Gerontology News and Research

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Gerontology is the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging.

Fasting for two days protects healthy cells against chemotherapy

The chemotherapy worked as intended on cancer, extending the lifespan of mice injected with aggressive human tumors, reported a group led by Valter Longo of the University of Southern California.

1 Apr 2008

Families need help coping with mild cognitive impairment

The age-related memory condition known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is more disruptive of day-to-day life and relationships than once believed, gerontology researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered.

20 Feb 2008

Protein shortens life but leads to more children

The key to longevity is eating less protein - and not just fewer calories, as has previously been thought - scientists have discovered. But the catch is that while cutting protein may help you live longer, it may mean you'll have fewer children.

17 Feb 2008

Myostatin inhibitors may make injuries more likely

Block the action of a protein that normally regulates muscle mass, and watch your muscles grow.

23 Jan 2008

International congress on gait and mental function

There is a widespread misunderstanding that stance and gait are automatic processes, i.e. not controlled by the human brain. However, the fact that many patients with brain disorders are no longer able to walk and engage in simple conversation at the same time makes it abundantly clear that our consciousness and our thinking do indeed control such apparently simple actions.

17 Jan 2008

Does cholesterol have any benefits?

If you're worried about high cholesterol levels and keeping heart-healthy as you get older, don't push aside bacon and eggs just yet. A new study says they might actually provide a benefit.

10 Jan 2008

Living longer with obesity means heavier burden for hospitals

Living longer with obesity can lead to both longer hospital stays and more avoidable trips to the hospital, according to two new studies from Purdue University.

10 Dec 2007

$High-trauma fractures in older men and women linked to osteoporosis$

High-trauma fractures in older men and women linked to osteoporosis

High-Trauma Fractures in Older Men and Women Linked to Osteoporosis Researchers at the California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) Research Institute are challenging a widely held belief that fractures resulting from major trauma, such as automobile accidents, are not related to osteoporosis, the common disease that makes bones weak and prone to fracture.

29 Nov 2007

The right kind of brain exercise can enhance memory

Researchers released initial data at the 60th Annual Meeting of The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) that showed that doing the right kind of brain exercise can enhance memory and other cognitive abilities of older adults.

19 Nov 2007

Research confirms the importance of genetic factors in age-associated hearing loss

A new Brandeis University study of twins shows that genes play a significant role in the level of hearing loss that often appears in late middle age. The research, in the Journal of Gerontology Medical Sciences, examined genetic and environmental factors affecting hearing loss in the frequency range of speech recognition.

15 Nov 2007

Herb rosemary fights free radical damage in the brain

Rosemary not only tastes good in culinary dishes such as Rosemary chicken and lamb, but scientists have now found it is also good for your brain.

31 Oct 2007

Severely restricting calories leads to a longer life

New research now has shown for the first time that such a diet also can maintain physical fitness into advanced age, slowing the seemingly inevitable progression to physical disability and loss of independence.

24 Oct 2007

Severely restricting calories leads to a longer life

22 Oct 2007

Study examines effects of caregiving

A new study from the USC Davis School of Gerontology found that caregivers of different ethnicities showed few negative mental or physical health effects as a result of tending to a family member with dementia.

19 Oct 2007

Elderly Medicare, Medicaid patients not receiving quality care

If the care received by vulnerable older people concurrently enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid was evaluated on a grading scale, it would squeak by with a barely passing mark, a new UCLA study has found.

18 Oct 2007

$New treatment for fractures$

New treatment for fractures

Russian researchers have investigated methods of healing bones without extensive operations, long-term bone fixation or expensive stimulating drugs, using tests on animal subjects.

25 Sep 2007

Large study to look at injuries that afflict millions of women as a result of childbirth

A group of researchers from the University of Michigan Health System has been awarded a $6 million federal grant to study the serious injuries that afflict millions of women as a result of childbirth.

17 Aug 2007

New coalition to tackle sleep disorders in older adults

In an effort to ensure the proper care of older adults with sleep disorders, the International Longevity Center-USA (ILC-USA) has announced the formation of a national coalition to develop comprehensive guidelines on how to diagnose and manage sleep disorders in older adults.

16 Aug 2007

Older tipplers need aged based drinking guidelines

A British expert says alcohol drinking guidelines need to be introduced which are based on age, in order to protect consumers' health.

23 Jul 2007

Opportunities and challenges for Indiana's aging workforce

Though Indiana employers recognize that their workforce is getting older, few are taking concrete steps to manage the transition as the baby boom generation begins to reach retirement age, according to a new report from the University of Indianapolis' Center for Aging & Community.

10 Jul 2007