Latest news with #WakeForestUniversitySchoolofMedicine
Business Journals
11 hours ago
- Health
- Business Journals
Weighted vests may help older adults meet weight loss goals — but bone loss remains an issue
With its latest study of safe weight loss in older adults, Wake Forest University researchers call for regimens that also preserve or strengthen bones. A new randomized clinical trial, led by a team of researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Wake Forest University, did not find evidence that wearing a weighted vest or engaging in resistance training prevented bone loss in older adults undergoing intentional weight loss. The study, published today in JAMA Network Open, underscores the persistent need for alternative strategies to protect skeletal health in aging populations with obesity. While weight loss is commonly advised to enhance cardiovascular and joint health in older adults with obesity, it may also lead to bone loss, raising the risk of fractures that can diminish both quality and longevity of life. The 12-month INVEST in Bone Health trial enrolled 150 older adults with obesity with a mean age of 66.4 years. Participants were randomized into three groups: weight loss alone, weight loss plus daily weighted vest use and weight loss plus resistance training. All groups achieved similar, significant weight loss (9% to 11.2% of body weight), and adherence to interventions conducted at Wake Forest University was high. The INVEST research team represents a multidisciplinary collaboration of Wake Forest University's departments of Health and Exercise and Statistical Sciences with Wake Forest University School of Medicine's departments of Internal Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Biostatistics and Data Science, and Radiology. The researchers set out to expand on the findings of a pilot study, in which participants wearing weighted vests seemed to mitigate bone loss that accompanies weight loss in this population. However, all three INVEST study groups experienced a similar rate of significant decreases in hip bone mineral density. 'While we hoped that replacing lost weight externally or increasing mechanical loading through exercise would preserve bone, but our findings show that these strategies alone may not be enough,' said Kristen M. Beavers, the study's corresponding author and professor of internal medicine, section of gerontology and geriatric medicine, at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and research professor of health and exercise science at Wake Forest University. The weighted vest group wore the vest for an average of 7.1 hours per day, replacing approximately 78% of lost weight. The resistance training group attended 71% of the prescribed sessions. Beavers said the study highlights the complexity of managing obesity in older adults, where the benefits of weight loss must be balanced against potential harm to bone health and need to consider alternate or adjuvant countermeasure strategies. An ongoing collaboration between Wake Forest University and Wake Forest University School of Medicine researchers is studying how an osteoporosis drug might help. That study is called the Bone, Exercise, Alendronate, and Caloric Restriction (BEACON) trial. The INVEST in Bone Health findings are in no way a reason to stop using weighted vests in exercise regimens, Beavers said, and more than half of study participants said they did not mind using them. Studies have shown that, in addition to helping older adults lose weight, such vests also help improve strength and sit-to-stand performance, a key predictor of disability. INVEST was based on a body of research showing that wearing weighted vests during exercise can improve strength, reduce bone loss and improve muscle performance. Bone health is only one predictor of fractures. Beavers said INVEST also points to the potential role of preserving lean muscle mass as a protective factor for bone health. 'Fractures in older adults can be life-altering,' she said. 'Our study reinforces that we need to think beyond traditional exercise and consider new or combined approaches to protect bone during weight loss.' INVEST in Bone Health is the latest in a series of Wake Forest University research studies on safe weight loss for older adults. Scientists there have studied, for instance, the effects of higher-protein diets, resistance training and community-based programs in weight-loss interventions for this population. The timing of such research is vital: It's estimated that 72 million Americans will be age 65 or older by 2030, and the majority of them will be overweight or obese. Moreover, Beavers said the emergence of new and highly effective weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, have raised concerns about the bone loss that accompanies rapid weight loss in this population. Developing safe, effective weight-loss protocols for older people is essential to supporting independent living and quality of life. The INVEST research team included Daniel Beavers, associate professor of statistical sciences at Wake Forest University; Barbara J. Nicklas, professor of gerontology and geriatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Dr. Leon Lenchik, professor of musculoskeletal imaging at Wake Forest University School of Medicine; and Ashley Weaver, associate professor of biomedical engineering at Wake Forest University School of Medicine; and Jason Fanning, associate professor of health and exercise science at Wake Forest University. Learn more about research at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a pre-eminent academic learning health system based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and part of Advocate Health. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist's two main components are an integrated clinical system with locations throughout the region and Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the academic core of Advocate Health and a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Want to age well? These are the 3 things you must do
It's official: Older adults worried about cognitive decline can stay sharper for longer by exercising both their bodies and their brains and eating healthier. That's according to initial results released Monday from a rigorous US study of lifestyle changes in seniors at risk of developing dementia. People following a combination of healthier habits slowed typical age-related cognitive decline — achieving scores on brain tests as if they were a year or two younger, researchers reported in the medical journal JAMA. It's not too late to get started — study participants were in their 60s and 70s — and it doesn't require becoming a pickleball champ or swearing off ice cream. 'It was the first time I felt like I was doing something proactive to protect my brain,' said Phyllis Jones, 66, from the US state of Illinois. She joined the study after caring for her mother with dementia and struggling with her own health problems. It's too soon to know if stalling age-related decline also could reduce the risk of later Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. But Jones and other study participants underwent brain scans and blood tests that researchers now are analysing for clues — such as whether people also saw a reduction in Alzheimer's-related protein buildup. Related New dementia patients can expect to live fewer than five years after diagnosis, major analysis finds 'We're all on a cognitive ageing clock and anything we can do to slow that clock down, to me, that is a significant benefit,' said Laura Baker of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who led the study. Doctors have long encouraged physical activity and a healthy diet for brain fitness. Those steps fight high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes, factors that increase the risk of dementia. But until now the strongest evidence that specific lifestyle changes later in life could improve how people perform on brain tests came from a study in Finland. How the study worked Half of participants were randomly assigned to group classes for exercise and dietary changes plus brain-challenging homework — with peer support and coaches tracking their progress. They did a half-hour of moderately intense exercise four times a week — plus twice a week, they added 10 to 15 minutes of stretching and 15 to 20 minutes of resistance training. They followed the 'MIND diet' that stresses lots of leafy greens and berries plus whole grains, poultry, and fish. Nothing is banned, but it urges limiting red meat, fried or fast food, and sweets, and substituting olive oil for butter and margarine. Related 'The invisible threat': Air pollution exposure over time raises the risk of dementia, study finds They also had to meet someone or try something new weekly and do brain 'exercises' using an online programme called Brain HQ. Other study participants, the control group, received brain-healthy advice and minimal coaching — they chose what steps to follow. Both improved but the group with more support fared significantly better. Combining social engagement with exercise and dietary steps may be key, said Jessica Langbaum of the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, who wasn't involved with the study. 'Americans want to have that one easy thing — 'If I just eat my blueberries,'' Langbaum said. 'There is no one magic bullet. It is a whole lifestyle". How to exercise your body and mind on your own Moderately intense physical activity means raising your heart rate and panting a bit yet still being able to talk, said Wake Forest's Baker. Pick something safe for your physical capability and start slowly, just 10 minutes at a time until you can handle more, she cautioned. Related How to lower your dementia risk as cases expected to rise by 2060 Make it something you enjoy so you stick with it. Likewise there are many options for brain exercise, Baker said — puzzles, joining a book club, learning an instrument or a new language. One challenge: How to keep up the good work Researchers will track study participants' health for four more years, and the Alzheimer's Association is preparing to translate the findings into local community programmes. Will people with stick with their new habits? Jones lost 30 pounds, saw her heart health improve and feels sharper, especially when multitasking. But she hadn't realised her diet slipped when study coaching ended until a checkup spotted rising blood sugar. Now she and an 81-year-old friend from the study are helping keep each other on track. The lifestyle change 'did not just affect me physically, it also affected me mentally and emotionally. It brought me to a much better place,' Jones said.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
To stay sharper while aging, get active, challenge your brain, and eat healthy
WASHINGTON: It's official: Older Americans worried about cognitive decline can stay sharper for longer by exercising both their bodies and their brains and eating healthier. That's according to initial results released Monday from a rigorous US study of lifestyle changes in seniors at risk of developing dementia. People following a combination of healthier habits slowed typical age-related cognitive decline — achieving scores on brain tests as if they were a year or two younger, researchers reported in JAMA and at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. It's not too late to get started -- study participants were in their 60s and 70s -- and it doesn't require becoming a pickleball champ or swearing off ice cream. 'It was the first time I felt like I was doing something proactive to protect my brain,' said Phyllis Jones, 66, of Aurora, Illinois, who joined the study after caring for her mother with dementia and struggling with her own health problems. It's too soon to know if stalling age-related decline also could reduce the risk of later Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. But Jones and other study participants underwent brain scans and blood tests that researchers now are analyzing for clues – such as whether people also saw a reduction in Alzheimer's-related protein buildup. 'We're all on a cognitive aging clock and anything we can do to slow that clock down, to me, that is a significant benefit,' said Laura Baker of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who led the study.
Euronews
3 days ago
- Health
- Euronews
Want to age well? Get active, challenge your brain, and eat healthy
It's official: Older adults worried about cognitive decline can stay sharper for longer by exercising both their bodies and their brains and eating healthier. That's according to initial results released Monday from a rigorous US study of lifestyle changes in seniors at risk of developing dementia. People following a combination of healthier habits slowed typical age-related cognitive decline — achieving scores on brain tests as if they were a year or two younger, researchers reported in the medical journal JAMA. It's not too late to get started — study participants were in their 60s and 70s — and it doesn't require becoming a pickleball champ or swearing off ice cream. 'It was the first time I felt like I was doing something proactive to protect my brain,' said Phyllis Jones, 66, from the US state of Illinois. She joined the study after caring for her mother with dementia and struggling with her own health problems. It's too soon to know if stalling age-related decline also could reduce the risk of later Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. But Jones and other study participants underwent brain scans and blood tests that researchers now are analysing for clues — such as whether people also saw a reduction in Alzheimer's-related protein buildup. 'We're all on a cognitive ageing clock and anything we can do to slow that clock down, to me, that is a significant benefit,' said Laura Baker of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who led the study. Doctors have long encouraged physical activity and a healthy diet for brain fitness. Those steps fight high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes, factors that increase the risk of dementia. But until now the strongest evidence that specific lifestyle changes later in life could improve how people perform on brain tests came from a study in Finland. How the study worked Half of participants were randomly assigned to group classes for exercise and dietary changes plus brain-challenging homework — with peer support and coaches tracking their progress. They did a half-hour of moderately intense exercise four times a week — plus twice a week, they added 10 to 15 minutes of stretching and 15 to 20 minutes of resistance training. They followed the 'MIND diet' that stresses lots of leafy greens and berries plus whole grains, poultry, and fish. Nothing is banned, but it urges limiting red meat, fried or fast food, and sweets, and substituting olive oil for butter and margarine. They also had to meet someone or try something new weekly and do brain 'exercises' using an online programme called Brain HQ. Other study participants, the control group, received brain-healthy advice and minimal coaching — they chose what steps to follow. Both improved but the group with more support fared significantly better. Combining social engagement with exercise and dietary steps may be key, said Jessica Langbaum of the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, who wasn't involved with the study. 'Americans want to have that one easy thing — 'If I just eat my blueberries,'' Langbaum said. 'There is no one magic bullet. It is a whole lifestyle". How to exercise your body and mind on your own Moderately intense physical activity means raising your heart rate and panting a bit yet still being able to talk, said Wake Forest's Baker. Pick something safe for your physical capability and start slowly, just 10 minutes at a time until you can handle more, she cautioned. Make it something you enjoy so you stick with it. Likewise there are many options for brain exercise, Baker said — puzzles, joining a book club, learning an instrument or a new language. One challenge: How to keep up the good work Researchers will track study participants' health for four more years, and the Alzheimer's Association is preparing to translate the findings into local community programmes. Will people with stick with their new habits? Jones lost 30 pounds, saw her heart health improve and feels sharper, especially when multitasking. But she hadn't realised her diet slipped when study coaching ended until a checkup spotted rising blood sugar. Now she and an 81-year-old friend from the study are helping keep each other on track. The lifestyle change 'did not just affect me physically, it also affected me mentally and emotionally. It brought me to a much better place,' Jones said.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
You can slow cognitive decline as you age, large study finds. Here's how
At 62, Phyllis Jones felt trapped in darkness. She was traumatized by her mother's recent death, ongoing pandemic stress and an increasingly toxic work environment. A sudden panic attack led to a medical leave. Her depression worsened until the day her 33-year-old son sadly told her, 'Mom, I didn't think I would have to be your caregiver at this stage in your life.' 'For me, that was the wake-up call,' Jones, now 66, told CNN. 'That's when I found the POINTER study and my life changed. What I accomplished during the study was phenomenal — I'm a new person.' The Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk, or US POINTER study, is the largest randomized clinical trial in the United States designed to examine whether lifestyle interventions can protect cognitive function in older adults. 'These are cognitively healthy people between the ages of 60 and 79 who, to be in the study, had to be completely sedentary and at risk for dementia due to health issues such as prediabetes and borderline high blood pressure,' said principal investigator Laura Baker, a professor of gerontology, geriatrics and internal medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Approximately one-half of the 2,111 study participants attended 38 structured team meetings over two years in local neighborhoods near Chicago, Houston, Winston-Salem, Sacramento, California, and Providence, Rhode Island. During each session, a trained facilitator provided guidance on how to exercise and eat for the brain, and explained the importance of socialization, the use of brain-training games, and the basics of brain health. The team leader also held the group accountable for logging blood pressure and other vitals. Physical and cognitive exams by a physician occurred every six months. At six team meetings, the other half of the study's participants learned about brain health and were encouraged to select lifestyle changes that best suited their schedules. This group was self-guided, with no goal-directed coaching. These participants also received physical and cognitive exams every six months. The two-year results of the $50 million study, funded by the Alzheimer's Association, were simultaneously presented Monday at the 2025 Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Toronto and published in the journal JAMA. 'We found people in the structured program appeared to delay normal cognitive aging by one to nearly two years over and above the self-guided group — people who did not receive the same degree of support,' Baker said. 'However, the self-guided group improved their cognitive scores over time as well.' Exercise, diet and socializing are key Exercise was the first challenge. Like the other groups across the country, Jones and her Aurora, Illinois, team received YMCA memberships and lessons on how to use the gym equipment. Jones was told to use aerobic exercise to raise her heart rate for 30 minutes a day while adding strength training and stretching several times a week. At first, it wasn't easy. The study participants wore fitness trackers that monitored their activity, Jones said. 'After that first 10 minutes, I was sweating and exhausted,' she said. 'But we went slow, adding 10 minutes at a time, and we kept each other honest. Now I just love to work out.' Four weeks later, teams were given a new challenge — beginning the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, or MIND diet. The diet combines the best of the Mediterranean diet with the salt restrictions of the DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. 'They gave us a refrigerator chart with foods to limit and foods to enjoy,' Jones said. 'We had to eat berries and vegetables most days, including green leafy veggies, which was a separate item. We had to have 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil once every day.' Foods to limit included fried food, processed meat, dairy, cheese and butter. Restrictions were also in place for sugary sweets. 'But we could have dessert four times a week,' Jones added. 'That's awesome because you're not completely depriving yourself.' Another pillar of the program was requiring study participants to familiarize themselves with their vital signs, Wake Forest's Baker said. 'If at any point we asked them, 'What's your average blood pressure?' they should be able to tell us,' she said. 'We encouraged people to monitor their blood sugar as well.' Later came brain training, via memberships to a popular, Web-based cognitive training app. While some scientists say the benefits of such online brain programs have yet to be proven, Jones said she enjoyed the mental stimulation. Becoming better at socializing was another key part of the program. The researchers tasked teams with assignments, such as speaking to strangers or going out with friends. 'I found my best friend, Patty Kelly, on my team,' Jones said. 'At 81, she's older than me, but we do all sorts of things together — in fact, she's coming with me to Toronto when I speak at the Alzheimer's conference. 'Isolation is horrible for your brain,' she added. 'But once you get to a point where you are moving and eating healthy, your energy level changes, and I think you automatically become more social.' As the study progressed, the researchers reduced check-ins to twice a month, then once a month, Baker said. 'We were trying to get people to say, 'I am now a healthy person,' because if you believe that, you start making decisions which agree with the new perception of yourself,' she said. 'So in the beginning, we were holding their hands, but by the end, they were flying on their own,' Baker added. 'And that was the whole idea — get them to fly on their own.' 'Brain health is a long game' Because researchers tracked each team closely, the study has a wealth of data that has yet to be mined. 'On any given day, I could go into our web-based data system and see how much exercise someone's doing, whether they've logged into brain training that day, what's their latest MIND diet score, and whether they'd attended the last team meeting,' Baker said. 'We also have sleep data, blood biomarkers, brain scans and other variables, which will provide more clarity on which parts of the intervention were most successful.' Digging deeper into the data is important, Baker says, because the study has limitations, such as the potential for a well-known phenomenon called the practice effect. 'Even though we use different stimuli within tests, the act of taking a test over and over makes you more familiar with the situation — you know where the clinic is, where to park, you're more comfortable with your examiner,' she said. 'You're not really smarter, you're just more relaxed and comfortable, so therefore you do better on the test,' Baker said. 'So while we're thrilled both groups in US POINTER appear to have improved their global cognition (thinking, learning and problem-solving), we have to be cautious in our interpretations.' It's important to note the POINTER study was not designed to provide the more immersive lifestyle interventions needed for people with early stages of Alzheimer's, said Dr. Dean Ornish, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Ornish published a June 2024 clinical trial that found a strict vegan diet, daily exercise, structured stress reduction and frequent socialization could often stop the decline or even improve cognition in those already experiencing from early-stage Alzheimer's disease, not just for those at risk for it. 'The US POINTER randomized clinical trial is a landmark study showing that moderate lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, socialization and more can improve cognition in those at risk for dementia,' said Ornish, creator of the Ornish diet and lifestyle medicine program and coauthor of 'Undo It!: How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases.' 'It complements our randomized clinical trial findings which found that more intensive multiple lifestyle changes often improve cognition in those already diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease,' Ornish said. 'But the US POINTER study showed that more moderate lifestyle changes may be sufficient to help prevent it.' In reality, two years isn't sufficient to track brain changes over time, said study coauthor Maria Carillo, chief science officer of the Alzheimer's Association. 'We really want to make recommendations that are evidence based,' Carillo told CNN. 'That's why we have invested another $40 million in a four-year follow-up, and I believe over 80% of the original participants have joined. 'Brain health is a long game,' she added. 'It's hard to track, but over time, change can be meaningful.'
