Level In Older Adults Research Articles

INDIVIDUAL FACTORS AFFECTING GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH DIABETES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract Introduction Many older adults fail to maintain glycemic control even though reasonable glucose control can prevent the onset of macro- and microvascular complications. This present study aimed to determine the independent association of demographic characteristics, clinical factors, treatment modalities, and lifestyle behaviors with glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c) among Korean older adults, a group at a very high risk of diabetes. Methods We analyzed data from a representative sample of participants (N = 707) aged > 65 years in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2016-2018. Participants were classified into two groups according to their age [group 1 (ages 65 to 74) and group 2 (age ≥75)]. Data were analyzed using t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results Age (p=0.003), place of residence (p=0.01), treatment modality (p< 0.001), sedentary behavior (p=0.04), and moderate activity (p=0.002) significantly affected HbA1c levels. In comparison to the factors in two age groups, duration of diabetes was the variable more strongly associated with HbA1c levels (p< 0.001, β=0.283) in group 1, whereas treatment modality was the one strongly associated with HbA1c levels (p< 0.001, β=0.249) in group 2. Conclusion It is essential to consider the age duration of diabetes, and biochemical factors to manage HbA1c levels in older adults. Furthermore, our findings suggest including physical activity in the educational program to provide information for diabetes management. In the clinical setting, more close attention should be taken among healthcare providers to control the glucose level for older adults with diabetes.

The mediating role of psychological resilience between social participation and life satisfaction among older adults in China.

A significant correlation has been discovered between social participation and older adults' life satisfaction, but the relationships among social participation, psychological resilience, and life satisfaction remain to be confirmed. Therefore, this study aims to identify the relationship between social participation and life satisfaction for Chinese older adults and to analyse the possible mediating role of psychological resilience between these two aspects. Data on 15,779 people aged 65years and above were extracted from the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Social participation was classified into two levels: low-level involvement activities and high-level involvement activities. Hierarchical regression analysis was applied to analyse the correlations between the two levels of social participation and older adults' life satisfaction as well as the mediating effects of psychological resilience on this association. The results indicate that two levels of social participation were each positively correlated with life satisfaction. Specifically, high-level involvement activities (β = 0.070, P < 0.001) were more strongly associated with life satisfaction than low-level involvement activities (β = 0.051, P < 0.001). Moreover, psychological resilience was found to partially mediate the association between low-level involvement activities and high-level involvement activities and life satisfaction. A higher level of life satisfaction for older adults is related to participation in high-level involvement activities. Psychological resilience has a mediating effect on the association between two levels of older adults' social participation and life satisfaction. These findings suggest that the government and society should establish a more concrete understanding of the psychological resilience of older adults.

Serum vitamin D status and circulating irisin levels in older adults with sarcopenia.

Emerging evidence suggests sarcopenia, which is involved in the serum vitamin D deficiency and development of abnormal muscle metabolism, is predominately centered in the general older population. In the present study, we aimed to explore the relationship between the level of serum vitamin D and irisin concentrations in the older adults with sarcopenia. A cross-sectional study was conducted which included 422 sarcopenia participants (146 males and 276 females). Sarcopenia was assessed according to the recommended diagnostic criteria of the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). The levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25(OH)D2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) were determined by LC-MS/MS. Irisin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between serum concentration of vitamin D and irisin were determined using multiple linear regression analysis. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, a significant and positive relationship between changes in irisin across 25(OH)D, and 25(OH)D3 was observed (standard regression coefficients of 0.150 and 0.151, respectively, P < 0.05). However, no significant relationship was observed between serum vitamin D concentrations and irisin levels in males. This study demonstrated that a higher level of serum vitamin D is independently related to the increment of irisin in sarcopenia females, not in males. These investigations need to be verified in other large-scale prospective studies.

A Cluster‐Based Machine Learning Approach for Evaluating Factors Associated with Tau Protein in Plasma

AbstractBackgroundPlasma total tau (t‐tau) has shown acceptable diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but other factors than levels of t‐tau in the brain may influence peripheral levels. While little is known about peripheral factors that may influence plasma levels of t‐tau, such factors may be similar to those associated with AD, such as cardiovascular risk factors, which are often correlated. We have developed a machine learning pipeline to identify individual and clusters of correlated variables that might explain a proportion of the variance of plasma t‐tau levels in a well‐phenotyped population‐based cohort.MethodWe studied 992 dementia‐free older adults (mean age 76 years, 44% men) in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility‐Reykjavik Study. We used agglomerative hierarchical clustering along with principal component (PC) analysis to group factors with moderate‐to‐high similarity from 290 potential predictors including socio‐demographic, anthropometric, laboratory, cardiometabolic and lifestyle factors, diseases and medications. We then calculated the PCs of the clusters and examined their relationship to plasma t‐tau. We trained two nonlinear models using t‐tau as the dependent outcome variable ‐ the extreme gradient boosting model (GBM) and support vector machine (SVM) ̶ on 80% of data using a ten‐fold cross‐validation approach; the models were evaluated on the remaining 20% of data. Model performance was assessed using the root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to rank and interpret the contribution of the clusters to the best‐performed model.ResultWe identified 25 distinct clusters. The best performing model was a SVM model including age, sex and the first PC from all 25 clusters(Figure 1). Based on the SHAP values in this model, we found the top 10 ranked clusters associated with p‐tau(Figure 2): platelets(5 variables), body size(33), physical activity‐walk(6), and tobacco(9) were negatively associated with t‐tau level, while body fat(8), sex, cognitive function(27), inflammation(7), blood pressure(6), and red blood cells(11) were positively associated with t‐tau.ConclusionOur novel approach suggests additional factors explain some of the variance in peripheral tau levels in older adults. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings and investigate whether these factors modulate or mediate tau‐related pathology.

The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training on serum cortisol levels, depression, stress, and anxiety in type 2 diabetic older adults during the COVID-19 outbreak

Old age is rapidly increasing and is linked to with chronic diseases, especially diabetes. Diabetes is associated with increased anxiety, stress, and depression and, in turn, can increase cortisol secretion. To this end, the present research studied the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training on serum cortisol levels, depression, anxiety, and stress in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) older adults during the COVID-19 epidemic. The participants in this interventional work were 56 older adult patients with type 2 diabetes chosen through systematic random sampling and then randomly divided into control and intervention groups containing equal members. In the intervention group, the participants attended eight mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training sessions. The subjects in the control group received no intervention. Since four patients left the study, only data for 52 patients were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and a demographic and disease information questionnaire. Data were examined with SPSS18 software using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, chi-square test, Fisher test, independent samples t-test, and two-way ANOVA; the significance was p<0.05. Statistically significant differences were observed between the mean scores of anxiety, stress, depression, and cortisol levels in the intervention group (p<0.00001) before, directly after, and three months after the intervention. However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the mentioned variables in the control group. The mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention can improve anxiety, depression, stress, and cortisol levels in older adults suffering from T2DM.

Higher dietary intake of advanced glycation end products is associated with faster cognitive decline in community dwelling older adults

AbstractBackgroundDietary‐derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may contribute to chronic diseases. The goal of this study was to investigate the associations of dietary AGEs (dAGEs) with cognitive decline in older adults.MethodNon‐demented older adults (N = 684) underwent annual testing with 19 cognitive tests summarized as a global cognitive score based on five cognitive domains. We modified a previously validated food frequency questionnaire designed to assess dAGE. The modified questionnaire assessed portion size and frequency of consumption of six food groups (meat, poultry, fish, cheese, spreads and processed foods), as well as the method of their preparation (e.g. grilling, boiling). dAGE was the sum of the scores of the six food groups. Linear mixed‐effect models were used to examine the association of baseline dAGE with cognitive decline. All models controlled for age, sex, education, race and BMI.ResultAverage follow‐up was 3.0 years. Higher baseline dAGEs was associated with a faster rate of global cognitive decline (Estimate = ‐0.003 (standard error = 0.001, p‐value = 0.015). This association was driven by declines in the episodic memory (‐0.004 (0.002, 0.013) and perceptual speed (‐0.003 (0.001, 0.049) but not by semantic memory, working memory and visuospatial domains. These associations were not attenuated by controlling for cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, including diabetes. Levels of dAGE of the specific food groups were not associated with cognitive decline.ConclusionHigher levels of dietary AGE levels in older adults are associated with faster cognitive decline. These data lend further support for the importance of diet and that its modification may slow or prevent late‐life cognitive impairment. Further clinical studies will be needed and the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations will need to be identified.

Lifestyle choices mediate the association between educational attainment and BMI in older adults in China: A cross-sectional study.

As the Chinese population ages, unhealthfully high body mass index (BMI) levels in older adults are becoming a public health concern as an unhealthfully high BMI is an ill-being condition and can contribute to the risk of disease. Education and lifestyle choices affect BMI; however, the evidence on the relationships and interactions among these factors remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of lifestyle choices on educational attainment and BMI among older adults in China. Using the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2018 panel data, this study integrated personal- and family-level economic data libraries, including 7,359 adults aged ≥60 years. Lifestyle parameters included smoking amount and screen time. Height and weight values were used to calculate BMI. The chi-square test, binary logistic regression analysis, stepwise regression analysis, and bootstrapping mediating effect tests were used for data analysis. Single-factor chi-square test revealed differences in BMI levels among groups defined by sex, age, residence, marital status, per capita annual household income, education years, and lifestyle choices. Binary logistic regression showed that age, residence, education years, smoking amount, and screen time influenced BMI. Stepwise regression results showed that education years, smoking amount, and screen time were associated with BMI (t = 3.907, -4.902, 7.491, P < 0.001). The lifestyle variables had partial mediating effects on BMI. The mediating effect of lifestyle on BMI was 0.009, while smoking amount was 0.003, and screen time was 0.006. Unhealthfully high BMI levels are increasing among older adults in China and are affected by many factors. Lifestyle factors and educational attainment can interact, affecting BMI. Interventions should consider lifestyle factors and education attainment to help maintain healthy BMI and reduce unhealthfully high BMI incidence.

Usefulness of hand grip strength to estimate other physical fitness parameters in older adults

This study aimed to reveal the status of physical fitness (PF) levels and determine whether hand grip strength (HGS) could be used to estimate other PF parameters in older adults from large population data. A total of 46,269 participants aged ≥ 65 years who participated in the 2019 National Fitness Award Project in South Korea were included in the analysis. Of the participants, 6.8% had the highest level of overall physical fitness, while 48.9% had the lowest level. The proportion of overall PF levels differed significantly according to age groups. Significant associations between HGS and other PF parameters (30-s chair stand test, 2-min or 6-min walk test, sit-and-reach test, 3-m backwards walk test, and Figure-of-8 walk test) were noted and the group with low HGS (< 28 kg for men and < 18 kg for women) had significantly higher odds of having the lowest level of overall PF (odds ratio: 5.232 in men and 6.351 in women), after adjusting for age and body mass index. HGS could estimate muscular strength and endurance, aerobic fitness, flexibility, balance skills, and coordination skills, as well as overall PF level in older adults, and could be used as a substitute test for their PF level in limited situations.

Relationship between mood disorders and functional decline in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation and reduction in mobility have increased the rate of depression and anxiety. This paper reviews the incidence of mood disorders and functional decline in older adults during this period. Methods: We used the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Goldberg anxiety Scale, the Lawton and Brody, and Katz scales to draw our conclusions. Results: A total of 237 patients were clinically evaluated, being 163 women and 74 men. Of the 163 women in the study, 117 suffered from anxiety and 122 from depression. Also, 75 women out of the 163 included in the study, had COVID-19. Of the 74 men evaluated, 35 presented symptoms of anxiety and 27 of depression, the group age that presented the most anxiety were adults between 60 and 69 years old, and depression between 80 and 89 years old. Of these men, 22 had COVID-19. Conclusion: Confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic has increased depression and anxiety levels in older adults, which in turn has had significant impact on their mental health.

Dietary diversity, diet quality, and oxidative stress in older adults

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between diet quality, dietary diversity, and oxidative stress levels in older adults in parts of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwestern China. A total of 335 participants voluntarily participated in the study from April to July 2021. Laboratory tests and questionnaires were used to obtain general characteristics, dietary conditions, and indicators of oxidative stress. The dietary diversity scores of the participants were 5.20±1.39, the diet quality indices were 56.91±11.14, and most had poor diet quality. The levels of the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, and total antioxidant capacity were 4.77±1.77, 40.33±9.85, 763.10±245.41, and 1.02±0.14, respectively. The results showed that the diet quality scores of participants were related to dietary diversity and whether the scores passed or not was significantly related to total antioxidant capacity.

Association between Plasma Omega-3 and Handgrip Strength According to Glycohemoglobin Levels in Older Adults: Results from NHANES 2011-2012.

Background: Low muscle strength is a predictor of mortality in older adults. Although the evidence concerning hyperglycemia is limited, evidence shows that omega-3 (ω-3) intake may be positively associated with muscle strength. However, the association between plasma ω-3 and muscle strength in older adults according to glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) levels has not yet been investigated. Objective: To evaluate whether plasma ω-3 levels are associated with handgrip strength in individuals over 50 years according to HbA1c levels. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 950 older adults (50–85 years) from NHANES 2011–2012. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between plasma ω-3 and handgrip strength in individuals with elevated (≥5.7%) or normal HbA1c levels after adjustments for confounders. Results: Total plasma ω-3, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and alpha-linolenic acid were not associated with handgrip strength in older adults regardless of HbA1c levels. Conclusion: Plasma ω-3 levels are not associated with handgrip strength in individuals over 50 years old independent of HbA1c levels.

The impact of media use on disparities in physical and mental health among the older people: An empirical analysis from China.

BackgroundThe media is playing an increasingly important role in the lives of older adults. Exploring health inequalities in older adults is essential for achieving healthy aging. However, few studies have focused on the effects of different media types on older adults' physical and mental health levels and health inequalities among older adults with varying levels of education from a health communication perspective.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the media use, physical and mental health (Self-rated health and subjective well-being) levels of older adults in China, the relationship between different media types use (Traditional media, internet media), and physical and mental health levels and the effects of different media types use on physical and mental health disparities among older adults with varying levels of education.MethodsThe data used in this study are from the 2017 China General Social Survey. The descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the media use and the health levels of Chinese older adults; analysis of variance and post hoc analysis were used to analyze the differences in health levels and frequency of media use among older people with different levels of education; bivariate correlation and regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between media use and health levels in older adults; multilevel regression analyses and simple slope plots explored whether the use of different media types widened or narrowed the gap in health levels among older people with varying levels of education.ResultsThe results of the study show that (1) the self-rated health levels (M = 2.986, SD = 1.070) are lower in the old people group relative to subjective well-being (M = 3.908, SD = 0.854). While some older adults have mastered the internet media, most of the older population is more accustomed to using traditional media (Especially TV, 77.08% of the elderly are used to watching TV regularly). There are disparities in media use habits and health levels among older adults with different education levels (p < 0.01). (2) traditional media use was a significant positive predictor of physical (B = 0.1, p < 0.01) and mental health (B = 0.165, p < 0.01) in the older age group. Internet media use was a significant positive predictor of physical health (B = 0.052, p < 0.01) in the older age group. (3) traditional and internet media use could narrow the physical and mental health disparities between older people with different education levels (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThere is an essential correlation between media use and the health levels of old people, and media use can effectively narrow the disparities between the physical and mental health of old people with different educational levels. Society should value the media's important role in promoting older persons' health and well-being. Government-related departments can combine the media with public health campaigns to narrow the health disparity among old people with different educational levels and promote equal healthy aging.

Anxiety and cognitive functioning in the Maastricht study: A cross-sectional population study

BackgroundHigher anxiety levels in older adults are associated with worse executive functioning and an increased risk for dementia. In this study individual anxiety disorders and clinically relevant generalized anxiety symptoms are studied in relation to multiple cognitive domains. MethodThis cross-sectional study includes 7344 community-dwelling participants of The Maastricht Study aged 40–75 years and oversampling of type 2 diabetes. Panic disorder with and without agoraphobia, agoraphobia and lifetime panic disorder were measured with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Generalized anxiety symptoms were measured with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). Multiple cognitive domains (executive functioning, memory and processing speed) and cognitive impairment were assessed. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used with adjustment for potential confounders. Interaction analyses were performed to test the moderation of age, sex and type 2 diabetes (due to oversampling). ResultsAgoraphobia was associated with worse scores on all cognitive domains (range B = −0.12 to −0.10; range 95%CI = −0.20 to −0.04) and with higher odds of cognitive impairment (OR = 1.51, 95%CI = 1.18–1.93). High scores on the GAD-7 were associated with worse scores on processing speed (B = −0.11, 95%CI = −0.20 to −0.03) and higher odds of cognitive impairment (OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.02–1.97). Panic disorder was significantly associated with worse scores on memory tasks (B = −0.25, 95%CI = −0.48 to −0.02). Associations were stronger in the younger participants and for agoraphobia and GAD-7 scores also in those with type 2 diabetes. ConclusionMultiple anxiety disorders and generalized anxiety symptoms were associated with worse cognitive functioning on several cognitive domains.

Association between fish oil supplements use and serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BackgroundPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread pollutants and classified as potentially carcinogenic to humans. Although consumption of fish, seafood, and their byproducts is a known source of dietary PFAS exposure, little is known about the association between use of fish oil supplements and PFAS. Here, we examine associations between fish oil supplement use and serum PFAS concentrations. MethodsThis analysis includes adults, ages 25 years of age and older, surveyed as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examinations Survey (NHANES). Outcomes include five serum PFAS compounds: perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulphonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA). To determine the association between fish oil use and log-transformed PFAS concentrations, survey-weighted linear regression was used to estimate multivariate-adjusted ratios between supplement-users’ and non-users’ geometric mean serum PFAS concentrations. ResultsNo association was observed between fish oil use and PFAS. While results did not vary substantially by age, gender, study cycle, there was some indication of a potential inverse association in subgroups of interest. Specifically, an inverse association was observed between fish oil supplement use and PFOS levels in older adults, females, and in early calendar years; an inverse association was also observed between fish oil and PFNA in females and early calendar years. ConclusionsWhile fish oil users did not experience increased serum PFAS, there was an unexpected inverse association in some population subgroups. Further research will be needed to better understand whether this pattern reflects true differences, chance, or bias.

Mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in older adult patients with cirrhosis: A validated prediction model.

Implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) improves survival in patients with cirrhosis with refractory ascites and portal hypertensive bleeding. However, the indication for TIPS in older adult patients (greater than or equal to 70 years) is debated, and a specific prediction model developed in this particular setting is lacking. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a multivariable model for an accurate prediction of mortality in older adults. We prospectively enrolled 411 consecutive patients observed at four referral centers with de novo TIPS implantation for refractory ascites or secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding (derivation cohort) and an external cohort of 415 patients with similar indications for TIPS (validation cohort). Older adult patients in the two cohorts were 99 and 76, respectively. A cause-specific Cox competing risks model was used to predict liver-related mortality, with orthotopic liver transplant and death for extrahepatic causes as competing events. Age, alcoholic etiology, creatinine levels, and international normalized ratio in the overall cohort, and creatinine and sodium levels in older adults were independent risk factors for liver-related death by multivariable analysis. After TIPS implantation, mortality is increased by aging, but TIPS placement should not be precluded in patients older than 70 years. In older adults, creatinine and sodium levels are useful predictors for decision making. Further efforts to update the prediction model with larger sample size are warranted.

Arabic-speaking older immigrants’ perceived acceptability of interventions for preventing elder abuse

Objective: Although research has identified interventions to address risk factors for elder abuse, it is unclear which interventions are relevant to specific immigrant communities. This study examined how Arabic-speaking immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area perceived the acceptability of interventions for elder abuse and explored gender differences in these perceptions. Methods: Older women and men (N = 37) who self-identify as Arabic-speaking immigrants residing in the Greater Toronto Area rated the acceptability of 14 interventions. The literature describes these interventions as addressing the risk factors for elder abuse as reported at the levels of older adults, the family, their relationship, and the social environment. Four items, adapted from a validated measure, were used to assess the interventions’ acceptability. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (objective 1) and independent sample t-test (objective 2). Results: Arabic-speaking older immigrants perceived five interventions to prevent elder abuse in their community as highly acceptable: case management, community outreach, advocacy, community-outreach programs, and peer-support programs. Gender differences were found for four interventions: two interventions (case management and community outreach) targeted older adults, one intervention (education) targeted the family, and one (advocacy) focused on the social environment. Conclusion: Findings can inform service providers, managers, and policymakers about which interventions must be prioritized to address elder abuse in the Arabic-speaking immigrant community.

Coenzyme Q10 Levels Associated With Cognitive Functioning and Executive Function in Older Adults.

Brain deterioration with age is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress that result in structural and functional changes. Recent studies have indicated that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is associated with neurological oxidative stress and cognitive impairment. Studies with older people have shown a relationship between neurodegenerative diseases and CoQ10 levels. However, no studies have analyzed the relationship between CoQ10 and cognitive functioning in older adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between CoQ10 and cognitive functioning in an older adult sample, controlling for other factors that may influence aging, such as the level of physical activity and nutritional status. The sample consisted of 64 older adults aged 65-99 years (76.67 ± 8.16 years), among whom 48 were women (75%). The participants were recruited among those who attended community centers to voluntarily participate in leisure activities. According to previous studies, physical activity and nutritional status are positively associated with cognitive functioning. However, the main finding of this study was that plasma CoQ10, controlling for other measures, was significantly associated with cognitive functioning and executive function. The current findings suggest that a decline in cognitive capacities may be related to reduced antioxidant defenses, as reflected by low CoQ10 levels in older adults.

Age-related decline in circulating IGF-1 associates with impaired neurovascular coupling responses in older adults

Impairment of moment-to-moment adjustment of cerebral blood flow (CBF) to the increased oxygen and energy requirements of active brain regions via neurovascular coupling (NVC) contributes to the genesis of age-related cognitive impairment. Aging is associated with marked deficiency in the vasoprotective hormone insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Preclinical studies on animal models of aging suggest that circulating IGF-1 deficiency is causally linked to impairment of NVC responses. The present study was designed to test the hypotheses that decreases in circulating IGF-1 levels in older adults also predict the magnitude of age-related decline of NVC responses. In a single-center cross-sectional study, we enrolled healthy young (n = 31, 11 female, 20 male, mean age: 28.4 + / − 4.2 years) and aged volunteers (n = 32, 18 female, 14 male, mean age: 67.9 + / − 4.1 years). Serum IGF-1 level, basal CBF (phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)), and NVC responses during the trail making task (with transcranial Doppler sonography) were assessed. We found that circulating IGF-1 levels were significantly decreased with age and associated with decreased basal CBF. Age-related decline in IGF-1 levels predicted the magnitude of age-related decline in NVC responses. In conclusion, our study provides additional evidence in support of the concept that age-related circulating IGF-1 deficiency contributes to neurovascular aging, impairing CBF and functional hyperemia in older adults.

The impact of urban park accessibility in cold regions on leisure-time physical activity levels of older adults during the winter

Given the situation of public health and population aging, studying the impact of park accessibility on the level of leisure-time physical activity of older adults (60 years and older) in cold regions is of great significance. Public parks in Harbin, China are often frequented by older adults. Furthermore, insufficient activity levels have an impact on health. This study mainly analyzed the accessibility of six parks and quantified the activity profile of older adults in winter. We obtained data through a field investigation on the activity levels of older adults, analyzed the accessibility of parks using the ARCGIS spatial analysis tool and network analysis, and studied the relationship between accessibility and levels of physical leisure activities of older adults with the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results indicated that: 1) The distribution of parks across the region was unbalanced, and overall accessibility via walking was poor; 2) In winter, the proportion of medium- and high-level leisure-time physical activities was 91.3%, and the walking travel rate was 80.65%. Walking was the main travel mode of older adults; 3) Five minutes of walking promoted the occurrence of high-level leisure-time physical activity (with a correlation coefficient 0.244 *). There was no significant relationship between motor vehicles (buses) and high-level activity. Walking had an effect on the level of leisure-time physical activity of older adults. Improving walking accessibility could improve the leisure-time activity levels of older adults in winter. According to the research results, we propose measures to improve walking accessibility to increase leisure-time activity levels in older adults.

Light intensity physical activity is beneficially associated with brain volume in older adults with high cardiovascular risk.

BackgroundOlder people with high cardiovascular risk, including those without cardiovascular diseases, are an at-risk population for dementia. Regular physical activity is generally recommended to maintain brain health; however, the optimal intensity of physical activity for maintaining brain volume in older adults with cardiovascular risk remains unclear. We examined the associations between intensity-specific physical activity and brain volume stratified by absolute cardiovascular risk level in older adults without cardiovascular diseases.Methods and resultsThis cross-sectional study involved 725 community-dwelling older Japanese adults without cardiovascular diseases. We estimated absolute cardiovascular risk using the World Health Organization risk estimation charts, which include variables such as age, sex, diabetes mellitus, smoking, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol, and stratified cardiovascular risk level into three risk categories: low (≤ 9%), moderate (10–14%), and high (≥15%). We measured daily physical activity using a triaxial accelerometer, and calculated the average time spent in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and light intensity physical activity (LPA). We performed brain T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and calculated the volume of the cortical gray matter, subcortical gray matter, and cerebral white matter, using the FreeSurfer software. In the overall sample, multivariable linear regression analysis showed that greater MVPA was significantly associated with greater volume of the cortical gray matter and cerebral white matter, and greater LPA was significantly associated with greater volume of the cerebral white matter. Additionally, in the analysis of the sample stratified by absolute cardiovascular risk level, cerebral white matter volume was significantly associated with both MVPA and LPA in the high cardiovascular risk group.ConclusionsThe association between physical activity and brain volume differed according to cardiovascular risk level in community-dwelling older adults. In a population at high cardiovascular risk, maintaining or increasing LPA might be a practical and achievable strategy for healthy brain aging.