Aging & Gerontology

Drug to slow Alzheimer’s well tolerated outside of clinical trial setting

Side effects of lecanemab are manageable, study findsReadmore

New study highlights potential of digital mental health intervention for people with Parkinson’s

Digital intervention known as ‘PACT’ (Parkinson’s Active Communication Therapy) improved the well-being of the majority of study participantsReadmore

Poor heart health increases risk of dementia for Black Americans

Diabetes, high blood pressure linked to degenerative diseases like dementiaReadmore

The gut-brain connection: Harmful viruses in the gut may contribute to dementia

Tiny gut viruses may quietly shape the long journey to dementia starting decades before symptoms appearReadmore

Social isolation linked to poor diet in older women

A new UBC study finds that persistently isolated older Canadian women are more likely to fall short of recommended fruit and vegetable intake, leading to poorer overall diet quality.Readmore

UF professor develops AI tool to better assess Parkinson’s disease, other movement disorders

VisionMD is an open-source AI tool that analyzes patient videos to objectively monitor motor symptoms in Parkinson’s and movement disorders.Readmore

Alzheimer's research at SRH University: How ibuprofen affects fat metabolism in the brain

In a joint study, SRH University and Saarland University have found that the widely used painkiller ibuprofen affects the metabolism of certain fats in the brain.Readmore

AI tool unlocks long-standing biomedical mystery behind Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s

A novel artificial intelligence (AI) tool has revealed how disease-linked proteins misfold into harmful structures, a key advance in understanding neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.Readmore

Off the road: 1 in 4 seniors quit driving due to sight issues

Research indicates an urgent need for updated vision screening policies and safer infrastructure to protect aging driversReadmore

ALS Drug Effectively Treats Alzheimer’s Disease in New Animal Study

NU-9 acts on a common mechanism at play in both neurodegenerative diseasesReadmore

Modulating the Brain’s Immune System May Curb Damage in Alzheimer’s

Boosting norepinephrine signaling in microglia may reduce early inflammation and brain damage in Alzheimer’s disease.Readmore

Engineered microglia show promise for treating Alzheimer's, other brain diseases

UC Irvine team develops cell-based platform for brain-wide delivery of therapeutic agentsReadmore

Move more, think sharper: How physical activity boosts brain health in ageing

Even just five minutes of heart-pumping activity can significantly boost brain health in older adults, new research shows.Readmore

New clues as to why drugs are effective for Alzheimer’s disease

A team of scientists including UCL researchers has tested four anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s therapeutics to find out how the drugs bind to toxic amyloid beta protein to tackle the disease.Readmore

Empathy might be retained in Alzheimer’s disease

People with Alzheimer’s disease may retain their ability to empathise, despite declines in other social abilities, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.Readmore

Even Light Exercise Could Help Slow Cognitive Decline in People at Risk of Alzheimer’s

In a landmark clinical trial of physical exercise in older adults with mild memory loss, people who exercised at low or moderate-high intensity showed less cognitive decline when compared to those receiving usual care.Readmore

New Study Explores the Need for Expanded Long-Term Care Services to Support Aging-in-Place

A recent Johns Hopkins study highlights critical gaps in U.S. long-term care services, urging infrastructure, workforce, and policy reforms to support affordable, equitable aging-in-place.Readmore

How ‘Magic Mushrooms’ Could Help Parkinson’s Disease Patients

A UCSF pilot study finds psilocybin therapy surprises, showing meaningful improvements in mood, cognition, and motor symptoms.Readmore

How resilient nerve cells fight back against dementia

A UCL research team has found clues as to why some nerve cells die in dementia and not others, in a new study in fruit flies.Readmore

Researchers discover a novel gene variant in Finns that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A rare TYROBP gene variant found in Finns increases Alzheimer’s risk by disrupting microglial inflammation control.Readmore

The Duke Mouse Brain Atlas Promises to Accelerate Studies of Neurological Disorders

Researchers have created the first high-resolution, 3D stereotaxic atlas of the mouse brain to enhance precision in studying neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.Readmore

How SFU researchers are advancing brain health in aging Canadians

A collaboration between SFU Gerontology and the SFU ImageTech Lab drives research in brain health and healthy aging in CLSA-Weston Healthy Brain, Healthy Aging (HBHA) study.Readmore

Black tea and berries could contribute to healthier ageing

Higher intakes of black tea, berries, citrus fruits and apples could help to promote healthy ageing, new research has found.Readmore

Most people say they want to know their risk for Alzheimer’s dementia, fewer follow through

Among reasons for declining, research participants say knowing would be a burden to themselves, family membersReadmore

Knowing Your Alzheimer’s Risk May Ease Anxiety but Reduce Motivation for Healthy Habits

Study involving Rutgers researcher adds insight into how individuals emotionally respond to learning about their amyloid statusReadmore

Are you curious? It might help you stay sharp as you age

New research shows questions you ask and interest in lifelong learning might protect against Alzheimer’s diseaseReadmore

Heart-Healthy Lifestyles Can Also Delay Brain Aging, UMD Researchers Find

Heart-Healthy Lifestyles Can Also Delay Brain Aging, UMD Researchers FindReadmore

HIV Drugs Offer ‘Substantial’ Alzheimer’s Protection

UVA Health researchers found that NRTIs significantly reduce Alzheimer’s risk, prompting calls for clinical trials to test their preventive potential.Readmore

Seeing better, living longer: Eye care and fall prevention may extend lifespan in older adults

Vision impairment in older adults significantly increases the risk of falls and early death, highlighting the need for targeted vision care and fall prevention strategies.Readmore

Potential Alzheimer’s Disease Therapeutic Target Identified in Brain Immune Cells

Researchers have identified Tim-3 as a key immune checkpoint in microglia that, when inhibited, enhances plaque clearance and reduces neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease, offering a promising therapeutic target.Readmore

Digital technology and AI can support workers with dementia – new research

New research from the University of Bath highlights that people with dementia can thrive in the workforce with the right digital tools and workplace adjustments.Readmore

Highly accurate blood test diagnoses Alzheimer’s disease, measures extent of dementia

WashU and Lund University researchers created a blood test measuring MTBR-tau243 protein to diagnose and stage Alzheimer’s, providing a cost-effective alternative to brain scans.Readmore

UCalgary researchers find important clues contributing to Alzheimer's disease

University of Calgary researchers discovered that low CD2AP protein levels in brain blood vessels are linked to Alzheimer’s, pointing to sex-specific treatments and the importance of vascular health.Readmore

AI effectively predicts dementia risk in American Indian/Alaska Native elders

UC Irvine researchers used machine learning on health records to predict dementia risk in American Indian/Alaska Native adults, identifying key risk factors.Readmore

Older adults experience similar or even less muscle damage than young adults after exercise

Research shows older adults experience less muscle soreness after exercise, challenging the belief that aging muscles recover more slowly.Readmore

Study strengthens link between shingles vaccine and lower dementia risk

A Stanford-led study found that receiving the shingles vaccine in Wales reduced dementia risk by 20%, supporting the link between viral infections and dementia.Readmore

How GPS helps older drivers stay on the roads

A new study shows that GPS use helps older adults with poor spatial skills drive more frequently, supporting their independence and mobility.Readmore

Key differences between visual- and memory-led Alzheimer’s discovered

A study links brain protein buildup and inflammation to visual symptoms in rare Alzheimer's variant PCA, aiding personalized treatment.Readmore

Mass General Brigham Researchers Reveal 17 Modifiable Risk Factors Shared by Stroke, Dementia, and Late-Life Depression

A study finds 17 shared lifestyle-based risk factors linking stroke, dementia, and late-life depression, offering paths for prevention.Readmore

Exercise as an anti-ageing intervention to avoid detrimental impact of mental fatigue

Regular exercise helps older adults combat mental fatigue and maintain better cognitive and physical performance.Readmore

Five myths about gerontology dispelled by a University of Idaho professor

Gerontology is a multidisciplinary field that goes beyond healthcare, offering growing career opportunities to improve the aging experience across all sectors of society.Readmore

Many older adults send their doctors portal messages, but who pays?

Older adults widely use patient portals, but some—especially low-income individuals—face unexpected charges for digital messages, raising concerns about healthcare access and equity.Readmore

Linking blood flow and brain health

Researchers found that reduced blood flow may decrease hippocampal stiffness, potentially enabling early Alzheimer’s diagnosis through brain imaging.Readmore

Diagnostic uncertainty in Parkinson's disease: New study calls for improved diagnostic processes

A long-term Finnish study found that up to 17.7% of Parkinson’s disease diagnoses are later revised, highlighting diagnostic challenges and the urgent need for better tools and training.Readmore

Students lead breakthrough study on diabetes drugs and dementia risk

University of Galway students found that GLP-1 receptor agonists may lower dementia risk by 45% in diabetics, offering new hope for brain health protection.Readmore

ALS drug effectively treats Alzheimer’s disease in new animal study

Experimental drug NU-9 shows promise in treating Alzheimer’s by reducing toxic protein buildup and inflammation, potentially targeting shared mechanisms across neurodegenerative diseases.Readmore

Mizzou researchers discover natural compound may slow ALS and dementia

Kaempferol, a natural antioxidant in fruits and vegetables, shows potential to treat ALS and dementia by protecting nerve cells, with researchers developing nanoparticles to improve its absorption.Readmore

Eye health linked to dementia risk

A University of Otago study found that changes in the eye's retinal blood vessels may indicate early dementia risk, suggesting potential for future, non-invasive brain health screening.Readmore

More opportunities to test for Alzheimer’s using new analytical method

A large multicentre study led by Lund University shows a simpler, highly accurate blood test (P-tau217) can detect Alzheimer’s disease pathology, making diagnosis more accessible globally.Readmore

More young people are caring for a loved one with dementia. It takes a unique toll

Caring for a loved one with dementia, particularly if they’re a parent, takes a unique emotional toll on a young person. They need better support.Readmore

Weather emergencies affect older adults' health views

People over 50 who recently experienced an extreme weather event far more likely to express concern about the effects of climate change on their healthReadmore

Pennington Biomedical Researchers Identify Neurons in Brain that Regulate Energy Levels and Body Temperature

Research shows that the brain area that helps control body temperature, energy use and eating habits uses specific chemical and neuronic pathways to influence regulating adjustments.Readmore

Mass General Brigham Researchers Develop and Study an At-Home Smell Test for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease

A new study suggests that olfactory testing may help detect early cognitive impairment, potentially aiding in the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.Readmore

Understanding older care leavers’ perceptions and experiences of aged care services

A new review led by the National Centre for Healthy Ageing and Monash University highlights the challenges faced by older care leavers in aged care, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed, person-centered support.Readmore

How Your Brain Manages Cholesterol Could Increase Alzheimer’s Risk

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a host of recognizable cognitive symptoms, but many non-cognitive symptoms like changes in sleep, anxiety and depression can be early signs of the disease.Readmore

ITSN1 gene linked to risk of Parkinson’s disease

ITSN1 to a significantly elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition that affects nearly 2% of adults older than 65 years.Readmore

Throat microbiome holds clues to older Australians’ health

Identifying vulnerable individuals in later life has proven successful through measures of physical robustness, such as grip strength and other physical assessments.Readmore

Understanding How Metabolism Contributes to Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the center of the brain that controls movementsReadmore

Elderly neurological patients are open to in-home remote monitoring

Elderly neurological patients are open to home-based remote monitoring, with caregiver support enhancing acceptance.Readmore

Is Increased Sleepiness in Our 80s Tied to Higher Dementia Risk

The participants, whose average age was 83, were monitored by wrist devices that track movement and time spent asleep. They had normal cognition at the start of the study.Readmore

New study looks at nostalgia, comfort in food preparation for older adults

Foods that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort and have good texture variety are important considerations in prepared meals aimed at older adults,Readmore

Opening for a new type of drug for Alzheimer’s Disease

In Alzheimer’s disease, the tau protein changes in harmful ways. First, it clumps into small, soluble groups that are released from nerve cells and may spread damage to other cells. Readmore

His genes forecast Alzheimer's. His brain had other plans.

People who inherit one very rare gene mutation are virtually guaranteed to develop Alzheimer's before they turn 50.Readmore

How the brain switches between persevering, trying something new, or giving up

For all living beings, survival depends on the ability to adapt their goals. Animals must constantly decide whether to persevere in their current goal, explore alternative options, or disengage altogether.Readmore

Among Older Women, Hormone Therapy Linked to Tau Accumulation, a Hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease

The researchers did not find a major difference in amyloid beta buildup, but they did notice that women over 70 who had taken hormone therapy (HT) experienced faster tau buildup in certain areas of the brain.Readmore

Schizophrenia is Reflected in the Brain Structure

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FDA Approves LEQEMBI® (lecanemab-irmb) IV Maintenance Dosing for the Treatment of Early Alzheimer's Disease

The FDA has approved a new once-every-four-weeks maintenance dose of lecanemab-irmb for early Alzheimer’s disease. This schedule may make it easier for patients and caregivers to continue treatment. Readmore

AI may aid in the timely diagnosis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are severe mental illnesses that emerge in early adulthood, requiring precise diagnosis for effective treatment, though diagnosis can be complex.Readmore

New Frailty Measurement Tool Could Help Identify Vulnerable Older Adults in Epic

Mass General Brigham researchers developed an electronic frailty tool to identify older adults at high risk of hospitalization, rehospitalization, or death. This tool enables early intervention using electronic health records, even with incomplete data.Readmore

1 in 5 older adults get infections after heart surgery, and women have a 60% higher risk

Investigators say postoperative infections may be greatly underestimatedReadmore

Next-gen Alzheimer’s drugs extend independent living by months

New analysis recasts benefits of treatment in relation to day-to-day impacts on patients’ lives ,Bianca BrijnathReadmore

Alzheimer’s disease, dementias chronically undiagnosed yet early detection rarely used

University of Michigan researchers found that cognitive screening for Alzheimer’s remains underused despite its benefits and Medicare coverage. Early detection enables better treatment, planning, and risk reduction strategies.Readmore

New AI Model Measures How Fast the Brain Ages

Biological age is different from chronological age, Irimia explained. Two people with the same birthdate can have different biological ages depending on how well their body functions and how "old" their tissues appear at the cellular level.Readmore

Herpesviruses may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease via transposable elements

HSV-1 is associated with Alzheimer’s-associated transposable elements in infected, Alzheimer’s-affected brains, which may be reversed through available drugs.Readmore

Mount Sinai-Led Research Team Identifies Underlying Mechanisms of Age-Related Dysfunction in Glands Crucial to Eye Function

Mount Sinai researchers identified stem cell mechanisms behind age-related meibomian gland degeneration, paving the way for new treatments for evaporative dry eye disease.Readmore

Healthy’ Vitamin B12 Levels Not Enough to Ward Off Neuro Decline

In this study, researchers recruited 231 healthy participants with an average age of 71, who had no dementia or mild cognitive impairment. The participants were enrolled through the Brain Aging Network for Cognitive Health (BrANCH) study at UCSF. Readmore

Luteolin, an antioxidant in vegetables, may contribute to the prevention of hair graying

The researcher’s study focused on three antioxidants luteolin, hesperetin, and diosmetin to assess their anti-graying effects in mice that were bred to go gray like humans.Readmore

The ‘Silent’ X Chromosome Gives the Aging Female Brain a Boost

In a surprise, work in mice has found that the dormant X chromosome in females can reawaken late in life and turn on genes that keep the brain healthy.Readmore

Treatment for Alzheimer’s may lie in the brain’s own cleanup crew

Earlier attempts at an Alzheimer’s vaccine failed when the immune system’s response caused dangerous brain swelling.Readmore

Memory is impaired in aged rats after 3 days of high-fat eating

Researchers fed separate groups of young and old rats the high-fat diet for three days or for three months to compare how quickly changes happen in the brain versus the rest of the body when eating an unhealthy diet. Readmore

Scientists Identify Critical “Midlife Window” for Preventing Age-Related Brain Decline

Groundbreaking research reveals metabolic interventions could help prevent cognitive agingReadmore

Brain mapping unlocks key Alzheimer’s insights

To identify memory-related brain cells vulnerable to protein buildup, a key factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, an incurable, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.Readmore

Older people in England report greater life satisfaction than before the Covid pandemic

The researchers found that all aspects of psychological wellbeing declined in the second half of 2020, with happiness dropping by 4%, sense of life's worth by 4% and life satisfaction by 7%.Readmore

New study uncovers how genes influence retinal aging and brain health

A study in Molecular Neurodegeneration looked at how aging affects genes and proteins in the retinas of nine different mouse strains, representing genetic differences similar to humans. Readmore

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease using blood tests: p-tau biomarkers not as disease-specific as previously thought

The early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) through the detection of p-tau proteins in the blood is less disease-specific than assumed since these biomarkers are also elevated in the blood of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)Readmore

Worm study shows hyperactivated neurons cause aging-related behavioral decline

Proper brain function occurs when a large number of neurons are connected to each other and work in an appropriate way. In this sense, declines in brain function with age have generally been attributed to a decrease in the activity of neurons over time.Readmore

Blood test shows promise for early detection of dementia

For people with a certain sleep disorder, a simple blood test could help predict the development of dementia years before symptoms appear, a new study indicates. Readmore

Mouth bacteria may hold insight into future brain function

The researchers identified two possible ways these bacteria may impact brain health. This includes harmful bacteria directly entering the bloodstream, potentially causing damage to the brainReadmore

UMass Chan-led study finds regularly updating cognitive data improves ability to predict Alzheimer’s disease

researchers developed a dynamic prediction model for Alzheimer’s disease based on continually monitoring and updating information on cognitive functions. Readmore

Earlier menopause and poor synaptic health could raise Alzheimer's risk: Study

These findings highlight the importance of both hormonal factors and synaptic health in influencing [Alzheimer’s disease] risk in womenReadmore

Shared Pathways in HIV and Aging May Contribute to Heart Failure Risk

An estimated 40 million people globally are currently living with human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, according to recent data from the World Health Organization. Readmore

Compound found in common herbs inspires potential anti-inflammatory drug for Alzheimer’s disease

Carnosic acid is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, activating enzymes that support the body’s natural defense systemReadmore

One-third of older Canadians at nutritional risk, study finds

One-third of Canadian adults aged 55 or older are nutritionally at risk, potentially leading to increased hospital stays, more emergency visits and physician consultations for possible infections, a new study found.Readmore

HKU study shows bad sleep harms old-age memory by disrupting the brain’s ‘waste removal system’

Poor sleep among older adults is linked to disruptions in the brain’s “waste removal system”Readmore

UWF studies positive impacts of dance for individuals with dementia

A study by a team of University of West Florida researchers, conducted with Council on Aging of West Florida’s adult day care, The Retreat, uncovered insights into the positive impact of dance on individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.Readmore

Vocal changes in birds may predict age-related disorders in people, study finds

Miller, who works in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and is part of the BIO5 Institute, said this could lead to a drug that slows Alzheimer's disease in the brain.Readmore

Key protein identified for understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at the University of Cologne have identified a specific form of the tau protein that is responsible for mediating the toxicity of harmful protein clumps in human neurons and thus represents a new target for future treatmentsReadmore

AI-driven robotics research aims to enhance care for older adults with Alzheimer’s

his isn’t just about groundbreaking technology—it’s about designing solutions that truly meet the needs of older adults and their caregivers,Readmore

Study: Extreme Heat May Speed Up Aging in Older Adults

USC researchers found that people living in hotter neighborhoods age faster at the molecular level compared to those in cooler areas.Readmore

Exploring depression and apathy in older TBI patients; how chlamydia survives in human cells; the molecular mechanisms behind intensified pain signals.

Mental health issues are common in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can continue for years. They may be related to the brain injury itself or may result from patients’ challenges with everyday functions.Readmore

Rice researchers unravel menopause timing, shedding light on ovarian aging and fertility

Menopause, driven by ovarian aging and the depletion of ovarian reserve, marks the end of a woman’s fertility, and while many aspects of these processes are well understood, the overall dynamics remain unclear.Readmore

Loyal Receives FDA Acceptance of Reasonable Expectation of Effectiveness for Senior Dog Lifespan Extension

Loyal, a clinical-stage animal health company, has secured FDA acceptance for LOY-002’s effectiveness in extending senior dogs' lifespan and raised $22M in funding to advance its longevity drug portfolio.Readmore

Immune cells may lead to more Parkinson’s cases in men

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) have identified a protein in brain cells that may play a key role in Parkinson’s disease.Readmore

Digital Program Reduces Fall Risk and Boosts Strength in Older Adults

Researchers at University of California San Diego have revealed promising results from a study evaluating the university’s “Strong Foundations” program, a digitally delivered fall prevention initiative for older adultsReadmore

Meet the newly discovered brain cell that allows you to remember objects

Scientists at UBC’s faculty of medicine have discovered a new type of brain cell that plays a central role in our ability to remember and recognize objects.Readmore

Innovative theatre project bringing laughter to people living with dementia

The interactive show Silver Screen Sisters combines comedy, music, and movement to bring joy and support to people living with dementia. It is specially designed to boost the mental well-being of care home residents.Readmore

LinkGevity Announces Investment from the KQ Labs Programme Delivered by the Francis Crick Institute

LinkGevity, an AI-powered drug discovery company specializing in age-related diseases and longevity, is proud to announce its selection for the esteemed KQ Labs Programme, hosted by the Francis Crick Institute, Europe’s largest biomedical research center.Readmore

Researchers make breakthrough in bioprinting functional human heart tissue

Researchers at University of Galway have developed a way of bioprinting tissues that change shape as a result of cell-generated forces, in the same way that it happens in biological tissues during organ development.Readmore