Aging News and Research

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Two new findings in the field of primary prevention for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

The first is that both high and low blood pressure increase the chances of developing dementia. The second is that an active and socially integrated lifestyle protects against dementia.

27 Aug 2004

First study of the emotional turmoil caregivers experience during the transition of their loved one from home to care facilities

A new study shows that caregivers of dementia patients who must make the difficult decision to place their relatives into institutionalized care get no relief from depression and anxiety, and in fact suffer additional emotional trauma following their decision.

26 Aug 2004

Eggs are a high in lutein, a carotenoid important for eye and skin health

The study published in the August 2004 issue of the Journal of Nutrition compared the bioavailability of lutein from various sources, in order to determine how it can impact dietary recommendations. Highly bioavailable forms of nutrients are those that the body can most easily absorb and utilize.

26 Aug 2004

High blood pressure increased 30 percent over the last decade in the U.S.

The study found that at least 65 million Americans have hypertension, defined as blood pressure of 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher, using blood-pressure lowering medications, or having been told at least twice by a physician or other health professional that they had high blood pressure (medical history). By that definition, almost a third of U.S. adults have hypertension.

25 Aug 2004

Regular exercise boosts immune system in older men

As it turns out, judging by the reaction strength of their immune system to an unknown, but harmless, protein antigen, it’s possible for men over 70 to mount an immune response similar to that produced by much younger men -- if they get regular moderate physical activity of about six hours a week.

25 Aug 2004

Blueberries may lower cholesterol

New research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that blueberries may lower cholesterol as effectively as a commercial drug and have the potential for fewer adverse side effects.

23 Aug 2004

Striking increase in high blood pressure in the U.S.

A new analysis of the prevalence of high blood pressure in the US shows a striking increase over the last 10 years in the number of adults with this condition.

23 Aug 2004

Future for telemedicine is a very bright one

The European telemedicine markets are at a critical growth phase where vendors need to capitalise on growing opportunities and gain the early-mover advantage over competitors.

23 Aug 2004

Sea snail offers natural healing powers for a range of illnesses from chronic pain to diseases of the brain

A beautiful, but often deadly, snail from the sea has been revealed as a largely untapped source of natural healing powers for a range of illnesses from chronic pain to diseases of the brain.

20 Aug 2004

Scientists have developed the first mouse model Werner’s syndrome

Scientists have developed the first mouse model of a rare disease in which people age rapidly and start developing cancers and other diseases associated with the elderly when they are only about 30 years old.

20 Aug 2004

Ageism the new sexism in the workplace

Discriminatory behaviour towards older workers could replace sexual discrimination as one of the most critical workplace issues of the current generation, according research conducted by CQU Professional Doctorate candidate Brad Jorgensen.

20 Aug 2004

Independent analysis of the Medicare-approved drug discount cards has found that average seniors will save

A newly released independent analysis of the Medicare-approved drug discount cards has found that average seniors participating in the new program will save over $1,200, on average, for their prescription drug purchases ¨C before the full Medicare drug benefit goes into effect in 2006.

20 Aug 2004

Authors redefine aging as any change in an organism over time

Voyager Pharmaceutical have announced the publication of a paper co-authored by its chief scientist, Richard Bowen, M.D., and Craig Atwood, Ph.D., research director of the University of Wisconsin Memory Research Program and the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute.

18 Aug 2004

Computed tomography may improve screening of latent atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the progressive narrowing and hardening of the arteries over time, known to occur to some degree with aging; but other risk factors (such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history for atherosclerotic disease) that accelerate this process have been identified.

18 Aug 2004

Cell biologists may have discovered a new effective therapy for psoriasis

About two million Germans suffer from psoriasis (from the Greek psora meaning ‘itching, scratching’). In this incurable disease the regeneration of the epidermis is speeded up enormously: whereas it normally renews itself in just under four weeks, this period is cut to four to seven days in psoriasis patients.

16 Aug 2004

Stroke research lags far behind funding for other major causes of death in Europe

Despite being the second leading cause of death worldwide, funding for stroke research lags far behind funding for other major causes of death in Europe, according to a study in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

13 Aug 2004

New direction for research into Sly Syndrome

Findings by a Saint Louis University research team led by the scientist who discovered Sly Syndrome 32 years ago point to a new direction for research into the rare genetic disorder that can cause bone deformities, vision and hearing loss, mental retardation and death in children.

9 Aug 2004

Why the skeleton starts to fail us as we age

Why the skeleton starts to fail us as we age and what drugs of the future will do to build and maintain our bones, will be discussed at a free public lecture at the University of Melbourne tomorrow (August 10).

9 Aug 2004

Pilot program made first-year medical students more sensitive to older people

Creating art with older "teammates" made first-year medical students more sensitive to older people, according to results of the Vital Visionaries Collaboration (VV), a pilot program developed by the National Institute on Aging in conjunction with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, MD.

5 Aug 2004

Emergency nursing shortage is worsening because of changing patient demographics and the aging of the emergency nurses population

As emergency departments across the country face increasing pressure from a nursing shortage and overcrowding, the nation’s emergency nurses will gather in San Diego Sept. 29 – Oct. 2, to seek opportunities to improve patient care, discuss ways to alleviate the difficult issues facing the profession, and learn about latest practices and innovations.

5 Aug 2004