Author Archives: support

Regular Physical Activity Could Help Preserve Cognitive Function

Physical activity has long been recognised as a key component of overall health and wellbeing. Still, new research from the University of Georgia (UGA) sheds light on a more specific benefit—its potential to slow cognitive decline. Conducted by the College of Public Health at the University of Georgia, the study examined long-term data from over 13,000 participants aged 50 and older. The findings reveal that individuals who maintained consistent levels of physical activity over time experienced significantly slower rates of cognitive deterioration, suggesting that the effects of exercise extend well beyond the physical body and into the preservation of mental function.

Dr Suhang Song, assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at UGA, led the study. She and her team used data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative longitudinal survey that followed participants for 16 years. Respondents regularly reported how often they engaged in physical activity and the intensity of those activities. From vigorous forms such as running and jogging to more moderate efforts like gardening or dancing, and even lighter tasks like vacuuming or home repairs, all levels of activity were assessed. The team found that greater frequency and longer duration of physical engagement correlated with slower rates of cognitive decline.

One of the most compelling aspects of the study was the discovery that even modest increases in physical activity made a measurable difference. For example, individuals who shifted from engaging in vigorous exercise a few times per month to once per week showed a noticeable slowing in the decline of their cognitive abilities. Likewise, those who increased moderate activity from once a week to several times a week benefited similarly. The research did not measure exercise in terms of duration per session. Instead, it focused on the consistency and pattern of activity over time, highlighting the importance of regular movement as a lifestyle habit.

Dr Song emphasised that although the improvements might appear incremental, they accumulate significantly over the years. “The improvement of the decline rate may seem modest, but it builds up over time,” she explained. “If this slower decline continues, it could potentially delay the onset of dementia by many years.” Such a delay could have a profound impact on individuals and their families, allowing them to enjoy more years of independent living and preserve their quality of life. The cumulative nature of the benefit means that starting or maintaining physical activity—even at a low level—could yield significant long-term advantages.

What sets this study apart from previous research is its focus on the duration and regularity of activity rather than isolated snapshots of physical engagement. While previous studies have established the link between exercise and brain health, UGA’s contribution lies in its emphasis on the role of sustained, long-term commitment to physical activity. The researchers advocate that promoting regular exercise should be an integral part of dementia prevention strategies, both in clinical practice and in public health policy. Supporting older adults in establishing and maintaining routines could be key to protecting cognitive function into advanced age.

Ultimately, Dr Song’s message is a clear and encouraging one: keep moving, and do so consistently. Whether through high-intensity workouts or gentle, everyday tasks, the act of staying active offers meaningful protection for the brain. The research highlights the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily life as a preventive health measure. As policymakers, healthcare providers, and individuals look for ways to mitigate the growing burden of cognitive decline and dementia, encouraging consistent physical activity may be one of the most effective, accessible, and sustainable approaches available.

More information: Suhang Song et al, Long-term cumulative physical activity associated with less cognitive decline: Evidence from a 16-year cohort study, The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease. DOI: 10.1016/j.tjpad.2025.100194

Journal information: The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease Provided by University of Georgia

Emerging Study Reveals Hidden Contributions of Nieces and Nephews in Dementia Care

Leave a Reply

A recent Virginia Tech study has drawn attention to the important yet often unrecognised role that nieces and nephews play in caring for ageing relatives living with dementia. Published in The Gerontologist, the study is the first to offer a focused examination of dementia caregiving by extended family members beyond the usual scope of spouses and adult children. Led by Dr Tina Savla and Dr Karen Roberto, the research forms part of the broader CareEx project funded by the National Institutes of Health. The findings reveal that many of these caregivers never expected to assume such a role, but instead stepped into it out of necessity and familial affection, often with little preparation or support.

Dr Savla, a professor of human development and family science, noted that this sudden shift into caregiving reflects both deep empathy and considerable strain. “That spontaneity shows extraordinary love and empathy while masking a lot of real stress,” she explained. “They carry all of the responsibilities associated with primary caregiving while also managing their households, children, and work.” The study highlights the complexity of modern caregiving dynamics, in which nieces and nephews must balance competing demands on their time, finances, and emotional well-being—while providing consistent, often intensive support to relatives with cognitive decline.

The participants, comprising 20 nieces and five nephews aged between 38 and 67, were located across several states, including Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. All either lived with their relatives or maintained close contact, typically visiting at least three times a week. Interviews conducted between 2021 and 2025 explored how these individuals became caregivers, the nature of the care they provide, and the impact of this experience on their quality of life. Many of them had lifelong relationships with their aunts and uncles, formed through strong generational bonds. This emotional foundation was a powerful motivator in their willingness to take on such a demanding role, often rooted in a sense of gratitude and moral responsibility.

“Many participants told us, ‘I’m just paying back the love my aunt showed me when I was a kid,’” said Savla, who also serves as core faculty at Virginia Tech’s Centre for Gerontology. This sense of reciprocity, the study suggests, provides a resilience that can sometimes surpass the more transactional nature of obligatory care. Yet even with such heartfelt motivation, the practical challenges remain significant. Like traditional caregivers, these extended family members must handle a range of responsibilities—organising transport to medical appointments, managing medications and finances, assisting with daily tasks, and navigating complex healthcare systems—often with limited access to formal resources or recognition.

To better understand the intricacies of this caregiving role, Savla and Roberto identified four major themes across the interviews: relationship foundations, pathways to caregiving, care systems, and the trials and tribulations associated with caregiving. These categories shed light on how past personal histories shape caregiving responsibilities, how caregivers adapt (or struggle to adapt) to their new roles, and the types of support systems—or lack thereof—that impact both their experience and effectiveness. The study makes a significant contribution to the field by demonstrating that caregiving is not limited to nuclear family structures and that extended relatives are a vital yet underexplored aspect of the care landscape.

With America’s ageing population growing and dementia diagnoses on the rise, the researchers argue that understanding extended caregiving dynamics is more urgent than ever. Current policies and research often overlook the diversity of caregiving arrangements, focusing instead on more traditional family roles. Moving forward, Savla and Roberto plan to broaden their scope by including adult grandchildren and siblings in future phases of the study. “Understanding the contributions of extended family caregivers provides a more complete picture of the family caregiving ecosystem,” Roberto explained. “Learning about their experiences will help identify unmet care needs and guide interventions to sustain caregiver wellbeing—ultimately improving outcomes for both carers and the individuals they support.”

More information: Tina Savla et al, Niece and Nephew Dementia Caregivers: Family Relationships and Care Dynamics, The Gerontologist. DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaf154

Journal information: The Gerontologist Provided by Virginia Tech

Neighbourhood Environment Linked to Inflammation and Early Signs of Dementia

Leave a Reply

A recent study, published on June 25, 2025, in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, has drawn attention to the possible connection between neighbourhood disadvantage and early biological indicators linked to inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers found that individuals residing in more socioeconomically challenged areas were more likely to exhibit elevated levels of biomarkers associated with both brain inflammation and neurodegeneration. Importantly, the study does not claim that living in such neighbourhoods causes these changes. Instead, it demonstrates a significant association, which adds nuance to the growing understanding of how environmental and socioeconomic factors might influence long-term brain health.

The study was led by Dr Angela L. Jefferson, a neuroscientist at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. She noted that while previous research had already indicated a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease among those living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, little was known about the physiological mechanisms that might explain this risk. According to Jefferson, the findings suggest that chronic stressors associated with deprived environments may contribute to increased levels of inflammation within the body and brain. This inflammation, in turn, may lay the groundwork for the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, as well as directly raising levels of disease-specific biomarkers such as tau protein.

The longitudinal study followed 334 participants, with an average age of 73, over a period of nine years. Throughout this period, participants underwent regular cognitive tests, blood analyses, and brain imaging at intervals of 18 months, 3, 5, 7, and 9 years. Additionally, a subgroup of 180 individuals provided samples of cerebrospinal fluid, which allowed researchers to examine markers present in the central nervous system. This multifaceted approach enabled the researchers to track both the initial biomarker levels and how these levels changed over time, offering a more dynamic picture of disease development about neighbourhood conditions.

Neighbourhood disadvantage was calculated using an index that incorporated several key factors, including income, employment status, education levels, and rates of disability. Individuals residing in areas characterised by greater disadvantage were found to have higher concentrations of tau in their cerebrospinal fluid at the study’s outset. Tau is a protein that, when abnormally accumulated, is closely linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers interpreted this as a possible indication that environmental stressors may contribute to early neurodegenerative changes in the brain, well before the onset of visible cognitive symptoms.

In addition to elevated tau, participants from more disadvantaged neighbourhoods also had higher levels of YKL-40, a protein associated with brain inflammation. These results remained consistent even after researchers accounted for a range of other factors that could influence biomarker levels, such as age, sex, and educational attainment. Furthermore, over time, researchers observed that levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP)—a well-known marker of systemic inflammation—rose more rapidly among individuals in disadvantaged areas. For every ten percentile increase in neighbourhood disadvantage, there was an associated yearly increase of 0.05 milligrams per litre in CRP levels. This pattern suggests a cumulative effect of chronic exposure to stressful or unhealthy environments, resulting in sustained inflammation throughout the body.

These findings carry important implications for public health strategies and medical practice. Dr Jefferson emphasised that healthcare providers should consider the broader social and environmental context when working with older adults or individuals at risk for cognitive decline. Lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing inflammation—such as regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-reduction techniques—could be particularly beneficial for individuals in high-risk communities. The study also highlights the importance of including individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds in clinical trials and preventive health studies, as these groups are often underrepresented in research but may benefit the most from targeted interventions.

However, the study’s authors acknowledged several limitations. Most notably, the participant pool was not fully representative of the broader U.S. population, as the majority were white, well-educated, and living in relatively less disadvantaged areas. As such, while the findings are valuable, they may not fully capture the experience of more severely disadvantaged or ethnically diverse populations. Further research will be necessary to confirm these trends across a broader demographic range and to gain a better understanding of how the lived experience of environmental hardship becomes biologically embedded in ways that affect brain ageing. Nevertheless, the study contributes essential insight into how place and circumstance intersect with biology to influence the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

More information: Angela L. Jefferson et al, Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations of Neighborhood Disadvantage With Fluid Biomarkers of Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Neurology. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000213770

Journal information: Neurology Provided by American Academy of Neurology

Cannabis Consumption Associated with Twice the Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Disease

Leave a Reply

Cannabis use has been found to significantly increase the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, according to a newly published meta-analysis in the journal Heart. The study reports that individuals who use cannabis face a doubling in the risk of fatal cardiovascular events. Additionally, cannabis use is associated with a 29% greater risk of acute coronary syndrome—defined as sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart—and a 20% higher risk of experiencing a stroke. These findings come from an extensive analysis of real-world data and provide fresh insights into the potential dangers of cannabis use, particularly in the context of shifting public attitudes and increased legalisation.

The editorial accompanying the study argues that cannabis should be treated in regulatory frameworks much like tobacco: not criminalised, but actively discouraged. In a linked editorial, Emeritus Professor Stanton Glantz and Dr Lynn Silver call for robust public health interventions to limit secondhand exposure and improve awareness of the drug’s cardiovascular effects. As cannabis use has become more widespread—driven in part by legalisation and the expansion of medical cannabis programmes—many people now perceive it as harmless or even health-promoting. This shift in perception, the editorial warns, is not grounded in scientific evidence and could be placing millions at unnecessary risk.

In response to these trends, researchers conducted a systematic review of studies published between January 2016 and December 2023, focusing on cannabis use and serious cardiovascular outcomes, including death from cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. From a pool of over 3,000 articles, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria for the pooled data analysis. These encompassed a range of designs, including cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies, and represented a combined population of roughly 200 million individuals. Most participants were aged 19 to 59, with cannabis users skewing younger and more likely to be male compared to non-users.

The results confirmed a substantial association between cannabis use and cardiovascular harm. Specifically, the data showed a 29% higher risk of acute coronary events, such as heart attacks, and a 20% increase in the likelihood of stroke among cannabis users. Perhaps most concerning was the twofold increase in the risk of cardiovascular death. While the precise causal mechanisms remain unclear, the findings challenge the notion that cannabis is a benign recreational or medicinal substance. They suggest instead that the drug carries serious health consequences that may parallel those of tobacco, particularly when used regularly or in high-potency forms.

However, the researchers acknowledge that the included studies had limitations. Many exhibited moderate to high risk of bias due to missing data, inconsistent definitions of cannabis exposure, and reliance on self-reporting. Furthermore, because most of the studies were observational, they cannot definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Some of the research also reused datasets, which may limit the breadth of applicability. Nonetheless, the authors argue that their meta-analysis is the most thorough examination to date of the connection between cannabis and cardiovascular risk, drawing on an unprecedented scale of population-level evidence.

The editorial further emphasises the need to investigate how different forms of cannabis impact cardiovascular health. The cannabis landscape has evolved considerably in recent years, with new high-potency concentrates, synthetic cannabinoids, and edible products becoming increasingly common. Whether the observed cardiovascular risks stem from cannabinoids themselves, inhaled particulates, or other compounds, such as terpenes, remains uncertain. Understanding these nuances is critical to crafting effective public health messages and regulatory policies that can mitigate risk across the broad spectrum of cannabis products now available.

Ultimately, the authors conclude that cardiovascular disease prevention must become a central component of cannabis regulation. They call for the implementation of mandatory warning labels, public education campaigns, and policies that limit exposure to cannabis vapour in public spaces. They argue that current regulatory efforts have focused too narrowly on establishing legal markets, often at the expense of public health and well-being. As evidence of cannabis-related harm continues to mount, regulatory frameworks must evolve to prioritise health and safety, adopting measures similar to those used successfully in tobacco control to protect both users and the general public.

More information: Wilhelm Storck et al, Cardiovascular risk associated with the use of cannabis and cannabinoids: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Heart. DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2024-325429

Journal information: Heart Provided by BMJ Group

Scientists Uncover Potential of Caffeine to Delay Cell Ageing

Leave a Reply

A recent study from the Cellular Ageing and Senescence Laboratory at Queen Mary University of London has shed new light on a surprising role for caffeine beyond its well-known effects on alertness. Published in the journal Microbial Cell, the research investigates how caffeine interacts with fundamental cellular processes, revealing that it may help slow the ageing process at a cellular level. While caffeine is already known for its association with reduced risk of age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the specific biological mechanisms behind these effects have remained somewhat mysterious—until now.

The research team, led by Dr Charalampos (Babis) Rallis, used fission yeast as a model organism. Despite its simplicity, fission yeast shares many essential cellular functions with human cells, making it an ideal system for studying conserved biological pathways. Through their experiments, the scientists discovered that caffeine exerts its influence not by directly affecting the well-known TOR (Target of Rapamycin) signalling pathway, as previously thought, but by targeting another critical molecular system: AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase). This protein functions as a cellular energy sensor, responding to shifts in energy availability by triggering adaptive changes in metabolism, growth, and stress resistance.

In earlier research, the same group had shown that caffeine can extend the lifespan of cells by acting on TOR, a central growth regulator that responds to the cell’s nutritional state. TOR essentially acts as a growth switch—when nutrients are plentiful, it promotes cell growth and proliferation; when nutrients are scarce, it slows down the process to conserve energy. This system has played a key role in cellular evolution for over 500 million years. However, the new findings suggest that caffeine doesn’t directly engage this system. Instead, it stimulates AMPK, which in turn modulates TOR activity indirectly, offering a more nuanced understanding of caffeine’s cellular effects.

Dr Rallis explains that AMPK functions like a “fuel gauge” for the cell, becoming active when energy levels drop. When AMPK is triggered, it initiates cellular programmes that prioritise energy conservation, DNA repair, and defence against stress—processes that are tightly linked to the ageing process. The team’s discovery that caffeine activates AMPK, therefore positions it as a substance that can promote cellular maintenance and longevity, rather than merely serving as a short-term stimulant. This adds weight to the idea that caffeine’s benefits may include promoting long-term health and resilience at the molecular level.

What makes this discovery particularly significant is that AMPK is also the target of metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes medication that is currently being explored for its potential to extend human lifespan. Like caffeine, metformin activates AMPK, setting off a cascade of protective cellular responses. Moreover, the effects of caffeine appear to align with other longevity-promoting interventions, such as caloric restriction and exercise, both of which naturally stimulate AMPK as part of the body’s response to energetic stress. Thus, caffeine may be acting as a dietary mimic of these age-defying practices.

The team’s findings also suggest that caffeine’s impact on AMPK extends to key cellular activities, including growth regulation, DNA damage repair, and resistance to environmental stressors. All of these are crucial for maintaining cell function as organisms age. According to Dr John-Patrick Alao, the postdoctoral researcher who led the study, these results help explain the consistent links between moderate caffeine consumption and improved health outcomes observed in epidemiological studies. They also hint at new therapeutic avenues, where the beneficial aspects of caffeine might be harnessed more precisely, either through diet, lifestyle changes, or novel pharmaceutical compounds.

So, the next time you reach for your morning coffee or afternoon tea, you might be doing more than just sharpening your mind or shaking off fatigue. This daily ritual can help your cells remain youthful, robust, and resilient in the face of life’s stresses. While further research is needed to translate these yeast-based findings into human biology, the study offers an exciting glimpse into how something as familiar as caffeine might become a tool in the science of healthy ageing.

More information: Charalampos Rallis et al, Dissecting the cell cycle regulation, DNA damage sensitivity and lifespan effects of caffeine in fission yeast, Microbial Cell. DOI: 10.15698/mic2025.06.852

Journal information: Microbial Cell Provided by Queen Mary University of London

Scientists uncover muscle ‘command hub’ – potential breakthrough for improved healing in older adults

Leave a Reply

When a hurricane tears through a house, the first step in recovery is to remove the wreckage before any rebuilding can begin. A similar process occurs within our muscles after they’ve been damaged—debris must be cleared to allow healing to take place. Now, researchers from Aarhus University and the Steno Diabetes Centre Aarhus have identified the key players responsible for managing this complex repair process. In a recent study published in Nature Communications, the team reveals a previously unrecognised form of cellular communication that orchestrates muscle healing and could have profound implications for treating muscle degeneration, particularly in elderly individuals.

The central discovery revolves around specialised cells known as fibro-adipogenic progenitors, or FAPs. These cells reside within muscle tissue and have long been recognised for their supporting role in muscle regeneration. However, the new research reveals that they do far more than assist—they act as coordinators, directing the immune system’s response to injury. Associate Professor Jean Farup, who led the study, likens their function to that of a foreman guiding a team of builders. By communicating with immune cells, particularly macrophages, FAPs facilitate the clearance of damaged tissue and ensure the necessary cellular machinery is in place for effective repair.

Macrophages serve as the body’s “clean-up crew,” removing cellular debris and stimulating regeneration. But what surprised the research team was the extent of the interaction between FAPs and these immune cells. Farup explains that FAPs actively influence the macrophages, enhancing their performance through targeted signalling. One of the most unexpected findings was that FAPs themselves produce a critical molecule known as complement C3. Until now, scientists believed C3 was produced exclusively in the liver and circulated through the bloodstream. This study, however, shows that C3 is also synthesised locally within muscle tissue, and that this local production is vital for regulating the inflammatory response required for healing.

This insight challenges long-standing assumptions about the source and role of inflammatory signalling during muscle repair. The presence of locally produced C3 suggests a far more refined and spatially controlled healing process than previously understood. In practical terms, this could lead to the development of treatments that enhance or mimic the role of FAPs, especially in individuals whose muscle regeneration is impaired due to age or chronic illness. The ability to modulate local inflammation more precisely could be the key to preventing long-term muscle wasting and preserving strength and mobility in later life.

For the elderly and patients with chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer, this discovery offers a new therapeutic avenue. Muscle loss in these populations is often driven by chronic, unresolved inflammation that impairs the repair process and accelerates decline. By targeting the newly identified communication pathway between FAPs and immune cells, scientists may be able to dampen harmful inflammation while preserving the beneficial aspects needed for recovery. “We believe that our new understanding of the interaction between FAPs and the immune system can be important in managing these conditions,” says Farup.

Moving forward, the Aarhus research team plans to investigate how this cellular coordination behaves in disease states marked by persistent inflammation. Their goal is to determine whether therapies that modulate FAP function or mimic their communication with macrophages could halt or even reverse muscle loss in affected patients. As our understanding of muscle regeneration deepens, so too does the possibility of restoring health and resilience to those whose bodies have long struggled to recover. This discovery may mark the beginning of a new era in the treatment of muscle-wasting conditions.

More information: Jean Farup et al, Complementing muscle regeneration—fibro-adipogenic progenitor and macrophage-mediated repair of elderly human skeletal muscle, Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60627-2

Journal information: Nature Communications Provided by Aarhus University

Research Finds No Link Between Loneliness and Increased Risk of Death

Leave a Reply

For decades, loneliness has been portrayed as a dire threat to health, with some reports equating its dangers to smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. Influential voices, including the U.S. Surgeon General, have amplified the concern, framing social isolation as a significant public health issue with potentially fatal consequences. These perspectives have fuelled an urgency in both academic circles and policymaking to address loneliness as a contributor to premature death, particularly among older adults. Yet, new research is now challenging this prevailing narrative with surprising findings that suggest the link between loneliness and mortality may not be as clear-cut as once thought.

An international study led by researchers at the University of Waterloo’s School of Public Health Sciences has found no association between loneliness and increased risk of death among older adults receiving home care services. Drawing on data from over 380,000 individuals aged 65 and above in Canada, Finland, and New Zealand, the study employed rigorous statistical methods, including standardised assessments and survival analysis, to examine whether feelings of loneliness predicted mortality within one year. Contrary to widespread assumptions, the results showed that lonely older adults were less likely to die within a year compared to those who did not report feeling lonely, even after adjusting for age, pre-existing health conditions, and other risk factors.

“This research runs counter to much of the existing literature, which is largely based on studies of the general population,” said Dr. Bonaventure Egbujie, the study’s lead author and a professor at Waterloo. “When we isolate loneliness as a variable, independent of other health and social determinants, it does not appear to significantly increase the risk of death in this population.” The findings underscore the importance of distinguishing between correlation and causation. While loneliness may accompany poor health, it does not necessarily drive it—at least not in ways that translate into increased mortality in the short term.

The study also sheds light on the prevalence and complexity of loneliness among older adults. Rates of reported loneliness ranged from 15.9 percent in Canada to 24.4 percent in New Zealand. Interestingly, individuals who were physically healthier and received less informal support from family or friends were more likely to report feeling lonely. This counterintuitive pattern suggests that loneliness is not merely a by-product of physical frailty or intensive care needs. Still, it may instead reflect broader social or emotional dynamics, including unmet expectations for connection and engagement.

Rather than dismissing loneliness as benign, however, the researchers emphasise that its impact on mental health remains profound. “Loneliness is still a serious threat to psychological well-being,” noted Dr John Hirdes, senior author of the study. “Just because it doesn’t raise your risk of dying doesn’t mean it should be ignored. The emotional and cognitive toll of prolonged isolation can be deeply damaging, particularly for older people who may already be vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.”

From a policy perspective, the study’s authors advocate for a reframing of how loneliness is addressed in the context of elder care. Rather than positioning it primarily as a mortality risk, they urge policymakers and care providers to treat it as a critical issue affecting quality of life. Interventions aimed at reducing loneliness should focus on enhancing meaningful social contact, promoting community engagement, and recognising the emotional needs of older adults, especially those living independently or with limited social networks. Home and community care services, the researchers argue, play a pivotal role in this regard.

Ultimately, the study recommends further longitudinal research to elucidate the long-term effects of loneliness on health and to investigate how cultural norms and variations in healthcare systems influence these outcomes. By moving beyond simplified cause-and-effect models, future studies could better capture the nuanced ways in which loneliness intersects with physical health, emotional well-being, and broader social support structures. In doing so, researchers and practitioners alike can develop more targeted, compassionate, and evidence-based strategies to support the ageing population—not just in surviving but in thriving.

More information: Bonaventure Egbujie et al, Cross-National Evidence on Risk of Death Associated with Loneliness: A Survival Analysis of 1-Year All-Cause Mortality among Older Adult Home Care Recipients in Canada, Finland, and Aotearoa | New Zealand, Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2025.105687

Journal information: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association Provided by University of Waterloo

Associations Between Gut Microbiota, Food Insecurity, and Cognitive Decline Risk in Adults

Leave a Reply

A recent study, partially led by researchers at Mount Sinai, has unveiled a significant relationship between the composition of the gut microbiome and the risk of cognitive impairment (RCI) in adults. This work highlights the intricate interplay between biological systems and social determinants of health, particularly food insecurity, in shaping brain health outcomes. Importantly, it is the first epidemiologic investigation to examine how food insecurity may alter the connection between gut microbiota composition and cognitive decline.

Published in NPJ Aging, the study examines the role of food insecurity as a modifier of the association between specific microbial groups in the gut and the risk of cognitive impairment. The researchers found that adults with reduced microbial diversity and specific bacterial imbalances were notably more likely to experience cognitive dysfunction. Additionally, food insecurity—defined as limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate and safe food—was independently associated with both compromised gut microbiome profiles and diminished cognitive performance, reinforcing its dual role as a social and biological stressor.

Dr Shoshannah Eggers, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health and the study’s corresponding author, began this research while serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “In 2022, over 12 percent of U.S. households—equating to 17 million—experienced food insecurity at some point during the year, an increase from 10.2 percent the previous year,” Dr Eggers noted. “This consistent link between food insecurity and poor health outcomes, including adverse neurological outcomes, demands we examine how physiological systems like the gut microbiome interact with social conditions to influence brain health.”

The research cohort comprised 360 adults from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin, each providing complete data on food insecurity status, cognitive function assessments, and stool samples for 16S rRNA gene sequencing—an established method for identifying bacterial taxa present in the gut. Using an interpretable machine-learning algorithm, the team was able to detect small networks of co-occurring bacteria, or “microbial cliques,” associated with cognitive impairment. This algorithm not only predicted associations but also provided insight into the underlying structure of those predictions, thereby enhancing interpretability and scientific transparency.

Analyses were stratified by food security status and adjusted for relevant confounders, including age, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status. The researchers identified two microbial cliques whose relationships with cognitive impairment varied depending on participants’ food security levels. For individuals experiencing food insecurity, a microbial group containing Eisenbergiella or Eubacterium exhibited a stronger association with cognitive decline. Conversely, among food-secure individuals, a different clique—comprising Ruminococcus torques, Bacteroides, CAG-352F, and Eubacterium—was more strongly linked to cognitive impairment.

These contrasting microbial signatures between the two groups suggest that the gut-brain axis is modulated not only by microbial composition but also by contextual factors such as nutritional access. According to the study’s senior author, Dr Vishal Midya, Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, this nuanced interaction implies that future microbiome-based interventions may need to account for food security status. “These findings suggest that food insecurity transcends socioeconomic boundaries and may exert biological effects that influence brain health through the gut microbiome,” Dr Midya stated. “With the prevalence of cognitive impairment rising, especially among older adults, integrating food insecurity into etiological models of cognitive decline is increasingly urgent.”

In light of these findings, the study advocates for more holistic public health strategies that address both dietary accessibility and microbial health. Interventions that pair nutritional support with targeted modulation of the gut microbiome—such as through diet, probiotics, or prebiotics—could potentially mitigate the risk of cognitive decline in populations most vulnerable to both malnutrition and neurological disorders. As our understanding of the gut-brain axis deepens, incorporating social determinants of health into biological research will be vital in developing inclusive and effective public health solutions.

More information: Shoshannah Eggers et al, Food insecurity modifies the association between the gut microbiome and the risk of cognitive impairment in adults, npj Aging. DOI: 10.1038/s41514-025-00241-0

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

Virtual Reality May Aid Stroke Survivors in Restoring Mobility

Leave a Reply

A newly updated Cochrane review has concluded that virtual reality (VR) used in conjunction with conventional stroke rehabilitation may support patients in regaining arm movement. The findings suggest that VR can be a valuable adjunct to standard therapy by enhancing the amount of therapeutic activity undertaken. Since greater therapy intensity is associated with better recovery outcomes, VR may offer an accessible and engaging means of supplementing usual care, particularly in settings where clinician time is limited.

This latest review, published today, is the fourth update of a Cochrane analysis released initially in 2011. It now includes results from 190 trials involving 7,188 participants, with 119 new studies added since the last update in 2017. The authors examined a wide array of VR interventions, ranging from basic screen-based games using commercial consoles to fully immersive, head-mounted systems explicitly developed for rehabilitation purposes. The breadth of technologies assessed reflects the increasing interest in digital solutions for neurological recovery.

The international review team, comprising researchers from Australia, Canada, and the United States, found that VR may result in modest improvements in upper limb function and related activities when compared to conventional therapy alone. However, the most notable gains were observed when VR was used in addition to standard care, effectively increasing overall therapy time. These improvements in arm function suggest that VR may serve as a valuable tool to enhance traditional rehabilitation without significantly increasing costs or placing extra demands on clinical staff.

Lead author Professor Kate Laver of Flinders University emphasised the importance of therapy duration in stroke recovery, stating that “spending more time in therapy is known to improve outcomes after stroke.” She explained that virtual reality offers a relatively low-cost, motivating platform through which patients can engage in additional practice, often independently. This added autonomy could be particularly valuable for patients undergoing long-term rehabilitation or those with limited access to one-on-one therapy sessions.

Beyond arm function, the review also found that VR may contribute to improvements in balance and reductions in activity limitations, although the evidence for these outcomes was less robust. Effects on mobility, participation in everyday activities, and quality of life were uncertain due to limited or low-certainty data. Furthermore, many of the included studies were small and used off-the-shelf gaming technologies. Few trials assessed immersive VR systems, and their impact remains largely unexplored. Most VR applications studied focused narrowly on motor function rather than broader, real-life functional skills such as dressing, shopping, or meal preparation.

Professor Laver noted the untapped potential of VR to simulate complex, real-world environments—such as navigating busy streets or shopping in supermarkets—which would allow patients to practise activities that might be unsafe to attempt in reality. Yet, the research to date has primarily relied on basic or generic gaming platforms. The review concludes by calling for more ambitious and rigorously designed trials that focus on immersive and function-specific VR interventions. These future studies could help determine how best to integrate virtual reality into stroke rehabilitation, ensuring it not only supports motor recovery but also enhances overall independence and quality of life for survivors.

More information: Kate Laver et al, Virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008349.pub5

Journal information: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Provided by Cochrane

Association Between Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Mortality Among Middle-Aged Women

Leave a Reply

A forthcoming study to be presented at the SLEEP 2025 annual meeting reveals a significant association between excessive daytime sleepiness and elevated all-cause mortality among middle-aged women. The research highlights that this link is not observed in younger or older female cohorts, suggesting a potential age-specific vulnerability.

The analysis demonstrated that women aged between 50 and 65 years who exhibited high levels of daytime sleepiness—measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale—faced a 16% higher adjusted risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with normal sleepiness levels. This association was held even after adjusting for potential confounders, including age, race, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and existing comorbidities. Interestingly, this elevated risk was not observed in women under 50 or those over 65, suggesting a potentially unique susceptibility during midlife.

Lead author Dr Arash Maghsoudi, a biomedical engineering PhD and instructor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, emphasised the clinical importance of this finding. “Identifying middle age as a critical period suggests clinicians should prioritise Epworth Sleepiness Scale assessments and address excessive daytime sleepiness in women approaching their 50s and early 60s,” he noted.

Daytime sleepiness is widely recognised as a key patient-reported outcome that can signal a host of health concerns, including increased vulnerability to adverse health events and a lower quality of life. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, excessive daytime sleepiness is characterised by a persistent inability to remain awake and alert during the main periods of wakefulness, leading to unintentional dozing or falling asleep.

The study involved a retrospective review of the electronic medical records of 40,250 female veterans spanning from 1999 to 2022. The researchers focused on patients who had either been diagnosed with a sleep disorder or had received care for sleep-related issues. The average age of participants was 48 years. To quantify levels of daytime sleepiness, the research team employed a validated natural language processing tool to extract scores from clinical notes related to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This standardised questionnaire assesses the likelihood of dozing off during typical daily activities.

What adds nuance to the study’s conclusions is the absence of a significant association between excessive sleepiness and mortality in older women despite their higher burden of chronic health conditions. Dr Maghsoudi observed that this divergence might reflect hormonal, metabolic, or resilience-related mechanisms specific to midlife physiology. “It implies hormonal, metabolic, or resilience factors that warrant mechanistic follow-up for women in middle age,” he stated.

Taken together, these findings underscore the importance of heightened clinical awareness around sleep health in midlife women. As the data suggest, this age group may represent a window of increased vulnerability where daytime sleepiness is not merely a benign symptom but a potential marker of broader health risks. Further investigation into the biological pathways underlying this age-specific relationship could yield valuable insights into preventive strategies and targeted interventions aimed at improving longevity and quality of life in this population.

More information: Arash Maghsoudi et al, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and All-Cause Mortality in Female Veterans: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis, SLEEP. DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaf090.0929

Journal information: SLEEP Provided by American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Exercise shown to protect the brain at the cellular level in Alzheimer’s disease

Leave a Reply

In a groundbreaking study combining cutting-edge genetic tools with an established model of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers from Mass General Brigham, in collaboration with colleagues at SUNY Upstate Medical University, have pinpointed specific brain cell types most responsive to physical exercise. Employing advanced single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), the team examined the molecular effects of exercise on individual brain cells, illuminating the cellular mechanisms that link physical activity to improved brain health. Importantly, these findings were validated using brain tissue from human subjects, reinforcing their clinical relevance. The complete study is published in Nature Neuroscience.

Although the protective effects of exercise on cognitive function have long been recognised, the precise cellular and molecular underpinnings remained elusive. Senior author Dr Christiane D. Wrann, DVM, PhD, a neuroscientist and head of the Program in Neuroprotection in Exercise at the Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute and the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, explained the significance of the new findings. “While we’ve long known that exercise helps protect the brain, we didn’t fully understand which cells were responsible or how it worked at a molecular level,” she noted. “Now, we have a detailed map of how exercise impacts each major cell type in the memory centre of the brain in Alzheimer’s disease.”

The research concentrated on the hippocampus, a critical brain region associated with memory and learning that is notably vulnerable to early degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. Utilising the snRNA-seq technology—an innovation that enables researchers to analyse gene expression at the single-cell level—the team was able to dissect the distinct responses of various brain cell types to physical activity. This granular approach allows for a much more precise understanding of the disease’s pathology and the benefits of exercise.

In the experimental phase, the team used a widely studied mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, providing the animals access to running wheels. Those who engaged in voluntary running showed marked improvements in memory function compared to their sedentary counterparts. When the researchers analysed the brains of these exercised mice, they discovered exercise-induced changes in gene expression across thousands of individual cells. Particularly notable were alterations in microglia—a type of immune cell in the brain implicated in neurodegenerative disease—and a newly identified subset of astrocytes known as neurovascular-associated astrocytes (NVAs), which interact closely with the brain’s blood vessels.

Among the most intriguing molecular findings was identifying the gene Atpif1, a metabolic regulator that appears to play a key role in neurogenesis—the process by which new neurons are generated. The team found that modulation of this gene influenced the production of new brain cells, suggesting it could be a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Dr Joana Da Rocha, a postdoctoral researcher in Dr Wrann’s laboratory and lead author of the study, highlighted the importance of this discovery. “That we were able to modulate newborn neurons using our new target genes underscores the promise of our study,” she said, pointing to the potential for these findings to guide future drug development.

To confirm that their observations in mice applied to humans, the researchers examined a large dataset of human brain tissue from individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Their analysis revealed strong parallels between the cellular changes observed in the exercised mice and those found in the human samples, reinforcing the results’ translatability. Co-senior author Dr Nathan Tucker, a biostatistician at SUNY Upstate Medical University, underscored the broader implications of the work: “This study not only sheds light on how exercise benefits the brain but also uncovers potential cell-specific targets for future Alzheimer’s therapies. Our findings provide a valuable resource for the scientific community focused on Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment.”

In sum, this research not only maps the beneficial impact of physical activity at the single-cell level but also opens the door to new lines of inquiry into how lifestyle interventions can influence the course of neurodegenerative disease. By bridging the gap between animal models and human pathology, the study offers compelling evidence that physical activity could one day inform precision medicine approaches to combat Alzheimer’s disease, both as a preventive measure and as a foundation for targeted therapeutics.

More information: Joana Da Rocha et al, Protective exercise responses in the dentate gyrus of Alzheimer’s disease mouse model revealed with single-nucleus RNA-sequencing, Nature Neuroscience. DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-01971-w

Journal information: Nature Neuroscience Provided by Mass General Brigham

Struggling to Lift 5 kg Could Signal Declining Health and Underlying Chronic Conditions, Researchers Warn

Leave a Reply

A groundbreaking international study has identified a simple yet powerful predictor of health in older adults: the ability to lift a 5-kilogram object. Led by researchers from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and drawing data from over 51,000 individuals aged 50 and above across 15 countries, the study found a strong association between difficulty lifting 5 kg and a range of chronic illnesses and diminished quality of life. This research, published in Scientific Reports, is among the first to propose an everyday activity—lifting a modest weight—as a practical method to assess muscle strength and anticipate future health challenges.

Professor Rizwan Qaisar, the study’s lead author, explained that participants who reported struggling to lift 5 kilograms were significantly more likely to suffer from various health conditions over the following years. These included depression, chronic lung disease, stroke, hip fractures, osteoarthritis, joint disorders, high cholesterol, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Crucially, these risks persisted regardless of the participant’s age or gender, pointing to the test’s broad applicability across older demographics. The researchers argue that the inability to perform this task reflects underlying muscle weakness, a condition that often goes undetected until it contributes to serious illness or disability.

Traditional methods for assessing muscle strength typically involve costly equipment and specialised clinical settings, limiting their accessibility—especially in low-resource environments. This new approach, by contrast, empowers individuals to conduct a basic health check using nothing more than an everyday household object. A 5-kilogram item could be a bag of sugar, a small kitchen appliance, or a medium-sized pet. If such an object feels difficult to lift, it may be an early signal of muscular decline, foreshadowing more serious health deterioration.

The study’s significance extends beyond merely identifying correlations. By analysing data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) between 2013 and 2020, the researchers found that nearly 20% of participants initially struggled to lift 5 kg. Over the following four years, those individuals were more likely to develop a lower quality of life, experience depression, and exhibit weaker grip strength. Osteoarthritis was also notably more common in this group. These findings held even after adjusting for age and gender, reinforcing the robustness of the 5 kg test as a predictive measure.

Notably, men who reported difficulty lifting 5 kilograms were at a higher risk than women for developing many of these conditions, suggesting potential biological or lifestyle-related differences in how muscle weakness manifests and affects overall health. The study emphasises that muscle weakness should not be viewed as a natural or harmless aspect of ageing. Instead, it represents a clear and measurable risk factor for multiple chronic diseases. Early detection through simple tests could facilitate prompt intervention and prevent the progression of debilitating conditions.

The researchers stress the urgency of integrating this test into broader public health strategies. “Lifting 5 kilograms: a simple act, a powerful health predictor,” co-author Dr Fabio Franzese of the SHARE Berlin Institute stated. He highlighted how lifting a modest weight, when viewed through the lens of clinical research, becomes a valuable tool for early intervention. The implications are vast—not only for individual self-assessment but also for enabling healthcare professionals to identify at-risk patients without costly diagnostic technologies.

Professor Azhar Hussain, another co-author from the University of Sharjah, echoed this sentiment, describing the test as a potential game-changer in preventative medicine. He emphasised its practicality: it’s inexpensive, requires no training, and can be used universally. For older adults, particularly those living alone or without immediate access to healthcare, the ability to assess one’s strength with such simplicity could prompt earlier consultations with doctors, encourage lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, and reduce long-term healthcare costs.

Ultimately, this research reframes muscle weakness not as a minor inconvenience of ageing but as a sentinel marker of broader physiological decline. By advocating a widely accessible self-test based on lifting a 5-kilogram object, the scientists offer a compelling vision of preventative care grounded in simplicity and universal applicability. Their work underscores the need to reconceptualise everyday movements as meaningful indicators of internal health—and, perhaps, as the first line of defence in preserving well-being in later life.

More information: Rizwan Qaisar et al, The simple task of lifting five kilograms serves as a predictor of age-related disorders in old adults, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-03128-y

Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by University of Sharjah