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This daily habit could lower dementia risk by 35%, scientists say
A huge long-term study found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day was linked to a much lower risk of dementia, especially before age 75. Researchers say caffeine may help keep brain cells active while reducing inflammation and harmful plaque buildup associated with Alzheimer’s disease. But more coffee wasn’t better — the protective effect appeared to level off after moderate intake.
Ghost of long-extinct ancestor lives on in people today
Ancient Homo erectus teeth from China yield protein variants seen in Denisovans—and us
Fluffy ice could imperil spacecraft landings on ocean moons
Water erupted from cryovolcanoes may freeze into thick but fragile layers on Europa and Enceladus
MAK-2 Kinase Is Required for Extended Longevity and Enhanced Stress Resistance Resulting From Mild Impairment of Mitochondrial Function in isp-1 Mutants
Although mitochondrial function is essential for life in multicellular organisms, work from multiple model organisms has demonstrated that a mild impairment of mitochondrial function can increase lifespan. In C. elegans, a mutation in the isp-1 gene, which encodes the Rieske iron sulfur protein in Complex III of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, results in increased lifespan, enhanced resistance to stress and slow physiologic rates. While the molecular mechanisms involved are...
Age-Associated Impairment of Paneth Cells Driven by microRNA-152 Promotes Intestinal Epithelial Vulnerability to Pathological Stress
Advanced age is a well-known risk factor for severe complications in surgical patients with critical illnesses, partly due to declined intestinal mucosal defense, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Our study provided direct evidence from older human and mouse small intestines of the adverse impact of aging on Paneth cell functionality by impaired mitochondrial metabolism. Mechanistic investigation revealed a specific elevation of Paneth cell enriched microRNA-152 (miR-152) in...
Bench to bedside: is rapamycin headed for the docTOR?
Almost a century ago, calorie restriction (CR) was identified as a robust intervention for extending lifespan and healthspan, a discovery that captured the imagination of both scientists and the public. If the powerful mechanisms engaged by CR can be uncovered and harnessed through a pill, humans might be able to live longer and healthier lives. Here, we will discuss the evolution of rapamycin, an inhibitor of the mTOR (mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin) protein kinase, from an immunosuppressant...
Group training classes for dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction: effects on sleep, activity, and caregiver burden
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition of ageing dogs, sharing pathological and clinical features with Alzheimer's disease. Despite the growing prevalence of CCD, non-pharmacological interventions for affected companion animals remain underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of structured group training classes on signs of CCD, sleep, daily activity, and caregiver burden. Forty-two dogs (≥ 8 years) with mild to moderate CCD were enrolled in either...
Multiorgan transcriptomics and circulating extracellular vesicle profiling reveal age-dependent systemic vulnerability to isoflurane anesthesia and surgery
Elderly patients exhibit heightened susceptibility to postoperative complications following general anesthesia and surgery, yet the molecular mechanisms driving this age-dependent vulnerability remain poorly defined. We performed RNA sequencing on olfactory bulb (OB), hippocampus (HI), lung, and spleen from young (3-month, m), late middle-aged (17 m), and geriatric (27 m) male C57BL/6 mice 24 h after 2 h of exposure to isoflurane anesthesia and laparotomy (ISO/OP). Short-term ISO/OP elicited...
Antibiotic prescription for older patients in end-of-life care: a randomized survey among physicians in Switzerland
CONCLUSION: These findings highlight ongoing uncertainties and cultural variations in antibiotic prescribing practices at the end of life, highlighting the need for clinical decision-support tools and educational resources directed not only at physicians, but also at nursing teams, families, and caregivers. In the context of an aging population and rising antimicrobial resistance, a deeper understanding of the factors influencing antibiotic use in palliative care is essential to inform the...
Urban environments and depression among older adults: policy implications from the WHO age-friendly cities framework
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the critical role of age-friendly urban environments in supporting the mental health of older adults. Urban planning should prioritise accessible green spaces, elderly-friendly housing, inclusive leisure opportunities, and improved access to life information. Promoting social respect and volunteer engagement can further enhance emotional well-being. These findings provide empirical support for implementing the WHO Age-Friendly Cities Framework as a strategic...
Network-based identification of central ADL and IADL items in older adults living alone
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlight central ADL and IADL items within the functional network of older adults living alone. These results provide insights into the interrelationships among functional abilities and may guide future research on strategies to support or prevent functional decline in this population.
Community-dwelling older persons' level of functional ability and heat-related vulnerability: results from the Heat-Health Action Plan study in Cologne, Germany
CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that considering healthy ageing from the perspective of functional ability rather than focusing on chronological age has the potential to more precisely address those community-dwelling older people living with functional decline, frailty or disability who are most vulnerable in heat situations. The measurement of functional ability by screening community-dwelling older people with a self-administered questionnaire on functional resources and risks proved to be a...