Age-related Changes In Function Research Articles

Aging and chronic high-fat feeding negatively affect kidney size, function, and gene expression in CTRP1-deficient mice.

C1q/TNF-related protein 1 (CTRP1) is an endocrine factor with metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal functions. We previously showed that aged Ctrp1-knockout (KO) mice fed a control low-fat diet develop renal hypertrophy and dysfunction. Since aging and obesity adversely affect various organ systems, we hypothesized that aging, in combination with obesity induced by chronic high-fat feeding, would further exacerbate renal dysfunction in CTRP1-deficient animals. To test this, we fed wild-type and Ctrp1-KO mice a high-fat diet for 8 mo or longer. Contrary to our expectation, no differences were observed in blood pressure, heart function, or vascular stiffness between genotypes. Loss of CTRP1, however, resulted in an approximately twofold renal enlargement (relative to body weight), ∼60% increase in urinary total protein content, and elevated pH, and changes in renal gene expression affecting metabolism, signaling, transcription, cell adhesion, solute and metabolite transport, and inflammation. Assessment of glomerular integrity, the extent of podocyte foot process effacement, as well as renal response to water restriction and salt loading did not reveal significant differences between genotypes. Interestingly, blood platelet, white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts were significantly elevated, whereas mean corpuscular volume and hemoglobin were reduced in Ctrp1-KO mice. Cytokine profiling revealed increased circulating levels of CCL17 and TIMP-1 in KO mice. Compared with our previous study, current data suggest that chronic high-fat feeding affects renal phenotypes differently than similarly aged mice fed a control low-fat diet, highlighting a diet-dependent contribution of CTRP1 deficiency to age-related changes in renal structure and function.

Neuroprotective Effects of Motherhood on Brain Function in Late Life: A Resting-State fMRI Study.

The maternal brain undergoes structural and functional plasticity during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Little is known about functional plasticity outside caregiving-specific contexts and whether changes persist across the lifespan. Structural neuroimaging studies suggest that parenthood may confer a protective effect against the aging process; however, it is unknown whether parenthood is associated with functional brain differences in late life. We examined the relationship between resting-state functional connectivity and number of children parented in 220 healthy older females (73.82 ± 3.53years) and 252 healthy older males (73.95 ± 3.50years). We compared the patterns of resting-state functional connectivity with 3 different models of age-related functional change to assess whether these effects may be functionally neuroprotective for the aging human parental brain. No relationship between functional connectivity and number of children was obtained for males. For females, we found widespread decreasing functional connectivity with increasing number of children parented, with increased segregation between networks, decreased connectivity between hemispheres, and decreased connectivity between anterior and posterior regions. The patterns of functional connectivity related to the number of children an older woman has parented were in the opposite direction to those usually associated with age-related cognitive decline, suggesting that motherhood may be beneficial for brain function in late life.

Body mapping of regional sweat distribution in young and older males

PurposeGiven the pressing impact of global warming and its detrimental effect on the health of older populations, understanding age-related changes in thermoregulatory function is essential. Age differences in regional sweat distribution have been observed previously, but given the typically small measurement areas assessed, the development of whole body sweat maps for older individuals is required. Therefore, this study investigated age-related differences in regional sweat distribution in a hot environment (32 °C/50%RH) in young and older adults, using a body mapping approach.MethodsTechnical absorbent pads were applied to the skin of 14 young (age 24 ± 2 years) and 14 older (68 ± 5 years) males to measure regional sweat rate (RSR) at rest (30 min) and during exercise (30 min), at a fixed heat production (200 W m−2). Gastrointestinal (Tgi) and skin temperature (Tsk), heart rate, thermal sensation, and thermal comfort were also measured.ResultsWhole body sweat maps showed that despite equal heat production, healthy older males had significantly lower gross sweat loss (GSL) than the young and significantly lower RSR at almost all body regions at rest and at the hands, legs, ankles, and feet during exercise. The lower sweat loss in the older group coincided with a greater increase in Tgi and a consistently higher Tsk at the legs, despite subjectively feeling slightly cooler than younger individuals.ConclusionThese findings support the evidence of age-related deterioration in both autonomic and subjective responses in the heat and highlight the lower extremities as the most affected body region.

Ageing and physical function in East African foragers and pastoralists.

Human lifespans are exceptionally long compared with those of other primates. A key element in exploring the evolution of human longevity is understanding how modern humans grow older. Our current understanding of common age-related changes in human health and function stems mostly from studies in industrialized societies, where older adulthood is often associated with an increased incidence of chronic diseases. However, individuals who engage in different lifestyles across industrialized and non-industrialized contexts may display variance in age-related changes in health and function. Here, we explore aspects of physical function in a non-industrialized context using three objective measures of physical function. We assessed physical activity levels, walking endurance and muscle strength in two East African populations: Hadza hunter-gatherers in Tanzania and Pokot pastoralists in Kenya. Both Hadza and Pokot participants displayed significant age-related differences in most, but not all, functional measures. Our results suggest that some age-related differences in physical function seen in industrialized contexts could be consistently experienced by most humans, while other age-related differences may vary across populations. Studies of ageing should expand to include a broad range of populations so we can create a more comprehensive understanding of how senescence varies across different lifestyle contexts. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolution of the primate ageing process'.

Tissue Doppler Imaging and strain rate of the left atrial lateral wall: age related variations and comparison with parameters of diastolic function

BackgroundStrain Rate Imaging (SRI) is one of the most used techniques to study left atrial (LA) and diastolic function. Its availability in low-income countries is diminished since it requires additional expensive software, among other limitations. In contrast, Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) is widely available and easy to use. We hypothesize TDI could detect changes in LA and diastolic function associated with age similarly to SRI. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of age on LA and diastolic function assessed by LA lateral wall TDI online by spectral pulse, and to compare them with age-related variations of LA SRI and other parameters of diastolic function in a population of healthy adults.Materials and methodsNinety-one healthy adults were prospectively evaluated. In apical four - chamber view the LA lateral wall was divided in three portions. Peak velocities of basal and mid portions were measured with TDI online by spectral pulse and with SRI by speckle tracking. A first positive wave (S’la and SRS) and two negative waves (E’la and SRE, and A’la and SRA respectively) were obtained. E’la/A’la ratio and SRE/SRA ratio were analyzed. The distribution of the variables by age subgroups was described and analyzed. Correlation analyses were performed.ResultsThe median age was 42 years old and 54.9% were female. E’la/A’la showed a negative good correlation with age. E’la/A’la and SRE/SRA ratios changed from > 1 to < 1 in the age group of 41–50 years old, while this occurred in the group of 51–60 years old for the E/A ratio. Lateral and septal mitral annulus E´ showed decrease with age and prolongation of E-wave deceleration time was observed in the age group over 61 years old.ConclusionNormal values​​ according to age group of TDI of the LA lateral wall were obtained. Age-related changes in LA and diastolic function could be detected as early with TDI as with SRI. Future studies are required to explore if this method could be used to address in part LA or diastolic function in other populations with established cardiovascular disease or at risk of presenting it, which could be useful in low-income settings, where SRI is not available.

Features of Structural and Functional Changes in the Heart in Elderly Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and Atrial Fibrillation

Supraventricular arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF), are a current problem for patients in the older age group due to the possibility of lifethreatening complications. Elderly patients have pre-conditions for the development of supraventricular rhythm disturbances (age-related structural and functional changes in the myocardium, concomitant diseases).Aim. To study the features of structural and functional changes in the myocardium of the left heart in elderly patients, depending on the presence of supraventricular arrhythmias.Material and methods. The cross-sectional study included 200 individuals aged 60 to 89 years. All participants underwent echocardiographic examination and 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. The patients of the study cohort were divided into 3 groups: group 1 consisted of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) without heart rhythm disturbances (n=80); group 2 consisted of patients with CHD and paroxysmal AF (n=40); group 3 consisted of patients with CHD and supraventricular extrasystoles (n=40). The control group consisted of patients of the older age group without CHD and rhythm disturbances (n=40).Results. In patients with paroxysmal AF and frequent supraventricular extrasystoles, large sizes of the left atrium were revealed (anteroposterior dimension: 4.30±0.07 and 4.12±0.12 cm; upper-lower: 6.15±0.03 and 5.96±0.10 cm; medial-lateral: 4.15±0.11 and 3.87±0.09 cm, respectively). In patients with CHD and rhythm disturbances, the presence of a combined increase in the size of the left atrium and a decrease in myocardial contractility was revealed (ejection fraction of the left atrium in groups 2 and 3 – 27.2±0.1% and 27.9±0.1%, respectively, vs 36.3±0.1% and 38.20±0.02%, respectively in group 1 and control). The duration of ischemic changes during 24-hour ECG monitoring was also greater in group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2 (249.6 vs 27.1 and 66.4 min, respectively). In groups 2 and 3, a discordant effect of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems on heart rate variability was revealed.Conclusion. For elderly patients, morphological and functional changes are characteristic, which consist in the restructuring of the myocardium and changes in heart rate variability with a prevalence of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system.

Evaluation of echocardiographic parameters in Japanese patients aged over 90years at a single institution.

The number of patients aged over 90years undergoing transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has increased. Normal echocardiographic measurement values in healthy Japanese aged 20-79years have been reported by Daimon et al., and in those aged 10-89years by Okura et al. To date, no researchers have published normal values in healthy Japanese aged over 90years. To understand the echocardiographic characteristics and establish the normal range, we evaluated patients aged over 90years who had preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction without cardiovascular disease. Enrolled in the study were consecutive patients aged over 90years who were examined by TTE at the Ultrasound Imaging Center at Nagasaki University Hospital, Japan, between September 2009 and May 2016. We selected patients with LV ejection fraction > 55%, and without cardiac, renal, or aortic disease. Among a total of 956 patients, 73 patients (19 males, 54 females) were admitted. Compared with females, males had significantly higher values of aortic diameter at the sinus of Valsalva and LV diastolic diameter and systolic diameter (P < 0.01), significantly lower E wave velocities (P < 0.01) and left ventricle mass (P < 0.01), and lower values of relative wall thickness (P < 0.01). Compared with subjects in their 70s and 80s in the studies by Daimon and Okura, the E and A wave velocities were higher. We established the normal range of TTE parameters in elderly patients who had LV ejection fraction > 55% without cardiac, renal, or aortic disease. Sex differences were present as well as a tendency towards age-related changes in LV geometry and diastolic function. Most of the patients aged over 90years had LV hypertrophy and potential diastolic dysfunction.

Achilles Tendon Morphology Is Related to Triceps Surae Muscle Size and Peak Plantarflexion Torques During Walking in Young but Not Older Adults.

The interaction of the triceps surae muscles and the Achilles tendon is critical in producing the ankle plantarflexion torque required for human walking. Deficits in plantarflexor output are a hallmark of reduced mobility in older adults and are likely associated with changes in the triceps surae muscles that occur with age. Structural differences between young and older adults have been observed in the Achilles tendon and in the triceps surae muscles. However, less is known about how age-related differences in muscle and tendon morphology correspond with each other and, furthermore, how those morphology differences correlate with age-related deficits in function. The goal of this work was to investigate whether there is a correlation between age-related differences in triceps surae muscle size and Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) and whether either is predictive of ankle plantarflexion torque during walking. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure triceps surae muscle volumes and tendon CSAs in young (n = 14, age: 26 ± 4 years) and older (n = 7, age: 66 ± 5 years) adults, and we determined peak plantarflexion torques during treadmill walking. We found that individual muscle volumes as a percentage of the total triceps surae volume did not differ between young and older adults, though muscle volumes per body size (normalized by the product of height and mass) were smaller in older adults. Achilles tendon CSA was correlated with body size and muscle volumes in young adults but not in older adults. The ratio of tendon CSA to total triceps surae muscle volume was significantly greater in older adults. Peak ankle plantarflexion torque during walking correlated with body size and triceps surae volume in young and older adults but was correlated with tendon CSA only in the young adults. Structure–function relationships that seem to exist between the Achilles tendon and the triceps surae muscles in young adults are no longer evident in all older adults. Understanding mechanisms that determine altered Achilles tendon CSA in older adults may provide insight into age-related changes in function.

Right Lateralized Brain Reserve Offsets Age-Related Deficits in Ignoring Distraction.

Age-related deterioration of attention decreases the ability to stay focused on the task at hand due to less efficient selection of relevant information and increased distractibility in the face of irrelevant, but salient stimuli. While older (compared with younger) adults may have difficulty suppressing salient distractors, the extent of these challenges differs vastly across individuals. Cognitive reserve measured by proxies of cognitively enriching life experiences, such as education, occupation, and leisure activities, is thought to mitigate the effects of the aging process and account for variability in trajectories of cognitive decline. Based on combined behavioral and neuroimaging (voxel-based morphometry) analyses of demographic, cognitive, and neural markers of aging and cognitive reserve proxy measures, we examine here predictors of variability in the age-related changes in attention function, indexed by ability to suppress salient distraction. Our findings indicate that in healthy (neurotypical), aging gray matter volume within several right lateralized fronto-parietal brain regions varies according to both levels of cognitive reserve (education) and the capacity to effectively select visual stimuli amid salient distraction. Thus, we provide here novel experimental evidence supporting Robertson’s theory of a right lateralized neural basis for cognitive reserve.

The impact of cognitive functioning on driving performance of older persons in comparison to younger age groups: A systematic review

Older drivers are at a severely higher risk for motor vehicle crash involvement. Due to the global aging of the population, this increased crash risk has a significant impact on society, as well as on an older individual’s quality of life. For this reason, there is a need for understanding how normal age-related changes in cognition and underlying brain dynamics impact driving performance to identify the functional and neurophysiological biomarkers that could be used to design strategies to preserve or improve safe driving behavior in older persons. This review provides an overview of the literature on age-related changes in cognitive functioning and brain dynamics that impact driving simulator performance of healthy persons. A systematic literature search spanning the last ten years was conducted, resulting in 22 eligible studies. Results indicated that various aspects of cognition, most importantly executive function, complex attention, and dual tasking, were associated with driving performance, irrespective of age. However, there was a distinct age-related decline in cognitive and driving performance. Older persons had a more variable, less consistent driving simulator performance, such as more variable speed adaptation or less consistent lane keeping behavior. Only a limited number of studies evaluated the underlying brain dynamics in driving performance. Therefore, future studies should focus on implementing neuroimaging techniques to further unravel the neural correlates of driving performance.

Direct-Coupled Electroretinogram (DC-ERG) for Recording the Light-Evoked Electrical Responses of the Mouse Retinal Pigment Epithelium.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a specialized monolayer of cells strategically located between the retina and the choriocapillaris that maintain the overall health and structural integrity of the photoreceptors. The RPE is polarized, exhibiting apically and basally located receptors or channels, and performs vectoral transport of water, ions, metabolites, and secretes several cytokines. In vivo noninvasive measurements of RPE function can be made using direct-coupled ERGs (DC-ERGs). The methodology behind the DC-ERG was pioneered by Marmorstein, Peachey, and colleagues using a custom-built stimulation recording system and later demonstrated using a commercially available system. The DC-ERG technique uses glass capillaries filled with Hank's buffered salt solution (HBSS) to measure the slower electrical responses of the RPE elicited from light-evoked concentration changes in the subretinal space due to photoreceptor activity. The prolonged light stimulus and length of the DC-ERG recording make it vulnerable to drift and noise resulting in a low yield of useable recordings. Here, we present a fast, reliable method for improving the stability of the recordings while reducing noise by using vacuum pressure to reduce/eliminate bubbles that result from outgassing of the HBSS and electrode holder. Additionally, power line artifacts are attenuated using a voltage regulator/power conditioner. We include the necessary light stimulation protocols for a commercially available ERG system as well as scripts for analysis of the DC-ERG components: c-wave, fast oscillation, light peak, and off response. Due to the improved ease of recordings and rapid analysis workflow, this simplified protocol is particularly useful in measuring age-related changes in RPE function, disease progression, and in the assessment of pharmacological intervention.

Hypoxia resistance among the agedpatients with chronic obstructive lung disease: possibilities of using hypoxic trains

Age-related morphological and functional changes in the body lead to the development of arterial hypoxemia, tissue hypoxia and hypoxic changes, which reduces the body's resistance to hypoxia and contributes to the development of lung diseases, in particular chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the elderly. The aim of the study was to clarify the effect of interval normobaric hypoxic training (INHT) on hypoxia resistance in elderly patients with COPD. The survey showed that with an increase in bronchial obstruction, the shifts of blood saturation during hypoxia increase. The course of INHT leads to increased resistance to hypoxia, and also increases the ventilation response to hypoxia in elderly patients with COPD.

Eosinophils regulate adipose tissue inflammation and sustain physical and immunological fitness in old age.

Adipose tissue eosinophils (ATEs) are important in the control of obesity-associated inflammation and metabolic disease. However, the way in which ageing impacts the regulatory role of ATEs remains unknown. Here, we show that ATEs undergo major age-related changes in distribution and function associated with impaired adipose tissue homeostasis and systemic low-grade inflammation in both humans and mice. We find that exposure to a young systemic environment partially restores ATE distribution in aged parabionts and reduces adipose tissue inflammation. Approaches to restore ATE distribution using adoptive transfer of eosinophils from young mice into aged recipients proved sufficient to dampen age-related local and systemic low-grade inflammation. Importantly, restoration of a youthful systemic milieu by means of eosinophil transfers resulted in systemic rejuvenation of the aged host, manifesting in improved physical and immune fitness that was partially mediated by eosinophil-derived IL-4. Together, these findings support a critical function of adipose tissue as a source of pro-ageing factors and uncover a new role of eosinophils in promoting healthy ageing by sustaining adipose tissue homeostasis.

C-mirna Expression Responses To Whole-body Vibration And Resistance Exercise In Postmenopausal Women

Circulating microRNAs (c-miRNA, miR) are potential biomarkers for age-related changes in musculoskeletal function. There is a paucity of data on c-miRNA responses to exercise, especially in postmenopausal women (PMW). Evaluating alterations in the expression of c-miRNA may provide deeper insight into the benefits of exercise for bone health in aging populations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of acute bouts of resistance exercise (RE) and whole-body vibration (WBV) on selected c-miRNAs that regulate bone metabolism (miR-21-5p, -23a-3p, -133a-3p, -148a-3p) in PMW (n=10). METHODS: Subjects performed a high intensity RE condition and a WBV condition in random order. RE consisted of 3 sets, 10 reps, 70% 1RM for leg press, shoulder press, lat pulldown, leg extension, and hip adduction isotonic exercises. For WBV, 5-1 min bouts were performed (20 Hz, 3.38 mm peak-to-peak displacement) each separate by 1 min rest on a Galileo vibration platform. Morning blood samples after an overnight fast were collected pre, immediately-post (IP), 60 min, 24 hrs, and 48 hrs after exercise to measure c-miRNA and TRAP5b. C-miRNA expression was corrected for plasma volume (PV) shifts using the equation: %ΔPV = (log(100)/(log(100) – log(Hct Pre)) * log(100)*((log(Hct Pre) – log(Hct Post))/log(Hct Post)). The correction factor was subtracted from the Cq values for each exercise sample. RESULTS: PV significantly decreased for both conditions at IP (p=0.04), thus serum variables were corrected for PV shifts. There was a significant condition × time interaction for miR-21 (p=0.019), which decreased in relative expression from 60p (1.61 ± 0.31) to 24h (0.80 ± 0.16) after WBV but not after RE. MiR-23a-3p, -133a-3p, -148a-3p showed no significant expression changes for either exercise condition. TRAP5b concentrations significantly decreased 24h (WBV -7.56% ± 5.27, RE -3.44% ± 4.33) after exercise (p<0.01) even after correcting for PV shifts (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: C-miR-21-5p was downregulated at 24 hrs in response to an acute bout of WBV. Both types of exercise also decreased serum TRAP5b 24 hrs post-exercise, indicating decreased bone resorption. This is the first known study to correct c-miRNA expression for PV shifts.

The promotion of physical activity for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down Syndrome: Rationale and design for a 12 Month randomized trial

Nearly all individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) display pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) beginning as early as age 30. Previous research in typically developed adults suggests that increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may improve cognitive function and protect against age-related structural and functional changes in the brain; however, the potential impact of increased MVPA on the development of AD in adults with DS has not been evaluated. Despite the potential positive impact of MVPA on cognition and AD risk, participation in MVPA among young adults with DS is low. The limited research evaluating strategies for increasing MVPA in adults with DS has been unsuccessful in increasing MVPA. Results from our preliminary investigation where we remotely delivered real-time MVPA, led by a trained health educator, to groups of adults with DS in their homes via video conferencing on a tablet computer demonstrated high attendance, increased MVPA during group sessions, and improvements in cognitive function. However, the sustainability, impact on total daily MVPA, optimal session frequency, and potential impacts on cognitive function and brain health of remotely delivered group MVPA sessions in adults with DS are unknown. Therefore, we will conduct a trial in 80 non-demented adults with DS to determine the feasibility and potential efficacy of remotely delivered group MVPA sessions to increase daily MVPA, relative to a usual care control. Secondarily we will assess the impact of MVPA on cardiovascular fitness, quality of life, cognitive function and brain parameters related to AD. NCT registrationNCT04048759.

The aging brain: A set of functional MRI data acquired at rest and during exposure to tactile or muscle proprioceptive stimulation in healthy young and older volunteers.

There is a growing interest in understanding functional brain decline with aging. The dataset provides raw anatomical and functional images recorded in a group of 20 young volunteers and in another group of 19 older volunteers during a 10-minute period of resting state followed by four consecutive task-related runs. During each task-related run, the participants were exposed to two types of sensory stimulation: a tactile stimulation consisting in a textured-disk rotation under the palm of their right hand or a muscle proprioceptive stimulation consisting in a mechanical vibration applied to the muscle tendon of their wrist abductor. These two stimulations are known to evoke illusory sensations of hand movement, while the hand remains actually still. Therefore, the dataset is meant to be used to assess age-related functional brain changes during the perception of hand movements based on muscle proprioception or touch individually. It also allows to explore any structural changes or functional resting connectivity alteration with aging. The dataset is a supplement to the research findings in the paper ‘Functional brain changes in the elderly for the perception of hand movements: a greater impairment occurs in proprioception than touch published in NeuroImage.

Altered microRNA expression links IL6 and TNF-induced inflammaging with myeloid malignancy in humans and mice

AbstractAging is associated with significant changes in the hematopoietic system, including increased inflammation, impaired hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function, and increased incidence of myeloid malignancy. Inflammation of aging (“inflammaging”) has been proposed as a driver of age-related changes in HSC function and myeloid malignancy, but mechanisms linking these phenomena remain poorly defined. We identified loss of miR-146a as driving aging-associated inflammation in AML patients. miR-146a expression declined in old wild-type mice, and loss of miR-146a promoted premature HSC aging and inflammation in young miR-146a–null mice, preceding development of aging-associated myeloid malignancy. Using single-cell assays of HSC quiescence, stemness, differentiation potential, and epigenetic state to probe HSC function and population structure, we found that loss of miR-146a depleted a subpopulation of primitive, quiescent HSCs. DNA methylation and transcriptome profiling implicated NF-κB, IL6, and TNF as potential drivers of HSC dysfunction, activating an inflammatory signaling relay promoting IL6 and TNF secretion from mature miR-146a−/− myeloid and lymphoid cells. Reducing inflammation by targeting Il6 or Tnf was sufficient to restore single-cell measures of miR-146a−/− HSC function and subpopulation structure and reduced the incidence of hematological malignancy in miR-146a−/− mice. miR-146a−/− HSCs exhibited enhanced sensitivity to IL6 stimulation, indicating that loss of miR-146a affects HSC function via both cell-extrinsic inflammatory signals and increased cell-intrinsic sensitivity to inflammation. Thus, loss of miR-146a regulates cell-extrinsic and -intrinsic mechanisms linking HSC inflammaging to the development of myeloid malignancy.

Cerebrovascular reactivity: a new frontier for measuring cognitive health in models of accelerated ageing?

Cerebrovascular reactivity: a new frontier for measuring cognitive health in models of accelerated ageing?

When wrinkles appear on the immune system can it be reversed?

During aging, physiological and physical frailty occur, which is accompanied by a decline in adaptive and innate immunity, termed 'immunosenescence' characterized by marked changes in the composition, function, and competence of the human immune system. Moreover, the capabilities of the immune system to defend the human body against infections, to detect and destruct malignant or autoreactive cells decline, resulting in an increase in the susceptibility to infection, development of cancer, as well as autoimmune disorders. The study of age-related changes in immune function is an important area of investigation. In this review, the function of the immune system during aging, as well as the different ways to rejuvenate the aging immune system, is explored, as medical intervention, balanced nutrition, and a healthy life style will be discussed.

Enriching Hippocampal Memory Function in Older Adults Through Real-World Exploration.

Age-related structural and functional changes in the hippocampus can have a severe impact on hippocampal-dependent memory performance. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a real-world spatial exploration and learning intervention would improve hippocampal-dependent memory performance in healthy older adults. We developed a scavenger hunt task that participants performed over the course of a 4-week behavioral intervention period. Following this intervention, participants’ lure discrimination index (LDI) on the Mnemonic Similarity Task was significantly higher than it was at baseline and greater than that of a No-Contact Control Group, while traditional recognition scores remained relatively unchanged. These results point to the viability of a spatial exploration intervention for improving hippocampal-dependent memory in older adults.