scholarly journals A Novel Method for Classifying Hearing Impairment in Epidemiological Studies of Aging: The Wisconsin Age-Related Hearing Impairment Classification Scale

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-67
Author(s):  
Karen J. Cruickshanks ◽  
David M. Nondahl ◽  
Mary E. Fischer ◽  
Carla R. Schubert ◽  
Ted S. Tweed
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Cohort Data ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Testing Data ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Level 1

Purpose Longitudinal population-based cohort data were used to develop a standardized classification system for age-related hearing impairment using thresholds for frequencies (0.5–8 kHz) typically measured in cohort studies. Method Audiometric testing data collected in the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study from participants ( n = 1,369) with four visits (1993–1995, 1998–2000, 2003–2005, and 2009–2010) were included (10,952 audiograms). Cluster analyses (Wald's method) were used to identify audiometric patterns. Maximum allowable threshold values were defined for each cluster to create an ordered scale. Progression was defined as a two-step change. Results An eight-step scale was developed to capture audiogram shape and severity of hearing impairment. Of the 1,094 participants classified as having normal hearing based on a pure-tone average, only 25% ( n = 277) were classified as Level 1 (all thresholds ≤ 20 dB HL) on the new scale, whereas 17% ( n = 182) were Levels 4–6. During the 16-year follow-up, 64.9% of those at Level 1 progressed. There was little regression using this scale. Conclusions This is the first scale developed from population-based longitudinal cohort data to capture audiogram shape across time. This simple, standardized scale is easy to apply, reduces misclassification of normal hearing, and may be a useful method for identifying risk factors for early, preclinical, age-related changes in hearing.

scholarly journals Plasma Lutein, a Nutritional Biomarker for Development of Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Alienor Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 2047
Author(s):  
Bénédicte M. J. Merle ◽  
Audrey Cougnard-Grégoire ◽  
Jean-François Korobelnik ◽  
Wolfgang Schalch ◽  
Stéphane Etheve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazard ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazard Models ◽  
Adjusted Model ◽  
Reduced Risk

Lutein and zeaxanthin may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We evaluated the associations of plasma lutein and zeaxanthin with the incidence of advanced AMD in the Alienor study (Antioxydants Lipides Essentiels Nutrition et Maladies Oculaires). Alienor study is a prospective population-based cohort of 963 residents of Bordeaux, France, who were 73 years or older at baseline (2006–2008). The present study included 609 participants with complete ophthalmologic and plasma carotenoids data. Examinations were performed every two years over an eight-year period (2006 to 2017). Plasma lutein and zeaxanthin were determined at baseline from fasting blood samples using high-performance liquid chromatography. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess associations between plasma lutein, zeaxanthin, and their (total cholesterol (TC) + triglycerides (TG)) ratios with AMD. Among the 609 included participants, 54 developed advanced incident AMD during a median follow-up time of 7.6 years (range 0.7 to 10.4). Participants with higher plasma lutein had a reduced risk for incident advanced AMD in the fully adjusted model (HR = 0.63 per 1-SD increase (95% CI, 0.41–0.97), p = 0.03). A similar association was observed using the lutein/(TC + TG) ratio (HR = 0.59 (95% CI, 0.39–0.90), p = 0.01). No associations were evidenced for other carotenoids. Higher plasma lutein was associated with a 37% reduced risk of incident advanced AMD.

scholarly journals Iodine fortification may influence the age-related change in thyroid volume: a longitudinal population-based study (DanThyr)

2014 ◽  
Vol 170 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Krejbjerg ◽  
Lena Bjergved ◽  
Inge Bülow Pedersen ◽  
Allan Carlé ◽  
Torben Jørgensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Volume ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Iodine Intake ◽  
Multivariate Regression Model ◽  
Volume Changes ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Volume Decrease

ObjectiveTo assess the individuals' thyroid volume changes after the mandatory nationwide iodine fortification (IF) program in two Danish areas with different iodine intake at baseline (Copenhagen, mild iodine deficiency (ID) and Aalborg, moderate ID).DesignA longitudinal population-based study (DanThyr).MethodsWe examined 2465 adults before (1997) and after (2008) the Danish IF of salt (2000). Ultrasonography was carried out by the same sonographers using the same equipment, after controlling performances. Participants treated for thyroid disease were excluded from analyses.ResultsOverall, median thyroid volume had increased in Copenhagen (11.8–12.2 ml, P=0.001) and decreased in Aalborg, although not significantly (13.3–13.1 ml, P=0.07) during the 11 years of follow-up.In both regions, there was an age-related trend in individual changes in thyroid volume from baseline to follow-up; thyroid volume increased in women <40 years of age and decreased in women >40 years of age.In a multivariate regression model, higher age at entry was a predictor (P<0.05) for thyroid volume decrease >20% during the follow-up period (women aged 40–45 years: odds ratio (OR) 4.3 (95% CI, 2.2–8.2); women aged 60–65 years: 5.8 (2.9–11.6)) and individuals of higher age were also less likely to have an increase in thyroid volume (women aged 40–45 years: OR 0.2 (0.1–0.3); women aged 60–65: OR 0.3 (0.2–0.4)).ConclusionsAge-dependent differences in thyroid volume and enlargement had leveled out after the Danish iodization program. Thus, the previously observed increase in thyroid volume with age may have been caused by ID.

scholarly journals Five-year cumulative incidence and progression of age-related macular degeneration: results from the German population-based Gutenberg Health Study (GHS)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina A. Korb ◽  
Hisham Elbaz ◽  
Alexander K. Schuster ◽  
Stefan Nickels ◽  
Katharina A. Ponto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Fundus Photography ◽  
Health Study ◽  
German Population ◽  
Gutenberg Health Study ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Purpose Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness. This study evaluates the incidence and progression of AMD in a large German cohort. Methods The Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) is a population-based, prospective, observational cohort study in Germany that includes 15,010 participants between 35 and 74 years of age. The baseline examination, including fundus photography, was conducted between 2007 and 2012, and the 5-year follow-up examination was performed between 2012 and 2017. AMD grading of fundus photographs was performed according to the Rotterdam Eye Study classification. The 5-year cumulative incidence and progression of AMD were calculated. Poisson regression analysis was conducted to investigate factors associated with the cumulative incidence and progression of AMD. Results Six-thousand-eight-hundred-eighty-eight participants (49.8%, n = 3427 female) were included in the analysis. AMD prevalence was 8.5% [95% CI: 7.9–9.2%] at baseline and 10.3% [95% CI: 9.6–11.1%] at follow-up. The cumulative 5-year-incidence was 2.0% [1.7–2.4%]. AMD progression within 5 years was seen in 18.1% [95% CI: 15.1–21.5%] of the participants. AMD incidence and AMD progression were associated with higher age, for each 10-year increase in age, the risk of AMD doubles (RR = 2.30), and the risk of progression of the disease is increased by 1.6. while AMD incidence also with pseudophakic status. Conclusions In summary, this population-based sample provides substantial epidemiologic data from a large German cohort, including data on progression and cumulative incidence of macular degeneration in younger age groups. AMD progression over 5 years is common in the German population, 18.1% of subjects with AMD showed progression in at least one eye in this time frame and is associated with higher age. Nevertheless, although usually defined to occur over the age of 50, in this cohort AMD occurred in 0.5% and AMD progression occurred in 5.4% of those already affected in the youngest age group before 50 years of age.

scholarly journals Trajectory and mortality of preserved ratio impaired spirometry: the Rotterdam Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 1901217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Renata Alex Wijnant ◽  
Emmely De Roos ◽  
Maryam Kavousi ◽  
Bruno Hugo Stricker ◽  
Natalie Terzikhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Rotterdam Study ◽  
Lung Function Decline ◽  
Cardiovascular Comorbidities ◽  
Age Related

Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) is a heterogeneous condition but its course and disease progression remain to be elucidated. We aimed to examine its prevalence, trajectories and prognosis in the general population.In the Rotterdam Study (population-based prospective cohort) we examined prevalence, trajectories and prognosis of subjects with normal spirometry (controls; forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥0.7, FEV1  ≥80%), PRISm (FEV1/FVC ≥0.7, FEV1 <80%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (FEV1/FVC <0.7) at two study visits. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for mortality (until December 30, 2018) were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, current smoking and pack-years.Of 5487 subjects (age 69.1±8.9 years; 7.1% PRISm), 1603 were re-examined after 4.5 years. Of the re-examined PRISm subjects, 15.7% transitioned to normal spirometry and 49.4% to COPD. Median lung function decline was highest in subjects with incident PRISm (FEV1 −92.8 mL·year−1, interquartile range (IQR) −131.9– −65.8 mL·year−1; FVC −93.3 mL·year−1, IQR −159.8– −49.1 mL·year−1), but similar in persistent PRISm (FEV1 −30.2 mL·year−1, IQR −67.9– −7.5 mL·year−1; FVC −20.1 mL·year−1, IQR −47.7–21.7 mL·year−1) and persistent controls (FEV1 −39.6 mL·year−1, IQR −64.3–−12.7 mL·year−1; FVC −20.0 mL·year−1, IQR −55.4–18.8 mL·year−1). Of 5459 subjects with informed consent for follow-up, 692 (12.7%) died during 9.3 years (maximum) follow-up: 10.3% of controls, 18.7% of PRISm subjects and 20.8% of COPD subjects. Relative to controls, subjects with PRISm and COPD Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2–4 had increased all-cause mortality (PRISm: HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.0; COPD GOLD 2–4: HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4–2.1) and cardiovascular mortality (PRISm: HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5–5.1; COPD 2–4: HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2–3.6). Mortality within <1 year was highest in PRISm, with patients often having cardiovascular comorbidities (heart failure or coronary heart disease; 70.0%).PRISm is associated with increased mortality and this population encompasses at least three distinct subsets: one that develops COPD during follow-up, a second with high cardiovascular burden and early mortality, and a third with persistent PRISm and normal age-related lung function decline.

scholarly journals Hearing Impairment and Retirement

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (02) ◽  
pp. 164-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E. Fischer ◽  
Karen J. Cruickshanks ◽  
Alex Pinto ◽  
Barbara E.K. Klein ◽  
Ronald Klein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Time Modeling ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Many factors influence the decision to retire including age, insurance, and pension availability along with physical and mental health. Hearing impairment may be one such factor. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the 15 yr retirement rate among subjects with and without hearing impairment. Research Design: Prospective, population-based study. Study Sample: Subjects were participants in the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS), a longitudinal investigation of age-related hearing loss. Participants who were working full- or part-time in 1993–1995 were included (n = 1410, mean age = 57.8 yr). Data Collection and Analysis: Data from four EHLS phases (1993–1995, 1998–2000, 2003–2005, and 2009–2010) were analyzed in 2010–2012. Hearing impairment was defined as a pure tone threshold average (at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) greater than 25 dB HL in the worse ear. Employment status was determined at each of the four phases. Kaplan-Meier estimates of the cumulative incidence of retirement were calculated, and Cox discrete-time modeling was used to determine the effect of hearing impairment on the rate of retirement. Results: The cumulative incidence of retirement was significantly (p < 0.02) higher in those with a hearing impairment (77%) compared to those without a hearing impairment (74%). After adjustment for age, gender, self-reported health, and history of chronic disease, there was no significant difference in the rate of retirement between those with and without a hearing impairment (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.7, 1.1). Similar results were observed when hearing aid users were excluded, when hearing impairment was based on the better ear thresholds, and when analyses were restricted to those under 65 yr of age and working full-time at baseline. Participants with a hearing impairment were less likely to state that the main reason for retirement was that the time seemed right. Conclusions: Hearing impairment was found to be associated with a higher rate of retirement, but the association was not independent of the effects of age, gender, and health.

Associations of total nut and peanut intakes with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a Japanese community: the Takayama study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Michiyo Yamakawa ◽  
Keiko Wada ◽  
Sachi Koda ◽  
Takahiro Uji ◽  
Yuma Nakashima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Disease Mortality ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Specific Mortality ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Nut Intake ◽  
Reduced Risk

Abstract Numerous epidemiological studies have suggested that nut intake is associated with a reduced risk of mortality. Although diets and lifestyles differ by regions or races/ethnicities, few studies have investigated the associations among non-white, non-Western populations. We evaluated the associations of total nut and peanut intakes with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a population-based prospective cohort in Japan. Participants (age: ≥35 years at baseline in 1992; n = 31,552) were followed up until death or the end of follow-up in 2008. Those with cancer, coronary heart disease, or stroke at baseline were excluded. Dietary intake was assessed only at baseline by using a validated food frequency questionnaire. In total, 2901 men died during 183,299 person-years and 2438 women died during 227,054 person-years. The mean intakes of total nuts were 1.8 and 1.4 g/day in men and women, respectively. Although peanut intake accounted for approximately 80% of the total nut intake, total nut and peanut intakes were inversely associated with all-cause mortality in men after adjusting for all potential confounders. For example, compared with the lowest quartile category, the adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of total nut intake for all-cause mortality in men of the highest quartile category was 0.85 (0.75–0.96) (P for trend = 0.034). Peanut intake was inversely associated with digestive disease mortality in men and cardiovascular disease mortality in women. Total nut and peanut intakes, even in low amounts, were associated with a reduced risk of mortality particularly in men.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Decline on the Dichotic Digits Test

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 862-872
Author(s):  
Lauren K. Dillard ◽  
Mary E. Fischer ◽  
Alex Pinto ◽  
Barbara E. K. Klein ◽  
Adam J. Paulsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Recall ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Recall Performance ◽  
Recognition Performance ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Free Recall Task ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Right Ear Advantage ◽  
The Right

Purpose The dichotic digits test (DDT) is commonly administered in clinical and research settings, but it is not well understood how performance changes in aging. The purpose of this study is to determine the 5-year change on the free recall task and right ear advantage (REA) in a population-based cohort and factors associated with change. Method Participants in the population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study, who completed the DDT during the fourth (2009–2010) and fifth (2013–2016) examination periods were included ( n = 865, M age = 72.8 years at baseline). Free recall DDT was administered using 25 sets of triple-digit pairs presented at 70 dB HL. The REA was calculated by subtracting the score in the left ear from the score in the right ear. Results In 5 years, most participants (62.4%) declined on free recall performance (mean decline = 3.0% [4.5 digits], p < .01). In age-sex–adjusted models, higher baseline scores, hearing impairment, and lower education were significantly associated with increased risk of decline. An REA at baseline (76.8%) and follow-up (77.9%) was common. Half of participants (50.6%) had a 5-year REA widening ( M = 1.9% [1.4 digits], p = .01). Older age, but not hearing impairment, was associated with increased risk of REA widening. Conclusions The 5-year decline on free recall recognition performance was not associated with age but was associated with hearing impairment, whereas the 5-year widening of REA was associated with age but not hearing impairment. These results indicate that the REA may be a more sensitive measure of aging of the central auditory system than free recall performance.

scholarly journals Incidence, progression and risk factors of age-related macular degeneration in 35–95-year-old individuals from three jointly designed German cohort studies

2022 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e000912
Author(s):  
Caroline Brandl ◽  
Felix Günther ◽  
Martina E Zimmermann ◽  
Kathrin I Hartmann ◽  
Gregor Eberlein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Healthcare Management ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Severity Scale ◽  
Fundus Imaging ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Range

ObjectiveTo estimate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) incidence/progression across a wide age range.Methods and analysisAMD at baseline and follow-up (colour fundus imaging, Three Continent AMD Consortium Severity Scale, 3CACSS, clinical classification, CC) was assessed for 1513 individuals aged 35–95 years at baseline from three jointly designed population-based cohorts in Germany: Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA-Fit, KORA-FF4) and Altersbezogene Untersuchungen zur Gesundheit der Universität Regensburg (AugUR) with 18-year, 14-year or 3-year follow-up, respectively. Baseline assessment included lifestyle, metabolic and genetic markers. We derived cumulative estimates, rates and risk factor association for: (1) incident early AMD, (2) incident late AMD among no AMD at baseline (definition 1), (3) incident late AMD among no/early AMD at baseline (definition 2), (4) progression from early to late AMD.ResultsIncidence/progression increased by age, except progression in 70+-year old. We observed 35–55-year-old with 3CACSS-based early AMD who progressed to late AMD. Predominant risk factor for incident late AMD definition 2 was early AMD followed by genetics and smoking. When separating incident late AMD definition 1 from progression (instead of combined as incident late AMD definition 2), estimates help judge an individual’s risk based on age and (3CACSS) early AMD status: for example, for a 65-year old, 3-year late AMD risk with no or early AMD is 0.5% or 7%, 3-year early AMD risk is 3%; for an 85-year old, these numbers are 0.5%, 21%, 12%, respectively. For CC-based ‘early/intermediate’ AMD, incidence was higher, but progression was lower.ConclusionWe provide a practical guide for AMD risk for ophthalmology practice and healthcare management and document a late AMD risk for individuals aged <55 years.

scholarly journals The Bambuí health and ageing study (BHAS): methodological approach and preliminary results of a population-based cohort study of the elderly in Brazil

2000 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Fernanda F Lima e Costa ◽  
Elizabeth Uchoa ◽  
Henrique L Guerra ◽  
Josélia OA Firmo ◽  
Pedro G Vidigal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Study Population

OBJECTIVE: A cohort study has been designed to identify predictors of adverse health events in the elderly. The methodology of the study and preliminary descriptive results are presented. METHODS: The study population comprises all residents of Bambuí (Minas Gerais, Brazil), aged 60 or more years (n=1.742). From these, 92.2% were interviewed and 85.9% underwent clinical examination, consisting of haematological and biochemical tests, serology for Trypanosoma cruzi, anthropometric and blood pressure measures and electrocardiogram. Aliquots of serum, plasma and DNA were stored for future investigations. The baseline interview included sociodemographic characteristics, self-referred health condition and history of selected diseases, medication use, health service use, source of medical care, physical activities, smoking, drinking and eating habits, reproductive history, physical functioning, life events, social support and mental health. Individuals are being followed up annually. RESULTS: The following characteristics predominated among participants: women (60,0%), married (48.9%) or widowed (35.4%), people living in households with up to 2 residents (73.8%), heads of family (76.7%), people with monthly income between 1.00 and 2.99 Brazilian minimum wages (62.0%) and people with up to 4 years of schooling (89.1%). The median age was 68 years. Among the cohort members, only 1.7% were lost in the first follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the characteristics of the study population were very similar to those from other epidemiological studies of the elderly based on large Brazilian cities. The small number of losses to follow-up indicates that the choice of Bambuí was adequate, assuring the feasibility of a long term cohort study.

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