Gerontology最新文献

{"title":"The potential role of mitochondria in age-related health benefits conferred by moderate hypoxia.","authors":"Johannes Burtscher, Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak, Katharina Hüfner, Hannelore Ehrenreich, Martin Kopp","doi":"10.1159/000546478","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000546478","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background Mitochondrial integrity and efficiency deteriorate with age and are linked to cellular senescence. Mitochondria are highly responsive to reduced oxygen availability (hypoxia), which for example occurs when exposed to altitude. We hypothesize that mitochondria are involved in the observed health benefits at moderate altitude. Because the experimental evidence on mitochondrial changes at moderate altitude is limited, we also evaluate dose-response associations of oxygen transport and mitochondrial functions derived from measurements at normoxia and severe hypoxia. Summary We summarize the effects of environmental oxygen availability and changes in cellular oxygen demand/supply on mitochondrial functions and assess, how this may influence aging. Hypotheses are presented how mild hypoxia at moderate altitude (1000 - 2500 m) could improve mitochondrial function and possibly explain the reported lower levels of mortality from several age-related diseases. Key messages It is unknown, whether continuous or intermittent types of hypoxia exposure are more effective in improving mitochondrial functions and promoting healthy aging. The combination of tissue-specific oxygen demand (for example during physical exercise) with mild reductions of ambient oxygen availability may enable the reported health benefits associated with moderate altitude residence.</p>","PeriodicalId":12662,"journal":{"name":"Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychological effects of mountainous environments over the life span and potential implications for healthy ageing: A narrative review.","authors":"Benedikt Hösl, Martin Niedermeier, Johannes Burtscher, Martin Kopp","doi":"10.1159/000546367","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000546367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthy ageing is defined as a process of preserving functional capacity to enable well-being in old age. This concept includes both a physical and a psychological component, which can be positively influenced by spending time in nature and being physically active. Mountainous areas offer diverse opportunities to be physically active in a natural environment. However, little research is available on the psychological effects of mountain environments and mountain sports, particularly in relation to healthy ageing.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>We analyze the extent to which the interactions of physical activity, nature exposure, and specific characteristics of mountainous regions including hypoxia may influence mental health, based on current research, and discuss the relevance of these factors individually and in combination for healthy ageing.</p><p><strong>Key messages: </strong>In general, the benefits reported from spending time in nature or physical activity seem to be transferable to mountainous regions and/or mountain sports. The available research primarily points to positive acute and longer-term psychological (and sometimes therapeutic) effects of exposure to mountainous regions and mountain sports performed in moderate altitude on various mental health parameters, such as well-being, anxiety, and depression, which could in turn promote healthy ageing. In contrast, staying at very high or extremely high altitudes seems to be associated with negative effects on mental health. Overall, further research is needed to draw more reliable conclusions.</p>","PeriodicalId":12662,"journal":{"name":"Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Animal models for age-related osteoporosis.","authors":"Katharina Gelles, Maria Butylina, Peter Pietschmann","doi":"10.1159/000546107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000546107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Osteoporosis is a frequent age-related skeletal disorder, wielding an enormous influence on the quality of life of many women, but also men. Osteoporosis results from a shifted ratio between the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts resulting in an increased degradation of bone. This leads to a systemic impairment of bone mass and microarchitecture. Currently only a small number of patients with osteoporosis is treated adequately, making the disease an enormous economic burden. This implies the urgent need of developing new treatment strategies and application mechanisms. Therefore, animal models are of great importance for the investigation and treatment of bone diseases.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>In this narrative review we focus on animal models specially used for age-related osteoporosis including mice, fish and large animal models.</p><p><strong>Key message: </strong>With this manuscript we want to contribute to the identification of novel treatment strategies for the treatment of age-related osteoporosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":12662,"journal":{"name":"Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"1-29"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Depressive Symptoms in Older People: Exploring Associations with Other Diseases, Functional Capacity, and the Home Environment.","authors":"Abda Alicia Calheiros da Silva, João Araújo Barros Neto, Laryssa Cristiane da Silva, Larissa de Lima Soares, Thaynara Maria Pontes Bulhões, Müller Ribeiro-Andrade, Andrey Ferreira da Silva, Ana Paula Grotti Clemente, Giovana Longo-Silva, Risia Cristina Egito de Menezes","doi":"10.1159/000545809","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000545809","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the presence of depressive symptoms in older people residents of a region in Brazil and to evaluate factors associated with this condition from a multilevel perspective.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a cross-sectional, population-based study among individuals aged ≥ 60 years. Depressive symptoms (outcome) were measured using the GDS-15, with a score of five points or higher indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Diseases were assessed through self-report. Functional capacity was evaluated using: (i) the Katz index; (ii) handgrip strength; and (iii) walking speed. The surrounding environment for physical activity was assessed based on participants' perceptions. Multilevel logistic regression models examined the odds of having depressive symptoms according to the variables analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of depressive symptoms among the older people was 36.6%, with a higher proportion among women (41.2%). Individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (OR=1.63; CI:1.06-2.49), cataracts (OR=1.76; CI:1.17-2.66), those considered dependent for performing basic activities of daily living (OR=6.70; CI:1.21-37.14), with low handgrip strength (OR=2.44; CI:1.50-3.97), and those who reported heavy vehicle traffic as a barrier to physical activity (OR=1.71; CI:1.14-2.56) had higher chances of presenting depressive symptoms.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Regardless of individual and municipal characteristics, the presence of depressive symptoms in older people was associated with chronic/degenerative diseases, functional capacity impairment, and the perception of the environment (heavy vehicle traffic) as a hindrance to physical activity around the home.</p>","PeriodicalId":12662,"journal":{"name":"Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144093494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A 20-Second Video-Based Assessment of Cognitive Frailty: Results from a Cohort Study within the Precision Aging Network.","authors":"Bijan Najafi, Myeounggon Lee, Mohammad Dehghan Rouzi, J Ray Runyon, Esther M Sternberg, Bonnie J LaFleur","doi":"10.1159/000546227","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000546227","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cognitive frailty, the concurrent presence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and physical frailty, poses a significant risk for adverse outcomes in older adults. Traditional assessments that rely on extensive walking tests or specialized equipment, are impractical for routine or remote evaluations. This study evaluated a 20-second video-based Upper Frailty Meter (vFM) test, incorporating dual-task conditions, as a feasible tool for identifying cognitive frailty.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from 413 participants aged 50-79 years in the Healthy Minds for Life cohort were analyzed across four sites: the University of Arizona, Johns Hopkins University, Emory University, and the University of Miami. Cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), whereas frailty indices were derived from the vFM test. Participants performed repetitive elbow flexion-extension under single-task (physical task only) and dual-task (physical task with concurrent cognitive exercise) conditions. Frailty phenotypes, including slowness, weakness, and exhaustion, were quantified using AI-based video kinematic analysis. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses evaluated the model's predictive accuracy for cognitive frailty.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants classified as cognitive frailty group (n=53, 12.8%) demonstrated significantly higher frailty index scores compared to robust individuals (p<0.001). Among all vFM derived parameters, the dual-task slowness phenotype demonstrated the strongest correlation with MoCA scores (r = -0.282, p < 0.001) and emerged as the most predictive single marker for distinguishing the cognitive frailty group, demonstrating high clinical applicability (Area Under the Curve [AUC] = 0.87). Combining single-task and dual-task metrics further enhanced predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.91), achieving sensitivity and specificity rates exceeding 85%. This combined approach significantly differentiated cognitive frailty from robust status, outperforming models based on age alone or single-task metrics.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The 20-second vFM test offers a practical, non-invasive, easy-to-implement, and accessible solution for objectively evaluating cognitive frailty, demonstrating high predictive accuracy in distinguishing at-risk individuals. Its integration into telehealth platforms could enhance early detection and enable timely interventions, promoting healthier aging trajectories. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to validate its utility in tracking cognitive and physical decline over time.</p>","PeriodicalId":12662,"journal":{"name":"Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143965395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Decoding Precision Aging: The Intersection of Cognitive Decline, Frailty, and Hormonal Biomarkers.","authors":"J Ray Runyon, Mohammad Dehghan Rouzi, Myeounggon Lee, Cole Babbitt, David W Tano, Diezel Cochenour, Esther M Sternberg, Terrill Yuhas, Lisa White, Bijan Najafi, Bonnie J LaFleur","doi":"10.1159/000546250","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000546250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cognitive frailty, characterized by the coexistence of cognitive impairment and physical frailty, is a significant predictor of cognitive decline. However, few studies integrate both cognitive and physical assessments alongside hormonal markers, such as cortisol, that may influence frailty and cognitive function. To address this gap, our study combines non-invasive physical, cognitive, and cortisol markers to assess frailty in aging adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were collected from four sites as part of the Healthy Minds for Life (HML) longitudinal cohort, a project within the Precision Aging Network. Baseline data included cognitive evaluation using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); frailty assessment using a validated 20-second elbow flexion-extension test analyzed by AI under single-task and dual-task conditions; cortisol measurement in eccrine sweat samples via Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS); and demographic information.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 202 participants completing all assessments, 60 were identified with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The dual-task frailty index (FI) derived from the 20-second test significantly differentiated individuals with MCI from cognitively robust participants and correlated strongly with MoCA scores (p = 0.015). The dual-task FI showed superior model fit compared to the single-task FI when predicting cognitive function. A significant correlation between the dual-task FI and cortisol by age interaction was observed (p = 0.0042) highlighting the potential impact of cortisol to moderate the relationship between frailty and age in an otherwise healthy aging population. By contrast, no significant correlation was found between dual-task FI and aging outside of the presence of cortisol (p = 0.116) in this study.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights practical and efficient methods for assessing frailty emphasizing the value of dual-task testing and cortisol measures in identifying individuals at higher risk for cognitive and physical decline. The findings underscore the importance of integrating hormonal markers with cognitive and physical assessments to enhance risk stratification and intervention planning in aging populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12662,"journal":{"name":"Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"1-20"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144005637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Impact of Living at Moderate Altitude in the United States: Epidemiology and Key Research Questions.","authors":"Elan Small, Deborah Thomas, Lake Crawford, Isabelle Chatroux, Harrison Steins, Moses Asori, Ben Honigman","doi":"10.1159/000546192","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000546192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Over the last twenty years, the United States (US) has seen a significant population migration into moderate elevation locations (defined as elevations 1,800- 2,500 meters (m) for the purposes of this review). While considerable research has investigated how chronic diseases are impacted on acute ascent to high altitude, little research has examined how residing at high altitude impacts longer term health including risk of various disease states and long-term morbidity, with even fewer studies examining moderate altitude specifically. This review investigated how living at moderate elevation impacts seven different disease states/health issues pertinent to the aging individual. Overall, this review reveals a limited literature in this field, though with interesting findings that warrant the need for further studies. While limited studies have documented a potential protective effect of moderate altitude on ischemic heart disease, and obesity prevalence, current evidence suggests worse outcomes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, possibly increased rates of pulmonary hypertension and low birth weight (which increases risk of chronic diseases later in life), negative impacts on sleep, and increased association with risk of mental health issues including suicide. Further research is needed to solidify these associations, particularly for aging populations, and more importantly to understand the mechanism that might explain these associations. Understanding the role of mild hypoxia in health resulting from living at moderate altitudes guides improved care delivery and the design of public health interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":12662,"journal":{"name":"Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143976178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Diagnosis of Osteoporosis, Including Opportunistic Computed Tomography: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Ling Wang, Daniele Diacinti, Davide Diacinti, Salvatore Minisola, Liu Yajun","doi":"10.1159/000545961","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000545961","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease with a high prevalence in the elderly population. The diagnosis is straightforward when a fragility fracture at major skeletal sites (hip, vertebrae, humerus, distal radius) occurs. However, the diagnosis may be challenging in the absence of fractures or when, even with a fracture (morphometric vertebral), no symptoms are reported by the patient.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>In recent years, there has been a huge advancement in diagnostic imaging modalities with particular interest in measuring skeletal resistance. Each technique has inherent advantages and disadvantages. In this narrative review, we discuss all diagnostic modalities from bone mineral density to more sophisticated techniques.</p><p><strong>Key messages: </strong>It is hoped that a greater utilization of opportunistic CT will increase patient screening with consequent advantages for patient care and future fraction prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":12662,"journal":{"name":"Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144007913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the Relationship Between Primary Sarcopenia and Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Geriatric Patients: Insights from SARC-F, Serum DAO, Zonulin, LPS, and I-FABP Levels.","authors":"Seyda Bilgin, Veysel Suzan, Bahar Bektan Kanat, Gulru Ulugerger Avci, Suna Avci, Hakan Yavuzer, Ibrahim Murat Bolayırlı, Alper Doventas, Deniz Suna Erdincler","doi":"10.1159/000545939","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000545939","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The objective of this study is to assess the correlation between serum levels of DAO (Diamine oxidase), LPS (Lipopolysaccharide), I-FABP (Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein), and Zonulin with primary sarcopenia in elderly patients, and to compare the diagnostic performance of these biomarkers with the SARC-F score.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study included 88 patients aged 65 and above. Comorbidities and geriatric syndromes were assessed, and those with secondary sarcopenia were excluded. The EWGSOP2 criteria were applied for diagnosing sarcopenia, while the SARC-F questionnaire was utilized to identify individuals at risk of sarcopenia. Serum levels of DAO, Zonulin, LPS, and I-FABP were measured using ELISA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age and gender. SARC-F, serum DAO, and Zonulin concentrations were notably higher in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group (p<0.001). Statistically significant parameters were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression. In stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, both DAO and Zonulin scores were found to be associated with sarcopenia [Odds ratio (OR) 1.041, (95%) confidence interval (CI) 1.020-1.063, p<0.001; OR 1.108, (95%) CI 1.018-1.206, p=0.018, subsequently]. ROC curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) for DAO, Zonulin, and SARC-F was 0.807 (p<0.001), 0.723 (p<0.001), and 0.943 (p<0.001), subsequently. The Spearman correlation test revealed a significant, low-correlation between serum Zonulin and the SARC-F score (r = 0.3583, p=0.0006), and a moderate-correlation between serum DAO and the SARC-F score (r = 0.4384, p<0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study is the first to show a connection between primary sarcopenia and intestinal barrier dysfunction. While the findings support the use of the SARC-F questionnaire in routine practice, serum levels of DAO and Zonulin could serve as an alternative when the SARC-F questionnaire is not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":12662,"journal":{"name":"Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144063393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of moderate altitude on manifestations of coronary artery disease.","authors":"Natalie Van Ochten, Katarina Leyba, Benjamin J Kopecky, Emmett Suckow, Katie Nathe, Stephanie Laing, Justin S Lawley, Lydia Simpson, Benjamin D Levine, Lindsay M Forbes, William K Cornwell Iii","doi":"10.1159/000545848","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000545848","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Reductions in oxygen availability at altitude reduce oxygen supply to the myocardium. This reduction in oxygen supply may be problematic for patients with cardiovascular disease and/or associated comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes or heart failure. The risk of adverse cardiovascular events may be increased at altitude as a result of the interaction between hypoxia and exercise, which further increases myocardial demand for oxygen. When an acute coronary syndrome occurs, outcomes may be suboptimal given limited access to medical centers with cardiac catheterization laboratories and sudden cardiac death may occur. Pre-travel planning should prioritize optimizing cardiovascular health and mitigating associated risk factors to reduce risk. Patients should have a realistic expectation of the types of activities that can be undertaken, based on their underlying cardiovascular risk profile and travel itineraries should include a period of acclimatization to hypoxia before initiating planned activities. In this review, we provide an overview of the relevant physiology related to hypoxia, its impact on cardiovascular function and clinical considerations and management strategies for patients and providers to reduce risk of adverse events from occurring in austere environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":12662,"journal":{"name":"Gerontology","volume":" ","pages":"1-23"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143998905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}