New blood test could be a game changer for those living with Alzheimer's disease
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Bloomberg
2 hours ago
- Bloomberg
Lilly Gets Limited European Backing for Alzheimer's Disease Drug
Eli Lilly & Co. won the backing of European Union regulators for its Alzheimer's disease drug Kisunla in a specific group of patients, potentially paving the way for it to become the second drug in the region to slow the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. The European Medicines Agency 's drug advisory panel recommended granting a marketing authorization for Kisunla in patients who don't carry a specific gene that can increase the risk of a potentially fatal brain-swelling condition called ARIA. In the US, the medicine is approved for a much wider group of patients. The EU previously approved a similar medicine from Eisai Co. and Biogen Inc called Leqembi though its use was also limited to patients at lower risk for brain swelling.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Eating This Food Could Add Years to Your Life, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDN Who doesn't wish for a long, healthy life? The foods you eat can help, especially nuts. 'Nuts are little powerhouses of nutrition!' says Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LDN. 'They're packed with healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health and even lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and certain cancers.' They are so promising that one study found that switching from an unhealthy eating pattern to a healthy pattern rich in foods like nuts was linked to a 10-year increase in life expectancy among 40-year-olds. No wonder dietitians are huge fans! Read on to learn how nuts support longevity, tips to enjoy them, plus other foods that may help you live longer. How Nuts May Add Years to Your Life May Promote Brain Health A sharp brain can help you stay vital and active as you age. Conversely, cognitive decline can substantially reduce your quality of life and even shorten your lifespan. In fact, dementia and Alzheimer's disease are leading causes of death worldwide. But what if there were foods that might keep your brain spry, like nuts? 'Studies so far suggest that nuts could help maintain brain health and possibly prevent cognitive decline, especially in older adults or those at higher risk for conditions like dementia,' says Manaker. This may be due to their cocktail of brain-healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, B vitamins, polyphenols and minerals. While studies have found benefits from eating nuts in general, walnuts may be especially advantageous. 'Among nuts, walnuts stand out because they're rich in a plant-based omega-3 fat called alpha-linolenic acid, which is thought to be especially good for the brain,' says Manaker. Can Support Heart Health Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. Eating more nuts may help protect against this all-too-common cause of death. One large review study found that a nut-rich eating pattern may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 25%. What makes them so effective? 'Nuts provide unsaturated fats that support vascular health and reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases that lead to heart attack and stroke,' says Ayanna Smart, RD. That's not all, though. Nuts also boast a cocktail of heart-healthy fiber, antioxidants, minerals and plant protein. May Protect Against Chronic Disease 'Nuts are a key part of the healthiest dietary patterns linked to longer life, including Mediterranean and plant-based diets,' says Sapna Peruvemba, M.S., RDN. In addition to protecting against heart disease, research shows regular nut consumption lowers the risk of death from other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, she says. A nut-rich eating pattern has even been linked to lower all-cause mortality, she adds. For instance, one large review study found people who ate roughly 1 ounce of nuts per day were 11% less likely to die from cancer and 22% less likely to die from any cause. Might Preserve Muscle Mass As we age, it's common to lose muscle mass and strength. That doesn't just make it harder to lift the heavy box that just dropped on your doorstep or carry a giant bag of groceries. Advanced muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, also increases the risk of falls and fractures. In older folks, it may also raise the risk of infection, postoperative complications and mortality. A small yet encouraging body of research has found that nuts may help preserve muscle mass and prevent sarcopenia. While the mechanisms have yet to be determined, one review study suggests that nuts' combination of vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fats, antioxidants and protein may work together synergistically to protect against age-related muscle loss. Tips to Enjoy Nuts While nuts are a tasty, convenient snack on their own, there are loads of ways to add more of these healthy treats to your meals and snacks. These dietitian-approved tips can get you started. Toss them into trail mix. Whether you're at your desk or on a long hike, trail mix makes a satisfying snack. Make your own by combining nuts with dark chocolate, no-sugar-added dried fruit and seeds. Blend them into smoothies. Nuts are an easy way to add protein and healthy fats to your smoothie. Softer nuts like pecans and walnuts work particularly well. But almond, cashew and peanut butters are also fantastic ways to add creamy, nutty goodness to your smoothie. Add them to your snack plate. Think charcuterie board with crunch! For a tasty, well-balanced snack plate, arrange nuts, cheese, whole-wheat crackers and fruit on a platter and enjoy! Sprinkle them on cereal and yogurt. Enhance a bowl of yogurt, cereal or overnight oats with a sprinkling of chopped or sliced nuts. In addition to adding extra crunch and flavor to your bowl, they'll help you stay full longer. Mix them up! All nuts are great for you. But if you always go for the same kind, try switching things up. 'The key is variety,' says Manaker. 'Mixing up your nut choices ensures you get a range of nutrients.' Other Foods That May Improve Longevity Whole grains. There's a reason nutrition experts recommend making at least half of your grains whole grains. Research has found that whole grains are strongly linked to a longer lifespan. Oats, barley, corn, quinoa, farro, brown rice and whole-wheat bread and pasta are all outstanding choices. Leafy greens. 'Leafy greens are linked with a reduction in cognitive decline,' says Lisa Andrews, RD, LD. Dark, leafy greens, like spinach, kale and chard, are loaded with antioxidants that may reduce inflammation in the brain. They may also indirectly support brain health by enhancing gut health. Your gut is in constant communication with your brain via an internal superhighway called the brain-gut axis. So, when your gut is healthier, your brain thrives, too. Legumes. 'Beans, lentils and chickpeas are high in fiber and plant-based protein, which can help lower cholesterol and support gut health,' says Manaker., They're also central to eating patterns linked to longevity, like the Mediterranean diet. Berries. 'Blueberries and other berries are beneficial, as they provide antioxidants to prevent cellular damage and aging and are associated with a stronger gut microbiome,' says Andrews. One study found that frequent berry eaters were less likely to die from any cause compared to people who rarely consumed berries. Our Expert Take Nuts have loads of health benefits and may add years to your life. They've been linked to brain and heart health, less muscle loss, fewer chronic diseases and a longer lifespan overall. Don't just save them for snacks, though. Crunchy, tasty nuts are a fantastic addition to trail mix, yogurt, smoothies, cereal or overnight oats. As healthful as nuts are, it's important to remember that one food alone won't make or break your health. 'Think of nuts as a small but mighty part of a much larger lifestyle approach to wellness,' says Manaker. For even more benefits, include them in an eating plan rich in other foods linked to longevity, like whole grains, leafy greens, legumes and berries. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Forbes
18 hours ago
- Forbes
Why Self-Care Has Become The Most Important Form Of Healthcare – And What You Can Do To Improve It
Extending healthspan—the period of life spent free from major diseases—is far more about lifestyle choices than genetics. In his recently published (and very good) book Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity, Dr. Eric Topol emphasizes that extending healthspan—the period of life spent free from major diseases—is far more about lifestyle choices than genetics. His recommendations, grounded in decades of research on individuals who thrive into their 80s and beyond, focus on practical, evidence-based strategies. In addition to the health-related benefits of proper self-care, there are growing financial benefits. As healthcare related to chronic conditions (including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's) becomes increasingly expensive, and as more of the costs of healthcare are being passed onto insured consumers in the form of increased deductibles, co-payments, and coverage limitations, and as more individuals are uninsured, avoidance of expensive healthcare conditions and procedures has become essential to financial security. It's NOT All in Your Genes For much of my generally healthy life, I have been hearing that 'you can't beat your genes.' I have always been skeptical of this notion, not due to any hard evidence to the contrary, but because of an instinctive sense based on observation that it must be an oversimplification, and because of a stubborn refusal to accept such a fatalistic approach in my own life and those of friends and family members. Fortunately, there is growing evidence to suggest that my instinct has been correct, including one study highlighted in Dr. Topol's book. Two decades ago, a California research team he led sequenced the genomes of 1,400 adults aged 80 or older without any major illness. The researchers expected to find genetic differences between this cohort (which they called the 'Wellderly') and the majority of older adults who have at least two chronic conditions (which they called the 'Illderly'). However, the Wellderly study found almost no difference between the biological makeup of the two groups. What they did find was that Wellderly members were more physically active, more social, and typically better educated than the general public. That genes don't necessarily determine healthy aging is 'liberating,' and suggests that 'we can all do better' to delay disease, says Topol. In his book, Dr. Topol cites many examples of Super Agers whose parents died in their 50s from chronic conditions. Yet, these people are going strong in their 80s and 90s, and he believes that lifestyle has a much greater impact on health and longevity than genetics. While genetics may set the 'upper limit' for human lifespan—generally 90–100 years—he believes that lifestyle choices largely determine how close individuals come to reaching that potential without significant limitations. Dr. Topol and a growing number of other experts estimate that 80–90% of heart disease, 40–50% of cancers, and nearly half of Alzheimer's cases are delayable or preventable through lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, sleep, and social connection. Genetics may account for only 10–20% of overall health outcomes and lifespan, with lifestyle accounting for the remaining 80–90%. Evidence-Based Self-Care If you accept this premise, the next question is, 'What kind of self-care will extend my healthspan that is supported by evidence-based research?' There is no shortage of unsupported recommendations. One of the reasons I admire Dr. Topol's approach is that he sticks to what is supported by research and cites the research being cited. As background, he is a cardiologist, founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, and a molecular scientist who has published 1,300 articles and multiple books. Following is a summary of what Dr. Topol has to say about what he calls 'Lifestyle+.' However, I highly recommend that you read the chapter in his book on this subject, as it contains many actionable insights that are beyond the scope of this article, including summaries of the evidence supporting some healthspan-promoting practices and casting doubt on the efficacy of others. 1. Exercise as the Cornerstone 2. Mediterranean Diet 3. Sleep Quality and Duration 4. Social Connection and Cognitive Engagement 5. Avoiding Unproven Longevity Hacks Measuring Your Risk Dr. Topol recommends a personalized and dynamic approach to health risk evaluation, including but also moving beyond traditional population-based screening and annual tests. His logic is based on the fact that many potentially debilitating diseases develop over decades, and that understanding one's vulnerability to one or more of them well in advance can facilitate interventions to prevent or delay the onset of symptoms. His key recommendations include: 1. Longitudinal Tracking of Lab Tests 2. Emerging Blood-Based Screening 3. Genomic and Polygenic Risk Scores 4. Brain Health and Alzheimer's Disease 5. AI and Digital Tools 6. Avoiding Unnecessary Full-Body Scans 7. Reservations about Aging Clocks Recommended for a Reason I rarely endorse a single work as I am with Super Agers, but as it has become increasingly clear that we must take more responsibility for our own health care—for both healthy aging and financial security—it has become equally difficult to find trusted sources of information about how best to do this among the torrent of possibilities that are not evidence-based (e.g., more than 60,000 diet books are sold on Amazon). With that said, the combination of rapid advances in life science and information technology, including polygenic risk scoring, genome sequencing, imaging, and multimodal AI, is accelerating the pace of change and identifying new opportunities to increase healthspan that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. So, there is no healthspan 'handbook' available today that will be completely relevant tomorrow. Our ongoing challenge will be to sort through the many possible breakthroughs to identify the few that are truly supported by evidence. There are 326 research citations in Dr. Topol's nearly 100-page bibliography in Super Agers, which is the kind of scientific rigor we need to guide us today and hope to have at our fingertips tomorrow.
