scholarly journals Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis Disruptions in Older Men Are Differentially Linked to Age and Modifiable Risk Factors: The European Male Aging Study

2008 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 2737-2745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick C. W. Wu ◽  
Abdelouahid Tajar ◽  
Stephen R. Pye ◽  
Alan J. Silman ◽  
Joseph D. Finn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Modifiable Risk Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pituitary Dysfunction ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Aging Men

Abstract Context: The cause of declining testosterone (T) in aging men and their relationships with risk factors are unclear. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationships between lifestyle and health with reproductive hormones in aging men. Design: This was a baseline cross-sectional survey on 3200 community-dwelling men aged 40–79 yr from a prospective cohort study in eight European countries. Results: Four predictors were associated with distinct modes of altered function: 1) age: lower free T (FT; −3.12 pmol/liter·yr, P < 0.001) with raised LH, suggesting impaired testicular function; 2) obesity: lower total T (TT; −2.32 nmol/liter) and FT (−17.60 pmol/liter) for body mass index (BMI; ≥ 25 to < 30 kg/m2) and lower TT (−5.09 nmol/liter) and FT (−53.72 pmol/liter) for BMI 30 kg/m2 or greater (P < 0.001–0.01, referent: BMI < 25 kg/m2) with unchanged/decreased LH, indicating hypothalamus/pituitary dysfunction; 3) comorbidity: lower TT (−0.80 nmol/liter, P < 0.01) with unchanged LH in younger men but higher LH in older men; and 4) smoking: higher SHBG (5.96 nmol/liter, P < 0.001) and LH (0.77 U/liter, P < 0.01) with increased TT (1.31 nmol/liter, P < 0.001) but not FT, compatible with a resetting of T-LH-negative feedback due to elevated SHBG. Conclusions: Complex multiple alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis function exist in aging men against a background of progressive age-related testicular impairment. These changes are differentially linked to specific risk factors. Some risk factors operate independently of but others interact with age, in contributing to the T decline. These potentially modifiable risk factors suggest possible preventative measures to maintain T during aging in men.

scholarly journals Factors associated with physical, psychological and social frailty among community-dwelling older persons in Europe: a cross-sectional study of Urban Health Centres Europe (UHCE)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizhen Ye ◽  
Liset E. M. Elstgeest ◽  
Xuxi Zhang ◽  
Tamara Alhambra-Borrás ◽  
Siok Swan Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Urban Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Household Composition ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Related Condition ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Background Frailty is an age-related condition resulting in a state of increased vulnerability regarding functioning across multiple systems. It is a multidimensional concept referring to physical, psychological and social domains. The purpose of this study is to identify factors (demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and health indicators) associated with overall frailty and physical, psychological and social frailty in community-dwelling older people from five European countries. Methods This cross-sectional study used baseline data from 2289 participants of the Urban Health Center European project in five European countries. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations of the factors with overall frailty and the three frailty domains. Results The mean age was 79.7 (SD = 5.7). Participants who were older, were female, had secondary or equivalent education, lived alone, not at risk of alcohol use, were less physically active, had multi-morbidity, were malnourished or with a higher level of medication risk, had higher odds of overall frailty (all P < 0.05). Age was not associated with psychological and social frailty; sex was not associated with social frailty; smoking and migration background was not associated with overall frailty or any of its domains. There existed an interaction effect between sex and household composition regarding social frailty (P < 0.0003). Conclusions The present study contributed new insights into the risk factors for frailty and its three domains (physical, psychological and social frailty). Nurses, physicians, public health professionals and policymakers should be aware of the risk factors of each type of frailty. Furthermore, examine these risk factors more comprehensively and consider overall frailty as well as its three domains in order to further contribute to decision-making more precisely on the prevention and management of frailty. Trial registration The intervention of the UHCE project was registered in the ISRCTN registry as ISRCTN52788952. The date of registration is 13/03/2017.

scholarly journals Elevated LH predicts ischaemic heart disease events in older men: the Health in Men Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 164 (4) ◽  
pp. 569-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë Hyde ◽  
Paul E Norman ◽  
Leon Flicker ◽  
Graeme J Hankey ◽  
Kieran A McCaul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Ischaemic Heart Disease ◽  
Free Testosterone ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mass Action ◽  
Age Related

ContextHypogonadism in men is associated with insulin resistance, elevations in pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrinogen, and an atherogenic lipid profile. However, it is uncertain whether the age-related decline in testosterone is associated with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) events.ObjectiveTo determine whether testosterone and its associated hormones, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and LH, predict IHD events in older men.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsBetween 2001 and 2004, 3637 community-dwelling men aged 70–88 years underwent a clinical assessment of cardiovascular risk factors and biochemical assessment of testosterone, SHBG and LH. Free testosterone was calculated using mass action equations. Participants were followed until December 2008 using electronic record linkage to capture IHD events (hospital admission or death).ResultsMean follow-up was 5.1 years. During this period, 618 men (17.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 15.8, 18.3%) experienced an event, of which 160 were fatal. Men with higher baseline total or free testosterone levels experienced fewer IHD events (hazard ratio (HR)=0.89; 95% CI 0.82, 0.97 and HR=0.86; 95% CI 0.79, 0.94 for each one s.d. increase in total and free testosterone respectively). These associations were maintained after adjustment for age and waist:hip ratio but did not persist after adjustment for prevalent IHD or other cardiovascular risk factors. SHBG was not associated with IHD events. In contrast, higher LH levels were associated with reduced event-free survival in both univariate (HR=1.15; 95% CI 1.08, 1.22) and adjusted analyses (HR=1.08; 95% CI 1.01, 1.15).ConclusionsDysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis may be a risk factor for IHD. Further studies of men with either elevated LH or low testosterone are warranted.

Falls Risks and Prevention Behaviors Among Community-Dwelling Homebound and Non-Homebound Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1085-1106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carri Casteel ◽  
Jennifer Jones ◽  
Paula Gildner ◽  
James M. Bowling ◽  
Susan J. Blalock
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Homebound Older Adults ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

The objectives were to examine falls risk factors to determine how the magnitude of risk may differ between homebound and non-homebound older adults, and to describe falls prevention behaviors and participation in falls prevention education. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with convenience samples of community-dwelling older adults recruited through Meals on Wheels programs (homebound, n = 80) and senior centers (non-homebound, n = 84) in North Carolina. Data were collected during home visits and included an interview and medication inventory. Multivariate negative binomial regression with robust variance estimation modeled risk factors for falls. Risk factors for falls observed in both the homebound and non-homebound populations are consistent with what is known in the literature. However, the magnitude of the risk was higher in the homebound than in the non-homebound population with respect to vision impairments, number of high-risk and over-the-counter medications, and use of walking aids .Few participants reported participating in a falls prevention program.

scholarly journals Differential impact of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity on physical performance in aging men

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franca Genest ◽  
Michael Schneider ◽  
Andreas Zehnder ◽  
Dominik Lieberoth-Leden ◽  
Lothar Seefried
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Index ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Aging Men ◽  
Prevalence Of Osteoporosis

Purpose: Aging and concurrent constitutional changes as sarcopenia, osteoporosis and obesity are associated with progressive functional decline. Coincidence and mutual interference of this risk factors require further evaluation. Methods: Cross-sectional evaluation of musculoskeletal health in a community-dwelling cohort of men aged 65-90 years. Objectives included descriptive analysis of age-related decline in physical performance, prevalence of osteoporosis (FRAX-Score), sarcopenia (EWGSOP criteria) and obesity (BMI>30kg/m²) and their coincidence/interference. Results: Based on 507 participants assessed, aging was associated with progressive functional deterioration, regarding power (Chair Rise Test -1.54% per year), performance (Usual Gait Speed -1.38 % per year) and muscle force (Grip Strength -1.52 % per year) while muscle mass declined only marginally (Skeletal Muscle Index -0.29% per year). Prevalence of osteoporosis was 41.8% (n=212) while only 22.9% (n=116) of the participants met the criteria for sarcopenia and 23.7% (n=120) were obese. Osteosarcopenia was found in n=79 (15.6%), sarcopenic obesity was present in 14 men (2.8%). A combination of all three conditions could be confirmed in n=8 (1.6%). There was an inverse correlation of BMI with physical performance whereas osteoporosis and sarcopenia did not interfere with functional outcomes. Conclusion: Based on current definitions there is considerable overlap in the prevalence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, while obesity appears to be a distinct problem. Functional decline appears to be associated with obesity rather than osteoporosis or sarcopenia. It remains to be determined to what extend obesity itself causes performance deficits or if obesity is merely an indicator of insufficient activity eventually predisposing to functional decline.

scholarly journals Risk factors for depressed mood amongst a community dwelling older age population in England: cross-sectional survey data from the PRO-AGE study

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane P Biddulph ◽  
Steve Iliffe ◽  
Kalpa Kharicha ◽  
Danielle Harari ◽  
Cameron Swift ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Depressed Mood ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Maternal Oral Health: An Examination Survey Conducted in Three Referral Hospitals in Bhutan

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-32
Author(s):  
Sonam Ngedup ◽  
Mary Alice Lee ◽  
Dorji Phurpa ◽  
Neyzang Wangmo
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Permanent Teeth ◽  
Modifiable Risk Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Referral Hospitals

Background: Good oral health is important for women during pregnancy and throughout their lives. Mothers with good oral health are less likely to transmit cariogenic bacteria to their infants and toddlers. Thus, maternal oral health is directly related to family health. Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases and modifiable risk factors among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in three referral hospitals in Bhutan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of pregnant women was conducted in April-May 2017. We used a non-probability sampling method to recruit pregnant women (n=443). Oral examinations were done according to methods recommended by the WHO. Participants completed a questionnaire for modifiable risk factors. Results: Overall, caries prevalence was 40% among pregnant women, ranging from 54% in those under 25 to 81% in women 35 and older. The mean decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) was 1.93 (SD=2.66). Nearly 72% of women had calculus on their teeth. Just over 2% had periodontitis. Most women rated their oral health as good to excellent (89%) versus poor (11%). Just 11% reported having had dental care during pregnancy. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for professional dental care during pregnancy, especially among older and multiparous women. Increasing awareness on the importance of oral health during pregnancy will improve maternal health and the health of their young children.

scholarly journals The Hamstrings: Anatomic and Physiologic Variations and Their Potential Relationships With Injury Risk

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Afonso ◽  
Sílvia Rocha-Rodrigues ◽  
Filipe M. Clemente ◽  
Michele Aquino ◽  
Pantelis T. Nikolaidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Modifiable Risk Factors ◽  
Fiber Types ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Individual

The incidence and recurrence of hamstrings injuries are very high in sports, posing elevated performance and financial-related costs. Attempts to identify the risk factors involved in predicting vulnerability to hamstrings injury is important for designing exercise-based programs that aim to mitigate the rate and severity of hamstrings injuries and improve rehabilitation strategies. However, research has shown that non-modifiable risk factors may play a greater role than modifiable risk factors. Recognizing non-modifiable risk factors and understanding their implications will afford the prescription of better suited exercise programs, i.e., that are more respectful of the individual characteristics. In a nutshell, non-modifiable risk factors can still be acted upon, even if indirectly. In this context, an underexplored topic is how intra and inter- individual anatomic and physiologic variations in hamstrings (e.g., muscle bellies, fiber types, tendon length, aponeurosis width, attachment sites, sex- and age-related differences) concur to alter hamstrings injuries risk. Some anatomic and physiologic variations may be modifiable through exercise interventions (e.g., cross-sectional area), while others may not (e.g., supernumerary muscle bellies). This apparent dichotomy may hide a greater complexity, i.e., there may be risk factors that are partially modifiable. Therefore, we explored the available information on the anatomic variations of the hamstrings, providing a deeper insight into the individual risk factors for hamstrings injuries and contributing with better knowledge and potential applications toward a more individualized exercise prescription.

Prevalence of low protein intake in 80+-year-old community-dwelling adults and association with dietary patterns and modifiable risk factors: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Sussi F. Buhl ◽  
Anne M. Beck ◽  
Britt Christensen ◽  
Gry Kock ◽  
Eleanor Boyle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Modifiable Risk Factors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mouth Dryness ◽  
Low Protein

Abstract Low protein intake may accelerate age-related loss of lean mass and physical function. We investigated the prevalence of low protein intake (<1·0 g/kg/day) and the associations between dietary patterns, modifiable risk factors and low protein intake in self-reliant community-dwelling adults ≥ 80 years. This cross-sectional study consisted of two home visits. Data collection consisted of physical measurements (e.g. physical function, physical activity) and self-report of nutritional intake (4-d food records), appetite, eating symptoms and medical conditions. Binary analyses were performed to compare participants with low and normal protein intake. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate associations between low protein intake, dietary patterns and modifiable risk factors adjusted for age, sex, BMI categories and diseases. One hundred twenty-six were included in the study. Prevalence of low protein intake was 54 %. A greater day-to-day variation in protein intake was associated with low protein intake (adjusted OR 2·5; 95 % CI 1·14, 5·48). Participants with low protein intake had a higher prevalence of nausea, diarrhoea and mouth dryness. Reduced appetite, mouth dryness and pain increased odds of low protein intake (adjusted OR 3·06, 95 % CI 1·23, 7·63; OR 3·41, 95 % CI 1·51, 7·7; OR 1·54, 95 % CI 1·00, 2·36, respectively). There was a high prevalence of low protein intake in community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 80 years. Day-to-day variability, appetite, mouth dryness and pain may be potentially modifiable risk factors. Targeting dietary patterns and risk factors in primary prevention strategies may potentially improve intake of protein and minimise risk of physical frailty.

scholarly journals THE STUDY OF WOMEN’S HEALTH ACROSS THE NATION (SWAN): FROM MIDLIFE ONWARD

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S354-S355
Author(s):  
Nancy E Avis ◽  
Nancy E Avis ◽  
Sybil Crawford ◽  
Alicia Colvin ◽  
Carol A Derby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Women’S Health ◽  
Women's Health ◽  
White Women ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Japanese Cohort ◽  
Age Related

Abstract The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) is a multisite, multiracial/ethnic longitudinal study of women initially aged 42-52 (N=3302) designed to characterize the physiological and psychosocial changes that occur during the menopause transition and to assess their relations to subsequent health and age-related diseases. Each of seven clinical sites recruited non-Hispanic white women and women belonging to a predetermined racial/ethnic minority (African American, Hispanic, Chinese, or Japanese). Cohort eligibility was determined from a cross-sectional survey of 16,065 women in 1996-97 aged 40-55 who were aged 42-52, had an intact uterus and at least one ovary, and not using hormone therapy. Cohort participants have been assessed in-person approximately annually through follow-up visit 15 in 2017 using a standardized protocol of detailed questions about medical, reproductive and menstrual history; lifestyle and psychosocial factors; physical and psychological symptoms; and anthropometric measurements, reproductive hormones, bone and body composition, and cardiovascular health.

scholarly journals Sex differences and Modifiable Dementia Risk Factors Synergistically Influence Memory over the Adult Lifespan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annalise Aleta LaPlume ◽  
Larissa Mcketton ◽  
Brian Levine ◽  
Nicole Anderson ◽  
Angela K. Troyer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Associative Memory ◽  
Additional Risk Factor ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Memory Decline ◽  
Adult Lifespan ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Aging Men

INTRODUCTION: More women than men develop Alzheimer’s disease, yet women show less age-related episodic memory decline, a contradiction that may be accounted for by modifiable risk factors for dementia. METHODS: Associations between sex, modifiable dementia risk factors, and cognition were measured in a cross-sectional online sample (n = 21,840, ages 18-89). RESULTS: Across four tests of associative memory and executive functions, only a Face-Name Association task revealed sex differences in age-related decline. Men had worse associative memory than women (the equivalent of four years of aging). Each additional risk factor had the equivalent of three and a half years of aging. Men had greater age-related decline in associative memory than women among those with no to one risk factors, but multiple risk factors eliminated the female advantage. DISCUSSION: Because the relationship between dementia risk factors and age-related memory decline differs for men and women, sex-specific dementia prevention approaches are warranted.

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