Scientists have found that human beings age at a molecular level in two accelerated bursts – first at the age of 44, and then again at 60.
In a study published in the journal Nature Aging, scientists at Stanford University and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore followed 108 participants over several years to observe aging changes in their molecules — RNA, proteins and participants’ microbiomes.
The scientists found that human aging does not happen in a gradual, linear way. Rather, the majority of the molecules they studied showed accelerated, non-linear changes at the ages of 44 and 60.
Here are five other common red flags to look out for.
Running red lights. Falling for scams. Shutting out friends.
Memory loss is the most well-known symptom of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. But experts say there are other warning signs that can signal early brain changes — ones that are especially important for types of dementia where forgetfulness is not the primary symptom.
Sleep disorders can become more common as people age, and older adults tend to sleep more lightly and go to bed and wake up a little earlier than they used to — that is completely normal. But if there are dramatic changes in someone’s sleep habits, where they are starting their morning at 3 a.m. or are unable to stay awake during the day, it can be a sign of dementia.
3. Personality Changes
In a study published last year, researchers found that people with dementia experienced slight drops in extroversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness before they showed any signs of cognitive impairment.
4. Driving Difficulties
Along with handling finances, driving is one of the most complex cognitive behaviors people perform every day. Ganesh Babulal, an associate professor of neurology at Washington University in St. Louis, has demonstrated in his research that problems behind the wheel can manifest years before they do elsewhere.
5. Loss of Smell
Parts of the brain that control smell, known as the olfactory system, are among some of the first areas damaged in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies; this is also the case for Parkinson’s disease. Many people with these conditions begin to lose their sense of smell years, or even decades, before other symptoms appear.
“For the past century, heart disease has remained the leading cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, as our understanding of the disease has evolved over time, we have made advances in treatment options to help people reduce their risk for a devastating cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke.
But staying one step ahead of this disease requires both providers and patients to continually follow and implement the latest science and regulatory guidance on what treatment options are safe, effective, and FDA-approved. Sadly, this isn’t happening and misinformation about treatment options poses a significant public health concern, which the FDA has acknowledged and in July issued new guidance on how companies can combat it.”
Insurance hurdles and worries about muscle loss mean fewer older patients are using weight-loss drugs
Millions of people are flocking to drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight and treat health problems. Doctors say one group that could benefit from the drugs is missing out: seniors.
For older people, these medications can help in ways that go beyond losing weight, physicians say. Fewer pounds can lead to more mobility and better balance, allowing older people to become more active. That can boost mood, overall health, and sometimes makes the difference between walking freely or using a wheelchair or cane.
Labels for GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, might see more approved uses as researchers study the drugs’ effects on sleep apnea, dementia and other health issues. Meanwhile, oncologists are looking at a GLP-1 role in cancer care.
Several studies have shown the therapies — currently approved for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss — can diminish the risk of multiple cancers:
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity
After a full year of evaluation, patients taking Mounjaro lost 15.3% of their starting weight, compared to almost half of that — 8.3% — while taking Ozempic for 12 months.
“Individuals with overweight or obesity treated with tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) were significantly more likely to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss and larger reductions in body weight compared with those treated with semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy),” the authors wrote.
In this large clinical analysis of US adults with overweight or obesity who initiated tirzepatide or semaglutide treatment, those receiving tirzepatide were more likely to achieve 5% or greater, 10% or greater, and 15% or greater weight loss and experienced larger reductions in body weight at 3, 6, and 12 months. To our knowledge, this study represents the first clinical comparative effectiveness study of tirzepatide and semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
A popular obesity drug may help treat a dangerous disorder in which people struggle to breathe while they sleep, a new study finds.
Tirzepatide, the medication in the weight-loss drug Zepbound and also the diabetes treatment Mounjaro, appeared to reduce the severity of sleep apnea along with reducing weight and improving blood pressure and other health measures in patients with obesity who took the drug for a year.
A breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease The promising potential of klotho
“I have this dream that people might be able someday to benefit from klotho, this factor that naturally circulates in our body, that helps with longevity, that helps with other organ systems and enhances the brain.” —Dena Dubal
Dena Dubal is a physician-scientist and professor of neurology at UCSF whose work focuses on mechanisms of longevity and brain resilience. In this episode, Dena delves into the intricacies of the longevity factor klotho: its formation and distribution in the body, the factors such as stress and exercise that impact its levels, and its profound impact on cognitive function and overall brain health. Dena shares insights from exciting research in animal models showing the potential of klotho in treating neurodegenerative diseases as well as its broader implications for organ health and disease prevention. She concludes with an optimistic outlook for future research in humans and the potential of klotho for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Want to reduce food cravings, lose weight and improve glucose control?
The GLP-1 Probiotic is formulated with beneficial bacterial strains that naturally increase GLP-1, the ‘un-hunger’ hormone that helps curb cravings and appetite. Presently at the time of this post, the Pendulum Probiotics are the only ones that have had double blind research with publications in peer-reviewed medical journals.
There is also a company webinar that is very informative:
You can also use your FSA or HSA account as payment too. Certainly worth a try if you are serious about your health. More information at the Pendulum Life website:
“The Lichtman laboratory at Harvard University and the Connectomics at Google team are releasing the “H01” dataset and companion paper. H01 is a 1.4 petabyte volume of a small sample of human brain tissue.
The sample was imaged at nanoscale-resolution by serial section electron microscopy, reconstructed and annotated by automated computational techniques, and analyzed for preliminary insights into the structure of human cortex.”
CNMRI: Neurology, Sleep Medicine, MRI 