NOVEL INTERVENTIONS AND TARGETS FOR THE PREVENTION OF DEMENTIA AND FRAILTY: 2021 EDITOR’S CHOICE ARTICLES FROM JGMS

Abstract

Abstract This symposium will present four 2021 “Editor’s Choice” articles from the Journal of Gerontology Medical Sciences that focus on novel interventions and targets for the prevention of dementia and frailty. Jeffrey Scherrer and colleagues, in their article “Lower Risk for Dementia Following Adult Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccination,” examine the links between adult vaccinations and decreased dementia risk. Katharine Brewster, Justin Golub (presenter), and colleagues, in “Age-Related Hearing Loss, Late-Life Depression, and Risk for Incident Dementia in Older Adults,” investigate hearing loss and depression as independent risk factors for eventual conversion to dementia. By understanding these potentially reversible mechanisms for dementia, targets for early interventions could be identified. “Association Between Long-Term Aspirin Use and Frailty in Men: The Physicians’ Health Study,” written by Ariela Orkaby and colleagues, examines the association between long-term aspirin use and frailty, furthering our understanding of the benefits of anti-inflammatory medications even in older adults. Kristen George and coauthors, in their article, “Impact of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescence, Young Adulthood, and Midlife on Late-Life Cognition: Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans,” examine how cardiovascular risk factors early in life may affect late life cognition in Black Americans. Beverly Gwen Windham, the discussant, will highlight commonalities and lessons learned from these studies.