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Depression and Anxiety Linked to Discrimination Especially Prevalent Among Multiracial, White, and Asian Groups

A recent study has revealed that more than half of adults in the United States report experiencing some form of discrimination. This widespread phenomenon appears to significantly heighten the risk of developing depression and anxiety. This new research suggests that the psychological burden of such experiences is not evenly distributed across society but is instead shaped by a constellation of cultural, social, and systemic influences that affect different racial and ethnic groups in distinctive ways. The findings offer a broader understanding of how subtle yet persistent mistreatment can harm mental health, moving beyond conventional narratives that focus exclusively on specific populations.

Discrimination, especially in its everyday manifestations, has increasingly been identified as a key contributor to poor mental health. Unlike overt acts of racism or prejudice, everyday discrimination refers to subtle, routine interactions in which individuals are treated with disrespect, ignored, or subjected to hostile behaviour—experiences that often pass unchallenged yet leave lasting psychological impressions. A growing body of academic literature has explored how such experiences may cumulatively degrade mental well-being. This new study, carried out by researchers at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and Brown University, builds on that foundation by examining the impact of discriminatory experiences across a broad swathe of the U.S. adult population.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the study analysed data collected in 2023 from nearly 30,000 adults aged 18 or older. The sample was statistically weighted to represent more than 258 million U.S. adults, making the study one of the most comprehensive investigations of discrimination’s mental health effects. The researchers used standardised instruments to assess the frequency of discrimination as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety. Respondents reported whether they had been mistreated, received poor service, or felt harassed, and they also answered questions indicating psychological distress, such as persistent sadness, hopelessness, worry, or restlessness.

The results paint a sobering picture: over 55 per cent of U.S. adults indicated they had experienced some form of discrimination, and 3.6 per cent reported experiencing high levels of it. Those who encountered high levels of discrimination were found to be more than five times as likely to screen positive for depression and five times as likely to show signs of anxiety. Even more alarmingly, adults who had experienced discrimination were nearly nine times more likely to screen positive for both conditions simultaneously compared to those who reported no such mistreatment. These trends held across genders, reinforcing the widespread reach of the issue.

However, the psychological toll of discrimination was particularly pronounced among multiracial, White, and Asian adults—groups that have historically received less attention in research on racial discrimination and mental health. These findings suggest that discrimination exerts harmful effects across the racial and ethnic spectrum, not only among traditionally marginalised communities. By broadening the frame of reference, the study sheds light on how people from all backgrounds can be vulnerable to mental health issues linked to discriminatory treatment, although in different and often context-specific ways.

Further analysis revealed that high levels of discrimination were most prevalent among Black adults, followed by individuals who identified as multiracial or belonging to other racial categories, then Hispanic or Latino adults, White adults, and finally Asian adults. Additionally, discrimination was more frequently reported among women, immigrants, and individuals living with disadvantages such as physical disabilities, obesity, or food insecurity. These intersecting factors reveal how discrimination can compound other forms of social vulnerability, intensifying the impact on mental health.

The researchers suggest that various mechanisms might underlie these patterns. Multiracial individuals, for example, may contend with unique challenges related to navigating multiple racial identities, leading to feelings of exclusion or confusion about social belonging. White individuals, while not traditionally framed as targets of racial discrimination, may nonetheless suffer from prejudice tied to socioeconomic status, educational attainment, or rural versus urban divides. Asian adults may face anxiety and depression due to language barriers or the pressures of the “model minority” stereotype, which erroneously assumes success and thus overlooks real struggles.

“These are not imagined harms,” says Dr. Marie-Rachelle Narcisse, senior author and assistant professor of psychiatry and human behaviour at Brown University. “Studies have shown that discrimination shapes mental health most deeply when it goes unacknowledged. I hope our findings generate greater awareness. In awareness, there is strength—and with strength comes the capacity to seek healing in a more intentional way.” Her remarks underscore the importance of recognising and naming these experiences, as failure can deepen psychological wounds and deter individuals from seeking help.

At the same time, the study’s authors stress that their findings should not be misconstrued as minimising the mental health consequences of discrimination for Black, Hispanic, or Latino populations. These groups continue to face deeply entrenched barriers to health and well-being rooted in systemic racism and historical oppression. Instead, the study aims to widen the conversation and promote a more inclusive approach to understanding how discrimination affects all communities. “Our results are a powerful reminder that discrimination is everyone’s issue,” says Dr. Monica Wang, the study’s lead author and associate professor of community health sciences at BUSPH. “Addressing it is not just about protecting specific communities—it benefits society as a whole.”

More information: Monica Wang et al, Discrimination, Depression, and Anxiety Among US Adults, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.2404

Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by Boston University School of Public Health

Light Daily Exercise Associated with Reduced Cancer Risk

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In a large-scale prospective cohort study involving over 85,000 adults in the United Kingdom, researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of Oxford found that individuals who engaged in daily physical activity—whether of light or moderate-to-vigorous intensity—faced a lower risk of developing cancer compared to those who led more sedentary lifestyles. The study’s findings, published on 26 March 2025 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, are among the first to examine the protective effects of light-intensity activity, such as household chores and routine errands, on cancer risk.

While previous research has consistently demonstrated an inverse relationship between physical activity and cancer incidence, most earlier studies have relied on self-reported questionnaires. Such tools are prone to inaccuracies, particularly in capturing the intensity and duration of various physical activities. Moreover, investigations that employed objective measures typically focused on higher-intensity exercise, leaving a gap in understanding regarding the role of lower-intensity movements in disease prevention.

In the current study, led by scientists at the NIH’s National Cancer Institute, participants in the UK Biobank study—whose median age was 63—wore wrist-worn accelerometers continuously for one week. These devices precisely measured total daily activity, intensity, and step count. Researchers then analysed the relationship between these physical activity patterns and the incidence of 13 types of cancer previously linked to exercise, including breast and colorectal cancer.

Over an average follow-up period of 5.8 years, 2,633 participants were diagnosed with one of the 13 targeted cancer types. The data revealed that individuals in the highest quartile of daily physical activity had a 26% lower risk of developing cancer compared to those in the lowest activity group. Furthermore, when researchers modelled the effect of substituting sedentary time with either light-intensity or moderate-to-vigorous activity, they observed a notable reduction in cancer risk. These associations remained statistically significant even after adjusting for various potential confounding factors, including demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, body mass index (BMI), and pre-existing health conditions.

The study also examined the specific impact of step count on cancer risk, independent of step intensity. Interestingly, while faster walking did not offer additional benefits, higher daily step counts were consistently associated with reduced cancer risk. Compared to individuals averaging 5,000 steps daily, those who walked 7,000 steps daily experienced an 11% lower risk, and those reaching 9,000 steps saw a 16% reduction. However, the benefit appeared to plateau beyond the 9,000-step mark.

Taken together, these findings suggest that even modest increases in daily movement—particularly among relatively inactive individuals—may contribute meaningfully to cancer prevention. The authors highlighted that encouraging more walking and routine low-intensity activity, regardless of pace, could be an accessible and effective strategy to help lower cancer risk across the population.

More information: Alaina Shreves et al, Amount and intensity of daily total physical activity, step count and risk of incident cancer in the UK Biobank, British Journal of Sports Medicine. DOI: 0.1136/bjsports-2024-109360

Journal information: British Journal of Sports Medicine Provided by NIH/National Cancer Institute

Fatty Liver Disease Associated with Higher Mortality Risk from Multiple Conditions

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A detailed study conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet reveals that individuals diagnosed with fatty liver disease face nearly double the mortality rate compared to the general population. According to findings published in The Journal of Hepatology, these individuals exhibit heightened risks of death not only from liver-specific diseases but also from prevalent conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

In Sweden, approximately one in five individuals suffer from fatty liver disease, specifically referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Globally, this figure could rise to around one in four people. The primary cause of MASLD is excessive body weight or obesity, which results in abnormal fat accumulation within the liver. This accumulation can progress to severe liver injury and even liver cancer.

A key challenge with fatty liver disease is its stealthy nature, as many affected individuals remain unaware of their condition, particularly in the initial stages when symptoms are rarely evident. Axel Wester, an assistant professor at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, at Karolinska Institutet, and a physician at Karolinska University Hospital, points out that their research highlights a broader spectrum of health risks faced by MASLD patients, extending far beyond liver-related illnesses.

The research team analysed health records of over 13,000 Swedish patients diagnosed with MASLD between 2002 and 2020, examining mortality rates from various causes compared to those of the broader population. The study’s findings indicated an overall mortality rate nearly double that of the general populace. While risks were elevated for virtually all categories of death investigated, they were notably pronounced for liver-specific conditions. Mortality risk from liver disease was 27 times higher, and death due to liver cancer reached a staggering 35 times higher among MASLD patients compared to the general population.

Nevertheless, the study also found that the most common causes of death among MASLD patients were cardiovascular disease and non-liver cancers, exhibiting mortality rates of 54 per cent and 47 per cent higher, respectively. Beyond these primary concerns, individuals with MASLD also faced increased risks of death from infections, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory conditions, endocrine diseases, and external injuries or accidents. Interestingly, the research did not indicate an increased risk of death from mental health conditions.

Hannes Hagström, adjunct professor at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, and senior physician at Karolinska University Hospital, emphasised the importance of a more comprehensive healthcare strategy for individuals suffering from MASLD. Rather than concentrating solely on liver health, Hagström advocates for a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. Early intervention and integrated care spanning various medical specialities is essential to improve patient outcomes and overall prognosis effectively.

More information: Hannes Hagström et al, Cause-specific mortality in 13,099 patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in Sweden, Journal of Hepatology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2025.03.001

Journal information: Journal of Hepatology Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Recent Studies Show Meditation Influences Key Brain Regions Linked to Memory and Emotional Control

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Researchers utilising intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings from deep brain regions have discovered that meditation alters the amygdala and hippocampus, which are crucial for emotional regulation and memory. This significant finding was part of a study conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published on February 4 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The study highlights the potential of meditation to positively impact areas of the brain associated with memory and emotional control, providing a scientific basis for developing meditation-based therapeutic approaches.

Historically, meditation, which involves a series of mental techniques to enhance focus and awareness, has been shown to improve mental well-being and aid in the treatment of psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Previous research has linked meditation to changes in brain activity, but the specific neural activities that underpin the beneficial effects of meditation have remained elusive. This gap in understanding has spurred further scientific inquiry into the mechanisms by which meditation influences brain function.

Christina Maher, a neuroscience PhD student at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine and the first author of the paper explains the unique approach of their study: “Traditionally, it has been challenging to study these deep limbic brain regions in humans using standard methods like scalp EEG. Our team overcame this challenge by leveraging data collected from a unique patient population—epilepsy patients with surgically implanted devices that allow for chronic EEG recording from electrodes implanted deep in the amygdala and hippocampus.” She described the discovery of changes in brain wave activity during a participant’s first meditation session as “quite amazing.”

The research involved eight neurosurgical patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who were fitted with a responsive neurostimulation system. These individuals, novice meditators before the study, participated in a structured meditation session that included five minutes of audio-guided instruction followed by ten minutes of loving-kindness meditation—a practice focused on fostering thoughts of well-being for oneself and others. To assess the effectiveness of the meditation, participants reported their depth of meditation on a scale of 1-10 post-session, with the average score being a notable 7.43.

Ignacio Saez, PhD, Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery, and Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine and the senior author of the paper, highlighted the specific changes observed: “Loving kindness meditation is associated with changes in the strength and duration of certain types of brain waves called beta and gamma waves. These kinds of brain waves are affected in mood disorders like depression and anxiety, so the possibility of being able to willfully control these through meditation is pretty amazing, and may help explain the positive impact that these practices have on individuals.”

The study is distinguished by its use of advanced invasive neural recording techniques, which provide a much more detailed and precise insight into brain activity than traditional methods like scalp EEG. Conducted in the Quantitative Biometrics Laboratory at Mount Sinai West, the study’s setting—a lab designed to mimic a natural, relaxing environment—enhances its ecological validity by reflecting conditions more typical of real-world meditation settings. Despite the promising results, the researchers acknowledged limitations such as the small sample size and the focus on single-session effects without long-term follow-up.

“This study provides a foundation for future research that could contribute to developing meditation-based interventions to help individuals modulate brain activity in areas involved in memory and emotional regulation,” said Dr. Saez. “Meditation is noninvasive, widely accessible, and doesn’t require specialised equipment or medical resources, making it an easy-to-use tool for improving mental well-being. However, it is crucial to note that meditation is not a replacement for traditional therapies. Instead, it could serve as a complementary low-cost option for individuals experiencing challenges with memory or emotional regulation.” The Mount Sinai research team plans to conduct follow-up studies exploring the relationship between the brain activity observed and mood/mental health outcomes, aiming to gather more data on how ongoing meditation impacts mental well-being in real-world, long-term settings.

More information: Christina Maher et al, Intracranial substrates of meditation-induced neuromodulation in the amygdala and hippocampus, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.240942312

Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Provided by The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Appetite Diverts Focus to Unhealthier Dietary Choices

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Recent studies suggest that hunger increases the likelihood of individuals prioritising the taste of food over its nutritional value, which could lead to unhealthy dietary choices. This was the focus of a significant study featured in a revised Reviewed Preprint in eLife, employing sophisticated methodologies such as choice behaviour assessments, eye-tracking, and advanced computational modelling. The evidence supported the hypothesis that when hungry, people are more likely to choose tastiness over healthiness in their food selections.

The ongoing global obesity crisis underscores the importance of addressing dietary choices. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, the number of overweight adults has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled. By 2022, approximately 2.5 billion adults will be overweight, with 890 million suffering from obesity, which significantly increases the risk of severe health issues, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

The immediate environment significantly influences daily food-related decisions. Previous research has shown that displaying nutritional information can promote healthier eating choices. However, evidence also suggests that hunger can skew decision-making towards less healthy options. This preference for energy-dense foods may be an evolutionary adaptation to ensure survival under conditions of food scarcity. With high-calorie food now more accessible and affordable, this adaptive trait may be contributing to rising global obesity rates.

To understand the cognitive processes influencing this behaviour, Jennifer March, a PhD student at the University of Hamburg and lead author of the study, and her colleague Sebastian Gluth, a professor at the same university, conducted an experiment involving 70 adults. After an overnight fast, participants underwent food choice tests in both hungry and satiated states. In the satiated state, participants consumed a protein shake that matched their daily calorie needs at the beginning of the study. They evaluated various food items, ranking them based on taste and perceived caloric content.

The experiment’s findings revealed a consistent preference for taste over health, irrespective of the hunger state, but significantly intensified when participants were hungry. This preference aligns with previous studies suggesting that hunger enhances the perceived reward of calorie-dense foods. The study’s innovation lies in demonstrating that visual attention patterns and cognitive weighting influence this bias in decision-making processes. When hungry, participants focused more on the visual appeal of food and disregarded nutritional ratings unless they concentrated explicitly on them.

While this study was conducted in a controlled lab setting, future research could explore how these findings apply in real-world environments like grocery stores or restaurants, where external cues and marketing strategies might further influence consumer choices. Professor Gluth summarises the study’s implications, noting that hunger makes unhealthy and tasty food more appealing and alters the brain’s decision-making process by shifting the priority given to different types of information. Public health interventions should aim to redirect attention towards nutritional information to counteract the innate tendency to opt for calorie-rich foods when hungry, thus promoting healthier eating habits.

More information: Jennifer March et al, The Hungry Lens: Hunger Shifts Attention and Attribute Weighting in Dietary Choice, eLife. DOI: 10.7554/eLife.103736.2

Penn Study Suggests Older Adults May Have Greater Resistance to Bird Flu Infections Than Youngsters

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Recent research conducted at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has uncovered that prior exposure to certain seasonal influenza viruses could lead to the development of cross-reactive immunity against the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The study indicates that older adults who encountered seasonal flu viruses before 1968 are likelier to possess antibodies that can attach to the H5N1 avian flu virus. This research was published in Nature Medicine and points to a significant generational disparity in immune protection against this strain of bird flu, underscoring the increased benefits of H5N1 vaccinations for younger adults and children, even those vaccines not explicitly tailored to the current strain circulating among birds and cattle.

Scott Hensley, PhD, a professor of Microbiology and the study’s senior author, elaborated on the findings, highlighting that immune responses triggered by influenza exposures in early childhood could last a lifetime. He explained that antibody responses initiated by exposure to H1N1 and H3N2 viruses several decades ago show the ability to cross-react with contemporary H5N1 avian viruses. While these antibodies may not prevent infection entirely, they are likely to mitigate the severity of the disease should an H5N1 pandemic occur.

The research sheds light on these antibodies’ potential protective role against a rapidly mutating virus. The H5N1 viruses have been present in birds for many years; however, a new variant known as clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus has recently emerged and spread among cattle. This new strain poorly binds to receptors in the human upper respiratory system. Still, its extensive circulation among mammals might lead to mutations that could enhance its ability to infect human airway cells and potentially facilitate human-to-human transmission.

Influenza viruses possess surface proteins called hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, which enable the virus to attach to and infect healthy cells. The study involved testing blood samples from individuals born between 1927 and 2016 for antibodies that target the stalks of these proteins, particularly the less frequently evolving stalks of the hemagglutinin protein. The findings revealed that older adults born before 1968, likely exposed to H1N1 or H2N2 in their childhood, exhibited elevated levels of antibodies capable of binding to the stalk of the H5N1 virus. In contrast, young children not exposed to these older viruses displayed significantly lower protective antibodies against H5N1.

The researchers also explored how individuals from different generations responded to H5N1 vaccinations by examining blood samples taken before and after these individuals were vaccinated with a 2004 H5N1 vaccine that did not precisely match the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus currently in circulation. Before vaccination, older adults already had higher antibodies capable of binding to H5 stalks. After immunisation, while there was only a slight increase in these antibodies among older adults, there was a substantial increase in children, indicating that the vaccine effectively enhanced their immune response against both the 2004 virus and the current clade 2.3.4.4b virus.

Concluding his remarks, Hensley stressed the potential widespread susceptibility to an H5N1 pandemic across all age groups but noted that the most significant impact might be on children. He advocated prioritising children in H5N1 vaccination efforts, especially in preparation for potential pandemic scenarios. This reflects the crucial role vaccinations might play in controlling the spread of this adaptable and potentially deadly virus.

More information: Scott Hensley et al, Immune history shapes human antibody responses to H5N1 influenza viruses, Nature Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s41591-025-03599-6

Journal information: Nature Medicine Provided by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

New Research Indicates Viewing Natural Landscapes May Alleviate Pain

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A recent neuroimaging study has made a significant discovery: observing natural environments can alleviate the sensation of pain by reducing brain activity linked to pain perception. This research, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, was led by teams from the University of Vienna and the University of Exeter. It offers a solid foundation for developing new non-medical treatments for pain relief. By employing functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), the researchers monitored the brains of 49 participants in Austria as they experienced pain induced by mild electric shocks. Notably, when these participants viewed videos of natural scenes rather than urban or indoor office settings, they reported less pain and altered brain responses typically associated with pain processing.

The study utilized advanced machine-learning techniques to analyze brain networks involved in pain processing. It was observed that the intensity of the raw sensory signals received by the brain during painful stimuli was significantly diminished when the subjects viewed high-quality virtual representations of nature. This finding supports previous research suggesting that nature can reduce subjective pain experiences. It represents the first concrete demonstration of how natural environments can influence brain function to mitigate unpleasant experiences.

Max Steininger, a PhD student at the University of Vienna and the study’s lead author, elaborated on the findings. He explained that while numerous studies have consistently shown that exposure to natural settings reduces pain, the exact mechanisms behind this effect were not previously understood. This study is the first to provide evidence from brain scans that the effect is not merely a placebo, driven by people’s expectations that nature will be beneficial, but rather a genuine reaction of the brain, reducing the perception of pain’s location and intensity.

Steininger also highlighted that nature’s pain-relieving effect was found to be about half as effective as traditional painkillers. However, these findings are promising for integrating natural experiences into pain management strategies, complementing existing medical treatments. He stressed that while people in pain should continue using prescribed medications, incorporating natural experiences could enhance pain management in the future.

This research also provides insight into the long-standing mystery of the therapeutic potential of natural settings. Over forty years ago, a pioneering American researcher, Roger Ulrich, demonstrated that hospital patients with views of green spaces from their windows used fewer painkillers and recovered faster than those facing a brick wall. However, the mechanisms underlying this benefit have remained elusive until now.

The new insights from the study offer a robust explanation for why Ulrich’s patients might have experienced less pain and show how virtual nature experiences could extend these benefits to anyone, anywhere. This provides a non-invasive and accessible method for managing pain, offering substantial practical implications for non-pharmacological pain treatments.

Dr Alex Smalley, a co-author from the University of Exeter, emphasized the study’s broader implications. He noted how virtual encounters with nature provide immediate health benefits and reinforce the importance of protecting natural environments. Smalley hoped the results would encourage more people to engage with nature, supporting environmental sustainability and public health. This groundbreaking research clarifies the biological mechanisms behind nature’s role in pain reduction. It opens new avenues for research into non-pharmaceutical interventions that leverage the restorative power of natural environments to enhance mental and physical well-being.

More information: Max Steininger et al, Nature exposure induces analgesic effects by acting on nociception-related neural processing, Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56870-2

Journal information: Nature Communications Provided by University of Exeter

MSU Research Unveils Surprising Function of Dopamine in Memory Devaluation

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Recent findings from Michigan State University have provided a deeper insight into the role of dopamine, a brain chemical traditionally associated with reward processing. Published in Communications Biology, this study introduces a groundbreaking perspective on dopamine’s function, demonstrating its involvement in diminishing the value of memories linked to rewards. This discovery challenges the established understanding of dopamine and suggests a complex influence on memory and behaviour.

Led by Alexander Johnson, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology, the research team discovered that dopamine actively reshapes the recollection of past rewarding experiences. This new function of dopamine was unexpected, as it diverges significantly from the previously understood roles of this neurotransmitter. Johnson highlighted the chemical’s role in altering how a memory related to a reward is perceived over time, marking a significant shift from traditional theories of dopamine function.

The study methodology involved conditioning mice to associate an auditory cue with the consumption of sweet-tasting food, effectively linking the two in the animals’ memories. Later, these memories were retrieved when the mice were made to feel temporarily ill, simulating the sensation of eating something disagreeable. Remarkably, after recovering from the induced illness, the mice behaved as if the sweet food had been the cause of their discomfort. This behavioural change occurred despite the disease being artificially introduced during the memory recall, not during the actual consumption of the food. This finding underscores dopamine’s pivotal role in modifying food-related memories.

Further exploration into the brain’s mechanisms that control this memory alteration revealed significant findings. The researchers employed a technique to identify and reactivate neurons involved in retrieving these food memories. Cells producing dopamine played a crucial role in this process. The impact of dopamine was further confirmed through experiments that manipulated and monitored the activity of these dopamine neurons during the experiments.

Johnson commented on the surprising nature of these results, noting that dopamine’s involvement in such detailed informational and memory processing had not been anticipated. The findings suggest a far more complex role for dopamine in the brain than previously considered. This challenges earlier assumptions and opens new questions about the neurotransmitter’s comprehensive functions.

The implications of these findings are vast, particularly in the context of treating neuropsychiatric disorders such as addiction and depression. Understanding dopamine’s broader functions could lead to innovative approaches to therapy, potentially involving methods to devalue problematic memories that drive undesirable behaviours. Johnson’s team is optimistic that their discoveries will pave the way for new therapeutic strategies that could profoundly impact managing and treating various brain disorders.

More information: Alexander Johnson et al, Devaluing memories of reward: a case for dopamine, Communications Biology. DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-07440-7

Journal information: Communications Biology Provided by Michigan State University

Recent Research Indicates That Routine Exercise Before Hospitalisation Enhances Recovery in Heart Failure Cases

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Heart failure remains a significant health issue, particularly among older populations, where it notably raises mortality rates and drastically reduces quality of life. The benefits of exercise therapy for heart failure patients are well-documented, yet prior studies have predominantly focused on the advantages of exercising following a heart failure diagnosis. This leaves a substantial knowledge gap concerning the impact of physical activity before a patient is admitted to the hospital with heart failure.

A groundbreaking study published on 19 February 2025 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology sheds light on this issue. Conducted by a team of Japanese researchers led by Dr Taisuke Nakade of the Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine at Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, this study delves into the relationship between pre-hospitalisation exercise habits and the health outcomes of older patients post-discharge. Dr Nakade was joined by colleagues Dr Yuya Matsue, Dr Daichi Maeda, Dr Nobuyuki Kagiyama, and Dr Tohru Minamino in this research endeavour.

Dr Nakade articulated the team’s objective: “We wanted to investigate whether a modest, yet consistent, regimen of physical activity prior to hospitalisation could correlate with improved health outcomes after discharge, thereby making exercise a more viable option for a wider demographic of heart failure patients.” To achieve this, the researchers analysed data from the FRAGILE-HF study, which involved 1,262 patients aged 65 and older, all hospitalised for heart failure across 15 hospitals in Japan. They mainly assessed these patients’ exercise routines before their hospitalisation.

The study revealed that 675 of the 1,262 participants, or 53.4%, had regularly exercised before hospital admission. This included either moderate activity for 30 minutes or vigorous activity for 20 minutes at least once a week. The findings were significant: those who exercised regularly before hospitalisation exhibited a reduced mortality risk compared to their non-exercising counterparts. Furthermore, the exercising group demonstrated higher grip strength and faster gait speeds, suggesting that regular physical activity enhances general strength and improves physical functioning in older adults.

These observations underscore the critical role of regular physical activity for older individuals, suggesting that even minimal exercise (such as walking or moderate physical activity once or twice a week) can lead to better health outcomes in this group. Dr. Nakade highlighted the implications of these findings for clinical practice, stating, “While our study does not confirm a causal relationship, it supports broader and more practical exercise recommendations for the elderly. The concept of ‘muscle banking’ emerges from our findings, suggesting that building muscle strength before health deteriorates can offer significant preventative benefits.”

The study also opens exciting avenues for collaboration between medical researchers and the fitness and wearable technology sectors. Wearable devices and digital health platforms could significantly support heart failure patients by providing real-time activity tracking, tailored exercise suggestions, and early detection of physical decline.

In light of the escalating global prevalence of heart failure, the insights from this study are particularly relevant for healthcare policy, rehabilitation initiatives, and patient education. It also highlights the broader importance of physical activity in maintaining health and building resilience against physical decline. This study reinforces the message that regular physical activity is a valuable investment in long-term health, advocating for its inclusion in daily routines for sustained well-being.

More information: Taisuke Nakade et al, Association of pre-admission exercise habit with post-discharge outcomes for older patients with heart failure , European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf069

Journal information: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology Provided by Juntendo University Research Promotion Center

Can Artificial Intelligence Aid in the Detection of Cognitive Impairment?

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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) serves as an early warning signal for potential Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Recognising such cognitive declines early can pave the way for timely interventions, which might significantly improve outcomes. However, the challenge lies in the diagnosis of MCI, which is often a protracted and complex process. This is particularly true in rural settings, where licensed neuropsychologists are scarce.

In response to the need for more accessible cognitive assessments, an innovative project was initiated by a team from the University of Missouri. They developed a portable system to evaluate various aspects of motor function efficiently. This system, which is both easy to use and cost-effective, integrates a depth camera, a force plate, and an interface board, making it an all-in-one solution for mobile cognitive assessment.

The project brought together an interdisciplinary team from Mizzou, including Trent Guess, an associate professor in the College of Health Sciences; Jamie Hall, an associate teaching professor in the same college; and Praveen Rao, an assistant professor in the College of Engineering. Their research recently involved studying older adults, including some with MCI, who were tasked with performing a set of activities—standing still, walking, and getting up from a seated position on a bench. Uniquely, these tasks were performed while the participants counted backwards in seven intervals.

The data collected by the innovative portable system was analysed through a machine learning model, a form of artificial intelligence, which impressively identified 83% of the study participants with MCI. Guess explained that the brain areas affected by cognitive impairment also play a role in motor functions. Therefore, even minimal impairments can affect motor skills, such as balance and walking speed, which the new device is specially designed to detect—subtleties that might not be noticeable through mere observation.

With projections from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating that the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease might more than double by 2060, this portable device holds significant potential. Given that MCI can precede Alzheimer’s and dementia, its early detection can benefit millions of older adults.

“Alzheimer’s disease poses a substantial challenge in the U.S. Early identification of affected individuals is crucial as it allows for interventions that can slow or even halt the disease’s progression,” Hall noted. He also pointed out the disparity in clinical diagnoses, with only about 8% of those believed to have MCI receiving a diagnosis. The team’s vision extends to deploying this portable system across various public health and community settings, such as county health departments, assisted living facilities, community centres, physical therapy clinics, and senior centres. This would significantly increase the number of people screened, enhancing early detection rates.

Hall highlighted another pivotal aspect of the system—its role in facilitating access to emerging medications for MCI, which require a formal diagnosis for a prescription. The system’s ability to discern subtle motor deficits that might indicate cognitive strain—like reduced stride length or slower movements—could prove crucial in diagnosing MCI. The research is set to continue with Guess exploring additional applications of the portable system, including its potential to assess risks of falls and frailty among older adults.

Guess is optimistic about the broader implications of their technology, from monitoring individuals with neurological conditions like ALS and Parkinson’s disease to those recovering from sports injuries or orthopaedic surgeries such as knee or hip replacements. Finally, the study participants themselves bring a personal commitment to the research, many of whom either have been diagnosed with MCI or have relatives affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Their involvement underscores the profound personal impact and importance of advancing this research, as Hall poignantly noted. This level of engagement from participants helps propel the research forward and highlights the deeply personal stakes in advancing the fight against cognitive impairments and their consequent diseases.

More information: Jamie Hall et al, Feasibility of Using a Novel, Multimodal Motor Function Assessment Platform With Machine Learning to Identify Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders. DOI: 10.1097/WAD.0000000000000646

Journal information: Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders Provided by University of Missouri-Columbia

Evaluating Pain, Anxiety, and Additional Symptoms in Non-Verbal Nursing Home Residents

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Up to fifty per cent of nursing home residents suffer from cognitive impairments, rendering them unable to verbally communicate their experiences of pain or anxiety to the staff and healthcare professionals responsible for their care. Consequently, the essential data for assessing these symptoms and making informed treatment decisions is often absent from nursing homes’ electronic health records (EHRs).

A recent scholarly article discusses an innovative approach to adapting a widely used symptom assessment tool to gather this elusive data more effectively. The aim is to broaden the scope of palliative care services in nursing homes and better address the symptoms experienced by the residents.

Detailed in the article is a component of the extensive, multi-state, multi-facility UPLIFT-AD study—standing for Utilizing Palliative Leaders in Facilities to Transform Care for People with Alzheimer’s Disease. This study involves a collaboration among researchers from the Regenstrief Institute, the Indiana University School of Medicine, and the University of Maryland School of Social Work. They have innovatively retooled and validated a symptom assessment tool that is globally utilized. Initially designed for use by family members to report post-mortem symptoms of individuals with dementia, the UPLIFT-AD researchers have modified this tool to enable current assessments by nursing home staff and family members of residents suffering from moderate to severe dementia.

Kathleen T. Unroe, M.D., MHA, M.S., and John G. Cagle, PhD, spearheaded the project. The findings of the peer-reviewed study indicate that the refined tool effectively captures both physical and emotional distress, overall well-being, and symptoms that typically precede death. This validation is crucial as the team works to develop protocols for enhancing symptom recognition and management across nursing homes. Utilizing standardized instruments facilitates direct comparison of research findings.

Dr. Unroe, Dr. Cagle, and their colleagues, including Wanzhu Tu, PhD, from the Regenstrief Institute and the IU School of Medicine, are nearing the completion of the UPLIFT-AD clinical trial. This trial aims to improve the quality of care for individuals with dementia by fostering the integration of palliative care within nursing home settings.

Dr. Unroe, who also serves as a Regenstrief Institute research scientist and an IU School of Medicine professor, noted the challenges of measuring symptoms in cognitively impaired nursing home residents. Despite her two decades of experience as a clinician and researcher in nursing homes, Dr Unroe highlighted the inconsistency and insufficient frequency of data collection, which complicates the evaluation of treatment programs and methods. She explained that the most reliable method to assess if a resident is experiencing a symptom like pain or anxiety is to ask them directly, an approach that is often not feasible with cognitively impaired individuals. By validating the adapted assessment tool in a broader demographic—residents currently living with cognitive impairments—the researchers aim to fill this gap in data collection.

Moreover, while hospice care remains accessible, there is a recognized need for more comprehensive palliative care in nursing homes. However, a clear framework for effectively providing such care remains challenging. Dr. Unroe and her team are hopeful that the final results of UPLIFT-AD, expected in 2026, will offer a replicable model for implementing essential palliative care in these facilities, thus significantly enhancing the quality of life for these vulnerable populations.

More information: John G. Cagle et al, A Psychometric Evaluation of the Staff-Reported EOLD-CAD Measure Among Nursing Home Residents With Cognitive Impairment, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. DOI: 10.1002/gps.70037

Journal information: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Provided by Regenstrief Institute

Digital Isolation Heightens Depression Risks in Elderly Across 24 Countries

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A recent study published in Health Data Science has shed light on the significant impact that lack of internet access has on the mental health of older adults, particularly highlighting the increased risk of developing depressive symptoms among this demographic. This extensive research, spearheaded by Dr Yinzi Jin from Peking University, involved an international consortium of researchers who delved into data from five major ageing cohort studies spanning 24 countries. The study meticulously explored the period from 2010 to 2018, examining the health outcomes of 122,242 participants.

The term ‘digital exclusion’, as used in this study, refers specifically to the absence of internet access and its correlation with mental health issues among older adults. By analysing data from several renowned studies, including the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), the researchers were able to identify significant patterns of digital exclusion. Their findings were quite revealing: digital exclusion rates varied dramatically, from as low as 21.1% in Denmark to an alarming 96.9% in China. Importantly, those older adults who were digitally excluded were found to have a significantly higher propensity for experiencing depressive symptoms, a trend consistent across all the studied cohorts.

The study further highlighted that the impact of digital exclusion was especially severe among specific vulnerable segments of the elderly population. For instance, older adults who had infrequent interactions with their children or belonged to lower wealth quintiles faced heightened risks. The adverse effects on mental health were particularly pronounced in these groups, with the CHARLS cohort from China showing the most significant associations between low wealth, lack of digital access, and depression.

Co-author Dr Jingjing Wang pointed out that the lack of digital access among older adults is a critical public health issue, especially when compounded by factors like social isolation and economic hardship. Dr. Wang advocated for urgent action to bridge the digital divide, suggesting that enhancing internet access and digital literacy among older adults could significantly improve their mental well-being.

The study underscores the importance of digital inclusion for improving the quality of life and mental health of older adults and calls for robust policy measures. The authors urge the implementation of strategies to promote internet access and digital skills training for seniors, mainly targeting those in low- and middle-income countries where digital exclusion is most severe.

Dr Yinzi Jin emphasised that ensuring equitable access to digital technologies is essential for its convenience and as a fundamental aspect of supporting older adults’ social well-being and mental health. She suggested that future interventions should focus on making digital tools more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly for ageing populations.

As we navigate a world increasingly influenced by digital technologies, this study serves as a call to action for governments, community organisations, and families to work together to integrate older adults into the digital world. Addressing digital exclusion is pivotal for improving convenience. It is a vital measure to enhance mental health outcomes for older adults globally, ensuring they are not left behind in our digital age.

More information: Jingjing Wang et al, Digital Exclusion and Depressive Symptoms among Older People: Findings from Five Aging Cohort Studies across 24 Countries, Health Data Science. DOI: 10.34133/hds.0218

Journal information: Health Data Science Provided by Health Data Science