Age-related changes in temporal processing of vestibular stimuli

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (0) ◽  
pp. 153
Author(s):  
Alex K. Malone ◽  
Nai-Yuan N. Chang ◽  
Timothy E. Hullar
Keyword(s):  
Auditory Stimulus ◽  
Rotational Velocity ◽  
Temporal Integration ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Point Of Subjective Simultaneity ◽  
Temporal Binding Window ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Vestibular Perception ◽  
Subjective Simultaneity ◽  
Older Subjects

Falls are one of the leading causes of disability in the elderly. Previous research has shown that falls may be related to changes in the temporal integration of multisensory stimuli. This study compared the temporal integration and processing of a vestibular and auditory stimulus in younger and older subjects. The vestibular stimulus consisted of a continuous sinusoidal rotational velocity delivered using a rotational chair and the auditory stimulus consisted of 5 ms of white noise presented dichotically through headphones (both at 0.5 Hz). Simultaneity was defined as perceiving the chair being at its furthest rightward or leftward trajectory at the same moment as the auditory stimulus was perceived in the contralateral ear. The temporal offset of the auditory stimulus was adjusted using a method of constant stimuli so that the auditory stimulus either led or lagged true simultaneity. 15 younger (ages 21–27) and 12 older (ages 63–89) healthy subjects were tested using a two alternative forced choice task to determine at what times they perceived the two stimuli as simultaneous. Younger subjects had a mean temporal binding window of 334 ± 37 ms (mean ± SEM) and a mean point of subjective simultaneity of 83 ± 15 ms. Older subjects had a mean TBW of 556 ± 36 ms and a mean point of subjective simultaneity of 158 ± 27. Both differences were significant indicating that older subjects have a wider temporal range over which they integrate vestibular and auditory stimuli than younger subjects. These findings were consistent upon retesting and were not due to differences in vestibular perception thresholds.

scholarly journals Postprandial One-Carbon Metabolite Responses Are Dependent on Meal Composition and Age: A Comparison Between Older and Younger Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1789-1789
Author(s):  
Hannah Corke ◽  
Nicola Gillies ◽  
Pankaja Sharma ◽  
Ruth Teh ◽  
Karl Fraser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
High Performance ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cottage Cheese ◽  
Investment Fund ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Vitamin Deficiencies ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Older Subjects

Abstract Objectives Vitamin deficiencies are prevalent in the elderly. Common diseases of aging are characterized by alterations of one-carbon (1C) metabolites, namely homocysteine. Despite the importance of diet-derived nutrients and interconversion to active coenzymes for regulation of 1C metabolism, little is known about age-related alterations in 1C metabolism in response to meals. This study aimed to identify whether postprandial 1C metabolite regulation is impaired in older adults, and determine the influence of meal type. We hypothesized that older adults would have altered 1C metabolite responses, and that these would differ between energy dense and nutrient dense meals. Methods In a double-blinded randomized crossover design, healthy younger (n = 15) and older (n = 15) adults consumed mixed-meal breakfasts on separate occasions: an energy-dense (ED) meal (sausage and egg sandwich) and a nutrient-dense (ND) meal (oats, toast, cottage cheese and fruit). Plasma collected at fasting and hourly for 5 h was analysed for 12 1C metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Results Postprandial concentrations of five 1C metabolites differed between older and younger subjects, dependent on meal type. Unlike younger subjects, older subjects had similar meal responses for betaine, choline, taurine, and glycine concentrations (meal × age interactions P < 0.05 each, respectively; older ED vs. ND meal P > 0.05 each, respectively). Younger subjects had higher homocysteine concentrations than older after the ED meal (meal × age interaction P < 0.05; older vs. younger P < 0.05), but lower choline, glycine, and taurine concentrations than after the ND meal (P < 0.05 each, respectively). Conclusions Postprandial 1C metabolite responses are unaffected by meal type in older subjects, responding more similarly to divergent meals than in younger subjects. Although the implications to biological pathways and health outcomes relying on 1C metabolites are not clear, modification of these responses through acute dietary change may be less effective in the elderly. Funding Sources This research was funded by the Liggins Institute Trust, AgResearch Science Strategic Investment Fund Nutritional Strategies for an Aging Population, the Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust and a Faculty Research and Development Fund from the University of Auckland.

Decreased nitric oxide- and axon reflex-mediated cutaneous vasodilation with age during local heating

2002 ◽  
Vol 93 (5) ◽  
pp. 1644-1649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher T. Minson ◽  
Lacy A. Holowatz ◽  
Brett J. Wong ◽  
W. Larry Kenney ◽  
Brad W. Wilkins
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Local Heating ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Axon Reflex ◽  
Doppler Flowmetry ◽  
Cutaneous Vasodilation ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Older Subjects ◽  
Initial Peak ◽  
Age Related Changes

Cutaneous vasodilation is reduced in healthy older vs. young subjects; however, the mechanisms that underlie these age-related changes are unclear. Our goal in the present study was to determine the role of nitric oxide (NO) and the axon reflexes in the skin blood flow (SkBF) response to local heating with advanced age. We placed two microdialysis fibers in the forearm skin of 10 young (Y; 22 ± 2 yr) and 10 older (O; 77 ± 5 yr) men and women. SkBF over each site was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF; Moor DRT4). Both sites were heated to 42°C for ∼60 min while 10 mM N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) was infused throughout the protocol to inhibit NO synthase (NOS) in one site and 10 mM l-NAME was infused after 40 min of local heating in the second site. Data were expressed as a percentage of maximal vasodilation (%CVCmax; 28 mM nitroprusside infusion). Local heating beforel-NAME infusion resulted in a significantly reduced initial peak (Y: 61 ± 2%CVCmax vs. O: 46 ± 4%CVCmax) and plateau (Y: 93 ± 2%CVCmaxvs. O: 82 ± 5%CVCmax) CVC values in older subjects ( P < 0.05). When NOS was inhibited after 40 min of heating, CVC declined to the same value in the young and older groups. Thus the overall contribution of NO to the plateau phase of the SkBF response to local heating was less in the older subjects. The initial peak response was significantly lower in the older subjects in both microdialysis sites (Y: 52 ± 4%CVCmax vs. O: 38 ± 5%CVCmax; P < 0.05). These data suggest that age-related changes in both axon reflex-mediated and NO-mediated vasodilation contribute to attenuated cutaneous vasodilator responses in the elderly.

scholarly journals Glycosaminoglycans in the Human Cornea: Age-Related Changes

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. OED.S17204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Pacella ◽  
Fernanda Pacella ◽  
Giulio De Paolis ◽  
Francesca Romana Parisella ◽  
Paolo Turchetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hyaluronic Acid ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Human Cornea ◽  
Molecular Analyses ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Older Subjects ◽  
Male Subjects ◽  
Age Related Changes

Aim To investigate possible age-related changes in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the human cornea. The substances today called GAGs were previously referred to as mucopolysaccharides. Methods Samples of human cornea were taken from 12 younger (age 21 ± 1.2) and 12 older (age 72 ± 1.6) male subjects. Samples were weighed, homogenized, and used for biochemical and molecular analyses. All the quantitative results were statistically analyzed. Results The human cornea appears to undergo age-related changes, as evidenced by our biochemical and molecular results. The total GAG and hyaluronic acid counts were significantly higher in the younger subjects than in the older subjects. The sulfated heavy GAGs, such as chondroitin, dermatan, keratan, and heparan sulfate, were lower in the younger subjects than in the older subjects. Discussion GAGs of the human cornea undergo numerous age-related changes. Their quantity is significantly altered in the elderly in comparison with younger subjects. GAGs play an important role in age-related diseases of the human cornea.

Age-Related Differences in Processing Dynamic Information to Identify Vowel Quality

1992 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 892-902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Allen Fox ◽  
Lida G. Wall ◽  
Jeanne Gokcen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Vowel Quality ◽  
Perceptual Cues ◽  
Dynamic Information ◽  
Process Dynamic ◽  
Center Condition ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Control Version ◽  
Older Subjects ◽  
Whole Word

This study examined age-related differences in the use of dynamic acoustic information (in the form of formant transitions) to identify vowel quality in CVCs. Two versions of 61 naturally produced, commonly occurring, monosyllabic English words were created: a control version (the unmodified whole word) and a silent-center version (in which approximately 62% of the medial vowel was replaced by silence). A group of normal-hearing young adults (19–25 years old) and older adults (61–75 years old) identified these tokens. The older subjects were found to be significantly worse than the younger subjects at identifying the medial vowel and the initial and final consonants in the silent-center condition. These results support the hypothesis of an age-related decrement in the ability to process dynamic perceptual cues in the perception of vowel quality.

The Biological Clock and Sleep in the Elderly

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Juda ◽  
Mirjam Münch ◽  
Anna Wirz-Justice ◽  
Martha Merrow ◽  
Till Roenneberg
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Biological Clock ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Theoretical Considerations ◽  
Sleep Difficulties ◽  
Circadian Biology

Abstract: Among many other changes, older age is characterized by advanced sleep-wake cycles, changes in the amplitude of various circadian rhythms, as well as reduced entrainment to zeitgebers. These features reveal themselves through early morning awakenings, sleep difficulties at night, and a re-emergence of daytime napping. This review summarizes the observations concerning the biological clock and sleep in the elderly and discusses the documented and theoretical considerations behind these age-related behavioral changes, especially with respect to circadian biology.

Effects of a Group Program to Increase Cognitive Performance Through Cognitively Stimulating Leisure Activities in Healthy Older Subjects

GeroPsych ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina A. Tesky ◽  
Christian Thiel ◽  
Winfried Banzer ◽  
Johannes Pantel
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Group Program ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Older Subjects

To investigate the effects of leisure activities on cognitive performance of healthy older subjects, an innovative intervention program was developed. Frequent participation in cognitively stimulating activities (i.e., reading, playing chess, or playing music) is associated with reduced risk of dementia. AKTIVA (active cognitive stimulation – prevention in the elderly) is an intervention program designed to enhance cognitive stimulation in everyday life by increasing cognitive stimulating leisure activities. The present study determines the effects of AKTIVA on cognitive function, mood and attitude toward aging in a sample of older participants from the general population. Several measurement instruments were used including the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog), the Trail-Making Test (TMT), and the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q). Initially, the sample consisted of 307 older persons (170 female, 72 ± 7 years). The intervention was evaluated with a randomized, controlled pre-post follow-up design. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: AKTIVA intervention (n = 126), AKTIVA intervention plus nutrition and exercise counseling (n = 84), no-intervention control group (n = 97). The AKTIVA intervention consisted of 8 weekly sessions and two booster sessions after a break of 4 months. Participation in the group program resulted in positive effects on cognitive function and attitude toward aging for subassembly groups. Older persons (≥ 75 years) showed enhanced speed of information processing (by TMT Version A) (F = 4.17*, p < .05); younger participants (< 75 years) showed an improvement in subjective memory decline (by MAC-Q) (F = 2.55*, p < .05). Additionally, AKTIVA enhanced the frequency of activities for leisure activities for subassembly groups. The results of this study suggest that the AKTIVA program can be used to increase cognitively stimulating leisure activities in the elderly. Further research is necessary to identify the long-term effects of this intervention particularly with respect to the prevention of dementia.

What Can We Learn from Sarcopenia with Curarisation in the Context of Cancer Surgery? A Review of the Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (28) ◽  
pp. 3005-3010
Author(s):  
Georges Samouri ◽  
Alexandre Stouffs ◽  
Lionel V. Essen ◽  
Olivier Simonet ◽  
Marc De Kock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Frail Elderly ◽  
Muscle Fibers ◽  
Motor Units ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Hepatic Function ◽  
Volume Of Distribution ◽  
Neuromuscular Blocking ◽  
Cancer Surgery ◽  
Old People ◽  
Age Related

Introduction: The monitoring of the curarisation is a unique opportunity to investigate the function of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) during cancer surgery, especially in frailty-induced and age-related sarcopenia. Method: We conducted a comprehensive literature review in PubMed, without any limit of time related to frailty, sarcopenia, age and response to neuromuscular blockers in the context of cancer surgery. Results: Several modifications appear with age: changes in cardiac output, a decrease in muscle mass and increase in body fat, the deterioration in renal and hepatic function, the plasma clearance and the volume of distribution in elderly are smaller. These changes can be exacerbated in cancer patients. We also find modifications of the NMJ: dysfunctional mitochondria, modifications in the innervation of muscle fibers and motor units, uncoupling of the excitation-contraction of muscle fibers, inflammation. : Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) compete with acetylcholine and prevent it from fixing itself on its receptor. Many publications reported guidelines for using NMBAs in the elderly, based on studies comparing old people with young people. : No one screened frailty before, and thus, no studies compared frail elderly and non-frail elderly undergoing cancer surgery. Conclusion: Despite many studies about curarisation in the specific populations, and many arguments for a potential interest for investigation, no studies investigated specifically the response to NMBAs in regard of the frailty-induced and age-related sarcopenia.

scholarly journals A Narrative Review on Sarcopenia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
Anna Izzo ◽  
Elena Massimino ◽  
Gabriele Riccardi ◽  
Giuseppe Della Pepa
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Macrovascular Complications ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Age Related

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a major health burden for the elderly population, affecting approximately 25% of people over the age of 65 years. This percentage is expected to increase dramatically in the next decades in relation to the increased longevity of the population observed in recent years. Beyond microvascular and macrovascular complications, sarcopenia has been described as a new diabetes complication in the elderly population. Increasing attention has been paid by researchers and clinicians to this age-related condition—characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass together with the loss of muscle power and function—in individuals with T2DM; this is due to the heavy impact that sarcopenia may have on physical and psychosocial health of diabetic patients, thus affecting their quality of life. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an update on: (1) the risk of sarcopenia in individuals with T2DM, and (2) its association with relevant features of patients with T2DM such as age, gender, body mass index, disease duration, glycemic control, presence of microvascular or macrovascular complications, nutritional status, and glucose-lowering drugs. From a clinical point of view, it is necessary to improve the ability of physicians and dietitians to recognize early sarcopenia and its risk factors in patients with T2DM in order to make appropriate therapeutic approaches able to prevent and treat this condition.

scholarly journals Corticobasal Degeneration Misdiagnosed As Musculoskeletal Disease: A Challenging Diagnosis of Higher-Level Gait Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (04) ◽  
pp. 640-642
Author(s):  
Halil Onder
Keyword(s):  
Corticobasal Degeneration ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Gait Disorders ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Gait Abnormality ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems ◽  
Neurological Exam ◽  
Long Time ◽  
High Level

AbstractGait disorders are common in the elderly as there are various causes of neurological and non-neurological conditions. On the other hand, most of the gait parameters do change with advancing age which is identified as age-related physiological changes in gait. At this point, the discrimination between age-related physiological changes and gait disorders may be strictly challenging. After identifying gait as an abnormal pattern, classification of it and making the responsible pathophysiology also require high-level expertise in this regard. Herein, we present a rare patient with corticobasal degeneration (CBD) who had admitted initially due to complaints of gait problems. Over a long time, the patient had received the misdiagnosis of gait abnormality due to musculoskeletal problems by multiple physicians. However, the detailed neurological exam showed a higher level gait disorder (HLGD). Further investigations at this point yielded the diagnosis of CBD.

scholarly journals Impact of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: burden of patients receiving therapies in Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigeru Honda ◽  
Yasuo Yanagi ◽  
Hideki Koizumi ◽  
Yirong Chen ◽  
Satoru Tanaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Resource Utilisation ◽  
Total Work ◽  
Healthcare Resource Utilisation ◽  
Age Related

AbstractThe chronic eye disorder, neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), is a common cause of permanent vision impairment and blindness among the elderly in developed countries, including Japan. This study aimed to investigate the disease burden of nAMD patients under treatment, using data from the Japan National Health and Wellness surveys 2009–2014. Out of 147,272 respondents, 100 nAMD patients reported currently receiving treatment. Controls without nAMD were selected by 1:4 propensity score matching. Healthcare Resource Utilisation (HRU), Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), and work productivity loss were compared between the groups. Regarding HRU, nAMD patients had significantly increased number of visits to any healthcare provider (HCP) (13.8 vs. 8.2), ophthalmologist (5.6 vs. 0.8), and other HCP (9.5 vs. 7.1) compared to controls after adjusting for confounding factors. Additionally, nAMD patients had reduced HRQoL and work productivity, i.e., reduced physical component summary (PCS) score (46.3 vs. 47.9), increased absenteeism (18.14% vs. 0.24%), presenteeism (23.89% vs. 12.44%), and total work productivity impairment (33.57% vs. 16.24%). The increased number of ophthalmologist visits were associated with decreased PCS score, increased presenteeism and total work productivity impairment. The current study highlighted substantial burden for nAMD patients, requiring further attention for future healthcare planning and treatment development.

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