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The Journals of Gerontology. Series B,... May 2016To review the evidence on the association between age and limited health literacy, overall and by health literacy test, and to investigate the mediating role of... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To review the evidence on the association between age and limited health literacy, overall and by health literacy test, and to investigate the mediating role of cognitive function.
METHOD
The Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases were searched. Eligible studies were conducted in any country or language, included participants aged ≥50 years, presented a measure of association between age and health literacy, and were published through September 2013.
RESULTS
Seventy analyses in 60 studies were included in the systematic review; 29 of these were included in the meta-analysis. Older age was strongly associated with limited health literacy in analyses that measured health literacy as reading comprehension, reasoning, and numeracy skills (random-effects odds ratio [OR] = 4.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.13-5.64). By contrast, older age was weakly associated with limited health literacy in studies that measured health literacy as medical vocabulary (random-effects OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03-1.37). Evidence on the mediating role of cognitive function was limited.
DISCUSSION
Health literacy tests that utilize a range of fluid cognitive abilities and mirror everyday health tasks frequently observe skill limitations among older adults. Vocabulary-based health literacy skills appear more stable with age. Researchers should select measurement tests wisely when assessing health literacy of older adults.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Cognition; Comprehension; Female; Health Literacy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Statistics as Topic
PubMed: 25504637
DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbu161 -
The Gerontologist Feb 2015The purpose of this study was to analyze the range of critiques of successful aging models and the suggestions for improvement as expressed in the social gerontology... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this study was to analyze the range of critiques of successful aging models and the suggestions for improvement as expressed in the social gerontology literature.
DESIGN AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review using the following criteria: journal articles retrieved in the Abstracts in Social Gerontology, published 1987-2013, successful aging/ageing in the title or text (n = 453), a critique of successful aging models as a key component of the article. Sixty-seven articles met the criteria. Qualitative methods were used to identify key themes and inductively configure meanings across the range of critiques.
RESULTS
The critiques and remedies fell into 4 categories. The Add and Stir group suggested a multidimensional expansion of successful aging criteria and offered an array of additions. The Missing Voices group advocated for adding older adults' subjective meanings of successful aging to established objective measures. The Hard Hitting Critiques group called for more just and inclusive frameworks that embrace diversity, avoid stigma and discrimination, and intervene at structural contexts of aging. The New Frames and Names group presented alternative ideal models often grounded in Eastern philosophies.
IMPLICATIONS
The vast array of criteria that gerontologists collectively offered to expand Rowe and Kahn's original successful model is symptomatic of the problem that a normative model is by definition exclusionary. Greater reflexivity about gerontology's use of "successful aging" and other normative models is needed.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Aged; Aging; Female; Geriatrics; Health Status; Humans; Male; Models, Theoretical; Quality of Life; Social Support
PubMed: 24814830
DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnu037 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Jun 2022Ageing is accompanied by decreases in physical capacity and physiological regulatory mechanisms including altered hormonal regulation compared with age-matched sedentary...
BACKGROUND
Ageing is accompanied by decreases in physical capacity and physiological regulatory mechanisms including altered hormonal regulation compared with age-matched sedentary people. The potential benefits of exercise in restoring such altered hormone production and secretion compared to age-matched physically inactive individuals who are ageing remains unclear.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the findings of exercise training in modulating levels of ostensibly anabolic and catabolic hormones in adults aged > 40 years.
METHODS
We searched the following electronic databases (to July 2021) without a period limit: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Additionally, a manual search for published studies in Google Scholar was conducted for analysis of the 'grey literature' (information produced outside of traditional commercial or academic publishing and distribution channels). The initial search used the terms 'ageing' OR 'advanced age' OR 'old people' OR 'older' OR elderly' AND 'anabolic hormones' OR 'catabolic hormones' OR 'steroid hormones' OR 'sex hormones' OR 'testosterone' OR 'cortisol' OR 'insulin' OR 'insulin-like growth factor-1' OR 'IGF-1' OR 'sex hormone-binding globulin' OR 'SHBG' OR 'growth hormone' OR 'hGH' OR 'dehydroepiandrosterone' OR 'DHEA' OR 'dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)' AND 'exercise training' OR 'endurance training' OR 'resistance training' OR ' strength training' OR 'weight-lifting' OR 'high-intensity interval training' OR 'high-intensity interval exercise' OR 'high-intensity intermittent training' OR 'high-intensity intermittent exercise' OR 'interval aerobic training' OR 'interval aerobic exercise' OR 'intermittent aerobic training' OR 'intermittent aerobic exercise' OR 'high-intensity training' OR 'high-intensity exercise' OR 'sprint interval training' OR 'sprint interval exercise' OR 'combined exercise training' OR 'anaerobic training'. Only eligible full texts in English or French were considered for analysis.
RESULTS
Our search identified 484 records, which led to 33 studies for inclusion in the analysis. Different exercise training programs were used with nine studies using endurance training programs, ten studies examining the effects of high-intensity interval training, and 14 studies investigating the effects of resistance training. Most training programs lasted ≥ 2 weeks. Studies, regardless of the design, duration or intensity of exercise training, reported increases in testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), human growth hormone (hGH) or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (effect size: 0.19 < d < 3.37, small to very large) in both older males and females. However, there was no consensus on the effects of exercise on changes in cortisol and insulin in older adults.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, findings from this systematic review suggest that exercise training increases basal levels of testosterone, IGF-1, SHBG, hGH and DHEA in both male and females over 40 years of age. The increases in blood levels of these hormones were independent of the mode, duration and intensity of the training programs. However, the effects of long-term exercise training on cortisol and insulin levels in elderly people are less clear.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aging; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Exercise; Female; Hormones; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulins; Male; Middle Aged; Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; Testosterone
PubMed: 34936049
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01612-9 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Sep 2017Aging affects many aspects of everyday living, such as autonomy, security and quality of life. Among all, spatial memory and spatial navigation show a gradual but... (Review)
Review
Aging affects many aspects of everyday living, such as autonomy, security and quality of life. Among all, spatial memory and spatial navigation show a gradual but noticeable decline, as a result of both neurobiological changes and the general slowing down of cognitive functioning. We conducted a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies that specifically investigated the role of allocentric and egocentric frames in healthy aging. Concerning spatial navigation, our results showed a preservation of egocentric strategies, along with specific impairments in the use of allocentric and switching abilities. Regarding spatial memory, instead, outcomes were more divergent and not frame-specific. With this perspective, spatial impairments were discussed considering the cognitive profile of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
Topics: Aging; Animals; Cognition Disorders; Humans; Space Perception
PubMed: 28760627
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.07.012 -
Systematic Reviews May 2023Hyponatremia is frequent in older age; whether it is a key player, a surrogate marker, or an innocent bystander in age-related diseases is still unclear.
BACKGROUND
Hyponatremia is frequent in older age; whether it is a key player, a surrogate marker, or an innocent bystander in age-related diseases is still unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To understand the role of hyponatremia in falls, osteoporosis, fractures, and cognitive impairment in old patients.
METHOD
Eligibility criteria for study inclusions were: written in English, peer-reviewed observational and intervention studies, clinical trial, prospective and retrospective controlled cohort studies, and case-controlled studies without limitations regarding the date of publication.
INFORMATION SOURCES
Protocol available on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42021218389). MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched. Final search done on August 8, 2021. Risk-of-bias assessment: Risk-of-Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS) and the Bradford Hill's criteria for causality.
RESULTS
Includes studies: One-hundred thirty-five articles retained for the revision. Synthesis of results - Falls: Eleven studies were included. Strong association between hyponatremia and falls in all the studies was found. Osteoporosis and fractures: nineteen articles were included. The association between hyponatremia and osteoporosis is unclear. Cognitive impairment: Five articles were included. No association between hyponatremia and cognitive impairment was found.
DISCUSSION
Interpretation: Falls, osteoporosis, and fractures are multifactorial. Hyponatremia is not temporally related with the outcomes; we suggest that hyponatremia may be regarded as a marker of unhealthy aging and a confounder instead of a causal factor or an innocent bystander for falls and fractures. Concerning cognitive impairment, there are no evidence supporting a real role of hyponatremia to be regarded as an innocent bystander in neurodegeneration.
Topics: Humans; Aging; Fractures, Bone; Hyponatremia; Osteoporosis; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37173774
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02246-w -
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular... 2018Mitochondria are metabolically active organelles that produce significant reactive oxygen species, linked with aging and degenerative diseases. In recent years,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Mitochondria are metabolically active organelles that produce significant reactive oxygen species, linked with aging and degenerative diseases. In recent years, particular focus has been put on mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, to decrease the concentration of reactive oxygen species and help alleviate the accumulation of oxidative damage and associated aging. MitoQ is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant of which is reported to support healthy aging. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effects of MitoQ on oxidative outcomes related to the aging process. A predeveloped search strategy was run against MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), and CINAHL databases, which identified 10,255 articles of interest, with 27 of these finalised for use after screening. Three outcomes had sufficient data to meta-analyse nitrotyrosine concentration (190 animals, SMD -0.67, 95% CI (-1.30, -0.05), = 0.04), membrane potential (63 animals, MD 11.44, 95% CI (1.28-21.60), = 0.03), and protein carbonyl concentration (182 animals, SMD -0.13, 95% CI (-0.44, 0.18), = 0.41). MitoQ intervention produced a statistically significant reduction in nitrotyrosine concentration and increased membrane potential. MitoQ may be of some benefit in alleviating oxidative stress related to aging.
Topics: Aging; Biomarkers; Humans; Mitochondria; Organophosphorus Compounds; Ubiquinone
PubMed: 30116495
DOI: 10.1155/2018/8575263 -
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology 2017The natural aging process may result in morphological changes in the vestibular system and in the afferent neural pathway, including loss of hair cells, decreased... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The natural aging process may result in morphological changes in the vestibular system and in the afferent neural pathway, including loss of hair cells, decreased numbers of vestibular nerve cells, and loss of neurons in the vestibular nucleus. Thus, with advancing age, there should be a decrease in amplitudes and an increase in latencies of the vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, especially the prolongation of p13 latency. Moreover, many investigations have found no significant differences in latencies with advancing age.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if there are significant differences in the latencies of cervical and ocular evoked myogenic potentials between elderly and adult patients.
METHODS
This is a systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies, comparing the differences of these parameters between elderly and young adults, without language or date restrictions, in the following databases: Pubmed, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, Web of Science, SciELO and LILACS, in addition to the gray literature databases: OpenGrey.eu and DissOnline, as well as Research Gate.
RESULTS
The n1 oVEMP latencies had a mean delay in the elderly of 2.32ms with 95% CI of 0.55-4.10ms. The overall effect test showed p=0.01, disclosing that such difference was significant. The heterogeneity found was I=96% (p<0.001). Evaluation of p1 latency was not possible due to the low number of articles selected for this condition. cVEMP analysis was performed in 13 articles. For the p13 component, the mean latency delay in the elderly was 1.34ms with 95% CI of 0.56-2.11ms. The overall effect test showed a p<0.001, with heterogeneity value I=92% (p<0.001). For the n23 component, the mean latency delay for the elderly was 2.82ms with 95% CI of 0.33-5.30ms. The overall effect test showed p=0.03. The heterogeneity found was I=99% (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
The latency of oVEMP n1 wave component and latencies of cVEMP p13 and n23 wave components are longer in the elderly aged >60 years than in young adults.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Humans; Reaction Time; Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials
PubMed: 28237301
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2016.12.006 -
The Journals of Gerontology. Series B,... Apr 2020Substantial research is dedicated to understanding the aging-related dynamics among individual differences in level, change, and variation across physical and cognitive...
BACKGROUND
Substantial research is dedicated to understanding the aging-related dynamics among individual differences in level, change, and variation across physical and cognitive abilities. Evaluating replicability and synthesizing findings has been limited by differences in measurements, samples, study design, and statistical analyses that confound between-person differences with within-person changes. Here, we systematically reviewed longitudinal results on the aging-related dynamics linking pulmonary function and cognitive performance.
METHODS
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used to systematically review longitudinal studies of pulmonary function and cognition.
RESULTS
Only four studies thoroughly investigating cognitive and pulmonary longitudinal associations (three or more measurement occasions) were identified. Expanded review criteria identified three studies reporting two measurement occasions, and seven studies reporting one measurement of pulmonary function or cognition and two or more measurements of the other. We identified numerous methodological quality and risk for bias issues across studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite documented correlational associations between pulmonary function and cognition, these results show there is very limited research thoroughly investigating their longitudinal associations. This highlights the need for longitudinal data, rigorous methodological design including key covariates, and clear communication of methods and analyses to facilitate replication across an array of samples. We recommend systematic study of outcome measures and covariates, inclusion of multiple measures (e.g., peak expiratory flow, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and forced vital capacity), as well as application of the same analytic approach across multiple datasets.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Cognitive Aging; Humans; Lung; Middle Aged
PubMed: 30380129
DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby128 -
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging 2023We performed a current study to examine the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) score and older age-related muscle conditions, including sarcopenia, low... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
We performed a current study to examine the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) score and older age-related muscle conditions, including sarcopenia, low muscle mass, low muscle strength, frailty, and/or disability.
DESIGN
Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.
SETTING
A systematic literature search was performed using Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and ISI Web of Science without limitation until October 04, 2022. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled by applying a random-effects model, while validated methods examined assess quality and publication bias via Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, Egger's regression asymmetry, and Begg's rank correlation tests respectively. A dose-response meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the RRs per 1-unit increment in DII scores.
PARTICIPANTS
Adults (≥18 years).
MEASURES
The risk of older age-related muscle conditions (sarcopenia, low muscle mass, low muscle strength, frailty, and/or disability).
RESULTS
Data were available from 19 studies with 68079 participants. Results revealed that a higher DII score was significantly related to an increased risk of sarcopenia (RR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.26, 1.79; I2=53.3%; p<0.001; n=10; sample size =43097), low muscle strength (RR=1.47; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.74; I2=6.6%; p<0.001; n=4; sample size =9339), frailty (RR=1.61; 95% CI: 1.41, 1.84; I2=0.0%; p<0.001; study=5; participant=3882) and disability (RR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.72; I2=58.4%; p=0.001; n=5; sample size =13760), but not low muscle mass (RR=1.24; 95% CI: 0.98, 1.56; I2=49.3%; p=0.069; n=4; sample size =11222). Additionally, results of the linear dose-response indicated that an increase of one point in the DII score was related to a 14% higher risk of sarcopenia, 6% higher risk of low muscle mass, 7% higher risk of low muscle strength, and a 7% higher risk of disability in adults. Non-linear dose-response relationships also revealed a positive linear association between the DII score and the risk of sarcopenia (Pnonlinearity = 0.097, Pdose-response<0.001), frailty (Pnonlinearity = 0.844, Pdose-response=0.010) and disability (Pnonlinearity = 0.596, Pdose-response=0.007).
CONCLUSION
Adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet was significantly associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia and other age-associated adverse effects such as low muscle strength, disability, and frailty. These results indicate a necessity to prioritize the reduction of pro-inflammatory diets to help promote overall older age-related muscle conditions.
Topics: Humans; Aging; Diet; Frailty; Muscle Strength; Sarcopenia; Adult
PubMed: 37248762
DOI: 10.1007/s12603-023-1919-8 -
BMC Geriatrics Aug 2022Healthy aging relies on mitochondrial functioning because this organelle provides energy and diminishes oxidative stress. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in...
INTRODUCTION
Healthy aging relies on mitochondrial functioning because this organelle provides energy and diminishes oxidative stress. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TOMM40, a critical gene that produces the outer membrane protein TOM40 of mitochondria, have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegenerative processes. Yet it is not clear whether or how the mitochondria may impact human longevity. We conducted this review to ascertain which SNPs have been associated with markers of healthy aging.
METHODS
Using the PRISMA methodology, we conducted a systematic review on PubMed and Embase databases to identify associations between TOMM40 SNPs and measures of longevity and healthy aging.
RESULTS
Twenty-four articles were selected. The TOMM40 SNPs rs2075650 and rs10524523 were the two most commonly identified and studied SNPs associated with longevity. The outcomes associated with the TOMM40 SNPs were changes in BMI, brain integrity, cognitive functions, altered inflammatory network, vulnerability to vascular risk factors, and longevity.
DISCUSSIONS
Our systematic review identified multiple TOMM40 SNPs potentially associated with healthy aging. Additional research can help to understand mechanisms in aging, including resilience, prevention of disease, and adaptation to the environment.
Topics: Aging; Healthy Aging; Humans; Longevity; Membrane Transport Proteins; Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
PubMed: 35964003
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03337-4