HealthSignals

04/21/2025

A breakthrough moment: Researchers discover new class of antibiotics

The last time a new class of antibiotics reached the market was nearly three decades ago—but that could soon change, thanks to a discovery by researchers at McMaster University.
A team led by researcher Gerry Wright has identified a strong candidate to challenge even some of the most drug-resistant bacteria on the planet: a new molecule called lariocidin. The findings were published in the journal Nature on March 26, 2025.
The discovery of the all-new class of antibiotics responds to a critical need for new antimicrobial medicines, as bacteria and other microorganisms evolve new ways to withstand existing drugs. This phenomenon is called antimicrobial resistance—or AMR—and it's one of the top global public health threats, according to the World Health Organization.

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The last time a new class of antibiotics reached the market was nearly three decades ago—but that could soon change, thanks to a discovery by researchers at McMaster University.

04/17/2025

PennAITech Awards $2.37 Million to Support Research on AI Solutions to Improve Care for Older Adults

The Penn Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratory for Healthy Aging (PennAITech) has awarded $2.37 million in pilot grants to fund the development and evaluation of artificial intelligence solutions to improve care for older adults, including those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and their caregivers.
“As we experience significant growth of AI systems and tools, we are excited to see the expansion of our research portfolio with new innovative projects that aim to create new paradigms for healthy aging and supporting persons with dementia and their families,” said George Demiris, a Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor with joint appointments in Penn Nursing and Penn Medicine and co-principal investigator of PennAITech, now in its fourth year. “We fund a broad spectrum of approaches, technologies, and systems that foster innovation. We are looking forward to working with all our awardees to create new solutions for aging.”

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PennAITech Awards $2.37 Million to Support Research on AI Solutions to Improve Care for Older Adults March 18, 2025 vol 71 issue 27 News print The Penn Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratory for Healthy Aging (PennAITech) has awarded $2.37 million in pilot grants to fund the developmen...

04/16/2025

Study reveals strong link between digital exclusion and mental health of older adults

Older adults who lack internet access are at a significantly higher risk of developing depressive symptoms, especially those with limited familial support or lower income levels, according to a new study published in Health Data Science. Conducted by an international team of researchers, this study analyzed data from five major aging cohort studies covering 24 countries, revealing a strong link between digital exclusion and mental health.

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Older adults who lack internet access are at a significantly higher risk of developing depressive symptoms, especially those with limited familial support or lower income levels, according to a new study published in Health Data Science.

04/15/2025

‘Right-sizing’ senior care means recognizing the value of assisted living, provider group says

With 11,200 Americans turning 65 each day and the population of adults aged 85 or more years expected to increase to almost 23% of the population by 2050, assisted living is a cost-effective option for older adults to receive improved quality of life, Argentum said Wednesday.
During its Public Policy Institute in Washington, DC, the trade association promoted the value of the sector to its members to share with lawmakers and their staffs and suggested solutions to increase access and affordability to the setting, as well as address workforce needs. The event happened the same day as Argentum President and CEO James Balda testified at a hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Aging titled “Breaking the Cycle of Senior Loneliness: Strengthening Family and Community Support.”

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With 11,200 Americans turning 65 each day and the population of adults aged 85 or more years expected to increase to almost 23% of the population by 2050, assisted living is a cost-effective option for older adults to receive improved quality of life, Argentum said Wednesday.

04/14/2025

The Top 7 Habits to Help Lower Your Dementia Risk, According to a New Study

The brain and heart are closely related—what affects one often affects the other. We’ve previously reported on how certain heart conditions can influence brain health. In that study, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and coronary heart disease were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Researchers surmised that one of the connecting factors could be inflammation.
To continue searching for the connections, researchers from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and the University of California delved deeper, wondering if there was any association between cardiovascular health (CVH) and biomarkers of neurodegeneration. A handy framework of heart-healthy habits from the American Heart Association helped them gauge CVH among adults over the age of 65.

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Find out what healthy habits could lower your risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia.

04/11/2025

AI-driven robotics research aims to enhance care for older adults with Alzheimer’s

Imagine a robot that not only reminds you to take your medication, but helps you navigate your home and offers companionship. This type of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technology could be a reality for seniors in the not-too-distant future.
An interdisciplinary team at Case Western Reserve University hopes to find out—in detail—what that future might look like. Researchers from the university’s Weatherhead School of Management, School of Medicine and College of Arts and Sciences are exploring how AI and robotic technology can improve caregiving and support for older adults—particularly those with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).

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Imagine a robot that not only reminds you to take your medication, but helps you navigate your home and offers companionship. This type of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technology could be a reality for seniors in the not-too-distant future. An interdisciplinary team at Case Western Reserve U...

04/10/2025

New 'Value' Report Promotes Cost-Effectiveness of Assisted Living

Argentum released an updated edition of The Value of Assisted Living in America. The industry-leading report makes clear the critical role that assisted living plays in caring our nation’s seniors, in offering significantly lower costs, improved quality of life, better health outcomes, and reduced health care costs for public programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans’ care.

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Argentum released an updated edition of The Value of Assisted Living in America, an industry-leading report of the benefits of assisted living.

04/09/2025

Scientists Discover a Trait in Speech That Foreshadows Cognitive Decline

Frequent difficulty finding the right word can signal changes in the brain consistent with the early ("preclinical") stages of Alzheimer's disease – before more obvious symptoms emerge.
However, a recent study from the University of Toronto suggests that it's the speed of speech, rather than the difficulty in finding words that is a more accurate indicator of brain health in older adults.
The researchers asked 125 healthy adults, aged 18 to 90, to describe a scene in detail. Recordings of these descriptions were subsequently analysed by artificial intelligence (AI) software to extract features such as speed of talking, duration of pauses between words, and the variety of words used.

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Can you pass me the whatchamacallit? It's right over there next to the thingamajig.

04/08/2025

Medical Expenses, Vehicle Costs Drive Older Adults into Credit Card Debt

Many older adults carry credit card debt from month to month, but that is not necessarily a sign of profligacy. In fact, nearly half of respondents surveyed by AARP said they consistently have credit card debt, with many of the debts incurred due to unexpected expenses.
Credit card debt remains the most common type of debt carried by adults over the age of 50. Not surprisingly, half of those surveyed said that medical expenses contributed to the debt they carry month to month.
Additionally, nearly nine in 10 respondents reported that unexpected expenses contributed to their credit card debt, with the most common type of unexpected expense being vehicle-related costs.

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Nearly half of respondents surveyed by AARP said they consistently have credit card debt, with many of the debts due to unexpected expenses.

04/07/2025

New study uncovers unexpected activity that may keep brain sharp later in life: 'Use it or lose it'

Do you want to keep your brain sharp into your golden years? Then pick up a shovel and get planting!
A study from the University of Edinburgh has linked gardening with improved thinking skills as we age. The researchers looked at the lifestyles of hundreds of older adults, finding that those who spent time gardening had better cognitive function in later life than those who did not.
"Engaging in gardening projects, learning about plants, and general garden upkeep involves complex cognitive processes such as memory and executive function," lead author Janie Corley explained in a news release from the university. "Consistent with the 'use it or lose it' framework of cognitive function, more engagement in gardening may be directly associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline."

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"Directly associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline.”

12/26/2024

Think young, stay sharp? Positive aging outlook tied to improved cognitive self-perception

Older adults' expectations about aging affect their physical, mental, and cognitive health. Positive aging expectations are linked to healthier behaviors, like physical activity, leading to better outcomes.
Negative perceptions of aging can result in faster physical and cognitive decline and increase the risk of dementia.
Positive expectations can motivate actions that improve health and reinforce optimistic beliefs. Negative expectations may lead to less proactive behaviors and poorer health outcomes. Self-perceptions related to aging include attitude toward one’s aging and subjective age.

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The study shows that positive aging expectations correlate with improved cognitive health and reduced subjective decline, emphasizing the role of mindset.

12/25/2024

Happy Holidays from the HealthSignals Family to Yours!