Author Archives: support

Neighbourhood walkability linked to lower stress levels during COVID-19

A recent study from the University of New Hampshire has revealed that communities designed to be more walkable offered significant mental health benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. In neighbourhoods where people could easily step outside and go for a walk, residents were less likely to experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety. The research highlights how something as simple as access to safe, walkable streets helped to reduce the psychological burden of living through an unprecedented global crisis.

Karen Conway, professor of economics at UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, described walking as a crucial outlet during those uncertain times. “The unknown of the pandemic was difficult, but to be able to get outside and simply go for a walk was a salvation for many people,” she explained. She noted that her own family, with all of her adult children back home during lockdowns, relied on daily walks as a way to cope. Beyond the physical exercise, it became a source of connection, offering opportunities to wave at neighbours across the street and briefly reclaim a sense of normality.

The study, published in Health Economics and co-authored with Andrea K. Menclova of the University of Canterbury, analysed national census and survey data to measure the relationship between walkability and mental health. Using the Environmental Protection Agency’s 0–20 Walkability Index, the researchers found that even a modest improvement of four points on the scale was associated with a four per cent reduction in mental health deterioration related to the pandemic. This finding underscores how relatively minor changes to neighbourhood design can have tangible impacts on well-being.

To strengthen their conclusions, the researchers compared data collected before the pandemic (2018–2019) with figures from the peak years of the crisis (2020–2021). Drawing on more than 55,000 Census tracts across the United States, they matched the EPA’s walkability measures with mental health surveys from the CDC. By focusing on variations within the same counties, they could account for broader cultural and environmental similarities while isolating walkability as a distinct local factor. This approach revealed that even in areas facing the same policy restrictions and health outcomes, levels of psychological distress varied depending on the neighbourhood’s walkability.

The benefits of walkability stem from multiple overlapping influences. Walking promoted physical activity, encouraged time outdoors, and fostered social ties within communities. While walking for commuting declined due to lockdowns and remote work, leisure walking increased sharply, often centred around residential areas. These local walks were not only a form of exercise but also a means of social engagement, however modest, and this combination of activity and connection provided a buffer against the mental strain of isolation.

Although the research focused specifically on the pandemic, its implications extend to other stressors in everyday life. Walkable communities may help people cope with challenges such as bereavement, divorce, job loss, or general anxiety. The findings highlight the importance of integrating walkability into urban planning and public health policy, from adding sidewalks and pedestrian crossings to implementing traffic-calming measures. By prioritising walkability, cities and towns can foster resilience, improve mental health, and build communities that are better prepared to withstand future crises.

More information: Karen Smith Conway et al, Walkability and Mental Health Resiliency During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Health Economics. DOI: 10.1002/hec.70013

Journal information: Health Economics Provided by University of New Hampshire

Study warns AI chatbots can spread medical falsehoods, underscoring urgent need for safeguards

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A new study from researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has found that popular AI chatbots are highly vulnerable to repeating and expanding upon false medical information. The findings, published on 2 August in Communications Medicine, point to an urgent need for stronger safeguards before these tools can be safely relied upon in health care. Encouragingly, the research also demonstrated that a simple built-in warning prompt can substantially reduce the spread of errors, offering a practical path forward as AI systems continue to evolve.

To test the reliability of chatbots in medical contexts, the investigators designed fictional patient scenarios, each containing one invented element such as a non-existent disease, symptom, or test. In the first phase of the study, the chatbots reviewed these cases without additional guidance. They not only repeated the false details but often elaborated upon them, confidently producing explanations and treatments for conditions that do not exist. This behaviour, the team concluded, exposes a critical blind spot in how current systems handle misinformation.

Lead author Mahmud Omar, MD, an independent consultant working with the research group, explained the risk: “What we saw across the board is that AI chatbots can be easily misled by false medical details, whether those errors are intentional or accidental. They not only repeated the misinformation but often expanded on it, offering confident explanations for non-existent conditions. The encouraging part is that a simple, one-line warning added to the prompt cut those hallucinations dramatically, showing that small safeguards can make a big difference.”

When the researchers added that one-line safeguard—reminding the chatbot that the information it was given might be inaccurate—the results shifted markedly. Errors were reduced nearly in half, underscoring how modest interventions in prompt design can make the tools significantly safer. Co-senior author Eyal Klang, MD, Chief of Generative AI in the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health at Mount Sinai, noted: “Even a single made-up term could trigger a detailed, decisive response based entirely on fiction. But the simple, well-timed safety reminder made an important difference, cutting those errors dramatically. That tells us these tools can be made safer, but only if we take prompt design and safeguards seriously.”

The team now plans to extend their “fake-term” method to real, de-identified patient records and to test more advanced safety prompts and retrieval tools. They hope their approach will give hospitals, developers, and regulators a straightforward way to stress-test AI systems before deploying them in clinical practice. By exposing vulnerabilities in a controlled environment, the method could play a critical role in shaping safer applications of AI in medicine.

Reflecting on the broader implications, co-senior author Girish N. Nadkarni, MD, MPH, Chair of the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health and Chief AI Officer for the Mount Sinai Health System, emphasised that the solution is not to abandon AI but to improve it. “A single misleading phrase can prompt a confident yet entirely wrong answer,” he said. “The solution isn’t to abandon AI in medicine, but to engineer tools that can spot dubious input, respond with caution, and ensure human oversight remains central. We’re not there yet, but with deliberate safety measures, it’s an achievable goal.”

More information: Mahmud Omar et al, Multi-model assurance analysis showing large language models are highly vulnerable to adversarial hallucination attacks during clinical decision support, Communications Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s43856-025-01021-3

Journal information: Communications Medicine Provided by The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine

For older adults: the psychological benefits of staying inquisitive

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In two recently published studies, researchers have shown that older adults who continue to challenge themselves with new learning experiences are less likely to suffer from loneliness or depression, even in times of profound disruption. The work, conducted at the University of California, Riverside, highlights how acquiring unfamiliar skills can help foster resilience and protect mental health in later life. Published in PLOS Mental Health, the findings emphasise the long-term benefits of sustained cognitive engagement, particularly during periods of uncertainty such as the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rachel Wu, a psychologist at UC Riverside and one of the study authors, noted that the process of learning is rarely easy at first. “Learning can be difficult and uncomfortable in the short term,” she explained. “But that short-term discomfort actually helps protect us in the long run.” Her team’s research suggests that actively working through the frustration of new learning experiences equips older adults with greater adaptability and mental strength when confronted with unexpected life changes.

The studies examined how adults of different ages adjusted to the upheaval of the pandemic. In the first study, participants were divided into two groups: one that included adults as young as 19, and another that focused exclusively on people aged 50 and above. Some individuals in the older cohort had previously taken part in a structured intervention programme designed to encourage curiosity and foster the ability to learn new skills. Across both groups, participants were asked how much time they spent learning during the pandemic year and how their mental health changed over that period.

Lead author Lilian Azer, formerly a graduate student at UC Riverside, said the findings revealed a clear and consistent pattern. “People who were actively learning fared better in terms of mental health outcomes, especially older adults who might otherwise have been more vulnerable to isolation and stress,” she explained. The participants reported on measures such as depression, loneliness, and general wellbeing, as well as their perceptions of memory, focus, and decision-making ability. Those who had engaged in skill-building did not necessarily feel happier immediately. Still, a year later, they demonstrated significantly greater resilience than peers who had not taken up new challenges.

A second study took a closer look at adults over the age of 58 who had previously enrolled in classes such as digital photography, drawing, or language learning before the pandemic began. When compared with peers who had not participated in such programmes, these older learners appeared to cope better emotionally during the crisis. Wu explained that the habit of learning seemed to strengthen their ability to adapt: “You want to have the machinery of learning dusted off, so it works when you need it,” she said. The pandemic, with its closure of formal learning spaces, also revealed that self-directed learning—through hobbies or digital tools—could provide lasting psychological benefits even without structured support.

The researchers argue that their work addresses a long-overlooked area in the scientific literature. Much of what is known about the effects of learning is confined to early adulthood, leaving later life largely unexamined. Wu believes this gap needs to be closed. “There’s so little research on how learning affects people after their formal education ends,” she observed. “But we know that if you’re not learning, you’re probably declining, no matter what age you are.” She hopes the findings will encourage policymakers and healthcare providers to view continuous learning as a cornerstone of healthy ageing, on par with physical activity. “You don’t want to wait until you have to learn something in a crisis,” Wu added. “Seek out challenges. Keep growing. That’s how you stay ready.”

More information: Lilian Azer et al, Subjective executive functioning and skill learning during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with perceived loneliness, depressive symptoms, and well-being, PLOS Mental Health. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000372

Journal information: PLOS Mental Health Provided by University of California – Riverside

Genes help explain why ageing brings frailty for some

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A new study has uncovered genetic variants connected to brain activity, immune response, and metabolism that play a role in the development of frailty among older adults. Published in Nature Aging by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, the findings offer fresh biological insight into how frailty arises and why it affects people differently.

Frailty is a condition in which the body gradually loses resilience, leaving individuals more susceptible to infections, falls, and other physical stresses. It is a major risk factor for hospitalisation and premature death, making it crucial to understand why some people develop it earlier than others.

Drawing on genetic data from nearly one million individuals in Finland and the United Kingdom, the research team carried out one of the most extensive genetic analyses of frailty to date. By examining DNA profiles alongside health information, they identified hundreds of genetic markers that increase the likelihood of becoming frail with age.

“Our findings demonstrate that frailty does not stem from a single cause. Instead, it reflects the combined influence of many genes affecting the brain, metabolism, and immune system. Several of these genes are entirely new discoveries,” explains Juulia Jylhävä, associate professor at Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics and senior author of the study.

The study also shows that an individual’s genetic predisposition to frailty can be quantified, creating the possibility of predicting who may be at higher risk of illness or requiring care in later life. This knowledge could transform approaches to prevention and treatment.

“In the future, it may be possible to pinpoint those at risk as early as middle age, when preventive measures can still make a difference. This opens up promising opportunities to protect health and independence in older age,” Jylhävä concludes.

More information: Juulia Jylhävä et al, Large-scale genome-wide analyses with proteomics integration reveal novel loci and biological insights into frailty, Nature Aging. DOI: 10.1038/s43587-025-00925-y

Journal information: Nature Aging Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Breakthrough tool aids seniors in lowering reliance on unnecessary drugs

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Researchers at McGill University have developed a digital tool designed to help patients safely reduce their use of medications that may be unnecessary or even harmful. The software, called MedSafer, is now being licensed for broader use and has already demonstrated strong results in clinical settings. By guiding clinicians through a patient’s medication list, the tool helps identify drugs that may no longer be appropriate and provides recommendations on how to taper or stop them safely.

In a recent clinical trial, MedSafer proved to be nearly three times more effective than standard medication reviews. Among residents in long-term care facilities, 36 per cent had potentially harmful medications discontinued with the support of the software, compared with far lower rates when clinicians worked without it. “Sometimes we blame ageing for memory loss or mobility issues when the real culprit is the medications,” explained Dr Emily McDonald, Associate Professor in McGill’s Department of Medicine and Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. “I’ve seen patients go from barely responsive to having full conversations again after stopping a sedating drug.”

The issue of polypharmacy—taking multiple medications at once—is especially pressing among older adults. Nearly two-thirds of Canadian seniors are prescribed five or more medications each day, with numbers even higher in long-term care settings. Over time, prescriptions tend to accumulate, and some are even added to manage the side effects of other drugs, creating what experts call a “prescribing cascade.” This cycle not only complicates treatment but also increases the risk of dangerous side effects, such as falls, confusion, and hospitalisations.

MedSafer is intended to provide a practical solution within routine care. In long-term care homes, medications are typically reviewed every three months, but there is no consistent framework for deprescribing. The software acts as a structured checklist for clinicians, comparing a resident’s prescriptions with their health conditions, flagging potential concerns, and offering evidence-based alternatives. In the New Brunswick trial, which involved 725 residents across five facilities, participants were taking an average of ten different medications each, highlighting the scale of the challenge.

The tool was co-developed by Dr McDonald and Dr Todd Lee, Associate Professor of Medicine at McGill and fellow Scientist at the Research Institute. Both stress that the long-term goal is to see MedSafer integrated into primary care, where it could intervene earlier in a patient’s treatment journey. By identifying and discontinuing unnecessary prescriptions before individuals enter long-term care, the tool has the potential to reduce medication-related harm on a much broader scale.

For McDonald and Lee, the promise of MedSafer lies in transforming deprescribing into a new standard of care. “No one should be on a medication that’s doing more harm than good,” said Dr McDonald. With growing evidence of its effectiveness, the researchers hope their tool will help shift clinical practice towards a safer, more personalised approach to prescribing, improving not only patient health but also quality of life for countless older adults.

More information: Emily McDonald et al, Electronic Decision Support for Deprescribing in Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care, A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.12931

Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by McGill University

How daily habits may erode the brain’s control system and heighten dementia risk

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Nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes, with factors such as exercise, diet, and social connection playing an important role in shaping an individual’s risk. But what if these risk factors were also leaving subtle chemical traces in the brain—well before any symptoms of dementia appeared?

A research team at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute believes they have uncovered exactly that. Their findings open up new avenues for early detection in dementia research and deepen our understanding of the biological processes that increase vulnerability to cognitive decline.

The study, published today in Cerebral Cortex, used Magnetic Resonance Imaging and MR-spectroscopy to examine the brain chemistry of 79 healthy older adults. All participants had normal memory, thinking abilities, and cognitive function, but their “modifiable dementia risk scores” differed, based on health and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet, sleep quality, and social engagement.

Lead author Dr Jacob Levenstein explained that the team identified distinct patterns in brain chemistry linked to higher dementia risk. In particular, they focused on Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key neurochemical often described as the brain’s “brake system” because it calms neural activity and maintains balance in brain networks. Individuals with higher risk scores were found to have lower GABA concentrations in sensory and motor regions of the brain.

The researchers also found that in the prefrontal cortex—the brain’s “command centre” for decision-making and complex thought—higher risk scores were associated with lower levels of two additional neurochemicals: total N-acetylaspartate (tNAA) and total choline (tCho). Both play vital roles in sustaining brain tissue and supporting cell-to-cell communication. According to Dr Levenstein, diminished levels of these markers suggest that subtle brain deterioration may begin long before behavioural or memory changes become evident.

These findings are significant because they identify three potential neurochemical warning signs of dementia in otherwise healthy adults. As Dr Levenstein noted, this opens the possibility of detecting dementia risk years before symptoms appear, creating opportunities for earlier intervention and prevention strategies.

Co-author Dr Sophie Andrews, Lead of the Thompson Institute’s Healthy Brain Ageing Program, emphasised that the encouraging aspect of this research is its focus on modifiable factors. “Simple lifestyle adjustments can change the trajectory of brain health,” she said. “Improving sleep quality, increasing physical activity, looking after mental health, and adopting a Mediterranean-style diet are all proven ways to strengthen long-term brain function.”

More information: Jacob Levenstein et al, Neurophysiological correlates of modifiable dementia risk factors in cognitively unimpaired older adults, Cerebral Cortex. DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaf179

Journal information: Cerebral Cortex Provided by University of the Sunshine Coast

Stand More, Live Better: Research Reveals Heart Benefits After Menopause

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A recent study from the University of California, San Diego suggests that the simple act of standing up more frequently could offer measurable heart health benefits for postmenopausal women. The research, which focused on women with overweight or obesity, found that increasing the number of daily sit-to-stand movements was linked to improvements in blood pressure. The findings, published in the journal Circulation, indicate that such changes in everyday behaviour could have a meaningful impact on cardiovascular wellness without requiring strenuous exercise.

Lead author Sheri Hartman, Ph.D., professor at UC San Diego’s Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, noted that while public health advice often encourages people to “sit less,” it does not always provide practical strategies. This study shows that breaking up sitting time with short standing intervals — even if overall sitting time is not significantly reduced — can help to support healthy blood pressure levels. The approach offers a straightforward, accessible way to improve wellbeing, especially for women in the postmenopausal stage of life who may be at increased risk for heart disease.

The research formed part of the Rise for Health Study, a randomised controlled trial exploring how changes in sedentary behaviour might affect blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Postmenopausal women typically spend much of their waking day seated, which can raise their risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and premature mortality. Participants in the study were divided into three groups: one aimed to “sit less” overall, another was instructed to focus on more frequent sit-to-stand movements, and a control group received only general health information without any changes to their sitting habits.

Over three months, the “sit less” group succeeded in reducing their sitting time by an average of 75 minutes per day and saw some blood pressure improvements. However, these changes were not statistically significant. By contrast, the “sit-to-stand” group increased their number of daily standing events by an average of 25 and lowered their diastolic blood pressure by 2.24 mmHg compared with the control group. While this reduction did not reach the clinically significant threshold of 3–5 mmHg, it still represents a positive change achieved in a short period. Interestingly, neither intervention produced substantial improvements in blood sugar levels, suggesting that such benefits may require different or more prolonged behavioural changes.

The researchers believe that more substantial results might emerge over a longer time frame and have already applied for additional funding to extend their investigation. Future studies will examine both strategies over a longer period and include older men as well as women. The potential for cumulative benefits from small, repeated movements throughout the day offers a promising avenue for public health strategies targeting older adults who may not be able to engage in high-intensity activity.

Co-author Andrea Z. LaCroix, Ph.D., distinguished professor at the same institution, expressed optimism about the participants’ ability to set their own goals and successfully change their behaviours. She emphasised that realistic, everyday actions — such as standing up an additional 25 times per day, roughly twice an hour over 12 waking hours — could be achievable for a wide range of people. While more research is needed, the message from this study is that even modest, consistent changes in daily habits may contribute to better heart health after menopause, providing an attainable and sustainable approach to wellness.

More information: Sheri Hartman et al, Impacts of Reducing Sitting Time or Increasing Sit-to-Stand Transitions on Blood Pressure and Glucose Regulation in Postmenopausal Women: Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial, Circulation. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.073385

Journal information: Circulation Provided by University of California – San Diego

Long-term physical activity shown to aid brain connectivity recovery in Parkinson’s patients, say medical researchers

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In the early 2000s, scientists first demonstrated that exercise could help ease the tremors often associated with Parkinson’s disease. Yet despite years of research, the precise mechanism behind this benefit has remained elusive. Now, new findings from University Hospitals and the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System—through the Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Center—are offering fresh clues. This pioneering study suggests that long-term, dynamic exercise programmes may produce more extensive restorative effects on the brain’s neural signalling in people with Parkinson’s disease than previously recognised.

The research team analysed data from participants with implanted deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices, using these recordings to explore how sustained exercise might reactivate connections disrupted by the disease. What sets this study apart from earlier work is its combined use of second-generation DBS technology and a targeted long-term dynamic cycling regimen, allowing the researchers to investigate the neural changes associated with improvements in motor symptoms. The pilot investigation, published in the June 2025 issue of Clinical Neurophysiology, was supported by a VA Merit Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and philanthropic funding for the Department of Neurology at University Hospitals. Leading the work was Dr. Aasef Shaikh, MD, PhD—neurologist at University Hospitals and the VA, Vice Chair for Research at University Hospitals, Professor of Neurology, and Associate Medical Director of the Cleveland FES Center. The study’s lead author, Prajakta Joshi, is a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering at the Shaikh Lab, part of University Hospitals and the Cleveland FES Center at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.

Over four weeks, participants—some of whom were military veterans—took part in twelve dynamic cycling sessions. Each individual had a DBS device implanted to help manage their motor symptoms, and during each session, brain signals from the implanted electrodes were recorded. The cycling programme was not a static routine; instead, it was adaptive, meaning the equipment responded to the rider’s performance. Guided by a game-like visual display, participants were instructed to maintain a pedalling speed of around 80 revolutions per minute for approximately 30 minutes. Their pedalling intensity was represented on-screen by a virtual balloon that they had to keep within a specific range, requiring careful balance between effort and control. The adaptive motor in the bike would provide assistance or add resistance, keeping riders engaged and constantly adjusting their output. This push-and-pull mechanism, the researchers believe, plays a vital role in alleviating Parkinson’s symptoms.

As co-author Lara Shigo, a Kent State University PhD candidate, explained, the 80 RPM target is faster than most people would select voluntarily. However, because the motorised assistance reduces strain, it does not typically cause fatigue. This approach ensured participants could sustain the pace needed to achieve the desired neurological stimulation without overexertion. The regimen’s complexity and variability may also have contributed to the observed brain changes by challenging motor control pathways in novel ways.

The results were intriguing. While no immediate changes were detected in brain signals following individual sessions, a clear shift emerged after the complete twelve-session programme. The researchers documented measurable alterations in neural activity within the regions responsible for motor control and movement—precisely where Parkinson’s pathology is most evident. These findings indicate that the benefits of exercise in Parkinson’s disease may not be instantaneous but instead build over time, potentially reflecting a process of gradual neural reorganisation.

Joshi and her colleagues noted that, although modern DBS systems offer an unprecedented window into brain function, their reach is inherently localised to the electrode implantation site. This means that other parts of the brain, potentially critical to the observed improvements, remain outside the current monitoring capability. Nonetheless, the data suggest that exercise may influence a far-reaching neural network. As Joshi put it, “There may be a broader circuit involved. Numerous upstream and downstream pathways could be influenced by exercise, and it’s possible that we’re inducing a network-level change that drives the improvement in motor symptoms.” Future research could help map this wider circuitry and shed light on the exact biological mechanisms at work.

Dr. Shaikh emphasised the importance of the collaboration between University Hospitals and the VA, which expanded the pool of eligible participants and enriched the study’s scope. He also stressed the promise of combining DBS technology with long-term, adaptive exercise programmes, not only to treat Parkinson’s symptoms but also to understand better the neural processes underpinning those improvements. This integration of advanced neuromodulation and targeted physical activity represents a potentially transformative approach to managing Parkinson’s disease, offering hope for more personalised and effective interventions in the future.

More information: Prajakta Joshi et al, Electrophysiological correlates of dynamic cycling in Parkinson’s disease, Clinical Neurophysiology. DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2025.03.018

Journal information: Clinical Neurophysiology Provided by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Nutritious Diet Linked to Slower Progression of Chronic Diseases in Seniors

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A recent study from the Karolinska Institutet, published in Nature Aging, has found that a healthy diet can slow the build-up of chronic diseases in older adults. In contrast, diets high in inflammatory foods may hasten it. The research sheds light on the long-term impact of dietary patterns, showing that food choices can meaningfully influence health outcomes in ageing populations.

The study examined the effects of four distinct dietary patterns on the progression of chronic illness in later life. Three of these diets were categorised as healthy, emphasising regular consumption of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and unsaturated fats, while limiting sweets, red meat, processed meat, and butter or margarine. The fourth, a pro-inflammatory diet, focused more heavily on red and processed meats, refined grains, and sugar-sweetened beverages, with lower consumption of vegetables, tea, and coffee.

More than 2,400 older adults in Sweden were followed over 15 years. Researchers observed that participants adhering to the healthy dietary patterns developed chronic diseases at a slower rate. The protective effect was particularly evident in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia, though no significant effect was found for conditions affecting muscles and bones. Conversely, those whose eating habits aligned with the pro-inflammatory diet faced a heightened risk of developing multiple chronic illnesses.

“Our results show how important diet is in influencing the development of multimorbidity in ageing populations,” explained Adrián Carballo-Casla, co-first author and postdoctoral researcher at the Aging Research Centre, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society at Karolinska Institutet. His comments underscore the potential for diet to act as a preventative measure against the clustering of multiple diseases in older age.

The findings contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the role of nutrition in healthy ageing. They highlight how food not only affects individual diseases but also the broader trajectory of overall health and resilience in later life. This is particularly relevant in the context of multimorbidity, where the simultaneous presence of several chronic conditions can complicate treatment and reduce quality of life.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to pinpoint the most effective dietary recommendations for promoting longevity. They also aim to identify which subgroups of older adults—distinguished by age, gender, psychosocial background, or existing health conditions—stand to benefit the most from tailored nutritional guidance. By refining these recommendations, the hope is to create more targeted interventions that can extend healthy life expectancy and ease the burden of chronic disease in an ageing society.

More information: David Abbad-Gomez et al, Dietary patterns and accelerated multimorbidity in older adults, Nature Aging. DOI: 10.1038/s43587-025-00929-8

Journal information: Nature Aging Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Average Dementia Diagnosis Occurs 3.5 Years After Symptom Onset

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People with dementia typically receive a diagnosis an average of 3.5 years after symptoms are first noticed, according to a study led by researchers at UCL. For those with early-onset dementia, the delay is even longer, averaging 4.1 years. The research, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to examine global evidence on the time taken to diagnose dementia.

The team analysed data from 13 previously published studies carried out in Europe, the United States, Australia, and China, involving 30,257 participants. They measured the time between the first signs of symptoms—reported by patients or family carers through interviews or medical records—and a formal diagnosis. A pooled meta-analysis of 10 studies confirmed the average delay of 3.5 years, with early-onset dementia cases taking even longer. Younger age at onset and a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia were associated with greater delays. At the same time, limited evidence indicated racial disparities, with one study showing that black patients faced longer waits.

Lead author Dr Vasiliki Orgeta (UCL Division of Psychiatry) said that timely diagnosis remains a significant challenge worldwide, shaped by complex and interlinked factors. Other research suggests that only 50–65% of cases are diagnosed in high-income countries, with rates even lower elsewhere. “Timely diagnosis can improve access to treatments and, for some people, prolong the time living with mild dementia before symptoms worsen,” she noted.

The study identified several barriers contributing to diagnostic delays. Symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing, while fear, stigma, and low public awareness can discourage people from seeking medical advice. Within healthcare systems, inconsistent referral pathways, shortages of specialists, and under-resourced memory clinics further hinder timely diagnosis. In some cases, language barriers and the absence of culturally appropriate assessment tools create additional obstacles, especially in diverse populations.

Professor Rafael Del-Pino-Casado (University of Jaén, Spain) highlighted systemic issues that need to be addressed: “Within healthcare systems, inconsistent referral pathways, limited access to specialists, and under-resourced memory clinics can create further delays. For some, language differences or a lack of culturally appropriate assessment tools can make access to timely diagnosis even harder.” Dr Phuong Leung (UCL Division of Psychiatry) added that public misconceptions also play a role, with early symptoms too often dismissed as part of the natural ageing process.

The researchers emphasise the need for a multi-pronged approach to reduce delays. Public awareness campaigns could help people recognise early symptoms and reduce stigma, encouraging them to seek help sooner. Clinician training is also critical to improve early recognition and referral, while expanding access to early intervention and individualised support is essential so that people with dementia and their families receive timely and appropriate care. Dr Orgeta concluded that creating a clear framework for diagnosis—developed in collaboration with patients, carers, and support networks—is vital for addressing the global challenge of delayed dementia diagnosis.

More information: Olubunmi Kusoro et al, Time to Diagnosis in Dementia: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. DOI: 10.1002/gps.70129

Journal information: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Provided by University College London

Nature-themed virtual reality enhances emotional health in older adults with dementia

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Experiencing nature — even through a virtual environment — can significantly improve emotional well-being and enhance quality of life for older adults living with dementia. This is the key finding of a recent pilot study led by Junhyoung “Paul” Kim, a health technology researcher in the Department of Health Behavior at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health. The research also examined the practical challenges these individuals face when using virtual reality (VR) for the first time, providing valuable insights into how immersive technology can be tailored for this population.

Published in the American Journal of Health Behavior, the study involved 11 residents of a long-term memory care facility who had been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Over five weeks, participants engaged in twice-weekly VR sessions lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Using Oculus Quest 2 headsets and the Nature Treks Virtual Reality application, they were immersed in tranquil landscapes such as forests, meadows, ocean views, and glowing sunsets, with opportunities to interact with animated plants and animals.

Kim highlighted that while the benefits of nature-based activities for people with dementia are well established, many face serious barriers to accessing outdoor experiences. Factors such as limited mobility, environmental hazards, and safety concerns often prevent participation in real-world programmes. The VR intervention provided a safe, adaptable alternative, allowing residents to explore diverse natural environments in a way that was both personalised and meaningful, without leaving the security of their care facility.

The research team employed a pretest-posttest design to measure changes in emotional well-being and perceived quality of life. Results indicated a marked increase in feelings of pleasure and alertness, alongside reductions in negative emotions including anxiety, sadness, and anger. Many participants also reported a greater sense of overall life satisfaction after completing the sessions, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of immersive experiences for those with cognitive impairments.

To complement these findings, in-depth interviews were conducted with participants and their caregivers during the final week of the study. Three central themes emerged: the joy of exploring virtual natural spaces, the novelty and excitement of the VR experience, and the way it evoked fond memories and reminiscence. However, the research also uncovered usability challenges, with some participants struggling with headset fit or finding the handheld controllers difficult to manage. The team suggested that simplifying controls and improving ergonomic design could enhance accessibility for older users.

Despite these technical barriers, Kim and his colleagues see strong promise in integrating VR into dementia care. They believe that immersive technology can reduce emotional distress, foster engagement, and offer enriching experiences to those whose physical limitations restrict real-world activities. As the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease — now over seven million — continues to rise, such innovations could become an important tool in expanding the scope and quality of care available to this growing population.

More information: Junhyoung Kim et al, The Effects of a Nature-based Virtual Reality Program on Emotional Health and Quality of Life among Older Adults with Dementia, American Journal of Health Behavior. DOI: 10.5993/AJHB.47.1.1

Journal information: American Journal of Health Behavior Provided by Texas A&M University

Extensive Research Reveals How Flooding Uniquely Affects the Health of Older Adults

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A new study analysing 17 years of Medicare hospitalisation records alongside major flood events has found a marked rise in specific health problems among adults aged 65 and older in the weeks following severe flooding. Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Ohio State University, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health published their findings in The Lancet Planetary Health, revealing significant increases in hospital admissions for skin diseases, nervous system conditions, and injuries or poisonings.

Unlike earlier studies, which tended to focus on single flood events or a narrow range of health outcomes, this research offers broad, generalisable insights with a focus on older populations in high-income countries. By matching Medicare data from 2000 to 2016 with satellite-based, high-resolution flood maps from the Global Flood Database, the team examined hospitalisation trends across 72 major floods, covering more than 4.5 million admissions. They calculated relative percentage changes for 13 disease categories within four weeks following flood exposure.

Their results showed an average increase in hospitalisations for skin diseases (3.1%), nervous system diseases (2.5%), musculoskeletal disorders (1.3%), and injuries or poisonings (1.1%). The analysis also uncovered disparities linked to community demographics. In areas with fewer Black residents, nervous system-related admissions rose sharply (7.6%). In contrast, in communities with larger Black populations, there were higher increases for skin diseases (6.1%) and mental health-related conditions (3.0%) during flood exposure. These differences may reflect variations in pre-existing health conditions, housing quality, emergency resource access, healthcare availability, and even potential biases in medical coding practices.

The study points out that older adults face heightened vulnerability to flood-related health risks due to factors such as weakened immune systems, limited mobility, pre-existing medical conditions like dementia, and reduced access to routine medical care. For example, skin infections may result from contact with polluted water, crowded shelters, and poor sanitation. Nervous system complications, such as seizures, could stem from traumatic brain injuries or stress-triggered episodes in those with epilepsy. Musculoskeletal injuries may arise both from direct harm during the flood and from strain incurred during post-flood clean-up, especially when care is delayed.

The authors stress that their findings should inform climate adaptation and disaster preparedness strategies. They recommend targeted outreach and evacuation planning for older adults, community-based alert systems, and ensuring hospital infrastructure remains functional during floods by relocating critical equipment above flood levels. They also highlight the potential role of mobile medical units, telemedicine, and drone technology in delivering essential supplies and guiding evacuations in real time. These measures could substantially reduce the health toll of flooding on vulnerable populations as climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

More information: Sarika Aggarwal et al, Severe flooding and cause-specific hospitalisation among older adults in the USA: a retrospective matched cohort analysis, The Lancet Planetary Health. DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(25)00132-9

Journal information: The Lancet Planetary Health Provided by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health