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E-Newsletter • January 2025 |
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Editor's E-Note
The Risks of Loneliness
With the winter season comes heightened feelings of loneliness. A Florida State University-led study analyzed data from 600,000 people, linking loneliness to a 31% increased dementia risk. Published in Nature Mental Health, it highlights loneliness as a cognitive impairment risk factor, independent of age or sex. Researchers emphasize the importance of understanding loneliness across cultures and guiding interventions for aging adults.
In addition to reading our e-newsletter, be sure to visit Today’s Geriatric Medicine’s website at www.TodaysGeriatricMedicine.com, where you’ll find news and information that’s relevant and reliable. We welcome your feedback at TGMeditor@gvpub.com. Follow Today’s Geriatric Medicine on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, too.
— Chris Baldwin, editor |
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Research Connects Loneliness With Risk of Dementia
New research led by Florida State University College of Medicine faculty quantified the association between loneliness and dementia by analyzing data from more than 600,000 people around the world—the largest study of its kind.
The meta-analysis of 21 longitudinal studies showed that experiencing feelings of loneliness increased the risk of developing dementia by 31%. The research was published in Nature Mental Health.
"These results are not surprising, given the mounting evidence that link loneliness to poor health," says Martina Luchetti, PhD, an assistant professor, who led the study. "Dementia is spectrum, with neuropathological changes that start decades before clinical onset. It is important to continue studying the link of loneliness with different cognitive outcomes or symptoms across this spectrum. Loneliness—the dissatisfaction with social relationships—may impact how you are functioning cognitively, and in daily life."
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The analysis revealed that loneliness is a major risk factor for cognitive impairment, independent of age or sex. It also linked loneliness to specific causes of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive impairments that can occur before a diagnosis.
The team's work was spurred by the World Health Organization and US Surgeon General, who declared loneliness a public health crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated social restrictions.
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Exploring Severe Stroke Risk Factors
A study published in Neurology found that individuals with high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, or smoking habits not only have a higher risk of stroke, but also experience more severe strokes compared with those without these risk factors, reports Science Daily.
A Novel Approach to Combat Muscle Atrophy
Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a monoclonal antibody that prevents the age-related dysfunction of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a protein essential for muscle development and repair, reports Technology Networks. By blocking nitration at specific tyrosine sites on HGF, this antibody may lead to therapies addressing muscle atrophy and impaired regeneration in aging populations.
Scientists Analyze Body Fluid to Find New Drugs for Alzheimer's
A new peptide inhibitor called RI-AG03 has been created by researchers to target particular proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, reports Newsweek. By efficiently attaching to disease-related proteins, RI-AG03 exhibits promise in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and may open the door to novel therapeutic methods.
Higher BMI Associated With Longer Duration of Survival With Frailty?
A study published in Nature looked at body mass index (BMI) and frailty in older adults. Frailty, affecting 12% to 24% of adults aged 50+, increases disability and mortality risks. BMI impacts outcomes, with 22.5 to 23.5 kg/m² linked to the lowest disability risk. Prioritizing frailty reversal is crucial, as frail individuals face higher risks despite optimal BMI. |
Connecting Caregivers and Families
CaringBridge is an app designed to connect families and caregivers during health journeys. It provides a secure platform for sharing updates, organizing care schedules, and offering support. It has an easy-to-use interface so loved ones can stay informed, provide encouragement, and coordinate efforts to ensure seamless care and connection. It is available on iOS and Android. Learn more »
Resting Easier
Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Sleep, by Timothy I. Morgenthaler, MD, and Bhanu Prakash Kolla, MBBS, MD, was released on January 7, 2025. Prioritizing sleep is essential for health and performance, yet 70 million US adults lack adequate rest. This book offers science-backed strategies to improve sleep, including lifestyle habits, managing insomnia, treating sleep apnea, understanding disorders, and aligning with the internal clock for better well-being. Learn more » |
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COVER STORY
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FEATURE
Nutrition’s Impact on Cognitive Decline
Choosing an evidence-based, brain-healthy dietary pattern tailored to individual preferences and cultural traditions can slow disease progression and make a difference in patient care.
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