Current aging science最新文献

{"title":"Persistent Cognitive Vulnerability After COVID-19 in Older Adults: Longitudinal Clinical Trajectories and Multi-Cohort Transcriptomic Evidence.","authors":"Maximiliano Correa Lara, Erika Martinez Hernandez","doi":"10.2174/0118746098486923261008032626","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118746098486923261008032626","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Older adults frequently experience persistent cognitive impairment after COVID-19, yet the mechanisms underlying impaired recovery and resilience remain poorly understood. Integrating longitudinal clinical trajectories with molecular signatures may clarify why cognitive function fails to recover in this population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a longitudinal study of adults aged ≥60 years hospitalized with COVID- 19, integrating comprehensive geriatric assessments across premorbid, morbid, and postmorbid states with transcriptomic analyses from three independent public cohorts (GSE152641, GSE196822, and GSE157103). Clinical resilience was classified as complete, partial, or absent across geriatric domains. Differential expression analyses, cross-cohort gene integration, and transcriptomic score analyses were performed to identify biological pathways associated with COVID-19 in older adults.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty-nine older adults contributed 147 longitudinal observations. Cognitive performance (MoCA) declined significantly during acute COVID-19 compared with the premorbid state (p < 0.001) and remained persistently impaired during follow-up, with no improvement from the morbid state (p = 0.549), indicating absence of cognitive resilience. Depressive symptoms and mobility showed similar patterns of persistent impairment, whereas functional status and nutritional measures demonstrated partial recovery. Age was the only independent predictor of poorer outcomes across multiple geriatric domains (all p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analyses identified 66 genes consistently upregulated across all cohorts, including CDC6, RRM2, CDCA2, DTL, MCM10, and CLSPN. The most reproducible molecular finding was activation of interferon-responsive pathways. The Interferon Response Score was significantly elevated in the pooled meta-analysis (Hedges' g = 1.00, 95% CI 0.14-1.87, p = 0.022), whereas Neuroinflammation and Synaptic Function scores were not significantly altered.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Persistent cognitive impairment after COVID-19 was accompanied by a reproducible interferon-associated transcriptional signature across independent cohorts of older adults. The absence of recovery in cognition, together with sustained activation of interferon-responsive pathways, suggests that aging-related immune dysregulation may contribute to impaired resilience following COVID-19. In contrast, broader neuroinflammatory and synaptic transcriptional signatures showed limited reproducibility, highlighting interferon signaling as the most consistent biological correlate of post-COVID vulnerability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>COVID-19 in older adults induces a state of persistent vulnerability characterized by incomplete cognitive recovery and sustained activation of interferon-associated transcriptional programs. The dominant influence of age and the absence of both clinical and molecular resilie","PeriodicalId":11008,"journal":{"name":"Current aging science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149220023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neuroprotective Effects of Celastrus paniculatus Seed Oil in Rotenoneinduced Parkinson's Disease in Wistar Rats.","authors":"Bhagya Venkanna Rao, R Sushma, V Ramya, G Santhosh","doi":"10.2174/0118746098520196260928174332","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118746098520196260928174332","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and cognitive impairments associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Celastrus paniculatus (CP), Jyothshmati, possesses antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. This study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of CP in a rotenone-induced rat model of PD and explored its mechanisms using network pharmacology.</p><p><strong>Materials and methodology: </strong>PD-like neurotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats (180-200g) by subcutaneous administration of rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) on alternate days for 28 days. CP was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg throughout the study period. Behavioural assessments evaluating locomotor activity, exploratory behaviour, motor coordination, muscle strength, balance, anhedonia, and recognition memory were performed between days 15 and 28. On day 29, hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and striatal dopamine levels were estimated using ELISA. Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were assessed in the hippocampus and striatum. Network pharmacology analysis was also conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Rotenone administration produced significant motor and cognitive deficits, increased lipid peroxidation, reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, and decreased hippocampal BDNF and striatal dopamine levels. CP treatment significantly improved behavioural performance, restored antioxidant defences, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced neurochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Network pharmacology analysis demonstrated that Celastrus paniculatus modulates multiple targets and signalling pathways related to oxidative stress, neuroprotection, and dopaminergic neurotransmission.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The neuroprotective effects of CP may be attributed to its antioxidant, neurotrophic, and dopaminergic regulatory actions. Restoration of antioxidant status and dopamine levels contributed to improvements in motor and cognitive functions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Celastrus paniculatus exhibited significant neuroprotective activity against rotenone- induced Parkinsonian alterations, suggesting its potential as a complementary prophylactic neuroprotective strategy for Parkinson's disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":11008,"journal":{"name":"Current aging science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149163603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular Regulation of Bone Remodeling in Osteoporosis and Current Therapeutic Approaches.","authors":"Misba Khan, Umme Aiman, Salman Akhtar, Mohammad Kalim Ahmad Khan","doi":"10.2174/0118746098493862260912100952","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118746098493862260912100952","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Osteoporosis arises from an imbalance in bone remodeling in which osteoclast resorption surpasses osteoblast activity. This process is regulated by the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand/receptor activator of NF-κB/osteoprotegerin system and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which are influenced by hormones, cytokines, and lifestyle factors. This condition adversely affects the quality of life by causing pain, restricted mobility, and increased mortality. Bone mineral density testing, including a fracture risk assessment tool, is part of the diagnostic process, along with laboratory tests to exclude secondary causes. Management strategies include lifestyle modifications, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and pharmacological interventions, such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, and parathyroid hormone analogs. Moreover, nanoengineered biomaterials and scaffolds have emerged as promising approaches for hastening bone regeneration, specifically in osteoporotic fractures, by enhancing osteointegration, angiogenesis, and the meticulous release of osteoinductive chemicals. Promising treatments, such as sclerostin inhibitors, nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, and natural antioxidants, control bone metabolism by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby providing novel opportunities for disease management. This review provides a comprehensive and integrated perspective on the molecular regulation of bone remodeling by linking the RANK/RANKL/OPG axis, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, hormonal regulation, oxidative stress, and osteoimmune interactions with both established and emerging therapeutic strategies. Unlike previous reviews that primarily focus on individual mechanisms or treatments, it highlights recent advances in targeted molecular therapies, nanotechnology-based drug delivery, artificial intelligence-assisted fracture prediction, and regenerative approaches, offering a translational framework to support precision medicine and future clinical management of osteoporosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":11008,"journal":{"name":"Current aging science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149036940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Geriatric Care Among Medical and Nursing Students in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Syed Samiullah, Hayian Omran, Ibrahim Makhlouf, Amber Ahmad, Mohamed Anas Patni","doi":"10.2174/0118746098478829260904233747","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118746098478829260904233747","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The worldwide increase in the number of older adults presents a growing demand for geriatric health care professionals. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), little is known about their knowledge of and attitudes toward caring for older adults. This study assessed baseline knowledge and attitudes toward older adults among medical and nursing students in the UAE and explored factors associated with both.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University from October 2023 to March 2024. A validated, anonymous, selfadministered questionnaire comprising demographic items, the Palmore Facts on Aging Quiz (scored to reduce guessing bias and establish a weighted baseline), and the UCLA Geriatric Attitude Scale was distributed to medical and nursing students via online and physical platforms. Data were analyzed using SPSS v29, applying descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Chi-square, t-tests) with a significance threshold of p ≤ 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 265 enrolled subjects (mean age 21.2 ± 1.5 years; 52% male, 48% female), 49% reported being in the College of Medicine and 51% in the College of Nursing. Knowledge was higher among nursing students than among medical students (37.3 ± 3.1 versus 36.6 ± 3.2, p = 0.042). Preclinical students scored lower than clinical-year students in knowledge (36.4 ± 3.1 vs 37.5 ± 3.1; p = 0.007). Female students and medical students held more positive attitudes compared to male students (3.21 ± 0.51 vs. 2.98 ± 0.46; p < 0.001) and nursing students (3.19 ± 0.47 vs. 3.01 ± 0.51; p = 0.003). Knowledge and attitude scores were weakly but significantly inversely correlated (r = -0.37; p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Students showed moderate knowledge and mixed attitudes toward caring for older adults. Clinical experience and a nursing curriculum were associated with higher factual understanding, but these were not associated with more positive attitudes. The inverse correlation between knowledge and attitudes suggests that factual learning alone is not directly linked to greater empathy. Cultural and institutional factors may also play a role. Interprofessional training that combines hands-on care with empathy-building activities may help address this gap.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Medical and nursing students in the UAE demonstrate moderate geriatric knowledge and mixed attitudes, with a weak inverse correlation between them. These findings highlight the need for further evaluation of geriatric education and student preparedness in the UAE, particularly through multicenter and longitudinal studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":11008,"journal":{"name":"Current aging science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149036793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Brain Dynamics During Delirium: An Exploratory Study.","authors":"Alice Greenwood, Johan van der Meer, Sarah Ward, Michael Breakspear, Eamonn Eeles","doi":"10.2174/0118746098390958251126070313","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118746098390958251126070313","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Disrupted Brain dynamics are implicated in delirium. We aimed to better understand the characteristics of functional brain activity as a model for delirium.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Measurement of functional brain connectivity at rest and during task-based activities in acutely delirious patients in a convenience sample of patients with delirium versus controls. Dynamic jumps between discrete brain states were modelled using the hidden Markov modelling (HMM), an analytical framework that posits the existence of distinct states. Fractional occupancy (FO); the percentage (%) of time any state was active, lifetime; the average time in a given state and switchrate; number of switches per minute, were calculated during rest and task.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eleven patients were recruited, six had delirium. In the delirious group, 3 were female and the average age was 81 years. In the non-delirious group, 3 were female and the average age was 82 years. Fractional occupancy was no different between delirious and controls across the 10 canonical states (range p=0.09-0.89). Lifetime state dwell time was no different between delirium and controls (range of p=0.11-0.96). The switchrate between all states was no different between delirious cases and controls at rest (6.76 vs. 6.71; p=0.1) and during task (7.26 vs. 7.92; p=0.71). Delirium severity and switchrate correlation was r=-0.29; p=0.39.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A functional MRI paradigm including incorporation of novel task state has shown proof of principle in delirium. Whilst there has been previously shown to be hierarchical dissolution during delirium, there was no difference in functional brain activity shown in this study. The study was approved by the Metro North Reviewing Ethics Committee [Ref No: HREC/17/QRBW/622].</p>","PeriodicalId":11008,"journal":{"name":"Current aging science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148905403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting Aβ25-35-Induced Neuronal Senescence-Like Features Using Curcumin-Loaded Solid Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems.","authors":"Khwankaew Lonlab, Andaman Nitjapol, Sarinthorn Thummayot, Waree Tiyaboonchai, Pichaya Jumnongprakhon","doi":"10.2174/0118746098440081260430205824","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118746098440081260430205824","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Curcumin is widely recognized for its anti-neurodegenerative properties. However, its clinical utility is hindered by poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. To address these limitations, Curcumin-loaded Solid Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (C-SSEDDS) have been formulated to improve pharmacokinetics and neuronal targeting. Despite these advancements, the molecular mechanisms underlying curcumin in Alzheimer's Disease (AD)-related neuronal senescence remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study provides novel molecular insights into the therapeutic potential of C-SSEDDS for targeting neuronal senescence- like features in the AD context.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An in vitro model of neuronal senescence-like features was established by exposing SK-N-SH cells to 0.075 μM Aβ25-35 for 24 hours, resulting in a 20-30% decline in cell viability. Subsequently, cells were post-treated with C-SSEDDS at optimized non-toxic concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 μg/mL curcumin equivalent) and 10 μg/mL commercial curcumin for 24, 48, and 72 hours in Aβ25-35-free media. The study comprehensively assessed cell viability, morphological alterations, and key biomarkers associated with neuronal senescence-like features, including senescence- associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) positive cells, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels, NLRP3, Sirt-1, and synaptophysin expression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>C-SSEDDS post-treatment significantly improved cell viability, reduced apoptotic cells, and decreased SA-β-gal positive cells in Aβ25-35-induced senescence-like SK-N-SH cells compared to the untreated Aβ25-35 group. It also effectively decreased intracellular ROS level and NLRP3 expression, and markedly upregulated Sirt-1 and synaptophysin expression. Notably, CSSEDDS demonstrated therapeutic efficacy superior to commercial curcumin and comparable to N-acetylcysteine (NAC).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>In SK-N-SH cells exhibiting senescence-like features, the C-SSEDDS formulation effectively counteracts Aβ25-35-induced damage. It mitigates key drivers of cellular stress, including oxidative stress, inflammation-related markers, and apoptosis, while also enhancing Sirt-1 activity and promoting synaptic plasticity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>C-SSEDDS demonstrates significant potential as a promising therapeutic strategy against Aβ25-35 -induced neuronal stress and senescence-like changes in AD.</p>","PeriodicalId":11008,"journal":{"name":"Current aging science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148561068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Review on the Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration and the Potential of Plant Bioactives in Managing Neurological Conditions.","authors":"Pooja Singh, Snigdha Bhardwaj, Kandasamy Nagarajan","doi":"10.2174/0118746098388719251206111338","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118746098388719251206111338","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neurodegenerative disorders encompass a wide range of debilitating neurological conditions characterized by the progressive loss of specific neuronal populations in the central and/or peripheral nervous systems. This disease often leads to a gradual decline in cognitive, motor, and sensory abilities. This review explores the role of various lifestyle factors, such as age, sex, poor diet, depression, etc., which contribute to the onset and progression of NDDs. Various diseases are included in the neurodegenerative disorder, like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, and Lewy body disease, which are chronic conditions that significantly impact cognitive and motor functions. A literature search was conducted in the scientific database using the keywords \"neurodegenerative disorders, phytoconstituents, and herbals\". This review includes a collection of reports from ScienceDirect, Scholar Google, and PubMed, all searched up to 2024. The results were assessed, gathered, and reported in this paper. A total of 241 articles were included, with exponential growth in publication numbers from 1985 to 2024. Effective management and control of NDDs require addressing these risk factors, alongside exploring therapeutic interventions. Some plants and herbs used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, such as curcumin, ashwagandha, ginkgo biloba, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, quercetin, ginseng, and resveratrol, have shown potential to improve neuronal health and mitigate disease progression. This review highlights the dual role of natural compounds in promoting improvements and upregulating brain function while potentially reducing degradation. The phytopharmaceuticals show the potential for treating neurological conditions with better efficacy and safer profiles. The review suggested that future research should focus on integrating lifestyle modifications and natural therapies to enhance the quality of life for individuals at risk or suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":11008,"journal":{"name":"Current aging science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148396407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Real-World Cognitive Stabilization via CDSS-Guided Multidomain Interventions in MCI and Older Adults with Cognitive Concerns.","authors":"Mark C Zelek, John Q Walker Ii, Ida Crocker-Sabbagh","doi":"10.2174/0118746098476197260627055743","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118746098476197260627055743","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Randomized multidomain trials have established that cognitive decline requires coordinated action across modifiable contributors, but routine care lacks delivery infrastructure. We evaluated real-world cognitive trajectories in older adults receiving uMETHOD Health clinical decision support system (CDSS)-guided care plans and assessed whether this multidomain approach could be operationalized in routine care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective, nonrandomized implementation-and-outcomes study analyzed the complete eligible paired cohort: individuals with CDSS-guided care plans and two valid sameinstrument cognitive assessments ≥6 months apart. No additional selection was made by outcome, adherence, or trajectory. The CDSS integrates EHR-derived diagnoses, medications, biomarkers, vital signs, genomics, and lifestyle factors through expert clinical rules with constrained AI support to generate individualized clinician-, patient-, and caregiver-facing plans.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Favorable cognitive trajectories were observed in 294 of 345 matched assessment pairs (85.2%) over a mean follow-up of 14.1 months. Assessments used seven validated instruments; mean age was 74.6 years, and baseline medication use was 11.7 medications/patient. Favorable trajectories included 83.5% stable, improved, or minor decline without diagnostic progression and 1.7% slower-than-expected decline on benchmarked instruments (MoCA, MMSE, or SAGE).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The CDSS served as an implementation layer, translating multidomain evidence into prioritized, patient-specific next-best actions within ordinary clinical workflows. This positions multidomain cognitive management as a scalable, routine-care activity rather than a researchonly protocol.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Multidomain cognitive management was made executable in routine practice, with favorable trajectories observed in 85.2% of paired assessments. The practical implication is immediate: evidence-based cognitive management can be operationalized now at the point of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":11008,"journal":{"name":"Current aging science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148374948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cervical Cancer Screening in Elderly Women: Impact of Aging on Cytology and the Role of HPV Testing.","authors":"Gunvanti Rathod, Sai Swetha, B Nalini","doi":"10.2174/0118746098435866260603051645","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118746098435866260603051645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Screening for cervical cancer using the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear has reduced morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer. However, anatomical and hormonal changes with age make diagnosis more complex in elderly women. This narrative review used a structured literature search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect from 2010 to 2024. It included studies related to the impact of age on cervical cytology and HPV prevalence, the importance of cervical sampling adequacy, the diagnostic difficulties encountered in postmenopausal women, and the use of adjunctive cervical screening methods such as liquid-based cytology (LBC), high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) DNA testing, and topical estrogen therapy. Clinical practice guidelines from various organizations, including ACS, USPSTF, and WHO, were also reviewed. Studies have shown that menopause-related estrogen deficiency causes atrophy, reduced cellularity, and transformation zone (TZ) recession, resulting in a high number of unsatisfactory smears and false-positive interpretations that may mask HSIL. Although HPV prevalence decreases with age, persistent and re-emerging high-risk HPV types among older women are strongly associated with CIN2+. Both HR-HPV testing and LBC have demonstrated higher sensitivity for detecting cervical lesions in postmenopausal women compared with conventional cytology. Evidence also indicates that short-term topical estrogen therapy facilitates transformation zone visualization and improves sample adequacy. Gaps in screening persist among women aged 65 and older. To optimize cervical cancer prevention in this aging demographic, it is important to develop individualized cervical screening strategies that take into consideration hormone status, high-risk HPV persistence, and improved diagnostic techniques to strengthen the protection of elderly women who remain at risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":11008,"journal":{"name":"Current aging science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148263799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global Perspectives on Aging and Healthcare: The Impact of Aging on Workforce Productivity and Economic Growth and the Role of the Healthcare System in Developed Countries.","authors":"Francisco Epelde","doi":"10.2174/0118746098414133251111071908","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118746098414133251111071908","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>As populations in developed countries continue to age, the shrinking workforce and rising dependency ratios pose a threat to productivity and economic stability. This study aims to analyze the relationship between aging, workforce participation, and economic growth, with a special emphasis on how healthcare systems and workforce-specific strategies, such as ergonomic adaptation, lifelong retraining, workplace healthcare delivery, and addressing societal misconceptions about aging, can mitigate premature workforce exit.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review was conducted using international reports, policy analyses, and empirical studies from OECD countries. Comparative approaches were applied to examine workforce-oriented interventions and healthcare models, with a special focus on the sections \"Policy Responses to Aging\" and \"Workforce Sustainability and Prevention\", as well as \"Healthy Aging Strategies\".</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings indicate that robust healthcare systems enhance the functional capacity of older adults; however, this alone is insufficient to sustain productivity. Policies that integrate ergonomic adjustments into job design, opportunities for lifelong learning and retraining, workplace-based healthcare programs, and interventions targeting negative perceptions of aging significantly enhance workforce retention. Evidence from Germany, Japan, and Scandinavian countries suggests that combining healthcare investment with proactive workforce management can reduce premature retirement and maintain higher levels of labor participation.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings highlight the critical interdependence between healthcare systems and labor market dynamics in aging societies. While a strong healthcare infrastructure supports the functional capacity of older adults, sustainable productivity requires the integration of ergonomic redesign, continuous learning, and workplace adaptability. Comparative evidence from OECD countries demonstrates that combining medical and policy measures yields superior outcomes. However, the diversity of healthcare financing models and cultural contexts limits the ability to make full generalizations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Sustainable economic growth in the face of demographic transitions requires aligning healthcare policy with workforce-specific strategies. Ergonomic redesign, lifelong learning, workplace healthcare delivery, and cultural change regarding aging are as critical as medical care in enabling older adults to remain active contributors to society. Together, these integrated approaches offer a roadmap for developed nations to balance demographic pressures with economic resilience.</p>","PeriodicalId":11008,"journal":{"name":"Current aging science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148137005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}