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Elderly Individuals Living Alone Often Experience Deficiencies in Essential Nutrients

A new study conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL) reveals that older socially isolated adults in the UK are significantly more prone to experiencing deficiencies in essential micronutrients, including vitamin C and vitamin B6, which could elevate their risk of health complications. The research, detailed in the journal Age and Ageing, analysed data from 3,713 UK residents aged 50 and above who had provided comprehensive dietary information through a questionnaire on two distinct days.

The findings highlighted a concerning trend among the more socially isolated: they were generally consuming below the recommended levels of five critical micronutrients — magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B6. These nutrients, typically found in fruits, vegetables, legumes (such as peas, beans, and lentils), and fish, suggest a dietary pattern lacking in these vital food groups.

Professor Andrew Steptoe, from UCL’s Behavioural Science & Health department and the study’s lead author, explained the significance of these findings by pointing out that individuals who are more socially isolated are at a higher risk of not obtaining sufficient micronutrients in their diet. This nutritional deficiency is particularly critical as it increases susceptibility to health issues as people age. He proposed that social isolation might limit access to varied dietary choices since isolated individuals may not receive as much information about healthy eating or encouragement to diversify their diet, often sticking to familiar but limited nutritional patterns.

Dr Camille Lassale, co-author and researcher at ISGlobal in Barcelona, emphasised the importance of a varied diet that includes ample plant-based foods and fish to maintain physical and mental health. Dr Lassale also called for enhanced accessibility to these nutritious foods and advocated for promoting their consumption, especially among older adults living alone or isolated.

Utilising data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which collects a broad range of information from a representative sample of the English population every two years, the study assessed participants’ levels of social isolation. This was determined based on factors such as living alone, frequency of contact with friends and relatives outside the household, and participation in clubs or organisations.

The research demonstrated a direct correlation between the degree of social isolation and the likelihood of insufficient intake of five out of nine essential micronutrients two years later. This intake estimation was derived from the dietary information provided in the questionnaire. Despite adjusting for various influencing factors like age, gender, education, marital status, food insecurity, and impaired daily living, the correlation persisted.

Remarkably, a substantial portion of the study’s participants were found to have nutrient intakes below recommended levels. For instance, half of the respondents were deficient in potassium, a third lacked sufficient magnesium, a quarter were not consuming enough calcium, and a sixth had inadequate iron intake. The roles of these nutrients are vital, with magnesium and potassium supporting bone health and deficiencies in folate and vitamin B6 being linked to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline. Vitamin C, known for its multiple health benefits, is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, cells, and skin.

Interestingly, the study also noted that while social isolation was associated with poor micronutrient intake, loneliness (the emotional state of feeling alone) did not have the same impact. This suggests that the adverse effects on dietary habits may be more closely related to the practical aspects of isolation, such as limited social interactions that could offer information about maintaining a varied and healthy diet rather than the emotional experience of loneliness. Notably, the researchers found no significant link between social isolation and the likelihood of inadequate calcium, iron, and vitamin B12 intake primarily sourced from meat, eggs, and dairy. This finding underscores the complex relationship between social habits, dietary practices, and nutritional health among older adults.

More information: Andrew Steptoe et al, Social isolation, loneliness, and low dietary micronutrient intake among older people in England, Age and Ageing. DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae223

Journal information: Age and Ageing Provided by University College London

Many Sleep Suggestions on TikTok Are Backed by Scientific Research

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A study has established that most sleep advice circulating on TikTok is grounded in scientific facts. The investigation revealed that out of 35 distinct sleep recommendations featured in popular videos, 29 received empirical backing. Merely six of the sleep suggestions lacked scientific corroboration.

“These findings indicate that entities involved in sleep research and sleep medicine have effectively disseminated proper sleep hygiene tips,” commented Brian T. Gillis, the study’s principal investigator. Gillis, who has been exploring sleep for eight years, is an assistant professor of marriage and family therapy at the College of Human Sciences, Auburn University, in Auburn, Alabama. “It demonstrates that the public is absorbing the information we wish to impart about sleep in an environment—social media—where many are at ease learning about health matters.”

During a meticulous two-day study, researchers transcribed the highest-viewed TikTok videos utilising the hashtags #sleephacks, #sleephygiene, or #sleeptips. They then analysed these to identify all mentioned sleep tips, accumulating 295 sleep recommendations (including duplicates) across 58 videos. These tips were then grouped into seven categories, and their validity was assessed against the outcomes from randomised control trials, non-randomised control trials, and correlational studies published in peer-reviewed journals. The evidence found supporting these sleep tips included benefits such as reduced time to fall asleep, extended duration of sleep, increased periods of deep or REM sleep, heightened satisfaction with sleep, and diminished daytime tiredness.

Gillis emphasised that numerous adults perceive social media as a credible source of health information yet often fail to confirm the veracity of this information with healthcare professionals.

“In light of this reliance on health advice disseminated through social media, it’s crucial for content creators to offer medically accurate guidance,” Gillis remarked. “Although health advice on TikTok is unregulated, our findings suggest that the domain of sleep recommendations is one where content creators are largely accurate.”

Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. If you’re experiencing sleep difficulties, it’s advisable to consult a medical professional before experimenting with tips from social media. Your doctor might direct you to a sleep team at a sleep centre accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

More information: Brian Gillis et al, TikTok Made Me Do It: An Analysis of the Scientific Evidence Supporting TikTok’s Recommendations for Better Sleep, SLEEP. DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsae067.01093

Journal information: SLEEP Provided by American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Important Notice for Older Adults: Quitting Smoking is Always an Option

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Elsevier’s new study published in the *American Journal of Preventive Medicine* reveals that even quitting smoking at 75 can significantly extend one’s life expectancy. The study, spearheaded by Thuy T.T. Le, PhD, along with David Mendez, PhD, and Kenneth E. Warner, PhD, from the University of Michigan’s Department of Health Management and Policy, assesses the impact of smoking on life expectancy across different age brackets ranging from 35 to 75. While it is acknowledged that the advantages of smoking cessation decrease with age, the research highlights that notable benefits persist for older adults.

Thuy T.T. Le and her colleagues highlight a stark contrast in smoking trends between young adults and their older counterparts. Over the last decade, smoking rates among young adults have plummeted, yet they have plateaued among older adults. This study addresses a gap in existing research by quantifying the benefits of smoking cessation for seniors, aiming to encourage those who smoke to consider quitting, regardless of their age.

Smoking is known to introduce thousands of harmful chemicals into the body, affecting nearly every organ and increasing the risk of numerous diseases, including various cancers, stroke, heart disease, and lung diseases. It remains the leading cause of premature, preventable death in the United States, with around 480,000 deaths attributed to smoking each year. Prior research uniformly indicates that quitting smoking at any age can result in health benefits.

This pioneering study quantifies explicitly the benefits of smoking cessation for individuals over the age of 65. Using relative risks related to all-cause mortality due to smoking, the researchers developed life tables to showcase the benefits of stopping smoking at various ages. Their findings reveal that current smokers, who have smoked continuously into adulthood, lose a significant amount of life years compared to non-smokers. For instance, smokers aged 35, 45, 55, 65, and 75 lose an average of 9.1, 8.3, 7.3, 5.9, and 4.4 years of life, respectively, if they continue smoking. However, quitting at these ages can prevent an average loss of 8.0, 5.6, 3.4, 1.7, and 0.7 years, respectively. Notably, those who cease smoking at 65 have a 23.4% chance of gaining at least one year of life, and this chance decreases to 14.2% at the age of 75.

The study conclusively supports the notion that quitting smoking is the most effective measure to enhance longevity. It found that nearly 10% of individuals who quit smoking at age 65 can gain up to 8 additional years of life compared to those who continue smoking. Similarly, those who quit by age 75 can gain up to 4 additional years, representing a significant percentage of their remaining life expectancy. For a 75-year-old who smokes, the average life expectancy is 9 years; if they quit, they regain, on average, 0.7 years, and about 8% of quitters regain at least 4 years.

Dr. Warner concludes that the benefits of smoking cessation are substantial even for older adults, enhancing a significant portion of their remaining life expectancy. This evidence is vital for healthcare providers seeking empirical support to encourage their older patients to stop smoking. This research underlines that it is never too late to quit smoking and reap substantial health benefits, thereby potentially extending one’s life significantly.

More information: Thuy T.T. Le et al, The Benefits of Quitting Smoking at Different Ages, American Journal of Preventive Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.06.020

Journal information: American Journal of Preventive Medicine Provided by Elsevier

Research Highlights the Essential Role of Hearing and Vision Health in Dementia Care Management

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A recent groundbreaking study spearheaded by Trinity College Dublin and the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), spanning five European nations, stands as the most extensive randomised controlled trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a combined hearing and vision rehabilitation intervention for individuals with dementia at home. The results, pivotal in the field, were published in The Lancet’s Healthy Longevity journal on October 14, 2024.

The SENSE-Cog trial underscores the imperative need to bolster hearing and vision health support amongst those with dementia, illustrating a notable short-term enhancement in quality of life following hearing and vision interventions. This extensive study encompassed a diverse cohort from Cyprus, France, Greece, Ireland, and the UK, assessing the clinical impact of a customised Sensory Support Intervention (SSI) tailored to improve the quality of life (QoL) among people with mild-to-moderate dementia who also suffer from concurrent sensory impairments.

Significant improvements in quality of life were observed in the short term due to the intervention; however, these differences did not maintain over the longer term, indicating a need for further research in this area. The study also shed light on the high prevalence of sensory difficulties in the dementia-affected population, with up to 70% experiencing these issues. If left unattended, these issues can exacerbate cognitive decline and diminish overall well-being.

The study emerges at a crucial time as Europe gears up to introduce new amyloid-targeting treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. These findings accentuate the continuing importance of exploring non-pharmacological interventions, especially for those with advanced dementia or non-Alzheimer’s forms of the disease who may not benefit from the upcoming drug treatments.

Professor Iracema Leroi, the study’s lead investigator from the Global Brain Health Institute and School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin, highlighted the trial’s encouraging outcomes. She pointed out that cost-effective, simple interventions such as hearing aids and glasses could significantly enhance the quality of life for people with dementia. This reinforces the argument for sustained support and further research into non-drug interventions as critical components in dementia care.

The emphasis on quality of life and living well with dementia is essential, particularly in the context of emerging disease-modifying therapies. While the global focus may be shifting towards prevention and slowing disease progression, it is vital not to overlook the needs of the 55 million individuals worldwide already living with established dementia.

Professor Brian Lawlor, the Conolly Norman Professor of Old Age Psychiatry and Site Director of the Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College Dublin, also commented on the study. He noted the significant unmet needs related to hearing and vision in people with dementia. This was the first large-scale study that assessed whether an intervention focused on these sensory areas could enhance the quality of life for dementia patients. Even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this study demonstrated the feasibility of developing and implementing such interventions, with early results showing promising improvements in quality of life, further emphasising the need for continued research in this critical area.

This landmark trial represents the first fully powered randomised controlled trial explicitly targeting hearing and vision rehabilitation for people with mild to moderate dementia. It provides robust evidence supporting such interventions in improving dementia-related quality of life in the short term. However, the research team advocates for more extensive studies to fully understand the impacts on cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and the roles of family care partners.

The findings from this study pave the way for ongoing efforts to develop and refine non-pharmacological strategies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the care of individuals with dementia and addressing their complex needs holistically.

More information: Iracema Leroi et al, Hearing and vision rehabilitation for people with dementia in five European countries (SENSE-Cog): a randomised controlled trial, The Lancet’s Healthy Longevity. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanhl.2024.07.008

Journal information: The Lancet’s Healthy Longevity Provided by Trinity College Dublin

Resilience in the Face of Challenge: The Recovery of Older Adults from the COVID-19 Pandemic

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During a pandemic, the focus often shifts towards immediate challenges such as disease management, safety assurance, and disruption of daily routines. Despite the difficulties posed by adversity, it can occasionally catalyse positive outcomes.

Research concerning the impact of COVID-19 and associated regulatory measures on older adults in retirement communities, mainly, has been sparse. Furthermore, investigations into potential positive outcomes for this demographic have been similarly limited.

A novel study involving 98 older adults with a median age of 86 years residing in a South Florida continuing-care retirement community during the pandemic has shed light on how this group recovered from adversity and derived strength from their challenging experiences. This research, undertaken by the Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, was guided by the “post-traumatic growth” theory framework and published in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing.

Post-traumatic growth theory, a psychological concept, describes the beneficial transformations individuals may experience when they grapple with severe life challenges. According to Lenny Chiang-Hanisko, PhD, the senior author and an associate professor at FAU’s College of Nursing, while traumatic events like pandemics can cause considerable distress and difficulties, they also present an opportunity for significant personal development in some individuals.

Despite the fear and stress induced by the pandemic, this study’s findings reveal significant personal growth for many participants. The disruption of regular activities, such as walking with friends or engaging in dinner conversations, led some to discover new hobbies like gardening and painting. In contrast, others found innovative ways to remain active through virtual yoga, online gaming, and dancing—the extended time spent at home allowed many to delve into their creative pursuits.

Chiang-Hanisko noted that post-traumatic growth could facilitate the discovery of new possibilities, the reassessment of life’s objectives, and the pursuit of new endeavours. This growth often manifests as stronger interpersonal relationships, enhanced resilience and self-confidence, deeper spiritual connections aligned with life’s purpose, and an increased appreciation of life, prompting a shift towards prioritising a fulfilling existence.

The study also highlighted that participants deepened their relationships with family and friends through video calls, maintaining connections despite physical distancing. Drawing on their life experiences, which included previous adversities like recessions and wars, they managed to navigate the challenges of the pandemic. This period also fostered spiritual and reflective growth, with many finding comfort in online religious services and appreciating a slower pace of life. The lack of physical interaction with loved ones underscored the importance of such relationships and led to a heightened appreciation for life’s simpler joys. A daily focus on gratitude helped them to concentrate on the positive aspects and manage the difficulties encountered.

Patricia Liehr, PhD, co-author and interim dean at FAU’s College of Nursing, highlighted that the study participants’ experiences demonstrated their inner strength and adaptability in the face of health challenges. She remarked that their age gave them the perspective necessary to understand that difficult times are generally temporary and that it is feasible to find joy and meaning even amidst hardship.

Despite facing barriers, participants adapted by incorporating technological skills into their daily routines, thus underscoring their openness to new methods of managing their lives. Following insights from the study, Chiang-Hanisko advocated for policy reforms to ensure that individuals of all ages have access to and training in user-friendly internet and digital services.

The study also exposed challenges like social isolation, managing pandemic-related restrictions, and emotional difficulties like loneliness. Restrictions in communal dining areas significantly curtailed social interactions and were a significant source of frustration. Despite these problems, the health of 86% of participants did not deteriorate, and they were all vaccinated. A majority supported the community’s pandemic precautions, though over half reported psychosocial challenges, including anxiety and depression.

The researchers formulated a survey with open-ended questions to delve deeper into the personal impacts of the pandemic, such as the most challenging effects experienced, strategies employed to manage these effects, and critical personal revelations during this period.

The pandemic has underscored the necessity for flexible, safe, and socially engaging living arrangements for older adults that meet their needs and contribute to their ongoing personal development. This has paved the way for potentially new living configurations anticipating future pandemics.

More information: Lenny Chiang-Hanisko et al, COVID-19 Pandemic and Posttraumatic Growth in Residents of a Continuing Care Retirement Community: A Mixed Methods Study, Journal of Gerontological Nursing. DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20240503-01

Journal information: Journal of Gerontological Nursing Provided by Florida Atlantic University

New Study Highlights Concerns Over Pesticide Residues Among Fruit and Vegetable Consumers in Five Countries

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Researchers from CABI have uncovered significant concerns regarding pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables, pinpointing them as a primary source of food safety anxiety among consumers in Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan, and Uganda. Published in the journal Global Food Security, the study indicates a strong preference among concerned consumers for purchasing produce from specialist shops rather than street vendors, underscoring a widespread apprehension about pesticide risks.

The implications of these findings are profound, as they underscore the potential impact of pesticide risk concerns on consumer behaviour, potentially deterring the consumption of nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables that are rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. This is particularly critical given the World Health Organization’s (WHO) report that fruit and vegetable intake in Africa remains well below recommended levels, with consumption estimates in sub-Saharan Africa ranging from 70-312g per person per day, significantly lower than the WHO’s advised minimum of 400g.

Dr Justice Tambo, the lead author and a Senior Socio-Economist at CABI, highlighted the crucial role of fruits and vegetables in maintaining a healthy diet but raised alarms over the growing food safety risks associated with their consumption. The study, which analysed survey data from 8,644 consumers across five countries, revealed that pesticides are the most frequently cited concern, ahead of issues like microbial food poisoning and food additives.

The heightened concerns about pesticide residues are attributed to various factors, including the intensive use of synthetic pesticides and the limited adoption of non-chemical pest management strategies, such as cultural, physical, and biological controls, by farmers in the study regions. The prevalence of chemical pest control is notably high, with its usage ranging from 77% among farmers in Kenya to over 90% in Bangladesh, Ghana, and Pakistan, and about half of these farmers reportedly apply pesticides weekly.

Additionally, marketing and media campaigns influence the perception of pesticide risks relative to other food safety risks. Interestingly, the study found that, on average, only 56% of respondents had received information on food safety, with even lower exposure rates in Pakistan and Uganda.

The incidence of household members experiencing food poisoning symptoms after consuming fruits and vegetables also varies widely, from 23% in Kenya to 43% in Pakistan. This further highlights the urgent need for addressing food safety concerns, which are significant determinants of consumer choices regarding where to purchase fruits and vegetables. For instance, Dr Tambo noted that fears of pesticides could increase the likelihood of consumers buying from specialist shops by 8-16 percentage points and decrease their purchases from street hawkers by 1-14 percentage points.

To combat these issues, the researchers advocate for farmers to adopt integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which could help reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides and increase the availability of safer produce in markets. Strengthening enforcement of pesticide safety regulations and monitoring is also critical to enhancing food safety in the fruit and vegetable supply chain. Additionally, raising public awareness about the risks associated with pesticide residues is essential to sensitise consumers and potentially drive demand for safer produce, which could, in turn, encourage farmers and traders to meet this demand.

More information: Justice A. Tambo et al, Consumer pesticide concerns and the choice of fruit and vegetable markets in five low- and middle-income countries, Global Food Security. DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2024.100801

Journal information: Global Food Security Provided by CABI

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle Could Mitigate Brain Ageing Linked to Diabetes

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Type 2 diabetes is recognised as a significant risk factor for dementia. However, the specific effects of diabetes and its precursor stage, prediabetes, on brain ageing among individuals without dementia have not been thoroughly understood. Recent findings from an extensive brain imaging study now reveal that both diabetes and prediabetes contribute to accelerated brain ageing.

The research utilised data from over 31,000 participants aged between 40 and 70, all of whom are part of the UK Biobank and had undergone brain MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging). By employing a machine learning technique, the researchers were able to estimate the age of the brain relative to the person’s actual chronological age.

The findings indicated that prediabetes and diabetes are associated with an increased brain age; specifically, the brains of individuals with prediabetes and diabetes were found to be 0.5 and 2.3 years older than their chronological age, respectively. This discrepancy was even more pronounced in individuals with poorly managed diabetes, where the brain age appeared over four years older than the chronological age. Additionally, the study observed that the gap between brain and chronological age tended to widen gradually among those suffering from diabetes. Notably, these effects were less pronounced in individuals who engaged in high levels of physical activity and avoided smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Abigail Dove, the lead author of the study and a PhD student at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society at Karolinska Institutet, emphasised the significance of these findings. She stated that an older-looking brain compared to one’s chronological age might signal a deviation from normal ageing processes and potentially act as an early indicator of dementia risk. Encouragingly, Dove also highlighted that individuals with diabetes might have the potential to positively influence their brain health through adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Although only a small subset of the study participants had repeat MRI data available, the follow-up MRI scans are still being conducted, and the research team continues to explore the long-term relationship between diabetes, prediabetes, and brain ageing.

Dove also pointed out the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and expressed hope that the study’s outcomes would aid in preventing cognitive impairment and dementia in individuals diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes. This research underscores the potential for interventions that could mitigate the negative impacts of these conditions on brain health.

More information: Abigail Dove et al, Diabetes, Prediabetes, and Brain Aging: The Role of Healthy Lifestyle, Diabetes Care. DOI: 10.2337/dc24-0860

Journal information: Diabetes Care Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Recent Study Reveals Cellular Routes to Alzheimer’s and Divergent Brain Ageing

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A new study has provided a compelling answer to a long-standing question in ageing research, explicitly addressing whether Alzheimer’s disease-dementia is merely a form of accelerated ageing or if there exists a distinct pathway that could lead to healthier brain ageing. This comprehensive international research effort involved mapping 1.65 million cells from 437 ageing brains, revealing diverse cellular changes associated with ageing. The study distinguished two significant pathways: one leading to Alzheimer’s disease and another representing an alternative, healthier form of brain ageing. Furthermore, the research highlighted specific cellular signatures that could predict the advancement of the disease once they manifest in the ageing brain. These findings not only provide deeper insights into the development of Alzheimer’s disease but also differentiate it from normal brain ageing. Notably, the changes in brain cells identified by the researchers may occur several years before any clinical symptoms or memory loss, thus opening avenues for personalised preventive medicine. This could potentially modify disease progression and improve outcomes for individuals at risk.

The research was led by an impressive international team, including notable contributions from Dr Naomi Habib and Gilad Green from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, alongside Dr Philip L. De Jager and Dr Vilas Menon from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Dr David Bennett from Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, and Dr Hyun-Sik Yang from Harvard Medical School. Published in the prestigious journal Nature, the study unveiled critical insights into the cellular dynamics that drive brain ageing and the events that lead to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). By utilising one of the most significant resources in the brain ageing field, alongside innovative machine learning algorithms, the researchers were able to delineate distinct cellular paths in brain ageing, setting a solid foundation for the development of personalised therapies targeting Alzheimer’s disease.

This study detailedly mapped the brain’s cellular environment, analysing an extensive dataset of 1.65 million single-nucleus RNA sequencing profiles from the prefrontal cortex of older adults, part of the ROSMAP cohort at Rush University in Chicago, USA. Through this extensive data, the researchers identified specific groups of glial and neuronal cells associated with traits linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, they employed a novel algorithm called BEYOND to model the intricate dynamics within brain cells throughout ageing and disease progression. This innovative approach revealed two distinct ageing pathways, each characterised by gradual, coordinated changes within specific cellular communities. Notably, one pathway leads to Alzheimer’s disease. It is marked by the progressive onset of dementia, characterised by memory loss and cognitive decline, while the other path represents a non-Alzheimer’s, healthier form of brain ageing.

The importance of this research extends to the foundational discoveries regarding the role of glial cells in Alzheimer’s disease. Previously, microglia and astrocytes, supportive cells crucial for brain function, were not fully recognised for their potential role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. However, recent findings, including those from a 2023 study published in Nature Neuroscience by the same research team, have started elucidating these cells’ specific roles. The latest study identified two distinct subsets of microglial cells, both associated with altered lipid metabolism, with one subset predicted to drive the accumulation of amyloid-β plaques—the initial hallmark pathology of Alzheimer’s disease—and another likely contributing to the subsequent buildup of neurofilament tangles. These discoveries underscore the complex interactions between different brain cells in Alzheimer’s progression and highlight the crucial role of glial cells.

The implications of these findings are significant for the development of personalised treatments. Dr Naomi Habib remarked on the unique insights gained from this research, noting that it has laid a cellular foundation for understanding the distinct pathways leading to Alzheimer’s and alternative ageing processes. By identifying specific cells involved in each unique path of brain ageing, the research paves the way for the early identification of individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and for developing targeted treatments designed to promote healthy ageing. This study marks a pivotal step in understanding the cellular basis of Alzheimer’s disease and opens the door to innovative treatment strategies that could potentially alter the disease’s trajectory.

More information: Gilad Sahar Green et al, Cellular communities reveal trajectories of brain ageing and Alzheimer’s disease, Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07871-6

Journal information: Nature Provided by The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Decreasing Daily Sitting to Alleviate Back Pain

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A recent study conducted by the University of Turku in Finland revealed that cutting down on daily sitting time can prevent the aggravation of back pain over a six-month period. This finding reinforces existing knowledge about the relationship between physical activity and back pain and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this common ailment.

It might seem evident that less sitting would benefit back health, but a surprising lack of concrete data supports this claim. To address this gap, the study, carried out in collaboration between the Turku PET Centre and the UKK Institute, focused on whether reducing sitting time could prevent or alleviate back pain in overweight or obese adults who typically spend most of their day seated. Throughout the six-month study, participants managed to reduce their sitting by an average of 40 minutes daily.

The study involved a group of typical middle-aged adults who led sedentary lifestyles, engaged in minimal exercise, and were slightly overweight. According to Jooa Norha, a doctoral researcher and physiotherapist at the University of Turku, these factors heighten the risk of cardiovascular diseases and are associated with increased back pain.

Earlier findings from various research groups had already suggested that prolonged sitting might harm back health, although these results were preliminary. The new study confirms these suspicions and explores the potential biological mechanisms to prevent back pain.

Interestingly, the researchers did not find a direct correlation between changes in back pain and alterations in the fat content or glucose metabolism of the back muscles. It has been noted that individuals suffering from back pain often have excessive fat deposits within their back muscles, and impaired glucose metabolism can predispose individuals to pain. Despite these factors, the study demonstrated that back pain could be prevented or alleviated without significant muscle composition or metabolism changes. Advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and PET scans, which utilise a radioactive tracer, were employed to analyse the back muscles.

Jooa Norha advises those prone to back pain or who sit extensively to explore methods to reduce sitting at work and during leisure time. Norha emphasises, however, that engaging in physical activities like walking or more vigorous exercises is preferable to merely standing. Moreover, the researchers highlight the importance of alternating between different postures rather than striving for a ‘perfect’ posture as a key element in maintaining back health.

This study underscores the significance of modest reductions in daily sitting as a viable strategy for mitigating back pain. This move could be particularly beneficial for those leading a sedentary lifestyle. The findings add to the broader discourse on how lifestyle factors influence back health and pave the way for more targeted interventions that could help individuals manage or prevent back pain through relatively simple lifestyle adjustments.

More information: Jooa Norha et al, Effects of reducing sedentary behaviour on back pain, paraspinal muscle insulin sensitivity and muscle fat fraction and their associations: a secondary analysis of a 6-month randomised controlled trial, BMJ Open. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084305

Journal information: BMJ Open Provided by University of Turku

Regular Consumption of Soda, Fruit Drinks, and Excessive Coffee Associated with Increased Stroke Risk

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New global research co-led by the University of Galway, in collaboration with McMaster University Canada and an international network of stroke researchers, has revealed that regular consumption of fizzy drinks or fruit juice is linked with an increased risk of stroke, as is drinking more than four cups of coffee per day. These findings are part of the INTERSTROKE research project, with results published in the Journal of Stroke and the International Journal of Stroke. The research involved nearly 27,000 participants across 27 countries, including almost 13,500 who experienced their first stroke. This diverse cohort included individuals from various geographical and ethnic backgrounds and with different cardiovascular risk profiles from countries including Ireland and the UK.

The research highlighted significant risks associated with certain beverages. Consumption of fizzy drinks, including sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened varieties, was connected to a 22% increase in stroke risk, which sharply rose with the intake of two or more such drinks daily. This association was influential in Eastern/Central Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. The study also pointed out that many commercially available fruit juices, often made from concentrates with added sugars and preservatives, might negate the benefits of fresh fruit and even heighten stroke risk.

In terms of fruit juice consumption, the data showed a 37% increased risk of stroke due to bleeding (intracranial haemorrhage) with regular consumption of such drinks, with the risk tripling when consuming two drinks daily. Women exhibited the highest increase in stroke risk due to bleeding associated with these beverages. In contrast, drinking more than seven cups of water daily was linked to reduced odds of stroke caused by a clot, emphasising the benefits of simple water intake over sugary or caffeinated drinks.

The study also explored the effects of coffee and tea consumption on stroke risk. It found that drinking more than four cups of coffee daily raised the risk of stroke by 37%, although lower coffee consumption did not pose the same risk. Conversely, tea drinking was generally associated with a reduced risk of stroke, showing an 18-20% decrease in risk. Drinking 3-4 cups per day of black tea, including varieties like Breakfast and Earl Grey (but not green or herbal teas), was linked with a 29% lower risk of stroke.

However, the beneficial effects of tea could be nullified by adding milk, as this could inhibit the antioxidants in tea that contribute to its protective effects against stroke. The research also highlighted significant geographical differences in how tea consumption affected stroke risk, with a reduced risk noted in regions like China and South America. In contrast, a higher risk was observed in South Asia.

Lead researcher Professor Andrew Smyth, Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Galway and Consultant Physician at Galway University Hospitals, advises caution with fruit and fizzy beverages. He recommends avoiding or minimising consumption of such drinks and suggests switching to water to mitigate stroke risk. Smyth’s findings stress the importance of understanding the health implications of our beverage choices, enlightening us about the significant impact these choices can have on our cardiovascular health.

More information: Andrew Smyth et al, Carbonated Beverage, Fruit Drink, and Water Consumption and Risk of Acute Stroke: the INTERSTROKE Case-Control Study, Journal of Stroke. DOI: 10.5853/jos.2024.01543

Journal information: Journal of Stroke Provided by University of Galway

Modelling Study in The Lancet Public Health Suggests That Accelerating Efforts to Eliminate Tobacco Smoking Could Raise Life Expectancy and Prevent Millions of Premature Deaths by 2050

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A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health journal by the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries and Risk Factors (GBD) Tobacco Forecasting Collaborators suggests that intensifying efforts to reduce global tobacco smoking to a prevalence of 5% could significantly enhance life expectancy and avert millions of premature deaths by 2050. This comprehensive analysis underscores the potential health benefits arising from hastening the decline in smoking rates over the next thirty years.

The findings indicate that if tobacco smoking rates were to decrease gradually from current levels to 5% by 2050, life expectancy could increase by an additional year for males and 0.2 years for females. In a more ambitious scenario where smoking is wholly eradicated starting from 2023, the potential increase in life expectancy rises to 1.5 years for males and 0.4 years for females by 2050. Under both scenarios, a significant reduction in premature deaths is projected.

Tobacco smoking remains one of the principal risk factors for preventable death and illness worldwide, responsible for over one-tenth of all deaths in 2021. Despite a noticeable reduction in smoking rates over the past three decades, the pace of decline has not been uniform and has slowed in several countries. Diseases such as cancers, ischemic heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continue to lead as the primary causes of smoking-related premature deaths, collectively accounting for 85% of potentially preventable years of life lost (YLLs).

Various nations have set ambitious objectives to slash smoking rates below 5% in upcoming years. Yet, a substantial opportunity remains to broaden and bolster proven policy measures and interventions to meet these targets. Professor Stein Emil Vollset from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), the study’s senior author, emphasises the critical importance of maintaining momentum in global efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate smoking. He points out that millions of premature deaths could be prevented by ending smoking.

The research utilised IHME’s Future Health Scenarios platform, which draws on data from the GBD study to provide detailed health burden forecasts for 204 countries, segmented by age and gender, from 2022 to 2050. This study is the first to comprehensively project the health impacts of smoking across all countries and causes, as well as across 365 different diseases and injuries. YLLs, a key measure of premature deaths that counts each death against the potential life expectancy at the age of death, was the primary metric used in this study.

Three future scenarios were examined: a most likely scenario based on current trends, an optimistic scenario assuming a reduction of smoking prevalence to 5%, and an ideal scenario where smoking is eliminated starting in 2023. The differences between the reference and elimination scenarios allowed researchers to assess the total future health burden that could be avoided with robust anti-smoking measures.

The study’s projections are based on past trends showing a decline in age-standardised smoking rates from 1990 to 2022, with a prediction of continued but slower decline towards 2050. Despite regional variations, the results suggest significant health improvements could be achieved by accelerating anti-smoking efforts.

However, the study acknowledges certain limitations. It estimates only the direct effects of smoking reduction on health. It does not consider the broader health benefits of reduced second-hand smoke exposure or the impacts of emerging products like e-cigarettes. Furthermore, the projections do not account for potential advances in healthcare, such as improvements in lung cancer detection and treatment, which could further influence the outcomes.

In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis highlights the critical need for sustained and intensified global efforts to curb smoking. It underscores the considerable health gains that could be achieved by meeting and exceeding current reduction targets. Such efforts are crucial for extending life expectancy and significantly reducing the burden of disease worldwide.

More information: Tobacco Forecasting Collaborators, Forecasting the effects of smoking prevalence scenarios on years of life lost and life expectancy from 2022 to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, The Lancet Public Health. DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(24)00166-X

Journal information: The Lancet Public Health Provided by The Lancet

Age Is Merely a Digit

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As we journey through life, our methods to handle our finances and make decisions about them evolve. It’s been observed in past studies that older adults may sometimes be more inclined to take risks compared to their younger counterparts when faced with financial choices. But what cognitive mechanisms drive these age-related shifts in risk tolerance? It is often suggested that a decline in mental abilities makes us less capable of managing risky or complex financial decisions as we age. However, does this decline truly drive the observed differences in risk-taking behaviour? And what implications does this have for our understanding of intelligence? A recent study titled “Older adults select different but not simpler strategies than younger adults in risky choices,” by Florian Bolenz and Thorsten Pachur from the Science of Intelligence (SCIoI) in Berlin, published in PLOS Computational Biology, proposes a different perspective. This research indicates that older adults employ decision-making strategies as complex as younger adults, albeit reflecting different risk appetites and motivations.

Revisiting cognitive ageing with a fresh lens, the study introduces a new computational model based on resource-rational strategy selection to analyse data from 122 participants, divided between younger adults (aged 18-30) and older adults (aged 63-88), across 105 risky scenarios. This model elucidates decision-making by weighing the mental effort involved against the payoff of a strategy, influenced by an individual’s preference for simplicity over reward. This study’s simulation of decision-making patterns contradicts the assumption that older adults tend towards more straightforward strategies. Interestingly, younger adults often adopt the “minimax heuristic,” a strategy aimed at minimising potential losses, essentially playing it safe to dodge the worst-case scenarios while potentially forgoing higher gains.

In contrast, some older adults favour the “maximax heuristic,” which prioritises maximising the potential for the best outcome over avoiding losses. This suggests that older individuals might be more prepared to pursue higher rewards despite more significant risks, depending on their personal goals and life circumstances. For example, consider Taylor, aged 30, who starts a local café focusing on stable income and low financial risk. On the other hand, Morgan aged 64, might choose to invest in a volatile global tech start-up driven by the possibility of substantial returns. Both individuals make calculated decisions, seeking greater rewards based on what they value most. This demonstrates that older adults’ decision-making is influenced by motivations that are no less complex than those of younger people.

Moreover, the study highlights the significant role of emotions in decision-making. The researchers incorporated cognitive and motivational aspects into their model. They discovered that older adults, typically experiencing fewer negative emotions than younger ones, adopt less risk-averse strategies under certain conditions. Analysis indicated that nearly 30% of the differences in decision-making between age groups could be attributed directly to changes in emotional responses. This finding suggests that it is not cognitive decline but shifts in emotional and motivational factors that lead older adults to approach risk differently.

For instance, when an older adult considers investing in a grandchild’s startup, they might focus more on the potential benefits and the satisfaction of supporting the family, driven by positive emotions and long-term goals, rather than strictly weighing the financial risks. Recognising that older adults use different but not necessarily more straightforward strategies can inform the creation of better support systems and public policies, such as personalised health information or tailored retirement planning systems, which could significantly improve decision-making processes for older adults, offering hope for a more secure financial future.

Finally, this study also contributes to the broader field of intelligence research by challenging the stereotype that cognitive decline in older adults results in simpler decision-making when it comes to risk. Instead, it highlights the adaptability and resilience of cognitive processes, showing that older adults are capable of employing sophisticated strategies. By exploring the interplay between cognitive and motivational factors, the research offers new insights into the nature of intelligence throughout life, providing valuable information that significantly enhances our understanding of intelligent decision-making.

More information: Florian Bolenz et al, Older adults select different but not simpler strategies than younger adults in risky choice, PLoS Computational Biology. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012204

Journal information: PLoS Computational Biology Provided by Technische Universität Berlin – Science of Intelligence