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Editor's E-Note
New research from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health and the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center reveals that increasing physical activity between the ages of 45 to 65 may significantly reduce Alzheimer's risk. The study shows that even modest exercise boosts brain health and lowers harmful amyloid buildup. With 13% of global Alzheimer’s cases linked to inactivity, now’s the time to promote movement as a key prevention strategy. To find out more, read this month’s exclusive.
In addition to reading our e-newsletter, be sure to visit Today’s Geriatric Medicine’s website at www.TodaysGeriatricMedicine.com, where you’ll find news and information that’s relevant and reliable. We welcome your feedback at TGMeditor@gvpub.com. Follow Today’s Geriatric Medicine on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, too.
— Chris Baldwin, editor |
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Physical Activity in Middle Age May Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease
An increase in physical activity between the ages of 45 and 65 could help prevent Alzheimer's disease, while inactivity may be detrimental to brain health. This is the main conclusion of a scientific paper published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, which highlights the need to promote physical activity among middle-aged adults. The study is the result of a collaboration between the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a center promoted by the "la Caixa" Foundation, and the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), a research center of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation.
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It is estimated that 13% of Alzheimer's disease cases worldwide can be attributed to physical inactivity. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity per week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity per week. While extensive research has shown that exercise reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease by improving cardiovascular and mental health, recent studies suggest that physical activity may have a direct impact on the development of brain pathology associated with the disease.
The study, led by Eider Arenaza-Urquijo, researcher at ISGlobal, included 337 participants from the ALFA+ longitudinal cohort, part of the ALFA study (ALzheimer's and FAmilies) at the BBRC, supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation. "We conducted a four-year follow-up of middle-aged residents of Catalonia with a family history of Alzheimer's disease," explains Müge Akıncı, a doctoral researcher at ISGlobal and the BBRC at the time of the study and first author of the paper. "We used physical activity questionnaires to assess changes in activity over a four-year period and neuroimaging tests to analyze the effects of exercise on brain structure and function," she adds. Participants were classified as adherent (meeting WHO recommendations), nonadherent (doing less than the recommended amount of physical activity), and sedentary (doing zero minutes of physical activity per week).
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Parkinson’s Disease Prevention May ‘Begin at the Dinner Table’
A new study links high consumption of ultraprocessed foods, like soda, chips, and packaged snacks, to a 2.5 times higher likelihood of early Parkinson’s symptoms, reports CNN. Analyzing 43,000 people over 26 years, researchers found that those eating around 11 servings daily were more prone to early signs, such as sleep issues and depression. Furthermore, more healthful diets may help reduce neurodegenerative risks.
Shingles Vaccine Cuts Heart Disease Risk by Nearly 25%
A large study found the shingles vaccine may reduce heart disease risk, reports McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. Among over 1.2 million adults aged 50+, individuals who were vaccinated had up to 26% fewer major cardiovascular events like stroke or heart attack. Benefits were strongest in men, younger adults, and those with unhealthy habits. Protection lasted up to eight years, suggesting broader health benefits beyond shingles prevention.
Exercise Helps Improve How Our Brains Age
New research from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the Queensland Brain Institute, and published in The Lancet, shows that even small amounts of high-intensity exercise can significantly benefit brain health. Just brief, intense activity—like brisk walking—can reduce dementia risk by up to 40%. The study highlights exercise’s role in slowing brain aging, boosting blood flow, and reducing inflammation. Researchers urge updated guidelines to emphasize “a little is enough.”
Immune System Discovery Reveals Potential Solution to Alzheimer’s
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered that the immune molecule STING may drive Alzheimer’s-related brain damage by overreacting to DNA damage, triggering inflammation and neuron loss. The researchers found that blocking STING in mice reduced plaques and cognitive decline. This suggests that STING is a promising treatment target for Alzheimer’s and related diseases, potentially paving the way for therapies to slow or prevent neurodegeneration. |
Keeping Care Predictable
The CarePredict Enterprise app is a smart health platform designed for senior living communities. It uses wearable technology and AI to monitor residents’ daily activities, behaviors, and health patterns. The app provides caregivers and staff with actionable insights to detect early signs of health issues, improve care coordination, and enhance operational efficiency. Learn more »
Breathe Easier
Ai Mediq SA has launched Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Therapy (IHHT), a noninvasive breathing treatment that boosts cardiovascular and cognitive health by cycling between low and high oxygen levels. IHHT trains the body, improving metabolism, reducing inflammation, and enhancing resilience. Devices like ReOxy help personalize sessions using real-time data, optimizing outcomes through oxygen-sensing mechanisms. Learn more » |
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