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A recent study conducted by Japanese researchers has explored the cognitive benefits of matcha green tea in older adults, particularly those experiencing mild cognitive decline. While the study, published in *PLOS ONE*, found no significant improvements in broader cognitive functions like memory, participants consuming matcha reported enhancements in social cognition and sleep quality. The study involved 99 participants aged 60 to 85, who were monitored over 12 months, with those in the matcha group taking daily capsules containing high levels of catechins and theanine. Researchers noted that improved social acuity—specifically in recognizing facial expressions—could be linked to the anti-inflammatory properties of catechins. Experts emphasize the need for further research to understand matcha's effects more thoroughly, particularly regarding its potential role in improving sleep and mood, while cautioning against viewing it as a standalone intervention for dementia prevention. 
Published: Sep 07 2024, 12 pmeznews.inA recent narrative review published in the journal *Nutrients* has highlighted the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The review identifies key nutrients such as plant-derived proteins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, and resveratrol that may alleviate IBD symptoms. It emphasizes the importance of gut microbiota and suggests that the diet's high fiber, fruits, and low processed foods could enhance gut health. While the Mediterranean diet is already recommended for IBD management, the exact mechanisms behind its benefits remain unclear. Experts stress the need for further research, particularly in understanding how these dietary components interact with gut microorganisms. Despite some promising findings, the review acknowledges limitations, including reliance on preclinical data, and calls for more comprehensive studies to deepen understanding of the diet's role in IBD treatment.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 2 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *Nutrition & Diabetes* indicates that consuming over 45% of daily calories after 5 PM may adversely affect blood glucose levels, particularly in older adults with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes. Conducted by researchers from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya and Columbia University, the study involved 26 participants who were divided into "early eaters" and "late eaters." The findings revealed that late eaters exhibited significantly higher blood glucose levels after meals, regardless of overall calorie intake or body weight. Experts recommend that dinner should be the lightest meal of the day, emphasizing healthy fats and proteins while minimizing carbohydrates and sugars. Furthermore, maintaining consistent, quality sleep is crucial for regulating appetite and glucose metabolism, as hormonal changes during sleep influence hunger. The study underscores the importance of meal timing and composition in managing metabolic health, especially as holiday feasting approaches.
Published: Dec 20 2024, 9 pmeznews.inA new study from the University of Miami highlights a concerning link between sleep apnea and cognitive health, revealing that approximately 936 million adults worldwide suffer from this sleep disorder. The research, which focused on older adults of Latin descent, found that individuals with sleep apnea exhibited an enlarged hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory, and alterations in white matter associated with aging. These changes were linked to lower oxygen levels during sleep, raising concerns about the potential for increased risk of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Lead researcher Dr. Alberto R. Ramos emphasized the importance of treating sleep apnea as a strategy to enhance brain health and mitigate dementia risks. The findings, published in *Neurology*, suggest that addressing sleep disorders could be crucial in the fight against cognitive decline, underscoring the need for further research and treatment interventions.
Published: Dec 19 2024, 7 pmeznews.inNew research from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami has established a significant link between accelerated biological age and an increased risk of developing colon polyps, a precursor to colorectal cancer. The study indicates that for each additional year of accelerated aging, the risk of colon polyps rises by 16%. Biological age, which reflects the body's physiological state rather than chronological age, is influenced by lifestyle factors and environmental conditions. As rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, particularly in individuals under 50, continue to climb, experts advocate for earlier screenings for those exhibiting signs of accelerated aging. The findings suggest that incorporating biological age into risk assessments could enhance screening strategies, allowing for timely detection and prevention of cancer. However, researchers stress the need for larger studies to fully understand the relationship between biological age and cancer risk.
Published: Dec 18 2024, 7 pmeznews.inA recent study published in the journal *Neurology* has revealed that fluctuating blood pressure significantly increases the risk of cognitive decline, particularly among older Black men. Analyzing data from 4,770 participants aged 65 and older, the researchers found that those with the highest blood pressure variability over 18 years scored lower on cognitive tests, with Black men experiencing the most pronounced effects—equating to an additional 2.8 years of cognitive aging. The study highlights that blood pressure variability may be a more critical predictor of cognitive decline than average blood pressure readings, especially given that older Black adults face a greater burden of cardiovascular risk factors. The authors advocate for tailored treatment plans and increased awareness of the importance of managing blood pressure fluctuations as a public health priority to mitigate cognitive decline in aging populations.
Published: Dec 17 2024, 1 pmeznews.inResearch from the University of Kentucky suggests that dietary choices may play a crucial role in reducing iron accumulation in the brain, potentially lowering the risk of cognitive decline as people age. While iron is essential for various bodily functions, excessive buildup in the brain has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. In a follow-up study involving 72 older adults, researchers found that participants with higher intakes of antioxidants, vitamins, iron-chelating nutrients, and polyunsaturated fatty acids exhibited significantly less brain iron accumulation over three years. The study highlights the importance of a nutrient-rich diet, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diets, in mitigating age-related cognitive decline. Experts emphasize the need for further research, including randomized clinical trials, to explore specific dietary interventions for brain health, alongside maintaining overall healthy lifestyle practices.
Published: Dec 17 2024, 12 ameznews.inA recent study highlights the potential benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness in mitigating dementia risk, particularly among older adults, including those genetically predisposed to the condition. Dementia currently affects over 55 million people globally, with 10 million new diagnoses each year. Research indicates that maintaining physical fitness can significantly enhance cognitive performance, as shown in a study involving 648 cognitively healthy participants aged 65 to 80. The findings revealed that higher cardiorespiratory fitness correlates with improved cognitive function across key areas susceptible to age-related decline. Experts emphasize that while the study strengthens existing evidence, further research is needed to establish causation. Regular exercise, alongside other healthy lifestyle choices, is crucial for brain health, with the Alzheimer’s Association urging individuals to adopt multiple risk-reduction strategies to combat the growing prevalence of dementia.
Published: Dec 16 2024, 4 pmeznews.inA recent review from researchers at the University of Coimbra suggests that regular coffee consumption may extend healthy living by an average of 1.8 years. The study, funded by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee, analyzed over 50 previous studies on coffee's health effects, finding that moderate intake could reduce the incidence of chronic diseases linked to aging. Lead author Rodrigo Cunha noted that coffee's molecular constituents, such as chlorogenic acids and caffeine, may slow aging processes and enhance cellular recovery. While the findings are promising, experts like geriatrician Scott Kaiser caution that the research is funded by the coffee industry, urging further investigation into optimal coffee consumption patterns. Registered dietitian Monique Richard emphasized the importance of moderation and mindful consumption, encouraging individuals to consider their overall health and lifestyle factors beyond coffee intake.
Published: Dec 15 2024, 1 pmeznews.inA recent study published in the journal *Cell* has raised concerns about the impact of intermittent fasting on hair growth, suggesting it may slow the process in both human and animal models. Intermittent fasting, a dietary pattern embraced by approximately 13% of Americans for its health benefits, involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. Researchers observed that mice subjected to fasting regimens, such as the 16:8 method, experienced significantly slower hair regrowth compared to a control group with unrestricted food access. A small clinical trial involving 49 healthy adults revealed an 18% reduction in hair growth speed among those practicing intermittent fasting. Experts warn that while intermittent fasting has potential health benefits, it may also lead to unintended side effects, including hair loss. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind these effects and potential dietary modifications to mitigate them.
Published: Dec 13 2024, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study by researchers at University College London has revealed that the cognitive boost from moderate to vigorous exercise can last up to 24 hours, challenging previous notions that such benefits diminish within minutes. The research, involving 76 adults aged 50 to 83, found a correlation between increased physical activity and improved working and episodic memory the following day. Additionally, participants who slept six or more hours, particularly with more REM and deep sleep, demonstrated better memory performance. Lead author Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg emphasized the importance of understanding how lifestyle modifications can help maintain cognitive function, particularly in older adults. While the findings are promising, experts like Ryan Glatt and Vernon Williams stress the need for further research with larger, more diverse samples to explore the long-term implications of exercise and sleep on cognitive health.
Published: Dec 13 2024, 12 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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