Author Archives: support

The Human Heart’s Concealed Capacity for Self-Repair

After experiencing severe heart failure, the heart’s natural capacity to regenerate by creating new cells is significantly diminished. Yet, a new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, published in the journal ‘Circulation’, reveals that treatment involving a supportive heart pump can significantly enhance this regenerative ability, surpassing even that of a healthy heart.

The human heart’s potential to renew itself through the regeneration of its muscle cells, known as myocytes, is notably restricted under normal circumstances. The extent of this regenerative capability in hearts suffering from severe failure has remained unclear until now.

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have uncovered that post-injury, the heart’s cell renewal rate declines even further than a healthy heart. The typical treatment for patients with advanced heart failure involves the surgical implantation of a device designed to aid the heart in pumping blood, known as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). This device appears to activate the heart’s repair mechanisms.

Unexpectedly, the study found that patients equipped with this type of heart pump and who had noted considerable improvements in heart function exhibited the ability to regenerate heart muscle cells at a rate more than six times that observed in healthy individuals.

Olaf Bergmann, a senior researcher at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at Karolinska Institutet and the study’s last author, commented on the findings. “The results suggest that there might be an undiscovered method to initiate the heart’s inherent repair mechanism,” he noted. The precise mechanism driving this effect remains elusive, and current data offer no clear explanations.

“It is challenging to pinpoint the reason,” Bergmann added. “We have not found a clear explanation for this phenomenon in our current data, but our future research will focus on understanding this process at both the cellular and molecular levels.”

These findings pave the way for new treatments to enhance the heart’s ability to repair following damage, thus reducing the dependence on heart transplants and other forms of long-term mechanical support. “This provides a glimmer of hope that recovery from a heart incident could potentially be accelerated,” Bergmann remarked.

Determining the age of cells within the human body poses significant challenges, particularly in distinguishing between new and old cells. However, the research team has employed a novel method developed by Jonas Frisén, a professor of stem cell research at Karolinska Institutet. This technique relies on the fact that the level of radioactive carbon in the atmosphere has decreased steadily since the nuclear test ban in 1963. Each subsequent year sees a reduction in radioactivity in newly formed cells, allowing researchers to ‘date’ these cells by measuring their radioactive content.

More information: Wouter Derks et al, A Latent Cardiomyocyte Regeneration Potential in Human Heart Disease, Circulation. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.067156

Journal information: Circulation Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Women Experience Less Sleep and More Frequent Awakenings Compared to Men

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A new animal study by researchers at CU Boulder has revealed significant differences in sleep patterns between males and females. The study, published in Scientific Reports, explores the potential biological underpinnings of these differences, challenging the long-standing focus on males in biomedical research.

The senior author and assistant professor of integrative physiology, Rachel Rowe, highlighted the common assumption that differences in sleep patterns between men and women are mainly due to lifestyle factors and caregiving roles. However, the study’s findings suggest that biological factors may be more influential than previously understood in shaping these differences.

The burgeoning field of sleep research has seen an influx of animal studies investigating the effects of sleep deprivation on disease risk, including diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and immune disorders, as well as the efficacy and side effects of new sleep medications. Historically, these studies have primarily utilised male mice, potentially skewing results due to the lack of female representation.

The study’s first author, Grant Mannino, noted that the commonly used “C57BL/6J” mouse strain exhibits sex-specific sleep behaviours. Ignoring these differences can lead to misinterpretations of data, with significant implications for the validity of biomedical research. In their non-invasive study, using cages equipped with ultra-sensitive movement sensors, they monitored the sleep patterns of 267 mice. Findings revealed that male mice slept approximately 670 minutes in 24 hours, about an hour more than their female counterparts, with the extra sleep consisting mainly of non-rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, crucial for bodily repair.

The study also found that female mice had more fragmented sleep patterns. This characteristic has been observed in other species and has evolutionary advantages, possibly because females need to be more alert to care for their young. This sensitivity could be influenced by stress hormones like cortisol and sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which vary throughout the menstrual cycle and affect sleep quality.

Rowe also reflected on whether societal expectations around sleep are causing undue stress, especially when women compare their sleep patterns with those of male partners, questioning whether their own natural sleep patterns might actually be normal for them.

The authors hope that these findings will encourage further research into the biological differences in sleep between sexes and prompt a re-evaluation of how research is conducted. In 2016, the National Institutes of Health mandated the consideration of sex as a biological variable in animal studies. Despite progress, research demonstrates that a sex bias still exists, affecting the development of treatments and potentially overlooking side effects that are more severe in females.

The study advocates for equal representation of both sexes in research, separate data analysis for each sex, and re-assessing past studies where female subjects were underrepresented. The authors emphasise the critical need for a paradigm shift in research methodology to enhance the translational success of treatments from laboratory settings to clinical trials, acknowledging that the journey from bench to bedside, often spanning decades, needs to be more inclusive of sex-based differences. The revelation that male and female mice sleep differently is not just a confirmation of suspected sex-specific behaviours but a call to action for the scientific community to integrate these insights into future research, ensuring that findings are valid and applicable across sexes.

More information: Grant Mannino et al, The importance of including both sexes in preclinical sleep studies and analyses, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70996-1

Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by University of Colorado at Boulder

The Influence of Educational Achievement on Memory Retention and Dementia Risk in Later Years

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A recent study led by a researcher from Rutgers Health reveals that historical, educational policies have long-lasting benefits for memory preservation and reduce the risk of dementia in later life. Published in Epidemiology, the research explores how variations in state-mandated schooling years correlate with cognitive performance outcomes decades later among residents.

The study’s lead author, Min Hee Kim, a faculty member at the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, emphasises the long-term cognitive benefits of enhancing both the quantity and quality of education. The findings suggest that educational attainment serves as a reliable predictor of improved cognitive performance, better memory functions, increased life expectancy, and delayed onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Despite established links between educational mandates and cognitive health in older adults, the study notes significant gaps in equitable research. For instance, earlier studies have often combined data from white and Black older adults without considering the uneven enforcement of educational policies for Black children in the United States.

During her tenure as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, from 2022 to 2024, Kim led a team that analysed data from over 20,000 older Black and white adults. Their investigation focused on evaluating state educational policies and their long-term effects on cognitive performance, including memory and verbal fluency, which are key indicators of dementia risk.

The research specifically examined the impact of educational policies on Black Americans, highlighting the inequalities faced by current generations of Black older adults who were educated in a system marred by racial segregation and discrimination. Despite these challenges, the study found that educational investments yield comparable cognitive benefits across racial groups in later life. However, the potential benefits of enhancing access to and quality of education are likely to be more substantial for Black Americans due to their historically limited access to educational resources.

Kim, now an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Nursing, stresses the importance of investing in education for health equity. The study supports previous research indicating that individuals who grew up in states with high-quality educational systems are at a lower risk of developing dementia later in life. This underscores the crucial role of academic quality and accessibility in shaping long-term health outcomes across different demographic groups.

More information: Kim, Min Hee et al, State Schooling Policies and Cognitive Performance Trajectories: A Natural Experiment in a National US Cohort of Black and White Adults, Epidemiology. DOI: 10.1097/EDE.0000000000001799

Journal information: Epidemiology Provided by Rutgers University

Complex Interconnections Between Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Frailty Among Older Adults

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A recent study spearheaded by a researcher at Concordia University delves into the interdependent effects of social isolation, loneliness, and frailty among older adults. It reveals the complex interactions and bidirectional influences these factors exert as individuals age.

Fereshteh Mehrabi, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychology, and her colleagues explore this intricate dynamic in a publication featured in the journal Age and Ageing. Their analysis is based on seven sequential surveys involving over 2,300 elderly Dutch participants, tracked triennially from 1995 to 2016. The findings underscore that physical frailty may predict future social isolation and that loneliness can be both a precursor and a result of increasing frailty.

The study illuminates how these three elements—frailty, loneliness, and social isolation—can intensify one another over time. Individuals who are lonely and isolated tend to experience an increase in frailty; conversely, as they become more frail, their feelings of isolation and loneliness intensify, particularly as they age.

Mehrabi notes significant correlations in the data across multiple survey waves spanning 18 years: older adults exhibiting frailty were more prone to loneliness, and in most of the data sets, they also faced social isolation.

This comprehensive research utilised data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, initiated in 1992. The average age of the participants was 72.6 years, with females representing approximately 52 per cent of the sample. Eligibility for the study required participants to be at least 55 years old.

The assessment of social isolation involved participants responding to six criteria, including marital status, living arrangements, frequency of contact with family and friends, and participation in organised activities. A higher tally on this scale indicated more excellent social isolation, focusing on the breadth of an individual’s social interactions.

Conversely, loneliness was evaluated through the quality of interpersonal relationships, assessed via responses to 11 targeted questions. These queries aimed to gauge feelings associated with the lack of close personal connections, with higher scores reflecting increased loneliness.

Frailty was measured through a combination of self-reported chronic conditions, overall health status, functional limitations (such as managing finances or grocery shopping independently), physical performance, memory issues, and signs of depression. This measure reflects a decline in physiological resilience and capacity to recover from stressors like illness or injury.

Interestingly, Mehrabi highlights that socially isolated individuals often adopt less healthy lifestyles, which can include smoking, inadequate nutrition, poor sleep patterns, and limited social interaction. However, she also points out the reversibility of social isolation and frailty through lifestyle modifications, particularly at the pre-frail stage. Such adjustments include improved nutrition, increased physical activity, and greater engagement in group-based activities.

The research advocates for targeted interventions that focus on socially isolated older adults and frail older adults to enhance their social engagement through community-based programs. Activities recommended for inclusion in such interventions include yoga and tai chi, facilitated through local community centres like libraries.

Mehrabi stresses the importance of bolstering social connections among older adults, particularly those showing signs of pre-frailty, to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life. This approach addresses the symptoms and root causes of frailty and isolation, offering a holistic strategy to improve the lives of older adults.

More information: Fereshteh Mehrabi et al, The temporal sequence and reciprocal relationships of frailty, social isolation and loneliness in older adults across 21 years, Age and Ageing. DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae215

Journal information: Age and Ageing Provided by Concordia University

Cannabis Consumption May Lead to Chromosomal Harm, Elevating Cancer Risk and Affecting Future Generations

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The latest research paper published in the journal Addiction Biology presents alarming findings that the use of cannabis can lead to cellular damage, which significantly increases the risk of developing highly malignant tumours. According to the study, cannabis is classified as a “genotoxic” substance because it can inflict harm on the genetic information within a cell. This damage can result in DNA mutations, accelerate ageing, and increase cancer risks. Moreover, the repercussions of such genotoxicity might extend beyond the user, potentially affecting their progeny through genetic alterations in sperm and egg cells, suggesting that the hazards associated with cannabis consumption could span multiple generations.

In a detailed examination, researchers from The University of Western Australia have correlated well-established facts that cannabis impairs cellular energy production by targeting mitochondria with emerging cancer research, as recently reported in the journal Science. Although these studies in Science were not explicitly focused on cannabis, they offer crucial mechanistic insights which help in understanding previously obscure observations about cannabis. For instance, it is now more evident that cannabis induces damage not only in the mitochondria but also at the genetic level. The current findings, therefore, integrate historical research on cannabis, highlighting the ubiquitous potential risks of cannabis-related genotoxic damage, which, although not always visible, is a significant concern.

Dr. Stuart Reece, one of the study’s co-authors, has articulated the gravity of these findings. He notes that the established connection between cannabis use and genotoxic effects underscores the profound, far-reaching implications of genetic damage induced by cannabis, which can be inherited across generations. Dr Reece suggests that these insights should pivot the debate on cannabis legalisation from a matter of personal choice to a broader consideration involving the health and well-being of future generations. This reframing is vital in understanding the long-term public health implications of cannabis use and in informing policy decisions regarding its legal status.

More information: Albert Stuart Reece et al, Key insights into cannabis-cancer pathobiology and genotoxicity, Addiction Biology. DOI: 10.1111/adb.70003

Journal information: Addiction Biology Provided by Society for the Study of Addiction

Vibrant New Communities: Rejuvenating Neighbourhoods Amidst an Ageing Population

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Initially developed in England, new towns—planned suburban residential neighbourhoods in metropolitan areas—have spread globally, reaching from Europe to East Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In Japan, the proliferation was significant, with 2,903 new towns established. However, these towns have experienced a rapid decline in population and an increase in ageing demographics over the past four decades. As a result, many have transformed from burgeoning new towns into what are now termed ‘old new towns’, necessitating a transformation of their facilities to adapt to these demographic shifts.

Dr. Haruka Kato, a junior associate professor at Osaka Metropolitan University, and Professor Emeritus Kazuhiko Mori undertook action research in Senboku New Town, one of the largest of these old new towns in Japan. Over time, Senboku New Town saw its population decrease from 170,000 to 115,000 by 2022.

Simultaneously, the older segment of the population increased by approximately 42,500 individuals, making up 37.1% of the total population. This demographic change has posed significant challenges, particularly as local shops began closing. This severely impacted the daily lives of older adults, who found it increasingly difficult to access necessary services within a manageable distance.

In response to these challenges, residents initiated several community-led projects with support from community federations, non-profit organisations, social welfare groups, governmental bodies, and educational institutions. One notable initiative is the Senboku Hottokenai Network Project, which has progressively repurposed vacant buildings to serve as supportive housing for older adults, group homes for individuals with disabilities, and community restaurants. This initiative revitalised Senboku New Town and inspired similar transformations in neighbouring areas, highlighting the efficacy of community-led urban redevelopment.

Dr Kato explains that the phrase ‘Hottokenai’, which means ‘leave no one behind’ in Japanese, echoes the core commitment of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals. The project’s success in Senboku New Town underscores the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration and community-driven co-creation in revitalising old new towns. Dr Kato advocates for expanding this new town movement program, suggesting similar strategies be applied to other new old cities across East Asia to ensure that these communities can adapt to and thrive amidst demographic changes, ensuring no one is left behind.

More information: Haruka Kato et al, Community-led urban transformation project as transdisciplinary approach: Case of Senboku Hottokenai Network Project, Habitat International. DOI: 10.1016/j.habitatint.2024.103197

Journal information: Habitat International Provided by Osaka Metropolitan University

Recycling during Middle Age Could Be Essential for Maintaining Brain Health

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Mitochondria, often called the powerhouses of our cells, play an indispensable role in maintaining cellular vitality. When these mitochondria sustain damage, they are removed through a process known as mitophagy, which is vital for the health of long-lived cells, particularly those in the brain. There is a strong link between disrupted mitophagy and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, highlighting its significance in the pursuit of therapeutic interventions and drug development.

Recently, groundbreaking research led by Anna Rappe, MSc, a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki’s McWilliams lab, has uncovered new and unexpected variations in mitophagy among different types of brain cells throughout the ageing process. Notably, in a specific region of the mouse brain associated with movement, mitophagy levels were found to increase with age. Conversely, in brain cells related to memory, there was an initial increase in mitophagy, which sharply declined as the mice reached old age. These observations pinpoint midlife as a critical juncture for promoting healthy brain ageing and provide fresh insights into the molecular mechanisms that support the functioning of the mammalian brain.

Another pivotal discovery from this study is the reduction in acidity of some lysosomes—structures that break down cellular debris—as the brain ages. This finding is particularly compelling as it mirrors changes observed in models of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that the ageing processes could intensify in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. These results defy the previously held belief that mitophagy uniformly declines with age across all species, demonstrating that this recycling process is far more dynamic and complex in longer-lived mammals.

Historically, studies employing short-lived models like yeast and worms have indicated a decline in mitophagy throughout an organism’s lifespan, marking it as a characteristic of ageing. However, exploring this phenomenon in the ageing mammalian brain has proven challenging due to the intricate nature of brain tissue and the limitations of traditional research methodologies. The advent of new tools capable of monitoring mitophagy in different tissues and organs in mammals has only recently become available. Utilising state-of-the-art techniques in mouse genetics, optobiology, neuroscience, and advanced imaging, the McWilliams Lab has been able to track mitophagy across various brain cell types over time. Their findings underscore the importance of adopting new perspectives when investigating brain ageing in species with longer lifespans, identifying midlife as a crucial phase for maintaining brain functionality.

Implications for Understanding Brain Ageing in Health and Disease Associate Professor Thomas McWilliams, who oversaw the research, emphasised the dynamic nature of mitophagy in the ageing brain of mice and the importance of midlife in maintaining brain health in mammals. He remarked, “There is no doubt that mitophagy diminishes in shorter-lived species. Although we share significant genes and mechanisms, the tissues of longer-lived mammals have evolved under unique pressures to tackle different challenges. Our research illustrates that mitophagy is highly dynamic in the ageing mouse brain, underscoring midlife as a pivotal time for brain health in mammals.”

Professor McWilliams further noted the significant strides made in understanding neurodegenerative diseases, although he acknowledged current treatments’ high failure rate, underscoring the necessity for novel approaches. Optimistically, He concluded, “Much work remains, but these new insights are reshaping our understanding of brain ageing. In collaboration with our clinical partners, we are dedicated to pushing this research forward towards applications that are more centered around human needs. We are hopeful that our findings will provide a valuable framework for companies and translational researchers, accelerating the development of new treatments for brain diseases.”

More information: Anna Rappe et al, Longitudinal autophagy profiling of the mammalian brain reveals sustained mitophagy throughout healthy aging, EMBO Molecular Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00241-y

Journal information: EMBO Molecular Medicine Provided by University of Helsinki

Sun Protection Leading to Nutritional Shortfalls: Exploring Vitamin D Deficiency Among Japanese Women

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Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient primarily synthesised through sun exposure and found in certain foods. Nonetheless, an excessive focus on preventing sunburn has led to a significant issue: vitamin D deficiency, particularly among young women in Japan.

The deficiency of this essential vitamin is linked not only to individual health concerns but also to broader public health issues, including pregnancy-induced hypertension and low birth weight among newborns. Identifying individuals at high risk promptly and providing them with proper health advice is of utmost importance. However, the prevalent method for determining serum vitamin D levels involves costly and invasive procedures, highlighting a pressing need to develop more straightforward, cost-effective risk assessment tools.

In response to this need, a research initiative headed by Professor Akiko Kuwabara at the Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology undertook a comprehensive cross-sectional survey. The study encompassed 583 Japanese women aged between 18 and 40, all affiliated with a university specialising in nutrition. The survey collected data on various factors, including age, residential area, the timing of blood sample collection, medical history, medication use, smoking and drinking habits, exercise frequency, sun exposure, fish consumption frequency, and vitamin D supplements.

A dietary survey was conducted utilising the self-administered Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), and the data on average and cumulative ultraviolet irradiation exposure for the 30 days preceding the blood collection was also gathered for each participant’s region. Through these comprehensive data collections, Professor Kuwabara’s team successfully developed the Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring system (ViDDPreS), a novel, non-invasive, and economical tool for assessing vitamin D deficiency risks in young women.

Professor Kuwabara commented on the development of ViDDPreS, emphasising its utility in identifying populations that require intervention at minimal cost and its capacity to pinpoint the contributory factors to vitamin D deficiency. She also noted the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in those found to be deficient. The introduction of ViDDPreS is expected to facilitate the targeted use of supplements, thereby ensuring that those in need receive appropriate nutritional support. This approach helps address the immediate deficiencies and contributes to broader health improvements among the population at risk.

More information: Akiko Kuwabara et al, Development of a predictive scoring system for vitamin D deficiency ‘Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring (ViDDPreS)’ based on the vitamin D status in young Japanese women: a nationwide cross-sectional study, Public Health Nutrition. DOI: 10.1017/S1368980024001708

Journal information: Public Health Nutrition Provided by Osaka Metropolitan University

Baycrest Research Discovers Link Between Elevated Blood Sugar and Reduced Brain Function in Healthy Adults

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Baycrest has conducted a study which reveals that high blood sugar may affect brain health even in individuals who do not have diabetes. While the relationship between elevated blood sugar levels and cognitive function is well-established among those with diabetes, this is the first study to explore this connection in non-diabetic individuals.

Dr. Jean Chen, the study’s senior author and a Senior Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute, which is part of the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE), commented on the findings. “Our results indicate that high blood sugar levels could be detrimentally affecting brain health irrespective of a diabetes diagnosis,” she explained. Dr Chen emphasised that blood sugar levels are not strictly categorised into ‘healthy’ or ‘unhealthy’ but should be viewed on a spectrum instead.

The study, “The associations among glycemic control, heart variability, and autonomic brain function in healthy individuals: Age- and sex-related differences,” has been published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging. It involved 146 healthy adults aged 18 and over. The research team conducted detailed analyses using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess brain activity and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings to measure heart rate variability for each participant.

Dr Chen, who also holds the position of Canada Research Chair in Neuroimaging of Aging and is a Professor of Biomedical Physics at the University of Toronto, stressed the importance of blood sugar management through diet and exercise for overall well-being, particularly for maintaining brain health. She recommended regular health check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals, especially for those diagnosed with or at risk of pre-diabetes.

Key findings from the study included a correlation between higher blood sugar levels and a reduction in connectivity within brain networks critical for various cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and emotional regulation. The impact was noted to be more pronounced in older adults, who typically have higher blood sugar levels than younger individuals, and was also more significant in women than in men. Furthermore, the research identified a relationship between elevated blood sugar levels and decreased heart rate variability, a measure previously linked to better brain health.

The researchers are considering further investigations into improving brain function by modulating heart rate variability, which may present a more accessible target for intervention than blood sugar levels in non-diabetic individuals. This approach could open new pathways for enhancing cognitive health across various populations.

More information: Jean Chen al, The associations among glycemic control, heart variability, and autonomic brain function in healthy individuals: Age- and sex-related differences, Neurobiology of Aging. DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.05.007

Journal information: Neurobiology of Aging Provided by Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care

Intellectual Capacity and Physical Well-Being as Predictors of Dementia in Later Years

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A new RAND report asserts that a person’s cognitive abilities, functional limitations, and physical health can significantly forecast the likelihood of developing dementia up to two decades before the disease manifests. This finding underscores the vital role of early cognitive assessments in mitigating the adverse effects associated with the loss of financial and physical autonomy.

Emerging research highlights the benefits of early detection of cognitive impairments, enabling individuals to take proactive steps to prepare for potential declines in their financial and physical independence. However, the current uptake of cognitive testing among older adults could be much higher. Further studies suggest that the availability of cost-free and easily accessible cognitive assessments and advancements in treatments could substantially increase their usage.

The critical nature of early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, particularly among the 58 million Americans aged over 65, cannot be overstated. This urgency is driven by the fact that existing disease-modifying treatments are only effective in the early stages of the disease. Yet, only 16% of seniors receive such assessments during routine health visits.

RAND researchers undertook three studies to identify individuals at heightened risk of cognitive decline, boost the prevalence of cognitive testing among older adults, and encourage continuous care for brain health among those at risk. The first study utilized data from the Health and Retirement Study to identify early indicators of dementia risk well before its onset. It revealed that lifestyle choices such as inadequate exercise, obesity, and a lack of engagement in hobbies at age 60 are significant predictors of future dementia.

The research also pointed to regional disparities, with individuals born in the Southern United States exhibiting a higher likelihood of developing dementia, even when accounting for various other factors. Interestingly, while certain demographic groups appeared more vulnerable, race and ethnicity ceased to be predictors once factors like education and income were considered. Family health history, size, and marital history were found to be less predictive of dementia.

Peter Hudomiet, the lead author and a senior economist at RAND, emphasized that understanding these risk factors enables healthcare providers and policymakers to target interventions more effectively to those most at risk, potentially delaying cognitive decline or mitigating its impacts.

Another study explored how individuals reacted upon learning about potential cognitive impairments. It found that those newly diagnosed with dementia were significantly more likely to take preparatory actions for the future, such as seeking financial help from family or setting up living wills, compared to those without a diagnosis. This proactive behaviour was observed even among individuals not officially diagnosed but who recognized signs of cognitive issues through survey measures.

A third study by RAND surveyed a national sample to assess barriers to seeking cognitive evaluations and treatment. The study identified cost as the primary deterrent. Most respondents indicated they would be more likely to undergo cognitive testing if it were free, highlighting the impact of financial barriers on health-seeking behaviour. The promise of more effective treatments was also a strong motivator for seeking medical advice, with many expressing willingness to adopt therapies that could prolong their independence.

In conclusion, the comprehensive research by RAND illustrates the intricate interplay between cognitive health and later life outcomes. It underscores the necessity of broadening access to cognitive assessments as a strategic approach to enhance early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, providing individuals with valuable insights to better prepare for their future health needs.

More information: Peter Hudomiet et al, Identifying Early Predictors of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in a Large Nationally Representative U.S. Sample, RAND. DOI: 10.7249/RRA3207-1

Journal information: RAND Provided by RAND Corporation

Recent research indicates that managing blood sugar is crucial in decelerating brain ageing, underscoring the advantages of the Mediterranean diet

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Age-related brain atrophy, characterised by the gradual loss of neurons and reduction in brain tissue, naturally occurs as we age, potentially leading to cognitive decline and other neurological complications.

Although the ageing process is inevitable, a glimmer of hope arises from recent findings from an 18-month dietary intervention, suggesting that lifestyle and nutritional adjustments could decelerate brain ageing. This revelation comes from an international study spearheaded by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, forming part of the DIRECT PLUS Brain MRI trial, highlighting the significant role of blood sugar control in maintaining brain health.

The study utilises MRI measurements of the hippocampus and lateral ventricles to evaluate ‘brain age’ — a concept that reflects the biological ageing of the brain, potentially differing from the individual’s chronological age. The chronological age measures the total number of years a person has lived, whereas brain age gauges the actual condition of the brain. Common signs of brain ageing include the shrinkage of the hippocampus and the expansion of the lateral ventricles. It’s not unusual for some individuals to exhibit a brain age that is either younger or older than their chronological age, with a younger brain age suggesting better cognitive health and an older one indicating accelerated ageing and a heightened risk of cognitive decline.

This study, recently published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2024, was conducted by a global team of experts in brain health and nutrition, including researchers from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Leipzig University, and more. PhD student Dafna Pachter primarily undertook the research under the supervision of Professor Iris Shai and several international collaborators.

Building on a previous study from 2022, which demonstrated that the Mediterranean (MED) and green-MED diets substantially reduced age-related brain atrophy by approximately 50% within 18 months, the current research delves into understanding the mechanisms behind the slowing of brain atrophy. It found that reductions in HbA1c—a key marker of long-term blood sugar levels—are linked to significant positive changes in specific brain regions vulnerable to age-related atrophy. MRI results indicated lower HbA1c levels were associated with notable changes in the thalamus, caudate nucleus, and cerebellum—critical for cognitive functions, motor control, and sensory processing. The findings suggest that enhanced blood sugar management could be a pivotal factor in mitigating age-related changes in the brain.

The research also sheds light on the benefits of the Green Mediterranean (Green-Med) diet, which is known for improving blood sugar control and being rich in polyphenols from plant-based sources like Mankai (a high-protein aquatic plant) and green tea while low in red and processed meats. The study underscores that the Green-Med diet may bolster metabolic health and provide protective benefits for brain structure and function.

The DIRECT PLUS trial, one of the most extensive and prolonged brain MRI studies, involved 300 participants divided into three dietary groups. Whole-brain MRI measurements were conducted before and after the 18-month trial to monitor changes in brain health. Researchers employed Hippocampal Occupancy (HOC) to indicate brain age, which typically declines with age and can predict future dementia risk. Intriguingly, some participants displayed a brain age that was either younger or older than their chronological age.

The research team quantified and segmented data from brain MRIs using NeuroQuant, an FDA-authorized, fully automated tool. The study aimed to determine whether improved glycemic control and specific dietary components could slow brain ageing. The results indicated that participants who managed to enhance their blood sugar levels and achieve a normal glucose status experienced a more significant attenuation of brain ageing. Notably, those who consumed higher amounts of green tea and Mankai duckweed shakes saw the most critical improvements in blood sugar levels and brain health.

Professor Iris Shai, the study’s lead researcher from Ben-Gurion University, also an adjunct professor at Harvard University and an Honorary Professor at Leipzig University, explains, “Maintaining low blood sugar levels, even within the normal range, shows promise for preserving a younger brain, especially when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Specifically, polyphenols found in plant-based foods may cross the blood-brain barrier and help reduce brain inflammation, which is crucial for memory.”

Dafna Pachter, the PhD student and first author of the paper, concludes, “This trial offers a safe approach to potentially slow down our brain ageing—by adopting the components of a green-Mediterranean diet.” This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for combating age-related brain deterioration through dietary strategies that enhance overall brain health and function.

More information: Dafna Pachter et al, Glycemic control contributes to the neuroprotective effects of Mediterranean and green-Mediterranean diets on brain age: the DIRECT PLUS brain-magnetic resonance imaging randomized controlled trial, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.09.013

Journal information: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Provided by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Potential Link Between Air Pollution Exposure and Eczema Development

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A recent study, published on November 13, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Dr. Jeffrey Cohen from the Yale School of Medicine in the USA, reveals that individuals residing in areas with elevated air pollution levels are more prone to eczema. This correlation is drawn from a broad dataset provided by the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program, which includes extensive information from hundreds of thousands of U.S. adults. The specific subset analysed in this study encompassed 286,862 participants, from whom detailed demographic, zip code, and electronic health record data were available.

The findings of this comprehensive study indicate that 12,695 participants, or 4.4%, had been diagnosed with eczema out of the analysed group. The researchers adjusted for various factors, including demographics and smoking status. They identified a strong correlation between eczema occurrence and residence in zip codes with higher concentrations of delicate particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. Specifically, it was found that individuals were over twice as likely to suffer from eczema for each increment of 10 µm/m3 in the average PM2.5 levels.

The researchers suggest that the increased prevalence of eczema could be influenced by the impact of PM2.5 on the immune system. This aligns with the global rise in eczema cases alongside industrialisation, pointing towards a significant environmental component in the disease’s epidemiology.

In their conclusion, the study authors state that the findings underscore the profound implications of ambient air pollution on health, particularly highlighting how exposure to particulate matter significantly raises the likelihood of developing eczema in the United States. This research deepens our understanding of the environmental determinants of health. It could guide future public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing the impact of environmental pollutants on chronic health conditions.

More information: Gloria F. Chen et al, Association between fine particulate matter and eczema: A cross-sectional study of the All of Us Research Program and the Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions, PLOS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310498

Journal information: PLOS ONE Provided by PLOS