College London (UCL). The findings challenge common assumptions that older generations are largely disengaged from environmental issues, instead revealing widespread recognition of climate-related threats among this population.

The study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, analysed survey responses from 6,572 individuals aged 50 and over across England. Participants were asked to indicate their level of agreement with a series of statements relating to climate change, allowing researchers to assess both awareness and attitudes towards environmental risks.

Based on these responses, the research team categorised participants into several distinct groups. Around 30% were classified as highly engaged with climate change, while a further 31% were considered engaged. Just over one fifth (22%) were uncertain or ambivalent, expressing mixed or unclear views. Smaller groups included those who were aware of the risks but felt fatalistic about the ability to address them (11%), and a minority who were dismissive (5.8%).

Age differences were also evident in how respondents viewed climate change. Individuals in their 50s were more likely to be highly engaged, whereas those in their 70s and beyond were more commonly found in the “risk-aware but fatalistic” category. These individuals recognised the seriousness of climate change but believed it was too late to take meaningful action, highlighting a sense of resignation among some older age groups.

The study further identified social and economic patterns linked to climate attitudes. Participants who were more financially secure, better educated, and socially active were significantly more likely to be engaged or highly engaged with climate risks. In contrast, those experiencing financial hardship or with lower levels of education were more likely to report uncertainty or ambivalence, suggesting that access to information and resources may shape environmental awareness.

Survey responses also revealed strong overall concern about climate impacts. A large majority (82%) agreed that people in the UK would be affected by climate change within the next 30 years, while 64% believed that continuing current trends could lead to a major environmental disaster. At the same time, nearly one-third of respondents felt that climate change was already beyond control. Researchers noted that older adults are not only vulnerable to climate-related events such as heatwaves and flooding, but also represent an influential group with high levels of political participation, meaning they have considerable potential to shape future climate action and policy.

More information: Giorgio Di Gessa et al, Attitudes toward Climate Change Risk Among Older People: New Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbag029

Journal information: The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences Provided by University College London

New study reveals staffing levels in care homes may help prevent harmful falls

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A new study has found that nursing homes with higher staffing levels tend to report fewer injurious falls among long-stay residents, highlighting the importance of adequate workforce support in long-term care settings. Conversely, facilities operating with insufficient staffing were associated with increased rates of falls, suggesting that staffing shortages may directly impact resident safety. These findings reinforce growing concerns about how workforce capacity influences the quality of care in nursing homes.

Falls remain one of the most common and serious safety issues affecting older adults in long-term care. They frequently lead to physical injury, reduced independence, and a decline in overall wellbeing, while also contributing to rising healthcare costs. Despite the significance of this issue, large-scale research exploring how staffing patterns affect fall-related injuries in nursing homes has been relatively limited until now.

The study, titled “Falls in the Nursing Home: The Impact of Staffing Levels and Agency Staff Use on Injurious Falls,” was published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. It examined data from more than 1.1 million Medicare beneficiaries across 11,183 nursing homes. Researchers focused on the relationship between total staffing hours, the use of temporary agency staff, and rates of injurious falls. A benchmark of 2.45 certified nursing assistant (CNA) hours per resident per day was used to define recommended staffing levels, with nearly 30% of facilities meeting this threshold and over 70% falling below it.

Findings showed that nursing homes meeting recommended CNA staffing levels, alongside increased hours for both CNAs and registered nurses, experienced significantly lower rates of injurious falls. In well-staffed facilities, each additional hour of registered nurse coverage was linked to nearly a 40% reduction in such incidents. This suggests that both the quantity and skill mix of staff play a crucial role in protecting residents from harm.

However, the study also revealed a more complex pattern in under-resourced facilities. Among nursing homes that did not meet recommended CNA staffing levels, increases in CNA hours were paradoxically associated with higher rates of injurious falls. This indicates that simply adding staffing hours without addressing broader systemic shortages or organisational challenges may not lead to improved outcomes and could even have unintended consequences.

Overall, the results underscore the nuanced relationship between staffing patterns and resident safety. Effective improvements depend not only on increasing staff numbers but also on ensuring adequate baseline resources and a balanced staffing structure. As co-author Sarah Berry, MD, MPH, noted, ensuring resident safety requires tailored staffing strategies. While meeting recommended CNA and RN levels can significantly reduce harmful falls, addressing wider staffing shortages and resource gaps remains essential for meaningful and sustained improvements in care quality.

More information: Jenna S. Khoja et al, Falls in the Nursing Home: The Impact of Staffing Levels and Agency Staff Use on Injurious Falls, Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2025.106083

Journal information: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association Provided by Hebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research

Exercise and Nutritional Support May Help Reduce Care Dependency in Dementia

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A simple combination of daily physical exercise and protein-rich nutritional drinks may offer meaningful health benefits for people living with dementia. Researchers from Karolinska Institutet report that participants who followed this routine showed improvements in their physical capabilities. After three months, the researchers also observed indications that some individuals were able to manage more everyday tasks independently. The findings were published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia, contributing to growing evidence that relatively straightforward lifestyle interventions can influence health and independence among older adults in care settings.

Older adults who live in residential care facilities frequently face several health challenges, including a higher risk of malnutrition, reduced muscle strength, and increasing frailty. These factors can significantly affect both overall wellbeing and daily functioning. Previous work from the OPEN study has already demonstrated that this programme can improve physical function and support better muscle mass and nutritional status among residents. The latest research builds on those earlier findings by examining whether the same programme also influences the amount of assistance individuals require in their daily routines.

The analysis included 102 residents from eight nursing homes located in the Stockholm region. Participants in the intervention group followed a structured routine for twelve weeks. This routine involved performing short standing exercises several times throughout the day while also consuming one or two protein-enriched nutritional drinks. These drinks were designed to help increase protein intake, which is often insufficient among older adults, particularly those living in care environments where appetite loss or illness can make adequate nutrition difficult to maintain.

Throughout the study period, researchers closely monitored the level of support participants required for routine daily activities. These included personal hygiene, getting dressed, and moving from one place to another within the care facility. Such tasks are commonly used as indicators of functional independence because they reflect how well individuals can manage essential aspects of daily life without assistance. By comparing the intervention group with a control group that did not follow the programme, the researchers aimed to determine whether improvements in physical strength and nutrition translated into practical changes in care needs.

When the research team analysed the results across all residents collectively, they did not observe a clear overall difference between the intervention and control groups. However, a more detailed analysis revealed an interesting pattern once the results were separated according to ward type. Among residents living in dementia units, those who had participated in the exercise and nutrition programme demonstrated improvements in their functional abilities. As a result, they required less time from staff for assistance compared with residents in the control group.

According to Anders Wimo, a researcher at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society at Karolinska Institutet, one possible explanation lies in the physical condition of residents within dementia wards. Some individuals in these units may retain enough physical capacity to respond positively to targeted exercise and nutritional support. When their strength and function improve, they may regain the ability to perform certain tasks independently, which can reduce their reliance on caregivers for everyday activities.

The researchers also note that earlier interviews conducted as part of related sub-studies suggest improved physical function may influence how much help a person needs in various situations. Nevertheless, they emphasise that the current findings should be interpreted cautiously because the analysis was conducted retrospectively as a secondary outcome. Further research is therefore needed, particularly studies designed specifically to measure care time as a primary outcome. Future work should also consider organisational factors, such as staffing levels and workplace routines, which may influence how improvements in residents’ abilities translate into actual changes in care provision.

More information: Anders Wimo et al, Impact of an exercise and nutrition program on caregiver time with residents in institutional care—A secondary analysis, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.71198

Journal information: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Prenatal Lead Exposure Connected to Lower Cognitive Ability in Adulthood

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A study published on 18 February 2026 in Neurology suggests that exposure to lead before birth may be linked to reduced cognitive performance later in life. Researchers found that female participants who had higher levels of prenatal lead exposure tended to perform worse on tests that measured thinking and memory skills when they were around sixty years old. The authors of the study emphasised that their findings show an association rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship. In other words, while prenatal lead exposure was related to lower test scores decades later, the research does not prove that lead exposure itself caused the decline in cognitive performance.

The research was led by Ruby C. Hickman, who conducted the study while working at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Hickman explained that lead exposure in the United States reached its highest levels during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Many people born during those decades are now entering middle age or older adulthood, a period when the long-term effects of early environmental exposures may become more noticeable. According to Hickman, examining how prenatal exposures influence cognitive health later in life is important for understanding the lasting impact of environmental hazards.

To estimate the participants’ early exposure to lead, researchers relied on an unusual and valuable source of biological evidence: baby teeth. Decades earlier, between 1958 and 1972, parents living in the St. Louis, Missouri area had donated their children’s baby teeth to a separate study that focused on radiation exposure. The teeth were carefully preserved, creating a unique historical record. Many years later, the research team worked to locate the individuals who had originally donated those teeth and invited them to participate in new testing designed to measure their cognitive abilities.

Baby teeth provide important information about environmental exposure because they absorb substances from the body as they form. As teeth develop, elements such as lead can become incorporated into their structure. By analysing the chemical composition of these teeth, scientists can estimate the level of lead that individuals were exposed to before birth and during early childhood. Using this approach allowed researchers to reconstruct prenatal exposure levels even though several decades had passed since the participants were born.

In total, the study included 715 participants who were successfully located and agreed to take part in the research. The average age of the participants was approximately sixty-two. Each participant completed a series of cognitive tests on their home computers or digital devices, allowing researchers to evaluate their thinking and memory skills. The baby teeth from these participants were also analysed for lead content. The median concentration of lead in the teeth was found to be 1.34 parts per million, providing a measure of the participants’ early exposure levels.

The results showed that among female participants, higher levels of prenatal lead exposure were associated with lower scores on cognitive tests later in life. Specifically, each increase of one part per million in lead concentration during the second trimester of pregnancy corresponded with test scores that were 0.16 standard deviations lower. In the researchers’ analysis, this difference was roughly equivalent to about three additional years of cognitive ageing. The researchers also noted that the study had limitations, including the fact that most participants were white and had relatively high educational and socioeconomic backgrounds during childhood, which means the findings may not apply equally to more diverse populations.

More information: Ruby C. Hickman et al, Prenatal and Early Postnatal Lead Exposure and Later Adulthood Cognitive Function in the St. Louis Baby Tooth–Later Life Health Study, Neurology. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000214616

Journal information: Neurology Provided by American Academy of Neurology

Blood Test May Help Predict Longevity, According to New Study

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As people grow older, it can be difficult to tell who will continue to enjoy healthy years and who may face a serious health decline. A new study suggests that some clues may already be present in the bloodstream. Scientists say certain molecules found in blood could help indicate survival chances in older adults.

Researchers from Duke Health, working with the University of Minnesota, discovered that tiny RNA molecules called piRNAs may help predict whether older adults are likely to live at least two more years. The findings were published on February 25 in the journal Aging Cell. The results suggest that a simple blood test might one day help doctors identify health risks earlier.

The study found that just a small group of these molecules could provide strong predictions. According to lead researcher Virginia Byers Kraus, the combination of a few piRNAs predicted two-year survival more accurately than age, lifestyle habits, or other health measurements examined in the study. She said the team was surprised that such strong signals came from a basic blood test.

Scientists analysed blood samples from adults aged 71 and older. They noticed that people who had lower levels of certain piRNAs tended to live longer. Previous research has shown that these molecules help control important processes in the body, including development, regeneration, and the immune system.

To conduct the research, the team used artificial intelligence and machine learning to study 187 clinical factors and more than 800 small RNA molecules. They analysed over 1,200 blood samples from a large group of participants in North Carolina. Their statistical models showed that a group of six piRNAs could predict two-year survival with an accuracy of up to 86 per cent, and the results were confirmed in another group of older adults.

Researchers also compared piRNAs with common health indicators such as age, cholesterol levels, and physical activity. The small RNA molecules performed better at predicting short-term survival than these traditional measures. Scientists now plan to study whether treatments, lifestyle changes, or medications influence piRNA levels, which could help develop new ways to support healthier ageing.

More information: Virginia Byers Kraus et al, Select Small Non-Coding RNAs Are Determinants of Survival in Older Adults, Aging Cell. DOI: 10.1111/acel.70403

Journal information: Aging Cell Provided by Duke University Medical Center

Study Suggests Certain Health Conditions May Indicate Future Alzheimer’s Risk

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A new study led by researchers at Vanderbilt Health has identified a range of medical conditions that frequently appear years before a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The research, published in the journal Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, suggests that recognising these conditions earlier in life could help scientists and clinicians develop strategies to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s or delay its onset. By identifying patterns in large health datasets, the study provides new insight into the long development process of the disease and highlights potential opportunities for earlier intervention.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that develops slowly over decades, gradually affecting memory, thinking and behaviour. Previous research has already linked certain midlife health issues to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life. Conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and stroke have been identified as important risk factors. However, researchers say that the full range of medical conditions that might signal increased Alzheimer’s risk has remained relatively limited. The new study aimed to expand that list and identify additional health conditions that may appear long before clinical symptoms become noticeable.

“If we know the full inventory of medical conditions that predict Alzheimer’s disease development 10 or more years later, we can potentially intervene before clinical symptoms of memory or cognitive impairment become apparent,” said Xue Zhong, PhD, research assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Genetic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology. Zhong explained that delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by even five years could significantly reduce the number of people affected. Some projections suggest that such a delay could cut the overall incidence of the disease by about half. Zhong served as co-corresponding author of the study alongside Nancy Cox, PhD, professor of Medicine.

To systematically identify medical conditions associated with Alzheimer’s development, the research team analysed de-identified electronic health records from two large and independent databases. The first was the MarketScan claims database, which contains health information from more than 150 million individuals across the United States. The second was the electronic health record system at Vanderbilt Health, which includes approximately three million patients. The MarketScan dataset served as the discovery cohort, allowing researchers to identify potential associations, while the Vanderbilt dataset was used to validate the findings independently.

Within the MarketScan database, researchers identified 43,508 individuals who had received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and compared them with 419,455 individuals of similar age and sex who had not developed the disease. In the Vanderbilt Health dataset, the team analysed 1,320 Alzheimer’s cases and 12,720 matched control participants. By examining medical records covering the decade before an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and comparing patterns between the two groups, researchers were able to identify health conditions that appeared more frequently among people who later developed Alzheimer’s.

The analysis revealed more than seventy medical conditions that consistently appeared in both databases before an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Many of these fell into several broad categories. Mental health conditions were common, including depression and severe neuropsychiatric symptoms such as paranoia, psychosis and suicidal thoughts. Neurological and sleep-related issues also appeared frequently, including insomnia, hypersomnia and sleep apnoea. Cardiovascular and circulatory conditions, such as essential hypertension, cerebral atherosclerosis and cerebral ischaemia, were also identified. In addition, endocrine and metabolic conditions — particularly type 2 diabetes — were among the potential indicators.

To explore possible genetic links, researchers analysed data from two large DNA biobanks: Vanderbilt Health’s BioVU and the UK Biobank. They identified nineteen conditions that were associated either with individual genetic risk variants or with a broader polygenic risk score linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Although the associations found in electronic health records do not prove that these conditions directly cause Alzheimer’s, the researchers say the findings provide a valuable roadmap for earlier risk recognition and prevention-focused research. The study also confirmed well-known risk factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol, suggesting that managing these conditions in midlife through healthier lifestyles or medication could help reduce Alzheimer’s risk. Interestingly, the researchers also observed an inverse relationship between cancer and Alzheimer’s disease — a pattern previously reported in epidemiological studies — and they are now investigating the biological mechanisms behind this phenomenon in hopes of uncovering new therapeutic possibilities.

More information: Xue Zhong et al, Longitudinal analysis of electronic health records reveals medical conditions associated with subsequent Alzheimer’s disease development, Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy. DOI: 10.1186/s13195-025-01914-4

Journal information: Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy Provided by Vanderbilt University Medical Center

New Study Reveals Way to Watch and Reverse Key Chemical Process Linked to Alzheimer’s

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A recent study conducted at Oregon State University has provided new insight into a chemical process associated with Alzheimer’s disease, offering a potential pathway for improving future drug development. A scientist from the university, working alongside a team of undergraduate researchers, examined how molecular interactions linked to the disease occur in real time. By observing these reactions as they happened in a laboratory environment, the researchers were able to gain a clearer understanding of how certain chemical processes contribute to the progression of the condition. Their work aims to deepen scientific knowledge about the molecular behaviour behind Alzheimer’s while helping guide the design of more effective treatments in the future.

The team employed a specialised molecule-measuring technique that allowed them to closely observe how particular metal ions influence proteins connected with Alzheimer’s. These metals can trigger a process in which proteins begin to clump together, forming structures that interfere with the brain’s communication pathways. In the laboratory experiments, the scientists monitored how these metals interacted with amyloid-beta proteins, the substances widely associated with the development of Alzheimer’s-related damage in the brain. Being able to watch the process unfold moment by moment allowed the researchers to capture details that had previously remained difficult to observe in conventional experiments.

The study was led by Marilyn Rampersad Mackiewicz, an associate professor of chemistry in the university’s College of Science. Her research group focused on analysing both the formation of protein clusters and the ways certain molecules might interfere with that process. During their experiments, the team observed how compounds known as chelators could interrupt or even reverse the clumping of proteins. The findings, published in the scientific journal ACS Omega, suggest that observing these reactions in real time could provide researchers with new ways to evaluate potential therapeutic approaches.

Alzheimer’s disease remains the most common form of dementia, a chronic neurological condition characterised by declining cognitive ability and memory loss. The disease affects millions of people worldwide, particularly older adults, and has a significant emotional and social impact on families and caregivers. In individuals with Alzheimer’s, clusters of amyloid-beta proteins accumulate in the brain and disrupt communication between nerve cells. Although certain metals are essential for normal brain function, an imbalance in their concentration can contribute to these harmful protein aggregations, worsening the disruption of neural pathways.

In their experiments, the researchers examined how chelators—molecules that bind tightly to metal ions—interacted with these metals during the aggregation process. Using a method called fluorescence anisotropy, the team found that one chelator successfully captured metal ions but did so indiscriminately, binding to several types rather than focusing only on those linked to harmful protein clumping. Another chelator, however, showed a stronger ability to selectively target copper ions, which are believed to play an important role in triggering amyloid-beta aggregation. Observing these differences helped the researchers understand how specific molecular properties can influence the success of potential treatments.

The research also highlighted the value of studying chemical interactions as they occur rather than only examining the outcome of an experiment. By measuring the reactions second by second, the scientists were able to determine not just whether a molecule disrupted protein aggregation, but precisely how and when the disruption occurred. The team emphasised that although therapies based on these discoveries remain years away, the ability to observe and quantify these processes offers an important step forward. Future research will involve testing the findings in more complex biological environments, including cellular models and preclinical studies, in order to refine further strategies for designing treatments that may one day help counteract the damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

More information: Alyssa N. Schroeder et al, Selective Reversal of Cu-Amyloid Aggregation Monitored in Real Time by Fluorescence Anisotropy: Ni-Bme-Dach vs EDTA Benchmarks, ACS Omega. DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c11345

Journal information: ACS Omega Provided by Oregon State University

Fibre-Rich Diet Tied to Better Heart Health for People Working Night Shifts

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People who work night shifts face a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease, one of the most common forms of heart disease. A new study suggests that diet may help reduce this risk. Researchers found that a higher intake of dietary fibre was associated with better heart health among individuals who work overnight. The findings are based on data from more than 220,000 adults in the United Kingdom and were published in the journal European Journal of Epidemiology.

The human body is naturally designed to follow a daily rhythm in which people are awake during the day and asleep at night. Working overnight disrupts this internal biological clock, known as the circadian rhythm. When this rhythm is repeatedly disturbed, it can place additional strain on the body and has been linked to several long-term health problems, including a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

Previous studies have already shown that night shift work is associated with a higher likelihood of coronary artery disease. Because many professions require overnight schedules and night work is often unavoidable, researchers wanted to investigate whether certain dietary habits might help offset some of the increased risk faced by these workers.

To explore this question, the research team analysed data from participants in the UK Biobank collected between 2006 and 2010. The participants were divided into three groups: people who worked only daytime hours, those who worked night shifts occasionally, and those who regularly worked night shifts. All participants had completed detailed questionnaires describing their dietary habits, including their intake of dietary fibre.

After approximately 12 years of follow-up, the researchers compared the incidence of coronary artery disease among the different groups. They found that night shift workers who consumed lower amounts of fibre had a higher risk of developing the condition compared with those who consumed more fibre. The pattern was particularly noticeable among individuals who worked night shifts on a regular basis.

According to lead author Diana Nôga, a researcher at Uppsala University, even moderate fibre intake appeared to be linked to benefits. Among regular night shift workers, consuming around 19 grams of fibre per day was associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease. For those who worked night shifts only occasionally, about 15 grams per day showed a similar relationship. For comparison, current general dietary guidelines recommend that adults aim for roughly 25 grams of fibre each day.

The researchers stress that these findings do not represent new official dietary recommendations. Instead, they highlight a pattern observed in the study population: higher fibre consumption was linked with a lower risk of heart disease among night shift workers. Fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes and lentils may therefore help support heart health. However, dietary changes should complement other healthy habits such as regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, and getting adequate sleep.

More information: Diana Nôga et al, Night shift work, dietary patterns, and coronary heart disease, European Journal of Epidemiology. DOI: 10.1007/s10654-026-01362-w

Journal information: European Journal of Epidemiology Provided by Uppsala University

Yale Study Suggests Growing Older May Bring Improvement Rather Than Decline

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Ageing in later life is frequently portrayed as a gradual and unavoidable decline in both physical strength and mental sharpness. However, new research from scientists at Yale University presents a different perspective. The study suggests that many older adults actually improve over time, and that their attitudes toward ageing can significantly influence how well they age.

Becca R. Levy, a professor of social and behavioural sciences at the Yale School of Public Health, led the research. By analysing more than a decade of data from a large national survey of older Americans, Levy found that nearly half of adults aged 65 and older demonstrated measurable improvements in cognitive abilities, physical function, or both. These changes occurred across a broad population rather than within a small group of exceptional individuals.

The study followed more than 11,000 participants from the long-running Health and Retirement Study. Researchers evaluated cognitive performance using a comprehensive assessment. They measured physical function through walking speed, a metric often described by geriatric specialists as a key indicator of overall health because of its strong relationship with disability, hospitalisation, and mortality. Over as many as twelve years of follow-up, 45 per cent of participants improved in at least one of these areas.

More specifically, about 32 per cent of participants showed improvements in cognitive performance, while 28 per cent improved in physical functioning. Many experienced gains large enough to be considered clinically meaningful. When individuals whose cognitive scores remained stable over the same period were included, more than half of the participants contradicted the widely held belief that cognitive ability must steadily deteriorate in later life.

The researchers also explored why some individuals improved while others did not. One important factor appeared to be people’s existing beliefs about ageing. Participants who held more positive views about getting older were significantly more likely to experience improvements in both cognition and walking speed, even after accounting for influences such as age, education, chronic health conditions, depression, and the length of the study period.

These findings align with Levy’s Stereotype Embodiment Theory, which proposes that cultural stereotypes about ageing can gradually become internalised and influence health outcomes. The study suggests that because beliefs about ageing can change, there may be opportunities for interventions at both personal and societal levels. Encouraging more positive views of ageing could help support programmes focused on prevention, rehabilitation, and other initiatives that allow older adults to maintain and even improve their abilities over time.

More information: Becca R. Levy et al, Aging Redefined: Cognitive and Physical Improvement with Positive Age Beliefs, Geriatrics. DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics11020028

Journal information: Geriatrics Provided by Yale University

Changes in brain blood flow and oxygen supply may provide early warning signs of Alzheimer’s

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Subtle alterations in the way blood circulates through the brain and how brain tissue uses oxygen may be closely associated with the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research from the Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute (Stevens INI) at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. The findings suggest that changes in the brain’s vascular system may be detectable before clear symptoms of cognitive decline appear. Researchers believe that examining these early physiological signals could help scientists better understand the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease and potentially identify individuals who are at greater risk long before memory problems become noticeable.

The study, published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, examined whether noninvasive measures of brain blood flow and oxygenation were linked to biological features commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers analysed older adults both with and without cognitive impairment and compared vascular measurements with established brain markers of the disease. They discovered that these measures were related to key changes such as the accumulation of amyloid proteins and reductions in the size of the hippocampus, a region of the brain that plays a central role in memory. These findings support the idea that vascular health may influence the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s development.

Scientists have traditionally focused on proteins such as amyloid and tau as the primary drivers of Alzheimer’s disease. Still, growing evidence suggests that the brain’s blood supply and oxygen delivery also play an important role. The lead author of the study explained that the results indicate a strong relationship between healthy vascular function and better indicators of cognitive health. When blood vessels in the brain behaved in ways more typical of healthy ageing, researchers also observed brain features that were associated with a lower likelihood of cognitive decline. This connection highlights the possibility that maintaining healthy blood flow to the brain could be important for protecting long-term brain function.

To examine these processes, the research team used two noninvasive technologies that can monitor brain physiology while participants rest quietly. One technique, transcranial Doppler ultrasound, measures the speed at which blood travels through the brain’s major arteries. The other method, near-infrared spectroscopy, detects how effectively oxygen reaches brain tissue near the surface of the cortex. By combining data from these methods with advanced mathematical modelling, researchers created indicators that reflect how effectively the brain regulates blood flow and oxygen delivery in response to natural fluctuations in blood pressure and carbon dioxide levels.

Participants who scored higher on these indicators—meaning their brain blood vessels functioned more similarly to those of cognitively healthy individuals—showed lower levels of amyloid plaques and had larger hippocampal volumes. Both characteristics are widely recognised as signs of a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers also observed that individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia tended to display weaker vascular indicators than cognitively healthy participants. This pattern supports the growing view that reduced cerebrovascular function may be part of the broader continuum of Alzheimer’s disease rather than simply a consequence of later-stage degeneration.

The researchers emphasise that these findings do not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Instead, the study provides a snapshot showing that vascular health and established Alzheimer’s markers are closely linked. However, the techniques used in the research are less expensive and easier to perform than traditional brain imaging methods such as MRI or PET scans. Because they do not require injections, radiation, or demanding tasks from patients, they may eventually prove useful for large-scale screening or for individuals who cannot tolerate more intensive imaging procedures. Long-term studies are now underway to determine whether changes in these vascular signals can predict future cognitive decline or reveal whether improving vascular health might help slow Alzheimer’s-related brain changes.

More information: Amaryllis A. Tsiknia et al, Cerebrovascular regulation dynamics and Alzheimer’s neuroimaging phenotypes, Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. DOI: 10.1002/alz.71146

Journal information: Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association Provided by Keck School of Medicine of USC