In honor of September as Healthy Aging Month, this digest highlights the latest research, innovations, and strategies that empower individuals to age gracefully and maintain a high quality of life. From understanding hormonal changes and protecting heart health to exploring advancements in neuroscience and prostate wellness, we aim to provide insights that help embrace aging with confidence and enthusiasm.
Golden Years and Graying Populations
The last century has seen a dramatic increase in life expectancy—nearly doubling since 1900 and increasing by six years in the past twenty years alone—fueled by advancements in infection control, improvements in water quality, and a host of other social and environmental factors. While this expansion in lifespan is cause for celebration, it also introduces a new set of challenges both to the lives of individuals and to the global healthcare landscape. The United States Census Bureau notes the year 2030 as a demographic turning point. At that time, all members of the baby boomer generation will surpass the age of 65, with 20% of Americans at the age of retirement. By 2035, it is projected that there will be more American adults over the age of 65 than children under 18. Globally, nearly all countries are seeing growth in both the size and proportion of the elderly, with this demographic expected to reach nearly a fifth of the estimated world population by 2050. However, healthy aging isn’t just about adding years to life; it’s about ensuring that individuals remain vibrant, engaged, and healthy as they grow older. Age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and hormonal changes can impact daily living and independence. The challenge lies in bridging the gap between lifespan and healthspan—the period of life spent in good health.
Staying Sharp: Navigating the Aging Brain
Aging brings natural changes to the brain’s structure and function. Memory lapses and slower information processing can become more common, and neurological and cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease are one of the leading causes of death and disability among the elderly. Even in the absence of a clear diagnosis, many individuals exhibit some form of milder cognitive impairment. However, mental decline isn’t an inevitable part of aging, as evidenced by “super agers” who remain cognitively sharp at ages well beyond their peers. Understanding the changes that occur in the brain with age and developing novel interventions is thus critical in allowing people to maintain cognitive health and independence in their later years.
Recent innovations in neuroscience offer promising avenues to support cognition. A recent study at the University of Illinois examined the brains and cognitive health of 100 individuals and discovered nutrient profiles correlated with better brain health through plasma analysis, solidifying knowledge on the effects of diet on the brain. The lab of Tulane’s Ricardo Mostany, PhD, examines the intricate differences in synaptic plasticity in young and aged brains to understand their effects on learning and memory and provide a baseline for healthy aging against which to compare changes due to disease. Meanwhile, researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered a molecule that may help restore the ability of neurons to properly break down proteins that accumulate abnormally in Alzheimer’s disease.
The Midlife Shift: Hormonal Changes in Women’s Health
For women, menopause marks a significant biological milestone, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. This transition involves a decrease in estrogen levels, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Beyond these immediate effects, the decrease in estrogen and progesterone can also lead to metabolic changes, including a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in fat accumulation. Menopause can increase the risk of various conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, and are associated with changes in cognitive health.
Innovations in women’s health are focusing on personalized approaches to manage menopause. A team of researchers at Tulane University are examining the interactions between diet, cardiometabolic health, estradiol levels, and the brain to better understand the ideal timing and conditions for hormone replacement therapy and its effects on health over the course of life. Alternatives to traditional hormone replacement therapy are also being studied for their efficacy and safety. A study at the University of Arizona is testing the efficacy of novel treatment composed of a combination of phytoestrogens derived from plants, potentially providing an additional option in place of or complementary to traditional therapy.
Above All Else, Guard Your Heart
Cardiovascular health remains a cornerstone of healthy aging. As we age, blood vessels can lose elasticity, and plaque buildup can narrow arteries, increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. Further, cardiovascular health remains one of the greatest risk factors for developing dementia later in life. The good news is that many of these risks are modifiable through lifestyle choices and medical interventions. Emerging technologies and treatments are making progress in cardiovascular care. From minimally invasive surgical techniques to advanced medications that target specific aspects of heart disease, the options for prevention and treatment are expanding. Wearable devices and mobile apps now allow individuals to monitor their heart health in real-time, promoting proactive management.
New research also offers promise in developing and refining treatments for cardiovascular disease and heart conditions. The Lindsey Lab has found that testosterone levels—which appear to decrease with age in both men and women—play a role in arterial stiffness and cardiovascular health regardless of sex chromosomes, potentially creating a path to more personalized hormone therapies. A team at Clemson University is investigating combining human stem cells and nanowires to replace heart tissue damaged during heart attacks. Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern have found that a combination of two already approved drugs may also induce heart healing.
Prostate Health: Addressing Men’s Unique Challenges
For men, prostate health becomes a prominent concern with age; prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States, with about 1 in 8 affected. Conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer can affect urinary function and overall well-being. Early detection and innovative treatments are essential in managing these conditions effectively.
Advancements in prostate health include improved screening methods, such as more precise prostate-specific antigen (PSMA) tests and imaging techniques. Treatment options are also evolving, with focal therapies that target cancerous tissues while minimizing side effects. Researchers are investigating genetic and environmental factors that contribute to prostate conditions, aiming to develop personalized prevention strategies. Researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center have discovered a protein called NSD2 that can cause rapid cell division and promote conditions for prostate cancer occurrence, providing a target for novel therapeutics. Tulane’s Qiuyang “Lisa” Zhang, PhD has developed a new model to study the interaction of aging and inflammation in the development of prostate cancer for use in the testing new treatments.
A Holistic Approach to Aging Gracefully
Healthy aging requires a comprehensive approach that considers the interconnectedness of various body systems. Physical health, mental well-being, social connections, and purposeful living all contribute to a fulfilling life in older age.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a pivotal role in this journey. Consuming a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants helps protect against age-related diseases. Regular physical activity preserves mobility, muscle mass, and cardiovascular health. Nurturing mental wellness through intellectually stimulating activities, mindfulness practices, and strong social connections supports cognitive function and emotional well-being. Additionally, staying proactive with preventive care—such as regular health screenings and vaccinations—allows for early detection of potential issues, enabling timely interventions.
Technological advancements are also playing a role in supporting healthy lifestyles. Telemedicine and health tracking apps provide resources and support for individuals to take charge of their health.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Aging Research
The pursuit of healthy aging is driving a surge in research and investment across multiple disciplines. Scientists are exploring the genetic factors that influence aging, developing therapies that target cellular aging processes, and investigating how the microbiome affects overall health. There’s a growing recognition that aging, while inevitable, is a dynamic process that can be influenced and potentially slowed.
This growing interest is uniting experts from various fields, as seen in conferences like OPTIMIZE, where industry leaders, healthcare providers, researchers, and innovators come together to share insights and work toward translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions. Such events highlight the collective effort to advance healthy aging initiatives and underscore the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. By fostering innovation and prioritizing the health needs of an aging population, society can ensure that longer lives are also healthier lives.
Ultimately, healthy aging is a personal journey that involves making informed choices and embracing change. Staying proactive about health, seeking regular medical advice, and staying connected with others can make the path smoother and more rewarding. As we climb the hill of aging, each step offers an opportunity—to learn, to adapt, and to thrive. With the support of scientific advancements and a commitment to holistic well-being, the golden years can be a time of vitality and fulfillment.
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ENDNOTE: If you want to learn more about the aging research and clinical care expertise at Tulane Medicine, you can connect in person with our Chief Strategy Officer James Zanewicz at the Aging2.0 OPTIMIZE 2024 conference in Louisville, KY on October 24th & 25th!
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Tulane School of Medicine is proud to announce the return of our premier biotech conference BIO on the Bayou, taking place on October 29-30, 2024. This year’s program – which will be held in person in New Orleans, Louisiana – continues to grow and evolve as it features expert-led panels, private meeting capabilities powered by partneringONE, networking opportunities, and most importantly business-style scientific presentations straight from researchers and start-ups from leading Gulf South institutions.
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Recent Podcast Episode Drops:
Whether for travel entertainment or a quick listen between meetings, check out 5 recently released bite-size episodes of BIO from the BAYOU on topics ranging from biotech strategy and success to mastering biotech partnership systems. Check them out on the BftB Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you podcast.
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Curated Research and Research-Related News Summaries, Analyses, and Syntheses. Published on behalf of The Tulane University School of Medicine. Content is generated by reviewing scientific papers and preprints, reputable media articles, and scientific news outlets. We aim to communicate the most current and relevant scientific, clinical, and public health information to the Tulane community – which, in keeping with Tulane’s motto, “Not for Oneself but for One’s Own”, is shared with the entire world.
Alexis L. Ducote, PhD: Editor-in-Chief
Special thanks to James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP and Elaine Hamm, PhD for copy-editing assistance.