Lifestyle-related Diseases Research Articles

Convenient health initiatives to help small- and medium-sized enterprises with mental health, lifestyle-related diseases, and hazardous work

Convenient health initiatives to help small- and medium-sized enterprises with mental health, lifestyle-related diseases, and hazardous work

Does health literacy influence health-related lifestyle behaviors among specialists of health management? A cross-sectional study

BackgroundNoncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as health-related lifestyle diseases, are the leading cause of mortality and societal and economic burdens. Poor lifestyle behaviors, which are modifiable to improve health, can cause diseases, including NCDs. Health literacy has been recognized as an important determinant of health, and studies have shown that higher health literacy is associated with better health outcomes and positive health-related behaviors. However, few studies have investigated the association between health literacy and health-related lifestyle behaviors to understand the mechanistic link between them. Thus, this study investigated the extent to which health literacy at different levels influences health-related lifestyle behaviors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among Japanese health management specialists (N = 1,920). Functional, critical, and communicative health literacy were measured. Lifestyle behaviors (exercise, diet and nutrition, sleep, rest, smoking, and alcohol intake), in line with the Japanese National Health Promotion Program, were assessed and calculated into a total cumulative score of health-related lifestyle behaviors. Moreover, we analyzed the associations between the three levels of health literacy and lifestyle behaviors using regression analyses by adjusting for socio-psycho-demographic factors.ResultsMultiple linear regression analyses showed a significant association between the Japanese version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire and total health-related lifestyle scores (standardized β = 0.160, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.136) after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Similarly, the association between communicative and critical health literacy and the total health-related lifestyle scores was significant (standardized β = 0.122, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.125). The analysis indicated that individuals who had higher level of health literacy (critical and communicative) than functional health literacy (Japanese version of the Newest Vital Sign score) had higher health-related lifestyle behaviors.ConclusionsA higher level of health literacy is associated with health-related lifestyle behaviors. Health literacy can be a target for interventions to achieve the national goal of lifestyle-related disease prevention and control.

Objectively measured prolonged sleep is associated with plasma cytokines in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

This study aimed to determine whether objective sleep time is associated with the concentrations of various plasma cytokines in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In total, 118 adults with MCI (66 women; mean age: 75.7 years) participated in this prospective cohort study. All participants were required to wear a wristband sensor for 7.8 days, on average, every 3 months for 1 year and undergo measurement of 27 plasma cytokines using multiplex immunoassays. After adjusting for potential confounders, the associations of total sleep time with cytokine concentrations were assessed by multiple linear regression analysis. The total sleep time was significantly correlated with plasma interleukin (IL)-9 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β levels (r = 0.239, p = 0.009, and r = 0.242, p = 0.008, respectively). Moreover, these associations remained significant after adjusting for covariates, including demographic characteristics, lifestyle-related diseases, and apolipoprotein E status (β = 0.272, 95% confidence interval: 0.095-0.448, p = 0.003, and β = 0.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.092-0.449, p = 0.003, respectively). Thus, this study is the first to demonstrate the association between objective prolonged sleep and higher plasma IL-9 and MIP-1β levels in older adults with MCI.

EARLY PREDICTION OF LIFESTYLE DISEASES

The growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases necessitates innovative strategies for prevention and early intervention. This paper proposes a framework utilizing data analytics, machine learning, and potentially deep learning to empower individuals and healthcare providers in proactively managing health risks. By analyzing user-provided lifestyle data, the model aims to predict the likelihood of developing specific diseases associated with unhealthy habits, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. This predictive approach can enable individuals to take timely preventive measures and healthcare professionals to tailor interventions for high-risk individuals. Ultimately, this framework strives to promote a healthier population by fostering proactive risk mitigation and personalized healthcare.

An Overview of Gratitude as a Mind-Body-Spirit Practice in Optimizing Health and Human Functioning

This paper provides an overview of gratitude as a concept and as a mind-body-spirit practice, impacting health and human functioning throughout the lifespan, that can be integrated into daily life to great benefit at no cost. Current society is rife with increases in stress, anxiety, depression, lifestyle-related diseases, and social isolation. The practice of gratitude and its interrelated pro-social, health-enhancing, resilience-building effects suggest that promoting gratitude from childhood through adulthood may provide much-needed, accessible reinforcement towards optimal health and wellbeing.&lt;strong&gt;Keyword&lt;/strong&gt;Gratitude; health; resilience

The multifaceted potential of fenugreek seeds: From health benefits to food and nanotechnology applications.

The present lifestyle, dietary patterns, psychological pressure, environmental factors, and the widespread exploitation of processed substances in food production and farming have collectively contributed to a substantial expediting in the development of various health problems. Globally, researchers have been seeking natural pharmaceutical substances with the potential to be employed in treating lifestyle-related diseases or delaying their onset. Fenugreek seeds have gained significant attention in various fields, including health, nutrition, and cutting-edge nanotechnology applications, due to their versatile qualities. The current investigation offers a comprehensive discussion of the nutritional composition and therapeutic potential of fenugreek seeds, with an emphasis on their plentiful reservoir of bioactive compounds. This seed demonstrates promising medicinal potential in addressing a wide range of health issues. Significantly, these findings indicate noteworthy properties, such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-obesity, hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, and cardioprotective effects. Moreover, the components of fenugreek seeds are important in the development of a multitude of foods, which is the reason why they are used extensively in the area of food research. In addition to their nutritional value, their exploration of nanotechnology reveals a promising domain, utilizing the distinctive characteristics of seeds for many purposes, such as nanoparticle synthesis and oil for edible films and nanoemulsions. This review article focuses on a comprehensive analysis of fenugreek seeds, examining their wide-ranging applications in the fields of health, nutrition, food, and nanotechnology.

The Effects of Adlay Tea Intake on Immune Homeostasis and Vascular Endothelial Function in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Comparative Study.

Excessive immune response and inflammation are associated with an increased risk of various diseases. In particular, excessive myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in neutrophils causes inflammatory reactions and lifestyle-related diseases. Adlay has a long history of being used as a traditional Chinese medicine. Polyphenols present in adlay seeds are expected to have the effect of suppressing excessive immune and inflammatory responses. Here, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the suppressing effects of adlay seeds extract on excessive immune responses. One hundred and twenty adults participated in the study and they were equally divided into an adlay tea intake group and a placebo group. MPO activity was significantly elevated in the placebo group after 8-wk ingestion, while no significant change was observed in the adlay group. Vascular endothelial functions improved in the adlay group, especially in subjects over 40 y old. These results indicate that adlay tea intake may suppress an excessive immune and inflammatory responses, and improve arterial stiffness. Since caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid detected in adlay tea are known to inhibit MPO activity, these polyphenols may be the major functional molecules. Collectively, adlay tea is considered to have a preventative effect against lifestyle-related diseases through improving vascular endothelial function by effects to maintain immune homeostasis of the contained polyphenols. This trial was registered at University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000032263).

Seasonal changes in daily steps of community-dwelling older individuals with and without lifestyle-related diseases: a retrospective cohort study.

[Purpose] Physical activity helps prevent diseases and mitigate their severity in older individuals with lifestyle-related conditions. We investigated whether seasonal factors and existing diseases affect physical activity in this demographic to identify lifestyle guidance indicators for health maintenance. [Participants and Methods] We compared the daily steps of older individuals (age of ≥65 years) by month, sex, and disease status from August to January by using three-way analysis of covariance. We evaluated a total of 115 participants (83 females and 32 males). [Results] Females with diseases had significantly fewer monthly daily steps than females without diseases in November (mean difference=1,138 ± 220) and December (mean difference=1,578 ± 239). Throughout, males with diseases completed significantly fewer monthly daily steps than did males without diseases. Furthermore, monthly daily steps never differed significantly between females with diseases and their male counterparts. [Conclusion] Compared with healthy older individuals, in older persons with diseases, physical activity was lower year-round among males and in November and December among females. Separate daily step count goals may be required for health maintenance in both sexes. It is important to determine the daily steps necessary to prevent various diseases and mitigate their severity while maintaining physical activity among older persons with diseases.

Service provision conditions for foreign residents in municipalities in Japan.

Objectives: This study examined the actual conditions of service provision to foreign residents (FRs) addressing prevention of lifestyle-related diseases (LRDs) and disaster preparedness/disaster responses (DPRs) in Japanese municipalities. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-administered questionnaire with representatives of public health nurses in each municipality in Japan from December 2021 to January 2022. Results: Services considering FRs are more likely to be implemented in cities than in towns, and in municipalities where FRs account for ≥2.2% of the population (proportion of FRs in the Japanese population at the time of the study) than in those with fewer FRs. Cities have larger populations and greater financial resources than towns. Factors associated with the implementation of services and measures necessary for providing services to FRs were the classification of the municipality as a city, a high percentage of FRs, and large variation in corresponding nationalities/countries of origin. Conclusions: Cross-disciplinary efforts and collaborations need to be strengthened to share available resources within local governments and experiences in providing services for FRs in other divisions/sections, rather than considering only how to provide services for FRs in the public health division/section.

Impacts of the Surya Namaskar on Body Composition and Physiological Parameters among Yoga and Non Yoga Professionals: A Quasi-experimental Study

Introduction: Surya Namaskar (SN) (also known as Sun Salutation) in the Bihar School of Yoga tradition comprises eight different postures completed in twelve steps sequentially. There are different views and schools of SN according to various traditions. Several studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effects of SN on the physiological, physical, and mental aspects of practitioners; however, its comparative effect on Yoga professionals and Non Yoga professionals has not been extensively explored. Aim: To determine the impacts of SN on body composition and physical and physiological variables among Yoga and Non Yoga professionals. Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted at Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi, India from March 2021 to May 2021. The study involved three groups with 10 subjects each: the Non Yoga Professional Control group (NYPC), the Non Yoga Professional Surya Namaskar group (NYPS), and the Yoga Professional Surya Namaskar group (YPS). The NYPS and YPS groups practiced 12 rounds of SN, totaling 24 minutes daily for 5 days a week over 6 weeks. Height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Breathe Holding Time (BHT), Right Hand Grip Strength (RHGS), Left Hand Grip Strength (LHGS), Flexibility, Muscle mass, Percentage Body Fat (PBF%), total Body Fat (BF), Bone Mass (BM), Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) were recorded on the first day and after six weeks. GraphPad Instat Windows-based software, version 3.0, was used to complete the statistical analysis. Intergroup comparison was performed using Repeated Measure Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Pre- and post-comparisons were made using t-tests. The level of significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: A significant reduction was observed in HR (p≤0.05), SBP (p≤0.01), Pulse Pressure (PP) (p≤0.05), Double Product (DoP) (p≤0.05), and Rate Pressure Product (RPP) (p≤0.05) following SN in the NYPS group. A significant reduction was observed in SBP (p≤0.01), DBP (p≤0.05), and MBP (p≤0.01) following Surya Namaskar practice in the YPS group. BHT (p≤0.05), RHGS (p≤0.05), LHGS (p≤0.05), and flexibility (p≤0.01) significantly increased following SN in the NYPS group. Flexibility was significantly increased (p≤0.05) following SN in the YPS group. PBF and BF decreased significantly (p≤0.001) following SN in the NYPS group. Conclusion: The SN has demonstrated effects on the physical, physiological, and therapeutic aspects of practitioners. The present study established that the practice of SN improves body composition and cardiovascular function with increased efficiency, potentially aiding in the prevention of lifestyle-related cardiovascular diseases.

Importance of Serum Albumin in Deep Learning-Based Prediction of Cognitive Function Data in the Aged Using a Basic Blood Test.

Recently, a method using deep learning has been developed to estimate the risk of developing dementia. This method uses general blood test data from routine health examinations that reveal lifestyle-related diseases, which can lead to vascular cognitive impairment via arteriosclerosis, as well as systemic metabolic disorders that are unrelated to lifestyle, such as nutritional disorders. In this study, we investigated the differences in the accuracy of estimating the risk of dementia based on the presence or the absence of blood test parameters reflecting nutritional disorders while focusing on the association between malnutrition and the risk of dementia in frail, elderly individuals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of including or excluding serum albumin, which reflects nutritional status, on the accuracy of predicting cognitive function in older adults using blood test data. We estimated cognitive function, as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), using the deep learning model (DLM). The estimation was performed based on general blood test data, including complete blood tests and basic metabolic panels, obtained from a selection of 1287 patients admitted to Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital. The data were divided into two groups: individuals aged 65 and above and those aged below 65. The impact of including or excluding serum albumin on the predictive performance of MMSE was examined within each group. In those aged below 65, the mean squared error (MSE) of the DLM was 5.33 without albumin and 4.62 with albumin, showing a -0.71 improvement with albumin. In those aged 65 and above, the MSE of the DLM was 6.38 without albumin and 6.28 with albumin, showing a -0.1 improvement with albumin. The present study demonstrated that including serum albumin in the input data resulted in lower estimation errors for MMSE across all applied algorithms in the group aged 65 and above. This is consistent with previously reported studies that have shown the adverse effects of malnutrition on cognitive function in older adults. This study highlighted the significance of serum albumin, which reflects nutritional status, as an important assessment variable for estimating MMSE from blood test data, particularly in individuals aged 65 and above.

Cleavage of Hsp70.1 causes lysosomal cell death under stress conditions.

Autophagy mediates the degradation of intracellular macromolecules and organelles within lysosomes. There are three types of autophagy: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy. Heat shock protein 70.1 (Hsp70.1) exhibits dual functions as a chaperone protein and a lysosomal membrane stabilizer. Since chaperone-mediated autophagy participates in the recycling of ∼30% cytosolic proteins, its disorder causes cell susceptibility to stress conditions. Cargo proteins destined for degradation such as amyloid precursor protein and tau protein are trafficked by Hsp70.1 from the cytosol into lysosomes. Hsp70.1 is composed of an N-terminal nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) and a C-terminal domain that binds to cargo proteins, termed the substrate-binding domain (SBD). The NBD and SBD are connected by the interdomain linker LL1, which modulates the allosteric structure of Hsp70.1 in response to ADP/ATP binding. After the passage of the Hsp70.1-cargo complex through the lysosomal limiting membrane, high-affinity binding of the positive-charged SBD with negative-charged bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP) at the internal vesicular membranes activates acid sphingomyelinase to generate ceramide for stabilizing lysosomal membranes. As the integrity of the lysosomal limiting membrane is critical to ensure cargo protein degradation within the acidic lumen, the disintegration of the lysosomal limiting membrane is lethal to cells. After the intake of high-fat diets, however, β-oxidation of fatty acids in the mitochondria generates reactive oxygen species, which enhance the oxidation of membrane linoleic acids to produce 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE). In addition, 4-HNE is produced during the heating of linoleic acid-rich vegetable oils and incorporated into the body via deep-fried foods. This endogenous and exogenous 4-HNE synergically causes an increase in its serum and organ levels to induce carbonylation of Hsp70.1 at Arg469, which facilitates its conformational change and access of activated μ-calpain to LL1. Therefore, the cleavage of Hsp70.1 occurs prior to its influx into the lysosomal lumen, which leads to lysosomal membrane permeabilization/rupture. The resultant leakage of cathepsins is responsible for lysosomal cell death, which would be one of the causative factors of lifestyle-related diseases.

Improvement trend for individual health guidance intervention according to Japan clinical guidelines by public health nurses for type 2 diabetes mellitus who visited for medical checkups regularly: a case-control preliminary report.

We conducted a retrospective case-control study to assess the efficacy of personalized health guidance interventions on individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. A selection was made of individuals in regular visits to the Takagi Hospital for medical checkups between January 2017, and October 2021. Totally, 108 subjects (cases) with health guidance were divided into 2 groups: one group without pharmacotherapy for diabetes mellitus in medical institutions (n = 92) and another group with pharmacotherapy (n = 116). Cases were provided with personalized health guidance interventions by public health nurses for 30 min, in accordance with the Japanese clinical guidelines for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. Sex- and age-matched controls were chosen from individuals with diabetes mellitus without health guidance. The intervention without pharmacotherapy resulted in improvements in health indicators, including body weight, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and γ-glutamyl trans-peptidase. These positive effects were not observed in the control group without health guidance. The therapeutic effects of health guidance were observed in cases where pharmacotherapy was administered. In conclusion, the implementation of individual health guidance interventions may prove to be effective for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity who regularly attend medical checkups.

Assessment of Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels and Non-invasive Vascular Health in School-aged Children: A Study in Ogasa District, Shizuoka Prefecture.

The present study assessed low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in school-aged children from the Ogasa District of Shizuoka Prefecture and evaluated the utility of non-invasive vascular tests, namely flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT), in pediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). We analyzed the lipid test results of 8,568 students screened for prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and 78 children under 15 years old with cholesterol levels exceeding 220 mg/dL who visited Chutoen General Medical Center. We examined the LDL-C distribution from school-age screenings and conducted FMD and IMT assessments on those meeting the 2022 Pediatric FH Guidelines criteria. Among the screened students, 186 (2.2%) exhibited LDL-C levels above 140 mg/dL, including 123 fourth-graders (2.8%) and 63 first-year junior high students (1.5%). The mean LDL-C level across all students was 90.0 mg/dL (standard deviation: 21.3 mg/dL), with the 95th percentile at approximately 125.0 mg/dL. Of the 78 children who visited the hospital, 65 met the FH diagnostic criteria. In children ≥ 10 years old, no significant IMT differences were observed between the Definitive and Probable FH groups and the Possible FH group; however, a significant difference in the FMD percentage was noted between these groups (9.9% [8.1%-11.9%] vs. 14.2% [11.6%-16.3%], P=0.003). Our findings highlight the LDL-C distribution in FH screening and suggest a potential reduction in FMD in pediatric FH patients ≥ 10 years old. These results emphasize the importance of initiating pharmacological interventions in school-aged children to maintain optimal LDL-C levels for lifelong cardiovascular health.

System dynamics simulation for reducing the number of lifestyle-related disease patients and medical costs in Japan by promoting behavioural changes in multiple generations

System dynamics simulation for reducing the number of lifestyle-related disease patients and medical costs in Japan by promoting behavioural changes in multiple generations

2022 Fukushima Medical University International Symposium on the Fukushima Health Management Survey Build Back Better, Together. "Science for Society: Advancing Fukushima's Well-Being".

The Fukushima Medical University (FMU) International Symposium on the Fukushima Health Management Survey (FHMS) convened for the fourth time in March 2022 to share FHMS findings within Fukushima and beyond. Dr. TAKENOSHITA Seiichi, FMU President, underscored Fukushima's restoration journey, while Governor UCHIBORI Masao committed to partnering with FMU for residents' welfare.The Introduction by Dr. KAMIYA Kenji highlighted FHMS results for more than 460,000 participants, of whom 99.8% were exposed to radiation doses below 5 mSv post-accident. Thyroid examinations detected tumors, but no dose-response relationship was found. The Comprehensive Health Check showed increased lifestyle-related diseases among evacuees, with improvements in some health markers. Mental health issues initially prevalent after the accident decreased over time, and perinatal outcomes were consistent with national data.Session 1 focused on radiation effects in Fukushima. The UNSCEAR 2020 Report indicated significantly reduced radiation exposure estimates and negligible cancer risks. Studies from Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl found no radiation-induced genetic effects.Session 2 explored post-disaster well-being, emphasizing the evolution of psychological responses. Practices like Psychological First Aid (PFA) and emotional resilience promotion were highlighted. Katsurao Village's post-evacuation health measures addressed lifestyle diseases, but faced challenges. The WHO framework for mental health and psychosocial support in nuclear emergencies emphasized the importance of mental health care throughout all disaster phases.The symposium facilitated valuable insights, underlining comprehensive health strategies and the significance of long-term studies for Fukushima's recovery and health management.

Prediction of Fatty Acid Intake from Serum Fatty Acid Levels Using Machine Learning Technique in Women Living in Toyama Prefecture.

Preventing lifestyle-related diseases requires understanding and managing the intake of total fats and specific types of fatty acids, especially trans fatty acids. There are several methods for measuring fat intake, each with its own strengths and limitations. Guidelines for nutritional epidemiology studies recommend employing objective biomarkers. This study aimed to estimate fatty acid intake based on serum fatty acid levels using multiple regression analysis and a machine learning technique, and to compare their accuracy. The subjects were healthy women aged 18 to 64 living in Toyama, Japan. A dietary survey to determine fatty acid intake was conducted using a 3-day dietary record completed by the participant. Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast, and serum was obtained through centrifugation. A total of 300 women participated in the study. The fatty acid levels in serum were determined using gas chromatography with a capillary column. Using multiple regression analysis and neural networks, the intakes of saturated, monounsaturated, n-6 polyunsaturated, n-3 polyunsaturated, and trans fatty acids from serum fatty acid levels were predicted. Significant correlations were observed between the intakes of the five classified fatty acids and the predicted intakes obtained from the multiple regression analysis (r = 0.39 - 0.49, p < 0.01). Significant correlations were also observed between the five classified fatty acid intakes and the intakes predicted by the neural network (r = 0.52 - 0.79, p < 0.01), and the correlation coefficient showed a significantly higher value than that predicted by the multiple regression analysis. These results suggest that serum fatty acid levels may be used as biomarkers to estimate the intake of fatty acids, including that of trans fatty acids, and that machine learning may be able to predict fatty acid intake with higher accuracy than multiple regression analysis.

Detailed cause of donor ineligibility in living donor kidney transplants: a retrospective, single-center cohort study

BackgroundLiving kidney donors are evaluated to determine their physical and psychological suitability for transplantation and ensure their safety. During this process, we frequently encounter cases where a donor is found to be ineligible. In this study, we surveyed donors who are ineligible for transplantation at our hospital to educate patients, their families, and medical staff regarding transplantation in the future. MethodsWe examined the proportion of ineligible donors among 237 potential donors who visited our hospital between January 2002 and March 2022. Data were collected retrospectively from electronic medical records and evaluated from various aspects such as age, body mass index, medical history, medications, and renal function. ResultsThe mean age at presentation was 55.5 years, the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.6, and no significant difference was found between the ineligible and eligible donor groups. The transplant ineligibility rate was 23.6%, and the categories were for medical, backout, immunologic, and recipient-related reasons, in descending order. Furthermore, a low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was the most common cause of medical cases. ConclusionMany patients were judged ineligible because of lifestyle-related diseases such as low GFR, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Therefore, thorough patient education should be conducted using these data as a reference to reduce the number of donors ineligible because of lifestyle-related diseases.

Physical Exercise Counteracts Aging-Associated White Matter Demyelination Causing Cognitive Decline.

In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes wrap around neuronal axons to form myelin, an insulating layer or sheath that allows for the efficient conductance of action potentials. In addition to structural insulation, myelin provides encased axons with nutrient, metabolic and defensive support. Demyelination, or myelin loss, can therefore cause axonal dysfunction, leading to neurological impairment and disease. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressive white matter demyelination is acknowledged as one of the earliest pathologies preceding symptom onset. Unfortunately, current pharmacotherapy for slowing demyelination or promoting remyelination in AD is nonexistent. Exercise is recognized for its wide-ranging benefits to human health, including improved mental health and the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. Mounting evidence suggests the contribution of physical activity in delaying the progression of dementia in elderly populations. Recent mechanistic studies have shown that exercise facilitates myelination in the brain through the vitalization of intrinsic pro-myelination cues, such as increased neurotrophic factors and electrical activity. In this review, we summarize and discuss the potential of physical exercise on counteracting aging-associated white matter demyelination, which causes cognitive decline in AD. We highlight the need of further basic and clinical research investigations on this topic to establish novel approaches for healthy and improved brain aging.

Assessment of lifestyle factors of doctors working in a medical college of Odisha, India

Background: Lifestyle plays one of the central roles in determining the overall health of a person, including health-care professionals. Despite their extensive medical knowledge, doctors are susceptible to lifestyle-related diseases due to the demanding nature of their profession. Assessing the lifestyle factors of doctors is essential for promoting healthier habits and mitigating the risk of chronic diseases within the medical community. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to explore the lifestyle factors of doctors working in a medical college in Odisha, India, using the FANTASTIC Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and observational survey study was conducted over a period of 6 months, involving 152 doctors (75 males and 77 females) aged 30–70 years. Convenience sampling was used, and participants provided written consent. Lifestyle factors such as food intake patterns, physical activity, stress management, and overall health were assessed using the FANTASTIC questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Results: The majority of doctors were classified as overweight or obese based on body mass index, with a higher prevalence of obesity among females. Most participants demonstrated good or fair lifestyle scores, indicating a positive trend toward healthier habits. However, a significant proportion had low lifestyle scores, particularly among female doctors. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of promoting healthier lifestyle habits among doctors to improve their well-being and enhance patient care. Targeted interventions aimed at improving dietary habits, physical activity levels, and stress management are essential for fostering a culture of health within the medical community.