Latest news with #cognitivehealth
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Australian employers view their older workforce with contempt. They need to understand 70s are the new 50s
Hey recruiters, get with the program: 70s are the new 50s. Australians, just like in wealthy societies all around the world, are living and staying healthier for longer. You'd think this would be great news, but no. We are told that an ageing population is an albatross around the neck of our economy and a curse on our budget. It doesn't have to be this way but it will require smart policymaking to make the most of a willing and able older workforce. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email It will also require employers not to be such bloody dills. This week, a survey by the Australian HR Institute and the Australian Human Rights Commission found that nearly one-quarter of employers classify over-50s as 'old'. To see just how ridiculous this is, consider that somebody who works for 45 years and retires at age 67 will have been considered 'old' for 17 years. That's nearly 40% of their working lives! Like all opinions rooted in discrimination, all this defies reason. A new article from the International Monetary Fund shows just how out of date these views are. The IMF has looked at data across 41 countries and found that a person who was 70 years old in 2022 had the same cognitive health scores as a 53-year-old at the turn of the century. Unsurprisingly, this spectacular improvement in mental acuity went hand-in-hand with people staying in better physical shape into their 60s, 70s and beyond. 'Better health means better labour market outcomes,' the IMF economists Bertrand Gruss and Diaa Noureldin noted. Gruss and Noureldin show that enlightened policies – such as a focus on ongoing training and more incentives to keep people in the workforce longer – can offset three-quarters of the expected drag from ageing on the world economy over the coming decades. 'Over a decade, the cumulative improvement in cognitive capacities experienced by someone aged 50 or over is associated with an increase of about 20 percentage points in the likelihood of remaining in the labour force,' they write. 'It's also associated with an additional six hours worked per week and a 30% increase in earnings. All this could mitigate ageing's drag on growth.' Treasury's intergenerational reports have increasingly focused the minds of Australians on the budget implications of an ageing population. As useful as these reports have been to inform the current debate around taxation reform, they may also have fed a narrative of drooling oldies who need to be propped through their autumn years by vibrant and athletic under-50s. If the IMF is right, that trite adage that 'demography is destiny' is, to a large degree, wrong. As ever, our destiny is what we make of it.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Two key factors of dementia risk that outweigh all others
Tackling hearing loss early and making an effort to maintain social relationships could delay the development of dementia later in life, promising new research has found. Studies have long suggested that around four in ten cases of the memory-robbing condition could be preventable. Addressing vision loss, treating depression and doing plenty of exercise are all ways of reducing the risk. Now Swiss scientists, who tracked more than 30,000 adults, have revealed a significant link between hearing loss, loneliness and memory decline. Writing in the journal Communications Psychology, scientists at the University of Geneva said: 'Addressing hearing impairment alongside loneliness—even in socially integrated individuals—may be crucial for promoting cognitive health in later life. With increasing longevity, understanding the relationship between hearing impairment and cognitive functioning is of utmost importance for ageing societies.' In the study, the researchers analysed 33,741 adults aged 50 and over enrolled in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Over a 17 year period they found that older adults who said they felt lonely—even if they were not socially isolated—showed steeper cognitive decline as their hearing deteriorated compared to socially integrated individuals. Participants who were both isolated and lonely consistently performed worse across all cognitive tasks including immediate and delayed recall and verbal fluency. According to the researchers, this could be because memory processes like retrieving information are used more by people who interact with others on a regular basis. Additionally, researchers found that lonely individuals found hearing loss more distressing than their non-lonely peers, highlighting the psychological burden of the condition which could contribute to memory loss. The researchers concluded that their findings support the theory that both objective and subjective social isolation are relevant to dementia risk. 'Our design uncovered a significant role for loneliness in shaping the extent to which sensory decline is linked to cognition,' the researchers added. However, the researchers acknowledged that causality could not be inferred. They added: 'Our findings indicate that both hearing impairment and psychosocial factors such as loneliness and social isolation may be relevant to cognitive functioning in later life. This underscores the importance of a holistic approach that combines auditory health with psychosocial support to maintain cognitive health in later life.' In response to studies such as this, experts at Alzheimer's Research UK are now calling on the government to include a hearing check in the NHS Health Check for over-40s. Dr Isolde Radford, from the charity, said: 'We don't yet know if hearing loss directly causes dementia or whether it causes other conditions that, in turn increase our risk. What we do know is that hearing loss, like dementia, isn't an inevitable part of ageing. This simple step could help millions identify hearing loss earlier and take appropriate action, such as wearing hearing aids, that may help reduce their risk of dementia.' It comes as a landmark study last year also suggested almost half of all Alzheimer's cases could be prevented by tackling 14 lifestyle factors. To reduce dementia risk throughout life, the commission also made 13 recommendations for both people and governments. These include making hearing aids available for all those who need it, reducing harmful noise exposure, and increased detection and treatment access for high cholesterol among the over-40s. Experts claimed the study, published in medical journal The Lancet, provided more hope than 'ever before' that the memory-robbing disorder that blights the lives of millions can be prevented. Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia and affects 982,000 people in the UK. It is thought to be caused by a build-up of amyloid and tau in the brain, which clump together and from plaques and tangles that make it harder for the brain to work properly. Eventually, the brain struggles to cope with this damage and dementia symptoms develop. Memory problems, thinking and reasoning difficulties and language problems are common early symptoms of the condition, which then worsen over time. Alzheimer's Research UK analysis found 74,261 people died from dementia in 2022 compared with 69,178 a year earlier, making it the country's biggest killer.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
6 Habits You Should Quit for Better Brain Health, According to a Neuroscientist
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDNKey Points A healthy diet and lifestyle can have a positive impact on our brain health. Yet, many of our day-to-day habits can silently chip away at our cognitive health. These include an unbalanced diet, lack of sleep, drinking alcohol, social media and brain is nothing short of extraordinary. It's the epicenter of everything you think, feel and do. Whether you're solving a tough problem, laughing with friends or remembering your favorite song, your brain is hard at work behind the scenes, orchestrating every moment. As important as our brains are, it's all too easy to overlook the everyday habits that quietly undermine brain health. Some of these are so common that we barely notice them. But over time, they can chip away at your cognitive strength, dull your focus and leave you more vulnerable to mental decline. So, we spoke with neuroscientist Jamey Maniscalco, Ph.D, to find out which of these habits to look out for. Here are the top six under-the-radar habits he says could be harming your brain health. 1. Missing Out on Sleep 'We all know that sleep is important, but many of us don't recognize that it's absolutely vital for brain health,' says Maniscalco. 'Sleep isn't just rest. It's a highly active process during which your brain performs critical housekeeping, emotional processing and memory consolidation.' Sleep is also when your brain purges itself of harmful waste products that build up during your waking hours. Chronic sleep deprivation may even raise the risk of Alzheimer's disease. One suspected reason is that insufficient sleep disrupts the brain's ability to clear out beta-amyloid, a toxic protein that builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer's. For instance, one study that followed nearly 8,000 people for more than 25 years found that those who routinely slept six hours or less per night during their 50s, 60s and 70s were significantly more likely to develop dementia than those who logged seven hours of sleep. To protect your brain health, prioritize seven to nine hours of consistent sleep nightly. 2. Smoking 'Smoking isn't just damaging to the heart and lungs; it can also have serious, often overlooked consequences for brain health,' says Maniscalco. 'Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals, many of which cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute directly to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in brain tissue.' Over time, this may accelerate the breakdown of neurons and their supporting structures, which can lead to measurable changes in the brain's structure and function.' That may be why research has found a strong correlation between smoking and an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. According to the American Heart Association, smoking can raise the risk of dementia by 30%, and it can boost the odds of Alzheimer's disease by 40%. Fortunately, quitting smoking can reduce this risk substantially. Support programs, nicotine replacement therapies and professional counseling are excellent resources to help you kick the habit. 3. Drinking Alcohol Drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, may harm your brain's structure and health. One study of more than 36,000 middle-aged and older adults found that regular alcohol consumption was linked to reduced brain volume, loss of gray matter and damage to white matter. This may impair communication within the brain. Surprisingly, declines in grey and white matter volume were noticeable even in people who drank as little as one alcoholic drink a day. And the more alcohol a person drank, the more harmful its effects. What makes alcohol so problematic? 'Alcohol is both a central nervous system depressant and a neurotoxin,' says Maniscalco. 'This means it slows down brain activity by dampening communication between neurons and, at higher levels or with chronic use, it can damage or even kill brain cells.' We're not saying that you need to give up alcohol entirely. But if you do drink, try to stick with the recommended guidelines of no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. 4. Skimping on Healthy Foods 'Your brain is one of the most metabolically active organs in the body. It uses over 20% of your daily energy intake despite making up just about 2% of your body weight,' says Maniscalco. 'That means what you eat doesn't just affect your body composition, it directly impacts your ability to regulate your mood, memory, focus and even emotional resilience.' Feeding your brain a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods may help it function at its best. The link between nutrition and brain health is so strong that research has found that an eating pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fish may promote greater brain volume and protect against cognitive decline. Conversely, people whose diets are highest in ultra-processed foods may experience cognitive decline considerably sooner than people who rarely eat these foods. 5. Doing the Same Thing All the Time 'The brain craves novelty. It's wired to respond to new experiences, challenges and learning opportunities, since these inputs stimulate growth, adaptation to new environments and long-term resilience,' says Maniscalco. 'Without regular exposure to novelty, we risk falling into patterns of mental autopilot, where the brain's most dynamic systems that are responsible for attention, problem-solving, memory and creativity go underused.' Whether it's learning a new skill, visiting a new place or attempting a challenging puzzle, new experiences and learning opportunities help forge new neural connections and strengthen existing ones.,, Conversely, research has shown that a lack of mental stimulation in older adults can lead to cognitive decline over time. 6. Too Much Social Media 'Social media may seem like harmless entertainment or a convenient way to stay connected, but it can significantly reshape the way your brain functions,' says Maniscalco. 'Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook are designed to trigger and exploit the brain's dopamine system—the same reward circuitry involved in motivation, craving and addiction.' Over time, this can lead to negative consequences for your brain health. One review of multiple studies found that people who had difficulty controlling their internet use tended to have less gray matter in brain regions related to decision-making, self-control and reward processing. Too much social media can also affect emotional well-being. For instance, research has found that using social media as a primary means of maintaining relationships is linked to feelings of loneliness. To counterbalance the effects of social media and mindless scrolling, schedule 'tech-free' time during your day. And don't forget to make time for meaningful interactions, like phoning or spending time with loved ones. Our Expert Take Many seemingly innocent everyday habits may be quietly taking a toll on your brain health. Over time, lack of sleep, smoking, drinking alcohol, skimping on nutritious foods, missing out on new experiences or spending endless hours scrolling can spell trouble for our brains. The impact isn't just about memory or focus. It touches everything from your mood to long-term cognitive resilience. But here's the good news: Small changes, like getting enough rest, eating nutritious foods, staying curious, giving up smoking, drinking less alcohol and connecting meaningfully with others, may have a big impact on your brain's strength. Take the first step today to break those brain-draining habits. Your future self will thank you with sharper thinking, a better mood and a mind that's ready to meet life's challenges head-on. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Zawya
4 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Starkey MEA champions elderly hearing health as part of UAE's preventive care drive
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Starkey MEA FZCO has reaffirmed its commitment to improving hearing health among the UAE's aging population, calling for greater integration of hearing care into national public health strategies. The move comes amid growing evidence linking untreated hearing loss to cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation in older adults. Starkey's efforts are closely aligned with the UAE's National Policy for Senior Emiratis and Dubai's Elderly Happiness Strategy. The National Policy, launched in 2018, aims to ensure that senior Emiratis remain active, healthy, and socially integrated through targeted programs and support services. Meanwhile, Dubai's Elderly Happiness Strategy—part of the broader Dubai Happiness Agenda—seeks to enhance the overall well-being and happiness of older residents through tailored initiatives. Speaking ahead of the company's upcoming regional hearing awareness campaign, Giscard Bechara, Regional Director of Starkey MEA FZCO, said: 'Hearing loss is one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions in the UAE's elderly population. Yet it is also one of the most manageable—if diagnosed early and addressed with the right technology and professional care' Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, and nearly one-third of adults over the age of 65 are affected. In the UAE, the demographic shift is particularly striking. According to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the proportion of senior citizens is projected to rise from 6% to 29% by 2050, driven by rising life expectancy and improved healthcare access. Starkey's upcoming campaign during the second half of the year will focus on early detection, awareness building, and accessibility. Through screening campaigns along with its partners, and partnerships with elder care facilities, the company aims to reach senior citizens in the country. 'Good hearing is not just about communication. It's about safety, mental health, and dignity,' Bechara emphasized. 'Our devices today don't just amplify sound—they connect users to their environment, monitor their well-being, and support them in living independent lives. The technology also helps the family to monitor their loved ones and detect how much they are using the hearing aids daily' Recent studies, including those published by The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention (2020), have highlighted hearing loss as a major modifiable risk factor for dementia. Early treatment with hearing aids has been shown to reduce cognitive decline by up to 48%, according to a 2023 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). 'Public-private collaboration is the only way we can scale impact,' added Bechara. 'We share the UAE's vision of a society where aging is not associated with decline, but with dignity, independence, happiness and connection. Families in the UAE are very close to each other, by making sure that the elderly are getting the best hearing care, you are automatically keeping engaged with their loved ones '. About Starkey Laboratories Inc. Starkey is a privately owned, global leader in hearing innovation, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. As the only American-owned provider of advanced hearing technologies, Starkey is known for pioneering digital hearing solutions that combine cutting-edge AI, health tracking, and personalized care. With more than 5,000 employees across 29 global facilities, Starkey serves over 100 markets worldwide. The company is dedicated to transforming lives through better hearing, offering a full ecosystem of hearing aids, software, and connected health services.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientists pinpoint two key factors which increase dementia risk more than any other - one is frighteningly difficult to avoid
Tackling hearing loss early and making an effort to maintain social relationships could delay the development of dementia later in life, promising new research has found. Studies have long suggested that around four in ten cases of the memory-robbing condition could be preventable. Addressing vision loss, treating depression and doing plenty of exercise are all ways of reducing the risk. Now Swiss scientists, who tracked more than 30,000 adults, have revealed a significant link between hearing loss, loneliness and memory decline. Writing in the journal Communications Psychology, scientists at the University of Geneva said: 'Addressing hearing impairment alongside loneliness—even in socially integrated individuals—may be crucial for promoting cognitive health in later life. 'With increasing longevity, understanding the relationship between hearing impairment and cognitive functioning is of utmost importance for ageing societies.' In the study, the researchers analysed 33,741 adults aged 50 and over enrolled in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Over a 17 year period they found that older adults who said they felt lonely—even if they were not socially isolated—showed steeper cognitive decline as their hearing deteriorated compared to socially integrated individuals. Participants who were both isolated and lonely consistently performed worse across all cognitive tasks including immediate and delayed recall and verbal fluency. According to the researchers, this could be because memory processes like retrieving information are used more by people who interact with others on a regular basis. Additionally, researchers found that lonely individuals found hearing loss more distressing than their non-lonely peers, highlighting the psychological burden of the condition which could contribute to memory loss. The researchers concluded that their findings support the theory that both objective and subjective social isolation are relevant to dementia risk. 'Our design uncovered a significant role for loneliness in shaping the extent to which sensory decline is linked to cognition,' the researchers added. However, the researchers acknowledged that causality could not be inferred. They added: 'Our findings indicate that both hearing impairment and psychosocial factors such as loneliness and social isolation may be relevant to cognitive functioning in later life. 'This underscores the importance of a holistic approach that combines auditory health with psychosocial support to maintain cognitive health in later life.' In response to studies such as this, experts at Alzheimer's Research UK are now calling on the government to include a hearing check in the NHS Health Check for over-40s. Dr Isolde Radford, from the charity, said: 'We don't yet know if hearing loss directly causes dementia or whether it causes other conditions that, in turn increase our risk. 'What we do know is that hearing loss, like dementia, isn't an inevitable part of ageing. 'This simple step could help millions identify hearing loss earlier and take appropriate action, such as wearing hearing aids, that may help reduce their risk of dementia.' It comes as a landmark study last year also suggested almost half of all Alzheimer's cases could be prevented by tackling 14 lifestyle factors. To reduce dementia risk throughout life, the commission also made 13 recommendations for both people and governments. These include making hearing aids available for all those who need it, reducing harmful noise exposure, and increased detection and treatment access for high cholesterol among the over-40s. Experts claimed the study, published in medical journal The Lancet, provided more hope than 'ever before' that the memory-robbing disorder that blights the lives of millions can be prevented. Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia and affects 982,000 people in the UK. It is thought to be caused by a build-up of amyloid and tau in the brain, which clump together and from plaques and tangles that make it harder for the brain to work properly. Eventually, the brain struggles to cope with this damage and dementia symptoms develop. Memory problems, thinking and reasoning difficulties and language problems are common early symptoms of the condition, which then worsen over time. Alzheimer's Research UK analysis found 74,261 people died from dementia in 2022 compared with 69,178 a year earlier, making it the country's biggest killer.
