scholarly journals Nutritional Mediators of Cellular Decline and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Older Adults

Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Jack M. Guralnik ◽  
Jerome N. Feige ◽  
Anurag Singh ◽  
Roger A. Fielding

Aging is a primary risk factor for the progressive loss of function, disease onset, and increased vulnerability to negative health-related outcomes. These clinical manifestations arise in part from declines in mitochondrial, metabolic, and other processes considered to be hallmarks of aging. Collectively, these changes can be defined as age-associated cellular decline (AACD) and are often associated with fatigue, reduced strength, and low physical activity. This manuscript summarizes a recent Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting symposium that explored mechanisms, clinical signs, and emerging cellular nutrition interventions for AACD. The session opened by highlighting results of an expert consensus that developed an initial framework to identify self-reported symptoms and observable signs of AACD in adults aged >50 years. Next, findings from the multi-ethnic molecular determinants of sarcopenia study were discussed, showing impaired mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity and NAD+ metabolism in skeletal muscle of older adults with sarcopenia. Lastly, recent clinical evidence was presented linking urolithin A, a natural mitophagy activator, to improved mitochondrial and cellular health. The virtual panel discussed how stimulation of mitochondrial function via biological pathways, such as mitophagy and NAD+ augmentation, could improve cellular function and muscle health, potentially impacting clinical signs of AACD and overall healthy aging.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 764-764
Author(s):  
Roger Fielding

Abstract Aging is the primary risk factor for progressive loss of function, onset of disease, and increased vulnerability to negative health-related outcomes. These clinical manifestations arise from a decline in mitochondrial and metabolic processes considered the hallmarks of aging. Collectively, these changes can be defined as age associated cellular decline (AACD) and are often associated with signs and symptoms such as fatigue, reduced strength and low physical activity. This symposium will explore mechanisms, clinical signs, and emerging nutritional interventions for AACD. Dr. Feige’s presentation will serve as an introduction by highlighting mechanisms underlying functional declines in skeletal muscle with aging. He will discuss the Multi-Ethnic Molecular determinants of Sarcopenia (MEMOSA) study, which found impaired mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity in skeletal muscle of older adults with sarcopenia compared to age-matched controls, and identified mitochondrial function as a key target for intervention. Dr. Guralnik will discuss the connection between cellular changes and clinical manifestations of AACD. He will report on an expert consensus study group which developed an initial framework to identify self-reported symptoms and observable signs of AACD in adults over50 years. Lastly, Dr. Singh will discuss the evidence for nutritional interventions to address sources of AACD, focusing on those targeting mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent research on dietary interventions with urolithin A (an activator of mitophagy) and nicotinamide riboside (an NAD+ booster) will be reviewed. Overall, this symposium will highlight key mechanisms and clinical signs of AACD, and the potential for novel nutrition interventions to support cellular function and healthy aging.


JMIR Aging ◽  
10.2196/23826 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e23826
Author(s):  
Madeline Han ◽  
Xin Yi Tan ◽  
Rachael Lee ◽  
Jeong Kyu Lee ◽  
Rathi Mahendran

Background The worldwide spread of digitalization has led to the harnessing of technology to improve health outcomes. Paying attention to older adults’ social needs via social media is one way to promote healthy aging. Although 56% of older adults are smartphone users, little is known about their use patterns of social media. Objective This exploratory study aims to determine the experiences of social media apps’ use among older adults in Singapore and understand their perceptions of its impact on health-related outcomes. Methods This study used a qualitative research design with an interpretative approach. Using maximum variation purposive sampling, normal aging older adults (N=16) who were aged between 60 and 80 years and experienced in the use of internet-enabled technology were recruited from an existing community study. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted. Employing a thematic analysis, interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for codes inductively. Results The following themes and subthemes were identified as key moderators of older adults’ experiences on social media apps: (1) personal attitudes: participants were encouraged to use social media due to the increased accessibility, which enabled the ease of contact, but perceptions that the quality of interactions was compromised and its associated risks reduced their use; and (2) social influences: the desire to bond with co-users and the availability of support increased use. In addition, use of social media apps was perceived to positively impact health through its ability to keep older adults cognitively engaged, improve health communication, and increase social connectedness. However, opinions remained mixed on older adults’ vulnerability to social media addiction. Conclusions Personal and social contexts determine older adults’ social media use. This study’s findings provide practical insights into how social media can be deployed to improve health-related outcomes in older adults.


2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Branko Dozic ◽  
Dubravka Cvetkovic ◽  
Marko Dozic ◽  
Ljiljana Bumbasirevic

A 51-year-old female patient was admitted to the Neurological clinic because of motor seizures with myoclonus of the right hand and right side of the face. The results of initial brain CT scan, chest X rays, EEG ultrasonography of the great blood vessels and laboratory tests made in another hospital were unremarkable. Because of repeated partial seizures transient aphasic disturbances, urinary sphincter disturbances and periodic low-grade fever the patient was transferred to our hospital four months after the disease onset. Laboratory tests and NMR suggested a nonspecific disseminated viral encephalitis. After administration of Endoxan she was ambulatory for several weeks and then became increasingly exhausted confused, febrile, dyspneic, tachypneic and developed a shock status with hepatorenal insufficiency. She died after 7 months of disease duration. Postmortem examination revealed intravascular collections of large atypical lymphoid cells of B cell line. Blood vessels changed in this way were common in the brain and rare in other organs including skin, lungs, heart, liver spleen and digestive system. They were not found in the lymph nodes and bone marrow. A biopsy was not done because of absence of symptomatic and swollen tissues. However, correlation of clinical feature and postmortem findings shows that absence of clinical manifestations in an organ does not mean lack of microscopic pathological changes and biopsy should be done regardless of absence of clinical signs. This case shows that intravascular lymphoma may mimic vasculitis or disseminated nonspecific viral encephalitis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 794-794
Author(s):  
Cynthia Felix ◽  
Briana Sprague

Abstract In line with the GSA 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting theme of “Turning 75: Why Age Matters”, our symposium highlights the fact healthy aging is relevant to maintaining reserve- be it brain/cognitive reserve or physiological reserve. Even among older adults 75 or older, continuing to practice healthy aging habits, helps with reserve. In this symposium, Drs. Felix and Carlson discuss how positive neuroplastic processes such as social engagement and social volunteering may aid in brain/cognitive reserve. Dr. Lin discusses how negative neuroplastic processes such as hearing loss may hamper the same. The “use-it-or-lose-it” hypothesis may be a common pathway in effecting brain reserve, regardless of whether the inputs are social or sensory stimuli. Physiological reserve is also important in aging, and Dr. Sprague talks about energy and frailty, with frailty being an accelerated decline of physiological reserve. While the studies presented are from older adult populations, reserve often takes a lifetime of effort to build and maintain. The symposium speakers present several hypotheses such as brain reserve, cognitive reserve, cognitive load, information degradation, sensory deprivation and frailty. An application of these concepts, would help older adults practice aging habits that promote reserve, into advanced old age, at individual and community levels. Brain Interest Group Sponsored Symposium


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 233372141772270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Schinkel-Ivy ◽  
Irene Mosca ◽  
Avril Mansfield

Older adults are increasingly important to maintaining stable workforces. As such, factors contributing to early workforce exit must be identified. This study aimed to identify predictors of unexpected retirement and unemployment at older age, with respect to psychological constructs, resulting adverse behaviors, and health-related factors reflecting functional status. Data were extracted from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) to predict unexpected retirement and unemployment in older adults in Ireland. Increasing age, increasing number of impairments in activities of daily living, and frailty status of “pre-frail/frail” (relative to non-frail) increased the likelihood of unexpected retirement; while greater numbers of physical limitations and “pre-frail/frail” status significantly predicted unemployment at older age. Pre-frail/frail status or reduced physical capability for everyday tasks may adversely affect older individuals’ ability to obtain and/or maintain employment. These findings advance the current understanding of factors associated with unexpected retirement and unemployment at older ages. Findings may aid in identifying strategies to extend working life and to aid at-risk older adults, and may inform components of care on which to focus to minimize loss of function and mobility, and maintain independence, with aging.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (10) ◽  
pp. 642-646
Author(s):  
I.I. Zakhur ◽  
◽  
S.V. Koshkin ◽  
V.A. Bobro ◽  
◽  
...  

The paper reviews current data on lichen ruber planus, a disease characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis, polymorphic clinical symptoms, severe long recurrent course, and a significant resistance to treatment. In the last decades, a substantial growth in the prevalence of this dermatosis is observed. Moreover, the rate of atypical cases also increases. The most common symptoms at disease onset are a generalized rash, severe itching, and malaise. Many patients present with acute clinical signs. Patients with the different forms of the disease (in particular, those with oral lichen planus) report on the significant reduction in the quality of life. The authors describe the specificity of clinical polymorphism, the variability of clinical manifestations and HLA system in annular lichen planus. The aim of this paper is to summarize currently available data considering the diversity of clinical variants which are required for the understanding of the pathogenesis to improve the diagnosis in difficult cases and to control its course. The authors also address a case study of annular lichen planus in a 63-year-old woman. KEYWORDS: lichen ruber planus, dermatosis, histopathology, HLA system. FOR CITATION: Zakhur I.I., Koshkin S.V., Bobro V.A. Annular lichen planus, a rare variant of lichen planus. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2020;4(10):642–646. DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2020-4-10-642-646.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 605-614
Author(s):  
E.Yu. Zakharova ◽  
◽  
T.V. Varlamova ◽  
S.V. Voronin ◽  
N.Yu. Vlasenko ◽  
...  

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare hereditary metabolic disease resulting from the loss-of-function mutation in the ALPL gene encoding tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Clinical presentations are polymorphic and manifest themselves differently depending on the age of disease onset and severity. The occurrence of mild disease, including adult HPP, is challenging to assess due to the high heterogeneity of clinical signs and a lower diagnosis rate. Doctors’ awareness of HPP is the fundamental factor affecting its detection rate. This paper reviews the conclusions of the Expert Council on HPP diagnosis and potentialities to improve diagnosis. Ten experts from various Russian regions participated in panel sessions. Each member shared the experience and established practice on the diagnosis of orphan diseases in his/her region and gave suggestions to optimize the diagnostic approach to HPP. The result was the development of a management algorithm and routing of patients from identifying symptoms to decision making on prescribing enzyme-replacement therapy and subsequent follow-up at every level of medical care . KEYWORDS: hypophosphatasia, alkaline phosphatase, orphan diseases, ALPL, enzyme-replacement therapy, routing. FOR CITATION: Zakharova E.Yu., Varlamova T.V., Voronin S.V. et al. Unsolved diagnostic issues of hypophosphatasia: Expert Council. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2021;5(9):605–614 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2021-5-9-605-614.


2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 725-731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lillemor Berntson ◽  
Ellen Nordal ◽  
Kristiina Aalto ◽  
Suvi Peltoniemi ◽  
Troels Herlin ◽  
...  

Objective.We investigated associations of HLA-B27 with clinical manifestations and longterm outcome in a near population-based setting among patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Methods.We studied clinical and serological data from 410 patients with HLA-B27 results among 440 prospectively collected patients with JIA with 8-year followup data in a Nordic database. The study was structured to be as close to a population-based study as possible.Results.HLA-B27 was analyzed in 93% of patients, and was positive in 21% of the cohort, in 18.4% of the girls and in 25.9% of the boys. Boys who were HLA-B27-positive had significantly higher age at onset compared to HLA-B27-negative boys and compared to both HLA-B27-negative and positive girls. This difference in onset age in relation to HLA-B27 was not found in girls. HLA-B27 was associated with clinical signs of sacroiliitis, enthesitis, and tenosynovitis in boys, but not in girls. After 8 years of disease, 46 children (11.2%) were classified as having enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA). Boys with ERA had clinical signs of sacroiliitis more often than girls with ERA. HLA-B27-positive children, as well as children with clinical signs of sacroiliitis, enthesitis, and hip arthritis, had higher odds of not being in remission off medication after 8 years of disease.Conclusion.In this near population-based Nordic JIA cohort we found significant differences between HLA-B27-positive boys and girls in age at disease onset, clinical signs of sacroiliitis, and ERA classification. HLA-B27 was negatively associated with longterm remission status, possibly because of its association with clinical disease characteristics, such as sacroiliitis, rather than being a general marker of persistent disease.


Author(s):  
Kathy Black ◽  
Dylan J. Jester

Population aging has led to an increased focus on the environmental context in which we age. While researchers have identified significant health benefits associated with built community features such as housing, transportation and outdoor spaces and buildings, less attention has focused on the correlates of healthy aging and other characteristics via the perspective of community-dwelling older adults. This study utilized cluster analysis to examine health-related subgroups of older adults (n = 598) in an age-friendly community located in the United States, of which nearly half of its residents are age 60 and older. Linear regression was used to associate the health clusters with perceptions of built environmental features and socio-demographics. Four distinct profiles were identified, with the greatest preference for housing and transportation found among those reporting poorer health compared to those reporting excellent health across multi-dimensional healthy aging measures. Perceptions on the importance of built environmental features were also found to vary by age, income and home accessibility status. Findings suggest that older adults’ perceptions about built environmental features differ across health and home status as well as age and income, underscoring opportunities for public health action to better reach and engage older adults by life-course trajectories in age-friendly communities.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeline Han ◽  
Xin Yi Tan ◽  
Rachael Lee ◽  
Jeong Kyu Lee ◽  
Rathi Mahendran

BACKGROUND The world-wide spread of digitalization has led to the harnessing of technology to improve health outcomes. Attention to older adults social needs via social media is one way of promoting healthy aging. While 56% of older adults are smartphone users, little is known about their usage patterns of social media. OBJECTIVE This exploratory study aimed to (1) determine the social media experiences of older adults in Singapore, and (2) understand their perceptions of its impact on health-related outcomes. METHODS The study utilized a qualitative research design with an interpretative approach. Using maximum variation purposive sampling, normal aging older adults (N=16), aged between 60 to 80, and experienced in the use of internet-enabled technology were recruited from an existing community study. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted. Employing a thematic analysis, interviews were transcribed in verbatim, and analyzed for codes inductively. RESULTS The following themes and subthemes were identified as key moderators of older adults’ social media experiences: (1) Personal attitudes: participants were encouraged to use social media due to the increased accessibility which enabled the ease of contact, but perceptions that the quality of interactions was compromised and its associated risks reduced their usage; (2) Social influences: the desire to bond with co-users, and the availability of support increased usage. Additionally, social media usage was perceived to positively impact health through its abilities to keep older adults cognitively engaged, improve health communication, and increase social connectedness. However, opinions remained mixed on older adults’ vulnerability to social media addiction. CONCLUSIONS Personal and social contexts determine older adults’ social media usage. The study’s findings provide practical insights on how social media can be deployed to improve health-related outcomes in older adults.


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