Middle-aged Adults Research Articles

The influence of Mediterranean diet and physical activity-related energy expenditure on weight status and cardiometabolic risk. What "weights" more? The HERMEX study.

In this cross-sectional study, we explored the influence of Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence and physical activity-related energy expenditure on weight status and cardiometabolic risk in a large sample of 2.833 young, middle-aged and older adults. A food frequency questionnaire was employed, and MD Score to assess MD adherence. Physical activity-related energy expenditure was reported through the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Anthropometry, blood pressure, lipid and glycaemic markers were measured. Most of the participants were overweight or obese and had a medium-high MD adherence. The obesity group showed lower energy expenditure and a greater clustered cardiometabolic risk. Overweight and obese had a greater clustered cardiometabolic risk compared to the high MD adherence and normo-weight. Obese showed the greatest clustered cardiometabolic risk with independence of MD adherence. Increasing energy expenditure through physical activity better than restrictive diets might be one of the key components for reducing cardiometabolic risk among obese people.

Mediating effects of eHealth literacy and social connection on the association between smartphone use and mental health among Korean adults

ABSTRACT This study investigated the complex associations among smartphone use, eHealth literacy, social connection and mental health and how eHealth literacy and social connection mediate these associations between older and middle-aged Korean adults in 2020. We recruited 1,400 Korean adults and conducted a multigroup path analysis. Findings revealed significant pathways among major variables and the mediating effects of eHealth literacy and social connection on the association between smartphone use and mental health only for older adults. Future research should investigate the longitudinal effects of various digital devices and eHealth literacy on mental health in Koreans after COVID-19.

Protein Consumption and Risk of CVD Among U.S. Adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background: Although some randomized trials have reported beneficial effects of protein intake on cardiometabolic risk factors, evidence from prospective studies have not supported a strong link between protein intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. It is also unclear whether diversity in protein intake plays a role in CVD risk. Objective: We investigated prospective associations of (1) protein intake, overall and by food source and (2) diversity of protein sources with risk of CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke. Methods: In a multi-ethnic cohort of 5879 U.S. adults (45–84 years), who were free of CVD at baseline, protein intake was assessed at baseline (2000–2002) using a validated 120-item food frequency questionnaire. Two different aspects of protein diversity were assessed including count (number of protein food consumed at least once/week) and dissimilarity (diversity of the attributes of the protein sources consumed). Relationships with incident CVD outcomes through 2019 were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and comorbidity factors. Results: During 83,430 person-years, 1045 CVD cases were identified, including 668 CHD and 332 stroke cases. In multivariable models, we found no significant associations between protein intake, overall and by food source, with incident CVD, CHD, or stroke. Protein count, but not protein dissimilarity, was weakly associated with CVD risk. We found no significant associations between diversity of consumption of animal or plant food source and CVD outcomes. Conclusions: Our findings suggest protein consumption may not significantly impact CVD risk in middle-aged adults.

Validation of intrinsic capacity and healthy sleep pattern in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal Chinese study assessing healthy ageing

ObjectivesIntrinsic capacity (IC), a multidimensional construct encompassing mental and physical capacities, has been established in the aging framework by the World Health Organization. However, the detailed relationship between IC and Chinese sleep patterns (nighttime sleep and post-lunch naps) remains inadequately elucidated. MethodsParticipants in this study were individuals aged ≥45 years residing in China, included in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). We analyzed 4 years of CHARLS data from the first wave (May 2011–March 2012) to the second wave (July 2015–January 2016). Data from these waves were utilized for longitudinal analysis. Self-reported data included nighttime sleep and nap duration, along with other baseline characteristics. The IC evaluation involved physical examinations and blood tests. Initially, linear regression was used to assess the relationship between total sleep duration, nighttime sleep duration, nap duration, and IC change between the two waves that were determined by marginal effects (ME) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Regression splines were employed to explore potential nonlinear associations. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to investigate the heterogeneity of IC change under specific conditions and the robustness of our results. Mediation analysis was performed to identify potential factors mediating the relationship between sleep patterns and IC change. ResultsBoth excessive (>10 h) (total, ME: −1.12; 95% CI: −1.61, −0.64; nighttime, ME: −1.44; 95% CI: −2.29, −0.59) and insufficient (<6 h) sleep duration (total, ME: −0.43; 95% CI: −0.68, −0.18; nighttime, ME: −0.50; 95% CI: −0.73, −0.27) negatively impacted IC change. Moderate naps (≤60 min) mitigated the decline in IC change (ME: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.49). IC values decreased at the slowest rate when nap time constituted one-seventh of total sleep time. The onset of dyslipidemia partially mediated the association between naps (≤60 min) and IC change (P = 0.02). ConclusionsThese findings suggest that maintaining a healthy sleep pattern of 6−8 h of nighttime or total sleep, along with a post-lunch nap of ≤60 min, helps preserve optimal IC or delay its decline. This is particularly beneficial for cognitive, psychological, and locomotion performance among middle-aged and older adults.

Association between toothbrushing behavior and cardiometabolic multimorbidity among middle aged and older adults in North China: a cross-section study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between toothbrushing behavior and cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) among middle-aged and older adults.MethodsData from the Beijing Health Service Survey were used to estimate the association between toothbrushing behavior and the risk of CMM using multilevel logistic models (N = 18,158).ResultsThere were 554 patients with CMM, with a prevalence of 3.05%. We found a higher risk of CMM for those with toothbrushing once or less (OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.80, 2.59) compared with those brushed two or more times per day in the crude model. After adjusting for confounding factors, the association between the two remained significant (OR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.39, 2.04). The effect size was higher in adults with a higher education level (OR = 2.32) compared to those with a lower education level (OR = 1.39, P forinteraction<0.01).ConclusionsPoor toothbrushing practices were associated with CMM among middle-aged and older people. Longitudinal study can be considered to explore the causal association between the two and whether good toothbrushing habits can predict CMM and its progression.

Cognitive impact of anticholinergic and sedative burden in people with HIV.

This study aims to estimate the extent to which anticholinergic and sedative burden is associated with cognitive ability and self-reported cognitive difficulties (SCD) in middle-aged and older adults living with HIV. This cross-sectional analysis examined data from the inaugural visit of participants enrolled in the Positive Brain Health Now (BHN) study. Cognitive ability was measured using the Brief Cognitive Ability Measure (B-CAM; higher is better) and SCD using the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ; higher is worse). Medication burden was quantified using several scoring systems, including the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB), Anticholinergic and Sedative Burden Catalog (ACSBC), Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS), Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS), and the Sedative Load Model (SLM). Multivariable Ordinary Least Squares and quantile regression were utilized to estimate average effects and distribution-specific impacts, respectively. Of 824 participants (mean age 53 years, 84.7% men), 41.4% used anticholinergics (ACSBC) and 39% used sedatives (SLM). High anticholinergic burden was linked to worse cognitive ability [ β = -3.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): -7.16, -0.46] and SCD ( β = 3.89; 95% CI: 1.08, 6.71). Using three or more anticholinergics worsened cognitive ability ( β = -4.45; 95% CI: -8.54, -0.35), and using three or more sedatives increased SCD ( β = 4.35; 95% CI: 0.92-7.78). Stronger negative associations were observed in participants with lower cognitive ability and more difficulties. These results suggest that anticholinergic and sedative burden may contribute to cognitive impairment in people with HIV. Personalized medication management and regular cognitive assessments could mitigate these adverse effects.

Sex-dependent interplay of phosphate and inflammation on muscle strength irrespective of muscle mass in middle-aged and older adults

BackgroundElevated circulatory phosphate levels are linked to age-related muscle dysfunction, yet the mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the hypothesis that inflammation plays a role in connecting elevated phosphate levels to muscular dysfunction in middle-aged and older individuals and explored potential sex-based differences in these associations. MethodsThe study, based on the I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study Cohort, analyzed individuals' serum phosphate and hsCRP levels. Sex-specific analyses explored links between circulatory phosphate, inflammation, and muscle profiles (mass, handgrip strength, and walking speed). The study also examined potential mediation or synergistic effects of inflammation in the circulatory phosphate-muscle relationship. ResultsThe study included 2006 participants (mean age: 65.5 ± 6.5 years; 49.8 % men). Women exhibited higher circulatory phosphate levels than men. Linear analyses revealed that higher phosphate levels were significantly associated with weaker handgrip strength but not with reduced muscle mass in both men and women. In women, circulatory phosphate was not associated with inflammation (hsCRP levels), while in men, higher phosphate levels were significantly associated with higher hsCRP levels. In men, a synergistic effect was observed, where the combination of high hsCRP and elevated phosphate levels had a more pronounced impact on reducing handgrip strength than either factor alone. ConclusionsThis study highlights a sex-specific association of inflammation in the mechanisms of hyperphosphatemia-related muscle weakness. The findings emphasize the importance of managing both hyperphosphatemia and chronic inflammation to mitigate their collective impact on muscle function, particularly in older men. Addressing these factors is crucial for promoting muscle health in later life.

Association between social networks and cognition among middle-aged and older adults in rural India.

Prior studies using global cognitive measures have shown that social connectedness is linked with cognitive performance. We investigate the role of different social network dimensions on performance across distinct cognitive domains among dementia-free middle-aged and older rural Indians. We utilized baseline assessment data of 2,525 participants (≥45 years) of an ongoing, prospective, aging cohort in rural India (Srinivaspura Aging, Neuro Senescence, and COGnition) for this study. We evaluated social networks using Cohen's Social Network Index on three dimensions: network diversity, network size, and network embeddedness. We measured cognitive performance on memory (narrative recall), visuospatial ability (geometric figure spatial recognition, visuospatial span), language (verbal fluency, semantic association, word comprehension, reading comprehension), and attention domains of a culturally adapted, computerized, neurocognitive test battery. Linear regression models, adjusted for age and sex, were used for statistical analysis. In the linear regression model adjusted for age and sex, we found that greater network diversity was significantly associated with better performance in narrative recall, geometric figure spatial recognition, reading comprehension, semantic association, and attention tests. Participants with a larger network size had significantly better performance in verbal fluency and semantic association tests. Further, participants with greater network embeddedness had better visuospatial span and verbal fluency. Individuals having a greater network diversity, larger network size, and greater network embeddedness had better cognitive performance in multiple distinct cognitive domains. Following up these participants with serial cognitive monitoring can help understand if social networks play a role in delaying cognitive decline and protecting against dementia. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Intra-Rater Reliability of Panoramic Ultrasound Imaging for Determining Quadriceps Muscle Cross-Sectional Area inMiddle-Aged and Elderly Adults.

Panoramic ultrasound (US) is an extended field-of-view (EFOV) imaging technique that enables visualization of large-scale skeletal muscles. This technique has previously been found to produce valid and reliable quantifications of muscle morphology in primarily young male subjects. The purpose was to investigate the intra-rater between-session test-retest reliability of panoramic US imaging for determining vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) cross-sectional area (mCSA) in healthy middle-aged to elderly adults. In this cross-sectional study, axial panoramic US images of the RF and VL muscles were captured in 23 healthy females and males aged 47 to 78. Assessed across two sessions 3-7 days apart, intra-rater reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3,2), within-subject coefficient of variation , standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Mean mCSA for RF was mean ± SD, 7.5 ± 2.7 cm2 on both test days, with a numeric difference of 0.8%. Mean VL mCSA was 20.6 ± 6.6 cm2 and 20.5 ± 6.5 cm2 on test days 1 and 2, respectively. Test-retest ICC were: 0.997 (95% CI: 0.994-0.999) for RF and 0.995 (95% CI: 0.989-0.998) for VL. was 2.6% for RF and 2.4% for VL. SEM was 0.2 cm2 for RF and 0.5 cm2 for VL. MDC was 0.4 cm2 for RF and 1.3 cm2 for VL. In conclusion, panoramic EFOV US is a highly reliable imaging technique for assessing RF and VL mCSA in middle-aged and elderly adults. These findings endorse the clinical and research utility of EFOV US and its sensitivity for detecting even minor changes in skeletal muscle size.

Remnant cholesterol and cognitive function: Evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study.

Evidence on associations of remnant cholesterol (RC) and its variability with cognitive function is still lacking. To explore the association of RC and its variability with cognitive function. Participants were recruited from a population-based cohort, the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Cognitive function was assessed by a standardized questionnaire from CHARLS, with domains of episodic memory and mental intactness. A linear mixed effects model was used to analyze the association of RC with cognitive function, along with its variability (calculated as standard deviation [SD], coefficient of variation [CV], variability independent of the mean [VIM]), with results expressed as β (95%CI). Potential subgroup differences in the association of RC and its variability with cognitive function were also explored. 4234 participants were eventually included, with mean (SD) age of 57.4 (8.0) years. Each 10 mg/dL increase in RC was associated with 0.053 (95%CI: 0.096, 0.009) points, 0.021 (95%CI: 0.042, 0.000) points, 0.032 (95%CI: 0.064, 0.001) points decrease in global cognitive function, episodic memory, and mental intactness scores, respectively. Compared with the first tertile (T1) group of RC variability (calculated as SD, VIM), T3 showed a lower level in global cognition and episodic memory after multivariate adjustment. The potential modification effects of educational level on RC and its variability in relation to cognitive function were also identified. Among Chinese middle-aged and older adults, higher RC level were associated with worse cognitive function. Greater RC variability was also associated with worse cognitive performance, especially in memory function.

The association between sleep duration trajectories and successful aging: a population-based cohort study

BackgroundInsufficient or excessive sleep duration are associated with increased risk of individual adverse outcomes. However, it remains largely unknown whether sleep duration trajectories are associated with overall health among older adults. This study aimed to examine the association between sleep duration trajectories and successful aging.MethodsIn the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 3,306 participants without major chronic diseases at baseline and survived to aged 60 years and older at the end of follow-up were potentially eligible participants. Total sleep duration was assessed in 2011, 2013, and 2015, and successful aging was evaluated in 2020 and was defined as being free of major chronic diseases, no physical impairment, high cognitive function, good mental health, and active engagement with life. Latent class mixed model (LCMM) was used to identify sleep duration trajectories and logistic regression was performed to explore the association between these trajectories and successful aging.ResultsDuring the 9-year follow-up, 455 individuals (13.8%) met the criteria for successful aging. Five sleep duration trajectories were identified: normal stable, long stable, decreasing, increasing, and short stable. Compared with the normal stable trajectory, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) for achieving successful aging for participants with long stable, decreasing, increasing, and short stable trajectories were 1.00 (0.77, 1.30), 0.64 (0.40, 1.03), 0.64 (0.45, 0.92), and 0.48 (0.35, 0.66), respectively. The stratified and sensitivity analyses were generally consistent with the main results.ConclusionsIncreasing and short stable trajectories of sleep duration are associated with lower odds of successful aging relative to participants in the normal stable trajectory. The findings underscore the critical importance of monitoring dynamic changes in sleep duration in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

Creation and Validation of the MMQ-9: A Short Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Middle-Aged and Older Adults

ABSTRACT Objectives Memory concerns are common among older adults. The Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) is a well-validated participant-reported measure consisting of 57 items across three subscales assessing satisfaction with memory, self-perceived memory ability, and memory strategy use, respectively. Because short scales are often desired to accommodate clinical time constraints and reduce respondent burden, we created and evaluated 9-item versions of each subscale (MMQ-9). Methods In Study 1, we used an optimization strategy to identify subsets of items that maximized subscale reliability in a sample of 560 adults ages 50–90. In Study 2, we examined psychometric properties of the MMQ-9 in an independent sample of 638 adults ages 51–95. Results Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of each subscale met published criteria for good measurement properties. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the original factor structure. A hierarchical series of invariance models showed excellent fit, confirming robust measurement invariance across age, gender, and education. Conclusions The shortened MMQ-9 is a reliable, valid, and invariant measure of metamemory in middle-aged and older adults. Clinical Implications The MMQ-9 is a reasonable instrument of choice when brief yet psychometrically strong measures of participant-reported memory are required for clinical assessment of patients with memory concerns.

Erythematous indurated plaques on the palate in a middle-aged adult.

A 45-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of erythematous indurated plaques on the right palate and adjacent palatobuccal mucosa, accompanied by dull pain and loosening of the third molar, necessitating extraction. Radiological imaging revealed soft tissue density with cortical bony erosions in the bilateral upper alveolar ridge. A single sub-centimetric right cervical lymph node was palpable. Biopsy showed an upper dermal infiltrate composed of cells with nuclear grooving and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Through this case, we highlight a rare manifestation of a systemic disease.

Integrated bagging-RF learning model for diabetes diagnosis in middle-aged and elderly population

As the population ages, the increase in the number of middle-aged and older adults with diabetes poses new challenges to the allocation of resources in the healthcare system. Developing accurate diabetes prediction models is a critical public health strategy to improve the efficient use of healthcare resources and ensure timely and effective treatment. In order to improve the identification of diabetes in middle-aged and older patients, a Bagging-RF model is proposed. In the study, two diabetes datasets on Kaggle were first preprocessed, including unique heat coding, outlier removal, and age screening, after which the data were categorized into three age groups, 50–60, 60–70, and 70–80, and balanced using the SMOTE technique. Then, the machine learning classifiers were trained using the Bagging-RF integrated model with eight other machine learning classifiers. Finally, the model’s performance was evaluated by accuracy, F1 score, and other metrics. The results showed that the Bagging-RF model outperformed the other eight machine learning classifiers, exhibiting 97.35%, 95.55%, 95.14% accuracy and 97.35%, 97.35%, 95.14% F1 Score at the Diabetes Prediction Dataset for diabetes prediction for the three age groups of 50–60, 60–70, and 70–80; and 97.03%, 94.90%, 93.70% accuracy and 97.03%, 94.90%, 93.70% F1 Score at the Diabetes Prediction Dataset. 95.55%, 95.13% F1 Score; and 97.03%, 94.90%, 93.70% accuracy; and 97.03%, 94.89%, 93.70% F1 Score at Diabetes Prediction Dataset. In addition, while other integrated learning models, such as ET, RF, Adaboost, and XGB, fail to outperform Bagging-RF, they also show excellent performance.

Burden and causes of anemia in Vietnam: insights from the global burden of disease data

BackgroundAnemia is a significant global health issue, impacting 1.92 billion people and ranking as a leading cause of disability. It is marked by low hemoglobin levels, which hinder oxygen delivery to vital organs and result from causes such as nutritional deficiencies and chronic diseases. Despite some progress, anemia remains a major concern in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Although the country has reduced its anemia rates, the progress is insufficient to achieve the WHO’s 2030 targets for anemia reduction among women of reproductive age. This study explores anemia trends and socio-economic determinants in Vietnam, with a focus on age and gender differences, to inform targeted interventions and policy development.MethodsThis study used the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) dataset to explore the burden of anemia and its causes in Vietnam from 1990 to 2021. The GBD study provides data on anemia prevalence and years lived with disability (YLD) by age, sex, and 37 causes across 204 countries and territories. Further, this study employed a regression model to examine how the anemia burden (i.e., prevalence rate and YLD rate) relates to socio-economic factors such as the Human Development Index (HDI), gender disparities in human development achievement, and gender-based inequalities in reproductive health, empowerment, and economic status in Vietnam over this period.ResultsIn 1990, there were 16.30 million anemia cases in Vietnam, decreasing slightly to 16.05 million by 2021. Male prevalence dropped from 34.90 to 26.58%, while female prevalence increased from 65.10 to 73.42%. Iron deficiency was the main cause, affecting 68.35% of cases in 1990 and 68.84% in 2021, with 24.96% in males and 75.04% in females in 2021. While anemia has decreased among infants, young children, and adolescents due to improved healthcare, it has increased among middle-aged and older adults, especially females. Regression analysis shows that higher human development and gender equality reduce anemia prevalence and disability, whereas gender inequality worsens the issue.ConclusionsThe study underscores that anemia remains a major health concern in Vietnam, marked by significant gender and age disparities. Despite a decrease in overall anemia rates and the effectiveness of specific interventions like iron-folic acid supplementation, females, particularly those of reproductive age and older adults, continue to face higher rates. Socio-economic improvements, including higher income and better human development, are linked to lower anemia rates, though the impact differs by gender. The persistent gender disparity and the shift in burden to older adults highlight the need for more comprehensive, gender-sensitive interventions. Future efforts should integrate nutritional support with broader socio-economic enhancements to effectively address anemia and improve public health in Vietnam.

The Mediating Effect of Efficacy in Using Digital Devices on the Relationships between Digital Support and Qualitative Use of Digital Information in Middle-aged and Older Adults: Multi-Group Comparison among Age Groups

The Mediating Effect of Efficacy in Using Digital Devices on the Relationships between Digital Support and Qualitative Use of Digital Information in Middle-aged and Older Adults: Multi-Group Comparison among Age Groups

Impact of virtual reality immersion on exercise performance and perceptions in young, middle-aged and older adults.

This study compared the effect of high and low levels of virtual reality (VR) immersion during moderate and high intensity cycling-exercise in younger (18-35 years), middle-aged (36-50 years), and older (51-69 years) adults. Thirty participants (5 female and 5 males per age group) completed moderate (steady state: 15 minutes at 60-75% maximum heart rate (MHR)) and high (sprint: 10 x 30 second sprints at 75-85% MHR) intensity cycling in four conditions: VR using a head-mounted display (High HMD), room-projector (Low Room), screen-projector (Low Screen) and No VR. Exercise performance measures (cadence, distance, power output) were recorded. Following each VR condition, exercise enjoyment (PACES) and exercise engagement (Flow State Scale) were measured. Results showed that exercise intensity had a significant effect of age on; heart rate (steady state and sprint), cadence (sprint) and distance (sprint) (p's <0.05). A significant effect of condition was observed during the sprint exercise for heart rate (p < 0.05). No other significant condition effects were observed for exercise performance. Significant effects of condition were identified for exercise engagement relating to sense of control (p < 0.01) and loss of self-consciousness (p < 0.05) with the highest values occurring in the Low Screen condition for all age groups, while transformation of time was significantly different (p < 0.05) for the middle-aged adults (highest during High VR and Low Screen). These results indicate that irrespective of age, participants found themselves in control and immersed more during the Low Screen VR condition than the other VR and No VR conditions. The findings indicate that VR immersion impacts exercise performance and exercise engagement in different age-groups and therefore should be considered when using VR to promote exercise behaviour.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Video Assisted Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease among Students In A Selected Arts College of Durg, Chhattisgarh (State)

Coronary artery disease is an obstructed blood flow through the coronary arteries to the heart muscles. The primary cause of coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis. The term acute coronary syndrome is used to encompass the continuum of coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is most prevalent type of cardiovascular disease in adults, more death occurs in middle aged adults. In India, even younger age group are prone to get heart disease due to their health damaging life style. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of video assisted teaching programme on knowledge regarding prevention of coronary artery disease among students in a selected arts college of Durg, Chhattisgarh (State) The conceptual framework used in this study was based on J.W.Kenney’s open system model. A quantitative approach was used for the present study. Using purposive sampling technique,60 arts students were selected and video assisted teaching given after pre-test. Followed by that post test was conducted on day 7, the collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The overall analysis of prevention of coronary artery disease the mean post-test knowledge score of the subjects 28.07 is higher than the mean pre-test knowledge score 18.17. Thecalculated‘t’ value 19.769nis greater than of table value (1.984) at 0.001 level of significance. This indicates that video assited teaching programme was effective in gaining knowledge regarding the prevention of coronary artery disease. The association between socio demographic variables with pre-test knowledge score significance (p&lt;0.001) was tested. Based on the findings indicate that there is a significant difference between pre-test and post-test knowledge score on prevention of coronary artery disease in a selected arts college students at Durg.

Acceleration of Brain Atrophy and Progression From Normal Cognition to Mild Cognitive Impairment

It remains unclear which risk factors accelerate brain atrophy along with a progression from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). To examine risk factors associated with the acceleration of brain atrophy and progression from normal cognition to MCI based on long-term longitudinal data for middle-aged and older adults. Data for this cohort study were extracted from the Biomarkers for Older Controls at Risk for Dementia (BIOCARD) cohort, initiated at the National Institutes of Health from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2005, and continued at Johns Hopkins University from January 1, 2015, to October 31, 2023. All participants were cognitively normal at baseline. The participants whose structural magnetic brain imaging (MRI) of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measures were available for over 10 years were included. Longitudinal structural MRI of the brain and measurement of CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer disease pathology (ratio of amyloid β peptide 42 [Aβ42] to Aβ40, tau phosphorylated at threonine 181, and total tau). Annual change rates of segmental brain volumes, Kaplan-Meier survival curves plotting time to event for progression to MCI symptom onset, and hazard ratios (HRs) determined by Cox proportional hazards regression models. A total of 185 participants (mean [SD] age, 55.4 [8.4] years; 116 women [63%]) were included and followed up for a maximum of 27 years (median, 20 [IQR, 18-22] years). The groups with high levels of atrophy in the white matter and enlargement in the ventricles had an earlier progression from normal cognition to MCI symptom onset (HR for white matter, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.24-2.49]; P = .001; HR for ventricles, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.19-2.24]; P = .009). Diabetes was associated with progression to MCI (HR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.06-1.76]; P = .04), as was a low CSF Aβ42:Aβ40 ratio (HR, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.09-1.88]; P = .04), and their combination had a higher HR of 1.55 (95% CI, 1.13-1.98]; P = .03), indicating a synergic association of diabetes and amyloid pathology with MCI progression. In this cohort study of middle-aged and older adults, higher rates of volume change in the white matter and ventricles, along with the presence of diabetes and a low CSF Aβ42:Aβ40 ratio, were identified as important risk factors for the progression to MCI. These results support the importance of identifying individuals who have accelerated brain atrophy to optimize preventive strategies for progression to MCI.

Impact of covid-19 on family dynamics in relation to age: A comparative study

This study examines the differential impact of COVID-19 on family dynamics across two distinct age groups: young adults (20-40 years) and middle-aged adults (41-60 years). The primary aim is to assess how the pandemic affected family interactions and emotional well-being in relation to age. A sample of 100 participants was selected, with 50 individuals from each age group. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire designed to measure the pandemic's impact on family dynamics through a Likert-type scale. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were calculated for each group, followed by a t-test to compare the two age groups. The results indicate a statistically significant difference in the impact on family dynamics, with a t-value of -2.15 and a p-value of 0.034, suggesting that middle-aged adults experienced more significant changes in family dynamics compared to young adults. This study contributes to understanding the age-related psychological and emotional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the need for targeted interventions based on age-specific challenges.