How could housework and AI help us live healthier and longer lives?
University of South Australia sports scientist Grant Tomlinson has studied the benefits of regular exercise on healthy ageing for years and says applying a little elbow grease may help you live longer.
While the benefits of cardiovascular fitness are well known, Professor Tomlinson said it's just as important to maintain muscle strength.
Read more from The Senior
He said chores like moving things around the house, mowing the lawn, gardening, wringing out wet washing, carrying groceries, or hanging washing on the line could yield numerous health benefits.
"When we typically think of fitness, you know, like muscle fitness, we do think of smelly, sweaty people in the gym, pushing lots of weights with veins popping out of their forehead and bloodshot eyes and sweat dripping off their forehead," he said.
"That's not necessarily the truth.... doing those everyday household chores can provide enough resistance to help keep you on the right track, particularly as you get older, when we tend to be less physically active."
Keeping the muscles active can help with daily tasks and reduce the risk of falls because stronger muscles help a person to reposition the body if they slip or stumble, he said.
Maintaining muscle strength can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as well as the development of diseases like osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
While housework is a good way to maintain muscle strength, especially for those who have not been maintaining a regular exercise routine, Professor Tomlinson also recommends other strength exercises like lifting weights, riding a bike or squats.
He said older adults should aim for three sessions of resistance or muscle and bone strengthening exercise a week.
Professor Tomlinson will talk about the benefits of regular exercise for healthy ageing at an upcoming exhibition at the University of South Australia's Museum of Discovery (MOD).
Also speaking during the panel discussion will be Lyndsey Collins-Praino, who is at the forefront of exciting research that could one day see AI used to identify signs of dementia and Parkinson's disease long before symptoms appear.
The neuroscientist believes clues that a person is at risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson's can be found in the body.
Proteins found in blood, saliva and tears, and information from brain scans could help scientists identify these diseases early enough to slow their progression, or possibly even stop it altogether, she said.
She said symptoms associated with dementia and Parkinson's do not start until the diseases are well advanced and irreversible.
"If we can tell who might be at risk... we can involve them in clinical trials early, we can have better monitoring of them, we can intervene earlier when problems do start to occur, and potentially even be able to stop that conversion [progression of the disease.] That's the ultimate hope," she said.
Associate Professor Collins-Praino and her team are looking at ways AI can be utilised to identify people who are predisposed to developing these diseases.
"We're using the latest technologies, things like AI, to help us to pick out biological patterns that help us to predict risk of things like dementia and Parkinson's."
She said there are a number of known lifestyle factors that could reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 per cent, including improved diet, exercise, and reduced alcohol intake.
If scientists can determine that a person is at risk of developing these conditions, lifestyle changes and potentially drug treatments could stop them from developing the disease before it's too late.
The panel discussion will take place as part of the university's Forever exhibition,
The exhibition draws on the expertise of over 30 researchers and experts in neuroscience, exercise science, sociology, anthropology and physics to explore the relationship between time, memory and aging.
Do You Want To Live Forever?; Museum of Discovery, University of South Australia, 6-7.30pm, August 14. Details: www.scienceweek.net.au.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Have you been putting off doing the weeding or giving the windows a good scrub? This expert's advice may have you reaching for the gardening gloves or Windex.
University of South Australia sports scientist Grant Tomlinson has studied the benefits of regular exercise on healthy ageing for years and says applying a little elbow grease may help you live longer.
While the benefits of cardiovascular fitness are well known, Professor Tomlinson said it's just as important to maintain muscle strength.
Read more from The Senior
He said chores like moving things around the house, mowing the lawn, gardening, wringing out wet washing, carrying groceries, or hanging washing on the line could yield numerous health benefits.
"When we typically think of fitness, you know, like muscle fitness, we do think of smelly, sweaty people in the gym, pushing lots of weights with veins popping out of their forehead and bloodshot eyes and sweat dripping off their forehead," he said.
"That's not necessarily the truth.... doing those everyday household chores can provide enough resistance to help keep you on the right track, particularly as you get older, when we tend to be less physically active."
Keeping the muscles active can help with daily tasks and reduce the risk of falls because stronger muscles help a person to reposition the body if they slip or stumble, he said.
Maintaining muscle strength can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as well as the development of diseases like osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
While housework is a good way to maintain muscle strength, especially for those who have not been maintaining a regular exercise routine, Professor Tomlinson also recommends other strength exercises like lifting weights, riding a bike or squats.
He said older adults should aim for three sessions of resistance or muscle and bone strengthening exercise a week.
Professor Tomlinson will talk about the benefits of regular exercise for healthy ageing at an upcoming exhibition at the University of South Australia's Museum of Discovery (MOD).
Also speaking during the panel discussion will be Lyndsey Collins-Praino, who is at the forefront of exciting research that could one day see AI used to identify signs of dementia and Parkinson's disease long before symptoms appear.
The neuroscientist believes clues that a person is at risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson's can be found in the body.
Proteins found in blood, saliva and tears, and information from brain scans could help scientists identify these diseases early enough to slow their progression, or possibly even stop it altogether, she said.
She said symptoms associated with dementia and Parkinson's do not start until the diseases are well advanced and irreversible.
"If we can tell who might be at risk... we can involve them in clinical trials early, we can have better monitoring of them, we can intervene earlier when problems do start to occur, and potentially even be able to stop that conversion [progression of the disease.] That's the ultimate hope," she said.
Associate Professor Collins-Praino and her team are looking at ways AI can be utilised to identify people who are predisposed to developing these diseases.
"We're using the latest technologies, things like AI, to help us to pick out biological patterns that help us to predict risk of things like dementia and Parkinson's."
She said there are a number of known lifestyle factors that could reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 per cent, including improved diet, exercise, and reduced alcohol intake.
If scientists can determine that a person is at risk of developing these conditions, lifestyle changes and potentially drug treatments could stop them from developing the disease before it's too late.
The panel discussion will take place as part of the university's Forever exhibition,
The exhibition draws on the expertise of over 30 researchers and experts in neuroscience, exercise science, sociology, anthropology and physics to explore the relationship between time, memory and aging.
Do You Want To Live Forever?; Museum of Discovery, University of South Australia, 6-7.30pm, August 14. Details: www.scienceweek.net.au.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Have you been putting off doing the weeding or giving the windows a good scrub? This expert's advice may have you reaching for the gardening gloves or Windex.
University of South Australia sports scientist Grant Tomlinson has studied the benefits of regular exercise on healthy ageing for years and says applying a little elbow grease may help you live longer.
While the benefits of cardiovascular fitness are well known, Professor Tomlinson said it's just as important to maintain muscle strength.
Read more from The Senior
He said chores like moving things around the house, mowing the lawn, gardening, wringing out wet washing, carrying groceries, or hanging washing on the line could yield numerous health benefits.
"When we typically think of fitness, you know, like muscle fitness, we do think of smelly, sweaty people in the gym, pushing lots of weights with veins popping out of their forehead and bloodshot eyes and sweat dripping off their forehead," he said.
"That's not necessarily the truth.... doing those everyday household chores can provide enough resistance to help keep you on the right track, particularly as you get older, when we tend to be less physically active."
Keeping the muscles active can help with daily tasks and reduce the risk of falls because stronger muscles help a person to reposition the body if they slip or stumble, he said.
Maintaining muscle strength can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as well as the development of diseases like osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
While housework is a good way to maintain muscle strength, especially for those who have not been maintaining a regular exercise routine, Professor Tomlinson also recommends other strength exercises like lifting weights, riding a bike or squats.
He said older adults should aim for three sessions of resistance or muscle and bone strengthening exercise a week.
Professor Tomlinson will talk about the benefits of regular exercise for healthy ageing at an upcoming exhibition at the University of South Australia's Museum of Discovery (MOD).
Also speaking during the panel discussion will be Lyndsey Collins-Praino, who is at the forefront of exciting research that could one day see AI used to identify signs of dementia and Parkinson's disease long before symptoms appear.
The neuroscientist believes clues that a person is at risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson's can be found in the body.
Proteins found in blood, saliva and tears, and information from brain scans could help scientists identify these diseases early enough to slow their progression, or possibly even stop it altogether, she said.
She said symptoms associated with dementia and Parkinson's do not start until the diseases are well advanced and irreversible.
"If we can tell who might be at risk... we can involve them in clinical trials early, we can have better monitoring of them, we can intervene earlier when problems do start to occur, and potentially even be able to stop that conversion [progression of the disease.] That's the ultimate hope," she said.
Associate Professor Collins-Praino and her team are looking at ways AI can be utilised to identify people who are predisposed to developing these diseases.
"We're using the latest technologies, things like AI, to help us to pick out biological patterns that help us to predict risk of things like dementia and Parkinson's."
She said there are a number of known lifestyle factors that could reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 per cent, including improved diet, exercise, and reduced alcohol intake.
If scientists can determine that a person is at risk of developing these conditions, lifestyle changes and potentially drug treatments could stop them from developing the disease before it's too late.
The panel discussion will take place as part of the university's Forever exhibition,
The exhibition draws on the expertise of over 30 researchers and experts in neuroscience, exercise science, sociology, anthropology and physics to explore the relationship between time, memory and aging.
Do You Want To Live Forever?; Museum of Discovery, University of South Australia, 6-7.30pm, August 14. Details: www.scienceweek.net.au.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Have you been putting off doing the weeding or giving the windows a good scrub? This expert's advice may have you reaching for the gardening gloves or Windex.
University of South Australia sports scientist Grant Tomlinson has studied the benefits of regular exercise on healthy ageing for years and says applying a little elbow grease may help you live longer.
While the benefits of cardiovascular fitness are well known, Professor Tomlinson said it's just as important to maintain muscle strength.
Read more from The Senior
He said chores like moving things around the house, mowing the lawn, gardening, wringing out wet washing, carrying groceries, or hanging washing on the line could yield numerous health benefits.
"When we typically think of fitness, you know, like muscle fitness, we do think of smelly, sweaty people in the gym, pushing lots of weights with veins popping out of their forehead and bloodshot eyes and sweat dripping off their forehead," he said.
"That's not necessarily the truth.... doing those everyday household chores can provide enough resistance to help keep you on the right track, particularly as you get older, when we tend to be less physically active."
Keeping the muscles active can help with daily tasks and reduce the risk of falls because stronger muscles help a person to reposition the body if they slip or stumble, he said.
Maintaining muscle strength can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as well as the development of diseases like osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
While housework is a good way to maintain muscle strength, especially for those who have not been maintaining a regular exercise routine, Professor Tomlinson also recommends other strength exercises like lifting weights, riding a bike or squats.
He said older adults should aim for three sessions of resistance or muscle and bone strengthening exercise a week.
Professor Tomlinson will talk about the benefits of regular exercise for healthy ageing at an upcoming exhibition at the University of South Australia's Museum of Discovery (MOD).
Also speaking during the panel discussion will be Lyndsey Collins-Praino, who is at the forefront of exciting research that could one day see AI used to identify signs of dementia and Parkinson's disease long before symptoms appear.
The neuroscientist believes clues that a person is at risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson's can be found in the body.
Proteins found in blood, saliva and tears, and information from brain scans could help scientists identify these diseases early enough to slow their progression, or possibly even stop it altogether, she said.
She said symptoms associated with dementia and Parkinson's do not start until the diseases are well advanced and irreversible.
"If we can tell who might be at risk... we can involve them in clinical trials early, we can have better monitoring of them, we can intervene earlier when problems do start to occur, and potentially even be able to stop that conversion [progression of the disease.] That's the ultimate hope," she said.
Associate Professor Collins-Praino and her team are looking at ways AI can be utilised to identify people who are predisposed to developing these diseases.
"We're using the latest technologies, things like AI, to help us to pick out biological patterns that help us to predict risk of things like dementia and Parkinson's."
She said there are a number of known lifestyle factors that could reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 per cent, including improved diet, exercise, and reduced alcohol intake.
If scientists can determine that a person is at risk of developing these conditions, lifestyle changes and potentially drug treatments could stop them from developing the disease before it's too late.
The panel discussion will take place as part of the university's Forever exhibition,
The exhibition draws on the expertise of over 30 researchers and experts in neuroscience, exercise science, sociology, anthropology and physics to explore the relationship between time, memory and aging.
Do You Want To Live Forever?; Museum of Discovery, University of South Australia, 6-7.30pm, August 14. Details: www.scienceweek.net.au.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
More Aussies are choosing end-of-life care for their pets, would you?
For Vicki, 65, and Dennis Cleghorn, 69, their beloved greyhounds Finn and Roy were their children and their "world", so when they became ill they wanted to make sure they had everything they needed - and they're not alone. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet. And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience. Read more from The Senior: When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health. But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days. Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic. Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way. "We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said. The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together. "There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'." Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle. Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car. Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable. Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away. Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye. "Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said. The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise. But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes. "I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior. Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service. "People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. For Vicki, 65, and Dennis Cleghorn, 69, their beloved greyhounds Finn and Roy were their children and their "world", so when they became ill they wanted to make sure they had everything they needed - and they're not alone. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet. And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience. Read more from The Senior: When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health. But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days. Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic. Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way. "We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said. The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together. "There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'." Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle. Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car. Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable. Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away. Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye. "Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said. The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise. But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes. "I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior. Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service. "People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. For Vicki, 65, and Dennis Cleghorn, 69, their beloved greyhounds Finn and Roy were their children and their "world", so when they became ill they wanted to make sure they had everything they needed - and they're not alone. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet. And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience. Read more from The Senior: When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health. But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days. Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic. Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way. "We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said. The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together. "There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'." Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle. Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car. Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable. Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away. Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye. "Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said. The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise. But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes. "I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior. Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service. "People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. For Vicki, 65, and Dennis Cleghorn, 69, their beloved greyhounds Finn and Roy were their children and their "world", so when they became ill they wanted to make sure they had everything they needed - and they're not alone. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet. And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience. Read more from The Senior: When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health. But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days. Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic. Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way. "We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said. The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together. "There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'." Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle. Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car. Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable. Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away. Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye. "Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said. The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise. But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes. "I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior. Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service. "People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
West Australian
2 days ago
- West Australian
World-first study could provide MS breakthrough
A world-first study aims to identify a person's genetic risk of developing multiple sclerosis by using their DNA. The research will investigate why some people develop MS and others don't, even if they are exposed to the same common virus. University of South Australia's David Stacey told AAP the pilot study would involve an innovative approach, called "recall by genotype", which has never been used in MS research. "It's like studying the immune system's blueprint before the disease starts," said Dr Stacey, who leads the study. As the most common acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults, MS impacts more than 33,000 Australians. Symptoms can include loss of motor function, loss of sensation, pain, vision changes and changes to thinking and memory. While there is no cure or single known cause for MS, many genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute to its development. Dr Stacey says the study will select two groups of participants based on whether they have a high or low genetic risk of MS. By comparing the groups, researchers hope to understand how their immune systems respond to the Epstein-Barr virus, a disease that causes glandular fever and has been strongly linked to MS. While most people get infected with Epstein-Barr virus, only a small number develop MS. Researchers believe differences in how a person's immune system reacts to the virus might explain why some people get MS and others don't. "It could also help identify early biological markers that show when MS might be starting to develop. This may lead to earlier detection, new treatments or even prevention," Dr Stacey said. "We want to take learnings from this to help inform a larger, more scaled-up version of this study." The research is funded through MS Australia's latest Incubator Grant round, which supports ideas aimed at opening new directions in MS research. "Our mission is to accelerate research and improve outcomes for every person living with MS," chief executive Rohan Greenland said.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
World-first study could provide MS breakthrough
A world-first study aims to identify a person's genetic risk of developing multiple sclerosis by using their DNA. The research will investigate why some people develop MS and others don't, even if they are exposed to the same common virus. University of South Australia's David Stacey told AAP the pilot study would involve an innovative approach, called "recall by genotype", which has never been used in MS research. "It's like studying the immune system's blueprint before the disease starts," said Dr Stacey, who leads the study. As the most common acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults, MS impacts more than 33,000 Australians. Symptoms can include loss of motor function, loss of sensation, pain, vision changes and changes to thinking and memory. While there is no cure or single known cause for MS, many genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute to its development. Dr Stacey says the study will select two groups of participants based on whether they have a high or low genetic risk of MS. By comparing the groups, researchers hope to understand how their immune systems respond to the Epstein-Barr virus, a disease that causes glandular fever and has been strongly linked to MS. While most people get infected with Epstein-Barr virus, only a small number develop MS. Researchers believe differences in how a person's immune system reacts to the virus might explain why some people get MS and others don't. "It could also help identify early biological markers that show when MS might be starting to develop. This may lead to earlier detection, new treatments or even prevention," Dr Stacey said. "We want to take learnings from this to help inform a larger, more scaled-up version of this study." The research is funded through MS Australia's latest Incubator Grant round, which supports ideas aimed at opening new directions in MS research. "Our mission is to accelerate research and improve outcomes for every person living with MS," chief executive Rohan Greenland said.
