Natural Course Of Aging Research Articles

Prevalence of and Annual Conversion Rates to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: Prospective, Longitudinal Study of an Essential Tremor Cohort.

Despite recent attention to cognitive impairment in essential tremor, few studies examine rates of conversion to diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Development of dementia in essential tremor is associated with loss of functional ability and a doubling of mortality rate. This prospective, longitudinal study comprehensively reports the prevalence and incidence of, and the annual rates of conversion to, mild cognitive impairment and dementia in an essential tremor cohort. Patients underwent detailed cognitive assessments and were assigned diagnoses of normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. There were 222 patients at baseline (mean age = 79.3 ± 9.7 years), and 177 patients participated in follow-up evaluations at 18, 36, 54, and 72 months (mean years of observation = 5.1 ± 1.7). Data were compared to those of historical controls and Parkinson disease patients. The cumulative prevalence of dementia and average annual conversion rate of mild cognitive impairment to dementia were 18.5% and 12.2%, nearly three times higher than rates in the general population, and approximately one half the magnitude of those reported for Parkinson disease patients. The cumulative prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (26.6%) was almost double that of the general population, but less than that in Parkinson disease populations. We present the most complete exposition of the longitudinal trajectory of cognitive impairment in an essential tremor cohort yet presented. The prevalence of and conversion rates to dementia in essential tremor fall between those associated with the natural course of aging and the more pronounced rates observed in Parkinson disease. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:1193-1204.

Genomic instability in the naturally and prematurely aged myocardium

Genomic instability, the unresolved accumulation of DNA variants, is hypothesized as one of the contributors to the natural aging process. We assessed the frequency of unresolved DNA damage reaching the transcriptome of the murine myocardium during the course of natural aging and in hearts from four distinct mouse models of premature aging with established aging-related cardiac dysfunctions. RNA sequencing and variant calling based on total RNA sequencing was compared between hearts from naturally aging mice, mice with cardiomyocyte-specific deficiency of Ercc1, a component of the DNA repair machinery, mice with reduced mitochondrial antioxidant capacity, Tert-deficient mice with reduced telomere length, and a mouse model of human Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). Our results demonstrate that no enrichment in variants is evident in the naturally aging murine hearts until 2 y of age from the HGPS mouse model or mice with reduced telomere lengths. In contrast, a dramatic accumulation of variants was evident in Ercc1 cardiomyocyte-specific knockout mice with deficient DNA repair machinery, in mice with reduced mitochondrial antioxidant capacity, and in the intestine, liver, and lung of naturally aging mice. Our data demonstrate that genomic instability does not evidently contribute to naturally aging of the mouse heart in contrast to other organs and support the contention that the endogenous DNA repair machinery is remarkably active to maintain genomic integrity in cardiac cells throughout life.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a modern approach to treatment

Life expectancy over the past half century has increased significantly and by 2025 approximately one in six people on Earth will be over 60 years old, thus, age-related diseases become even more relevant, this also applies to menopausal syndrome in postmenopausal women. The average age of menopause is 5052 years. In the world 25 million women annually experience menopause and only 10% of them have no pathological manifestations. Genitourinar menopausal syndrome is the second most common marker of menopause. Urogenital disorders are a fairly common nosology, which is confirmed by numerous studies, but not every woman considers it necessary to report a problem to a doctor, considering this a natural course of aging. The increase in life expectancy and rejuvenation of the population is undoubtedly associated with socio-social development and the achievement of medicine, the purpose of which is also to increase the extension of the term of a healthy and quality life. Studies conducted in recent decades to study atrophic hypoestrogenic changes in the urogenital tract will allow us to reconsider our attitude to genitourinar menopausal syndrome and to select appropriate treatment for various groups of patients. But the inability of women, at times, to declare their symptoms associated with vulvovaginal atrophy, and the lack of active interest in this issue by doctors, especially gynecologists, leaves this problem unresolved.

Role of Small Addition of Sc and Zr in Clustering and Precipitation Phenomena Induced in AA7075

A detailed characterization of phase transformations in the heat-treated commercial 7075 aluminum alloys without/with low Sc–Zr addition was carried out. Mechanical and electrical properties, thermal and corrosion behavior were compared to the microstructure development. The eutectic phase consists of four parts: MgZn2 phase, Al2CuMg phase (S-phase), Al2Zn3Mg3 phase (T-phase), and primary λ-Al(Mn,Fe,Si) phase. Strengthening during non-isothermal (isochronal) annealing is caused by a combination of formation of the GP zones, η’-phase, T-phase and co-presence of the primary and secondary Al3(Sc,Zr)-phase particles. Positive influence on corrosion properties is owing to the addition of Sc–Zr. Positron annihilation showed an evolution of solute Zn,Mg-(co-)clusters into (precursors of) the GP zones in the course of natural ageing. The concentration of the (co-)clusters is slightly negatively affected by the low Sc–Zr addition. A combination of both precipitation sequences of the Al–Zn–Mg–Cu-based system was observed. The apparent activation energy values for dissolution/formation of the clusters/GP zones and for formation of the metastable η’-phase, stable T-phase and stable η-phase were calculated.

Assessment of a Potential UTI–Using Videos to Analyze a Simulated Nursing Home Experience

In the past, urinary tract infections (UTIs) have been attributed to poor hygiene, the natural course of aging, an unfortunate corollary of nursing home (NH) residence, and a condition routinely treated empirically with antibiotics. Recent UTI management consensus statements foretell a very different future and support the need to consider all UTIs in the NH as complex infections. Improving assessment capabilities of the NH nurse workforce is essential for improving quality of care. This study aimed to determine how, using simulation, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) integrated a mobile decision-support app (MDS-app) into assessment of a NH resident with a potential UTI. The MDS-app directed the LVN to examine or question the resident (mannequin) to identify signs and symptoms developed as part of a simulated clinical scenario. MDS-app items were based on UTI practice guidelines. A descriptive, participant observation design (video-taped) was used with ten practicing LVNs. An observation checklist was used to examine audiovisual recordings and included frequency of verbal interaction (17.9+/-7.2), and eye contact (10.6+/-4.1). Participants (47%) were “glued to” the MDS-app without making resident eye contact or touching residents during the assessment. 60% of participants deviated from the app to ascertain urine odor and color; irrelevant symptoms for UTI diagnosis. Assessments required 11.20 (+/-4.67) minutes to complete. The MDS-app provided LVNs with needed focus on data driven by guidelines and not individual LVN preferences. Training LVNs should focus on integration of communication, assessment skills, and MDS-app use for evidence-based data collection as a basis for UTI treatment decisions.

Dichotomy between the transcriptomic landscape of naturally versus accelerated aged murine hearts

We investigated the transcriptomic landscape of the murine myocardium along the course of natural aging and in three distinct mouse models of premature aging with established aging-related cardiac dysfunction. Genome-wide total RNA-seq was performed and the expression patterns of protein-coding genes and non-coding RNAs were compared between hearts from naturally aging mice, mice with cardiac-specific deficiency of a component of the DNA repair machinery, mice with reduced mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and mice with reduced telomere length. Our results demonstrate that no dramatic changes are evident in the transcriptomes of naturally senescent murine hearts until two years of age, in contrast to the transcriptome of accelerated aged mice. Additionally, these mice displayed model-specific alterations of the expression levels of protein-coding and non-coding genes with hardly any overlap with age-related signatures. Our data demonstrate very limited similarities between the transcriptomes of all our murine aging models and question their reliability to study human cardiovascular senescence.

Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment of Cataracts

Cataract is a global disease that may cause blindness. Due to the slow pace of disease progression, patients often presume incorrectly that their blurred vision is caused by excessive fatigue or lack of sleep. In addition to their role in causing blindness, cataracts that are diagnosed late into their progression are more difficult to treat with corrective surgery. Furthermore, many older individuals believe incorrectly that declines in vision are part of the natural course of aging and accept these declines as inevitable. Reduced vision has a significant and negative effect on quality of life. Although aging is one of the main causes of cataracts, other major factors include common chronic diseases and the side effects of drugs. In addition, lifestyle factors such as diet, activity, and environmental exposure to ultraviolet rays and radiation are factors in cataract development. Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts currently available. Healthcare professionals not only consider a patient's background but also whether surgery may promote quality of life. While preoperative evaluation requires a holistic and comprehensive approach, postoperative care is also important to the overall success of cataract surgery. For example, instructions in topical-drop application, wound assessment, and symptoms of comorbidities are crucial for patients. Therefore, a critical literature review was used in this article to establish a strategy for the holistic evaluation of and perioperative nursing care and prevention strategies for cataracts. In addition, recommendations for the comprehensive assessment of and nursing care for patients with cataracts are provided to healthcare professionals article in hopes of improving the quality of care provided to patients with cataracts.

Clustering phenomena in quenched Al, Al–Mg, Al–Si and Al–Mg–Si alloys

Vacancy and solute atom clusters of various sizes and number densities may be formed in Al alloys during natural ageing (NA) after solutionising and quenching. We study the clustering characteristics of a series of Al–Mg–Si alloys and discuss ageing mechanisms as a function of solute content: in alloys low in Mg (i.e. <0.1 at.%), vacancies tend to aggregate during quenching and subsequently assist the formation of Si-rich clusters in the course of NA. For alloys with higher Mg contents (>0.1 at.%), clustering is initially governed by Si atoms and then by Mg as NA proceeds.

Attenuation of Choroidal Thickness in Patients With Alzheimer Disease: Evidence From an Italian Prospective Study.

To compare the 12-month choroidal thickness (CT) change between Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and normal subjects. In this prospective, observational study, 39 patients with a diagnosis of mild to moderate AD and 39 age-matched control subjects were included. All the subjects underwent neuropsychological (Mini Mental State Examination, Alzheimer disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale) and ophthalmological evaluation, including spectral domain optical coherence tomography, at baseline and after 12 months. CT was measured manually using the caliper tool of the optical coherence tomography device. After 12 months, AD patients had a greater reduction of CT than controls (P≤0.05, adjusted for baseline CT, age, sex, axial length, and smoking). CT in patients with AD showed a rate of thinning greater than what could be expected during the natural course of aging.

Magnetic-Memory Effects in High-Purity Beryllium

We study the magnesium-thermal beryllium condensate in the course of natural aging after several procedures of treatment by weak constant magnetic fields. The amplitude-time dependences of the effective shear modulus (Gef ~ f2), low-frequency internal friction, the parameter r, and the ratio of dislocation velocities Vafef /V0 are analyzed. It was revealed that the hysteresis in the f2(γ) curves disappears after ~120 h of natural aging and the sign of r(γ) and Vafef /V0(γ) is inverted. The nature of the detected effects is connected with the appearance of microcracks in the stage of elastic deformation and their healing as a result of the viscous motion of unpinned dislocations in the field of point defects in the basal slip plane.

Loss of NAD Homeostasis Leads to Progressive and Reversible Degeneration of Skeletal Muscle

NAD is an obligate co-factor for the catabolism of metabolic fuels in all cell types. However, the availability of NAD in several tissues can become limited during genotoxic stress and the course of natural aging. The point at which NAD restriction imposes functional limitations on tissue physiology remains unknown. We examined this question in murine skeletal muscle by specifically depleting Nampt, an essential enzyme in the NAD salvage pathway. Knockout mice exhibited a dramatic 85% decline in intramuscular NAD content, accompanied by fiber degeneration and progressive loss of both muscle strength and treadmill endurance. Administration of the NAD precursor nicotinamide riboside rapidly ameliorated functional deficits and restored muscle mass despite having only a modest effect on the intramuscular NAD pool. Additionally, lifelong overexpression of Nampt preserved muscle NAD levels and exercise capacity in aged mice, supporting a critical role for tissue-autonomous NAD homeostasis in maintaining muscle mass and function.

Early stages of precipitation in Mg-RE alloys studied by positron annihilation spectroscopy

Magnesium alloys with rare earth (RE) elements are promising structural materials exhibiting favourable mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. However, the processes occurring during early stages of precipitation in these alloys are still not completely understood. In this work positron lifetime spectroscopy combined with coincidence Doppler broadening was employed for investigation of early stages of precipitation in Mg-RE alloys. Presence of quenched-in vacancy clusters was observed after solution treatment of studied alloys. These quenched-in vacancy clusters are bound to RE solutes and thereby stabilized at room temperature. During natural aging, RE clusters are formed by vacancy-assisted long-range diffusion. In addition, hardness of studied materials increases and quenched-in vacancy clusters are annealed out during the course of natural aging. Simple model was developed to describe hardening during natural aging.

“Al we wilniþ to ben old. wy is eld ihatid”: Aging and Ageism in Le Bone Florence of Rome

This article explores the ways in which old age, as a socially constituted concept, functions to regulate the needs and desires of the aged during the natural course of aging and the ways in which an aging subject struggles to adapt to old age as a state of being. With the centenarian Garcy in Le Bone Florence of Rome as the focus, the discussion reconsiders his frail body in the context of medieval medicine, examines his desire for young Florence against the backdrop of medieval ethics, and understands his rise and doomed failure within the ageist framework of romance, as well as the penitential context of the manuscript CUL Ff. 2.38. Struggling with his own physical degradation and desires in opposition to social expectations of his age, the character of Garcy, “misbehaving” and “rebellious,” challenges, albeit to no avail, the injustice of ageism inflicted upon him. His final attempt at reversing the course of aging and unconsoled death urge readers to take a fresh look at the reality that the old have as many needs and desires as people from all other age groups.

SCI Longitudinal Aging Study: 40 Years of Research.

The Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Longitudinal Aging Study was initiated in 1973 and has conducted 8 assessments over the past 40 years. It was designed to help rehabilitation professionals understand the life situation of people with SCI, but it has developed into the most long-standing study of aging and SCI and has resulted in over 50 publications. Our purpose was to provide a detailed history of the study, response patterns, utilization of measures, and a summary of key findings reported in the literature. Five participant samples have been incorporated over the 40 years, with enrollment in 1973, 1984, 1993 (2 samples), and 2003. A total of 2,208 participants have completed 6,001 assessments, with a particularly large number of assessments among those who are more than 40 years post injury (n = 349). The overall results have indicated changing patterns of outcomes over time as persons with SCI age, with some notable declines in participation and health. There has been a survivor effect whereby persons who are more active, well-adjusted, and healthier live longer. This study has several important features that are required for longitudinal research including (a) consistency of follow-up, (b) consistency of measures over time, (c) addition of new participant samples to counteract attrition, and (d) inclusion of a large number of individuals who have reached aging milestones unparalleled in the literature. Data from this study can inform the literature on the natural course of aging with SCI.

Early stage ageing effects and shallow positron traps in Al–Mg–Si alloys

Room temperature ageing, so-called natural ageing, of Al–Mg–Si alloys has a subtle but striking influence on the mechanical properties achievable by subsequent ageing at more elevated temperatures. Though strongly debated, different clustering processes are generally accepted to give rise to this effect. Using temperature-dependent positron lifetime measurements of naturally aged Al–Mg–Si alloys, it is shown that in the early stages of ageing, small clusters of alloying atoms without embedded vacancies take part in the decomposition process. These clusters serve as shallow positron traps with a binding energy of about 55(10) meV, grow in the course of natural ageing and transform to deep positron traps with binding energies well above thermal energies. Thus, results of positron annihilation spectroscopy techniques need to be interpreted carefully with respect to the microstructure of age-hardenable Al alloys. Moreover, it is shown that a simple approach to bind positron states using a three-dimensional potential well and (bulk) positron affinities cannot explain the present findings.

Abstract NS25: Alteplase Administration in the Very Elder

Background /Purpose: The highest rate of first time strokes occurs in those 80 years and older. Despite the higher stroke rates, increased incidence of atrial fibrillation and often increased severity of stroke in the very elderly, initial clinical trials related to intravenous alteplase did not recruit patients over 80 years of age. Newer evidence supporting use of Alteplase in the very elder recommends that age alone should not be a contraindication for administering alteplase and urges that the risks and benefits be carefully weighed. Additional evidence concludes that although elderly patients have a higher mortality rate and poorer functional outcomes, this finding is consistent with the natural course of aging and treatment benefit may be realized. The purpose of this multihospital system retrospective review is to examine data in patients who received alteplase with the hypothesis that elders greater than 80 years benefited just as much from treatment when compared to those less than 80. Methods: Retrospective data collected at a large Midwestern hospital system compared alteplase administration in patients greater than 80 years of age to patients less than 80. Data examined included initial NIHSS, symptomatic hemorrhage rates, discharge disposition, and incidence of atrial fibrillation. Results: Comparisons (&gt; 80 years vs. &lt; 80 years) revealed: 1) 34% of patients treated with alteplase were greater than 80 years, 2) symptomatic hemorrhage rates were not statistically different (13% vs 8%, p=0.1904), 3) negative discharge outcomes (destination other than home or acute rehab) were more prevalent in the elder population (48% vs. 19%, p&lt; .0001), 4) atrial fibrillation was more prevalent in elders (53%). Conclusions: Despite newer evidence, reluctance among practitioners to administer alteplase to the very elderly persists. In very elderly patients, retrospective data findings indicated that hemorrhage rates were not increased but short-term discharge outcomes were negatively impacted. This may be the result of the aging process and multiple comorbidities. Evaluation and dissemination of findings will emphasize to providers that this vulnerable population may still benefit from alteplase treatment.

Efficacy of Lateral Canthoplasty Combined with Transconjuctival Lower Blepharoplasty in Young Asian Patients

During the natural course of aging, excess skin, muscle, and fat can produce an unattractive bulge in the lower eyelid. This protrusion of the lower eyelid is an aesthetic condition often associated with an old and tired appearance. Although transcutaneous lower ble­ pharoplasty can lead to a more acceptable aesthetic appearance, it has been associated with an increased risk of lower eyelid malposi­ tion. To minimize lower eyelid complications, lateral canthoplasty can be combined with lower blepharoplasty, as horizontal eyelid laxity, entropion, ectropion, and lateral canthal dystopia can all be corrected by lateral canthoplasty [1]. Because lower eyelid bags are a common problem in young peo­ ple who prefer invisible postoperative scars, transconjunctival ble­ pharoplasty has received increasing attention as an alternate tech­ nique to traditional transcutaneous blepharoplasty [2,3]. At the same time, lateral canthoplasty can be performed to maximize aes­ thetic outcomes. Many young Asian patients with short palpebral Joo Youn Kim, Jung Il Kim, Hyun Gon Choi, Ki Il Uhm, Dong Hyeok Shin

Oxidative stress response elicited by mitochondrial dysfunction: Implication in the pathophysiology of aging

Under normal physiological conditions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve as 'redox messengers' in the regulation of intracellular signalling, whereas excess ROS may induce irreversible damage to cellular components and lead to cell death by promoting the intrinsic apoptotic pathway through mitochondria. In the aging process, accumulation of mitochondria DNA mutations, impairment of oxidative phosphorylation as well as an imbalance in the expression of antioxidant enzymes result in further overproduction of ROS. This mitochondrial dysfunction-elicited ROS production axis forms a vicious cycle, which is the basis of mitochondrial free radical theory of aging. In addition, several lines of evidence have emerged recently to demonstrate that ROS play crucial roles in the regulation of cellular metabolism, antioxidant defence and posttranslational modification of proteins. We first discuss the oxidative stress responses, including metabolites redistribution and alteration of the acetylation status of proteins, in human cells with mitochondrial dysfunction and in aging. On the other hand, autophagy and mitophagy eliminate defective mitochondria and serve as a scavenger and apoptosis defender of cells in response to oxidative stress during aging. These scenarios mediate the restoration or adaptation of cells to respond to aging and age-related disorders for survival. In the natural course of aging, the homeostasis in the network of oxidative stress responses is disturbed by a progressive increase in the intracellular level of the ROS generated by defective mitochondria. Caloric restriction, which is generally thought to promote longevity, has been reported to enhance the efficiency of this network and provide multiple benefits to tissue cells. In this review, we emphasize the positive and integrative roles of mild oxidative stress elicited by mitochondria in the regulation of adaptation, anti-aging and scavenging pathway beyond their roles in the vicious cycle of mitochondrial dysfunction in the aging process.

The ageing pancreas

Type 2 diabetes is historically associated with older adults, and glucose tolerance is known to decline with advancing age. During the course of natural ageing, changes in many peripheral tissues contribute to this deterioration of glucose homeostasis. Included in this process are changes to the structure and function of the pancreatic islets, which undergo deviation in endocrine responses to glycaemic challenge. Current knowledge about the changes seen in the ageing pancreas is reviewed here.

Influence of Natural Aging on the Polarization Profile in PZT-Based Ceramics

In the present work the polarization state of PZT-based ceramics was studied by the thermal square wave method at single frequency. Spatial polarization distributions across the thickness are studied for piezoceramic samples processed with different metallization routes (standard industrial and microwave). It is shown that in the course of natural aging the uniform polarization distribution transforms into a nonuniform one.