Latest news with #ASPREE
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Men can face double dementia risk if they have this hidden genetic mutation
A hidden genetic mutation could predict a man's likelihood of developing dementia. That's according to an Australian study led by Monash and Curtin Universities, which analyzed the medical data of thousands of Australians and Americans. Men who had a certain variant in the haemochromatosis (HFE) gene — which regulates iron levels in the body — were found to be at a higher risk of dementia, the researchers found. Previously healthy men over age 70 who have two copies of the variant, which is known as H63D, are at least twice — or up to four times — as likely to develop dementia. Having just one copy did not appear to elevate the risk. One in 36 men carry two copies of the mutation; one in three have just a single copy. 4 Men who had a certain variant in the haemochromatosis (HFE) gene were found to be at a higher risk of dementia, the researchers found. wirojsid – 'It is only men who have two copies of the variant that are at risk,' study co-author Professor John Olynyk from the Curtin Medical School told Fox News Digital. 'Women are not affected by the abnormality – we do not know why that is at the current point in time.' The study, which was published in the journal Neurology, used data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial, which gathered health and aging data for 19,114 healthy older adults. Those who have the genetic variant can't change it, but it's possible that the 'brain pathways' it affects could be treated, Olynyk noted. 4 Those who have the genetic variant can't change it, but it's possible that the 'brain pathways' it affects could be treated, Olynyk noted. jamesteohart – 'The HFE gene is routinely tested for in most Western countries … when assessing people for haemochromatosis, a disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron,' the doctor said. 'Our findings suggest that perhaps this testing could be offered to men more broadly.' Despite the fact that the HFE gene is responsible for controlling iron levels, the team found no direct link between iron and dementia risk. 'Our findings suggest that perhaps this testing could be offered to men more broadly.' Professor John Olynyk 'This points to other mechanisms at play, possibly involving the increased risk of brain injury from inflammation and cell damage in the body,' Olynyk added. More research is needed to determine why the heightened risk wasn't seen in women. 4 Despite the fact that the HFE gene is responsible for controlling iron levels, the team found no direct link between iron and dementia risk. djoronimo – 'Understanding why men with the double H63D variant are at higher risk could pave the way for more personalized approaches to prevention and treatment,' added co-author Professor Paul Lacaze from Monash University in a press release. The main limitation of the study, according to Olynyk, was that the study population was largely composed of Australians. 'Whether other populations exhibit the same effects is unclear,' he told Fox News Digital. 'Our work should be repeated in different countries to assess this.' 'Further research will be undertaken to try and determine the likely mechanism by which this anomaly causes dementia and what more we can do to reduce the impact of it.' 4 The main limitation of the study, according to Olynyk, was that the study population was largely composed of Australians. Monkey Business – Beyond this specific mutation, many other genetic and environmental factors can contribute to dementia risk, Olynyk noted. 'While genetic risk factors cannot be changed, the mechanisms by which these genetic abnormalities and environmental factors cause disease may well be modifiable to some extent, through adopting a healthy lifestyle and being proactive about maintaining an overall good state of health,' he said. To reduce risk, the researchers recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, minimizing alcohol intake, remaining mentally active, and seeing a doctor to address any medical problem known to increase the likelihood of dementia. The University of Melbourne, The Royal Children's Hospital, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Fiona Stanley Hospital also contributed to the study.
Washington Post
15-06-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Genetic variant tied to doubled dementia risk for older men
A common genetic variant is linked to a doubled dementia risk for older men, a recent analysis in Neurology suggests. The study used data from Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE), which followed elderly patients in the United States and Australia with no history of cardiovascular disease, dementia or cognitive decline between 2010 and 2017.
The Independent
07-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The common breakfast food that could reduce the risk of premature death
As egg prices soar in the U.S. due to the bird flu outbreak, you might be looking at cutting down your intake. You might even justify this by saying that it's better for your health, given eggs ' high cholesterol content. But according to a new study, doubts about eggs' health benefits aren't what they've cracked up to be. The research suggests that eggs support heart health for older adults, and can even reduce the risk of premature death. Here are the details. What was the study? Researchers examined data from a large, ongoing study that is following older adults and tracking their health (the ASPREE study). In their analysis of more than 8000 people, they examined the foods people usually eat and then looked at how many participants died over a six-year period and from what causes, using medical records and official reports. Researchers collected information on their diet through a food questionnaire, which included a question about how frequently participants ate eggs in the past year: never/infrequently (rarely or never, 1–2 times per month) weekly (1–6 times per week) daily (daily or several times per day). Overall, people who consumed eggs 1–6 times per week had the lowest risk of death during the study period (29 per cent lower for heart disease deaths and 17 per cent lower for overall deaths) compared to those who rarely or never ate eggs. Eating eggs daily did not increase the risk of death either. How reputable is the study? The research was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning this work has been examined by other researchers and is considered reputable and defensible. In the analysis, factors such as socioeconomic, demographic, health-related and clinical factors, and overall dietary quality were 'adjusted' for, as these factors can play a role in disease and the risk of early death. Researchers received funding from a variety of national funding grants in the United States and Australia, with no links to commercial sources. What are the limitations of this study? Due to the type of study, it only explored egg consumption patterns, which participants self-reported. The researchers didn't collect data about the type of egg (for example, chicken or quail), how it was prepared, or how many eggs are consumed when eaten. This analysis specifically looked for an association or link between egg consumption and death. Additional analyses are needed to understand how egg consumption may affect other aspects of health and wellbeing. Lastly, the population sample of older adults were relatively healthy, limiting how much findings can be applied to older adults with special needs or medical conditions. What is ASPREE? ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) is an ongoing, large, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving more 19,000 participants in Australia and the US. This means some people in the trial were given an intervention and others weren't but neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received the 'placebo', or dummy treatment. ASPREE started in 2010 to investigate whether low-dose aspirin (100 micrograms daily) could help prolong older adults' health and lifespan, specifically by preventing heart disease and stroke. The first findings were published in 2018. One of the fundamental conclusions of the ASPREE trial was there was no benefit from taking aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease (heart disease or stroke). ASPREE is still ongoing as a longitudinal study, which means it provides information on other aspects of healthy living and long-term outcomes in older adults — in this case, the link between egg intake and the chance of death. Why the focus on eggs? Eggs are a good source of protein, and contain B vitamins, folate, unsaturated fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), choline, and minerals. The fuss over eggs comes down to their cholesterol content and how it relates to heart disease risk. A large egg yolk contains approximately 275 mg of cholesterol — near the recommended daily limit of cholesterol intake. In the past, medical professionals warned that eating cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs could raise blood cholesterol and increase heart disease risk. But newer research shows the body doesn't absorb dietary cholesterol well, so dietary cholesterol doesn't have a major effect on blood cholesterol levels. Rather, foods such as saturated and trans fats play a major role in cholesterol levels. Given these changing recommendations over time, and the nuances of nutrition science, it's understandable that research on eggs continues. What does this mean for me? Whether you prefer boiled, scrambled, poached, baked or fried, eggs provide a satisfying source of protein and other key nutrients. While the science is still out, there's no reason to limit egg intake unless specifically advised by a recognised health professional such as an accredited practising dietitian. As always, moderation is key.
