Older adults' health and age-related changes: Reality versus myth

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Changes

scholarly journals Age-Related Changes in Molecular and Whole Muscle Function: Role of Fat Content?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 141-141
Author(s):  
Joseph Gordon III ◽  
Nicholas Remillard ◽  
Chad Straight ◽  
Rajakumar Nagarajan ◽  
Bruce Damon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Fat Deposition ◽  
Muscle Size ◽  
Type I ◽  
Contraction Velocity ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Whole Muscle ◽  
Age Related Changes

Abstract Decreases in muscle size and function are a general consequence of old age; the precise mechanisms of these changes remain unclear. Recent studies suggest that fat deposition in muscle may also contribute to dysfunction in older adults. Fat content was quantified in the quadriceps, and its effects on function in healthy young (21-45 y) and older (65-75 y) men and women (n=44) of comparable physical activity were compared. A subset of the young matched with the older group for muscle fat content were also examined. Peak fat-free whole muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA; cm2), volume (MV; cm3), fat content (fat fraction, FF; %), specific torque (Nm/mCSA) and peak contraction velocity (Nm∙s-1) were determined using fat-water magnetic resonance imaging and dynamometry (0-300□∙s-1). To examine potential molecular mechanisms of muscle weakness, vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained (n=31) and cross-bridge kinetics of type I and II fibers were determined. FF was higher in older adults than young (8.4±1.2% (SE), 7.6±1.4; p=0.03), while mCSA (48.9±10.4 vs. 64.2±17.3), MV (1536±532 vs. 2112±708), specific torque (2.6±0.4 vs. 3.2±0.4), and peak voluntary contraction velocity (422±20 vs. 441±23) were lower in older than young (p<0.01). Type II fiber myosin attachment rate was slower and attachment time longer in older muscle (p<0.017), providing a potential mechanism for the slowing of peak contraction velocity with age. Notably, differences at the whole muscle and molecular levels remained for the subset of young and older groups matched for FF, suggesting that fat deposition in muscle does not exacerbate age-related changes in function.

scholarly journals Developing a recovery-focused therapy for older people with bipolar disorder: a qualitative focus group study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e049829
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Tyler ◽  
Fiona Lobban ◽  
Rita Long ◽  
Steven H Jones
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Age Related Changes

ObjectivesAs awareness of bipolar disorder (BD) increases and the world experiences a rapid ageing of the population, the number of people living with BD in later life is expected to rise substantially. There is no current evidence base for the effectiveness of psychological interventions for older adults with BD. This focus group study explored a number of topics to inform the development and delivery of a recovery-focused therapy (RfT) for older adults with BD.DesignA qualitative focus group study.SettingThree focus groups were conducted at a university in the North West of England.ParticipantsEight people took part in the focus groups; six older adults with BD, one carer and one friend.ResultsParticipant’s responses clustered into six themes: (1) health-related and age-related changes in later life, (2) the experience of BD in later life, (3) managing and coping with BD in later life, (4) recovery in later life, (5) seeking helping in the future and (6) adapting RfT for older people.ConclusionsParticipants reported a range of health-related and age-related changes and strategies to manage their BD. Participants held mixed views about using the term ‘recovery’ in later life. Participants were in agreement that certain adaptations were needed for delivering RfT for older adults, based on their experience of living with BD in later life. The data collected as part of the focus groups have led to a number of recommendations for delivering RfT for older adults with BD in a randomised controlled trial (Clinical Trial Registration: ISRCTN13875321).

scholarly journals Losing touch: age-related changes in plantar skin sensitivity, lower limb cutaneous reflex strength, and postural stability in older adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 1848-1858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan M. Peters ◽  
Monica D. McKeown ◽  
Mark G. Carpenter ◽  
J. Timothy Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Postural Stability ◽  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Tibialis Anterior Muscle ◽  
Quiet Standing ◽  
Detection Thresholds ◽  
Cutaneous Reflex ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Changes

Age-related changes in the density, morphology, and physiology of plantar cutaneous receptors negatively impact the quality and quantity of balance-relevant information arising from the foot soles. Plantar perceptual sensitivity declines with age and may predict postural instability; however, alteration in lower limb cutaneous reflex strength may also explain greater instability in older adults and has yet to be investigated. We replicated the age-related decline in sensitivity by assessing monofilament and vibrotactile (30 and 250 Hz) detection thresholds near the first metatarsal head bilaterally in healthy young and older adults. We additionally applied continuous 30- and 250-Hz vibration to drive mechanically evoked reflex responses in the tibialis anterior muscle, measured via surface electromyography. To investigate potential relationships between plantar sensitivity, cutaneous reflex strength, and postural stability, we performed posturography in subjects during quiet standing without vision. Anteroposterior and mediolateral postural stability decreased with age, and increases in postural sway amplitude and frequency were significantly correlated with increases in plantar detection thresholds. With 30-Hz vibration, cutaneous reflexes were observed in 95% of young adults but in only 53% of older adults, and reflex gain, coherence, and cumulant density at 30 Hz were lower in older adults. Reflexes were not observed with 250-Hz vibration, suggesting this high-frequency cutaneous input is filtered out by motoneurons innervating tibialis anterior. Our findings have important implications for assessing the risk of balance impairment in older adults.

scholarly journals Auditory word recognition across the lifespan

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 119-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrike K. Blumenfeld ◽  
Scott R. Schroeder ◽  
Susan C. Bobb ◽  
Max R. Freeman ◽  
Viorica Marian
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Word Identification ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Auditory Word ◽  
Auditory Word Recognition ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Age Related Changes

Abstract Recent research suggests that bilingual experience reconfigures linguistic and nonlinguistic cognitive processes. We examined the relationship between linguistic competition resolution and nonlinguistic cognitive control in younger and older adults who were either bilingual or monolingual. Participants heard words in English and identified the referent among four pictures while eye-movements were recorded. Target pictures (e.g., cab) appeared with a phonological competitor picture (e.g., cat) and two filler pictures. After each eye-tracking trial, priming probes assessed residual activation and inhibition of target and competitor words. When accounting for processing speed, results revealed that age-related changes in activation and inhibition are smaller in bilinguals than in monolinguals. Moreover, younger and older bilinguals, but not monolinguals, recruited similar inhibition mechanisms during word identification and during a nonlinguistic Stroop task. Results suggest that, during lexical access, bilinguals show more consistent competition resolution and recruitment of cognitive control across the lifespan than monolinguals.

Exercise Impacts Age-Related Changes in Cognitive Function and Neural Complexity

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Heisz ◽  
Ana Kovacevic
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Neural Network ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Age Related Changes

Age-related changes in the brain can compromise cognitive function. However, in some cases, the brain is able to functionally reorganize to compensate for some of this loss. The present paper reviews the benefits of exercise on executive functions in older adults and discusses a potential mechanism through which exercise may change the way the brain processes information for better cognitive outcomes. Specifically, older adults who are more physically active demonstrate a shift toward local neural processing that is associated with better executive functions. We discuss the use of neural complexity as a sensitive measure of the neural network plasticity that is enhanced through exercise. We conclude by highlighting the future work needed to improve exercise prescriptions that help older adults maintain their cognitive and physical functions for longer into their lifespan.

A model to assess age-related changes in two-point discrimination of plantar skin

1999 ◽  
Vol 89 (8) ◽  
pp. 383-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
W Lynch ◽  
J Mooney
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Discrimination Accuracy ◽  
Discrimination Ability ◽  
Fixed Distance ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Older Subjects ◽  
Age Related Changes

A device was constructed to assess two-point discrimination in the plantar skin of younger, middle-aged, and older adults. The device consisted of paired filaments, each delivering a tip force of 4.56 log units (equivalent to 3.63 g), at a fixed distance apart. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in two-point discrimination accuracy between these groups of subjects. Younger subjects showed greater accuracy of plantar two-point discrimination than either middle-aged or older subjects, with an apparent inverse linear relationship between subject age and plantar two-point discrimination ability. A model to assess age-related changes in two-point discrimination is presented.

scholarly journals Age-Related Changes in the Hepatic Pharmacology and Toxicology of Paracetamol

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Mitchell ◽  
Alice E. Kane ◽  
Sarah N. Hilmer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hepatic Clearance ◽  
Optimal Dose ◽  
Interindividual Variation ◽  
Pharmacokinetics And Pharmacodynamics ◽  
Dose Selection ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Accidental Overdose ◽  
Toxicity Of Drugs ◽  
Age Related Changes

Optimal pharmacotherapy is determined when the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug are understood. However, the age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as the increased interindividual variation mean optimal dose selection are a challenge for prescribing in older adults. Poor understanding of how hepatic clearance and toxicity are different with age results in suboptimal dose selection, poor efficacy, and/or increased toxicity. Of particular concern is the analgesic paracetamol which has been in use for more than 50 years and is consumed by a large proportion of older adults. Paracetamol is considered to be a relatively safe drug; however, caution must be taken because of its potential for toxicity. Paracetamol-induced liver injury from accidental overdose accounts for up to 55% of cases in older adults. Better understanding of how age affects the hepatic clearance and toxicity of drugs will contribute to evidence-based prescribing for older people, leading to fewer adverse drug reactions without loss of benefit.

The effect of preclinical Alzheimer's disease on age-related changes in intelligence in cognitively normal older adults

Intelligence ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 70 ◽  
pp. 22-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karra D. Harrington ◽  
Christa Dang ◽  
Yen Ying Lim ◽  
David Ames ◽  
Simon M. Laws ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Preclinical Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Cognitively Normal ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Changes

Episodic Future Thinking and Cognitive Aging

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel L. Schacter ◽  
Aleea L. Devitt ◽  
Donna Rose Addis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Episodic Future Thinking ◽  
Future Thinking ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Prosocial Intentions ◽  
Age Related Changes

Episodic future thinking refers to the ability to imagine or simulate experiences that might occur in an individual’s personal future. It has been known for decades that cognitive aging is associated with declines in episodic memory, and recent research has documented correlated age-related declines in episodic future thinking. Previous research has considered both cognitive and neural mechanisms that are responsible for age-related changes in episodic future thinking, as well as effects of aging on the functions served by episodic future thinking. Studies concerned with mechanism indicate that multiple cognitive mechanisms contribute to changes in episodic future thinking during aging, including episodic memory retrieval, narrative style, and executive processes. Recent studies using an episodic specificity induction—brief training in recollecting episodic details of a recent experience—have proven useful in separating the contributions of episodic retrieval from other non-episodic processes during future thinking tasks in both old and young adults. Neuroimaging studies provide preliminary evidence of a role for age-related changes in default and executive brain networks in episodic future thinking and autobiographical planning. Studies concerned with function have examined age-related effects on the link between episodic future thinking and a variety of processes, including everyday problem-solving, prospective memory, prosocial intentions, and intertemporal choice/delay discounting. The general finding in these studies is for age-related reductions, consistent with the work on mechanisms that consistently reveals reduced episodic detail in older adults when they imagine future events. However, several studies have revealed that episodic simulation nonetheless confers some benefits for tasks tapping adaptive functions in older adults, such as problem-solving, prospective memory, and prosocial intentions, even though age-related deficits on these tasks are not eliminated or reduced by episodic future thinking.

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