Aging

Researchers are evaluating whether the video-based exercise program "Bliib fit - mach mit!" can improve physical fitness in older adults living in residential care facilities. The study aims to see if this program enhances physical fitness, quality of life, perceived fall risk, self-efficacy, and daily physical activity levels. This trial compares the video-based program to a caregiver-led activation program as an optimized standard care approach. Participants will take part in either the video-based exercise program or the caregiver-led activation program for 12 weeks. Each participant will engage in sessions four times a week, with each session lasting about 20 minutes. The video-based program focuses on mobilization, muscle strengthening, coordination, balance, and relaxation, supervised by a care professional. The caregiver-led activation program is instructed and carried out by care professionals individually or in groups. During the study, researchers will assess participants at baseline, after 12 weeks of intervention, and again 12 weeks after the intervention ends. They will measure physical fitness through tests like the Short Physical Performance Battery, grip strength, and a 2-minute walking test. Secondary measures include health-related quality of life, falls efficacy, self-efficacy, and physical activity tracked with accelerometers. This comprehensive monitoring aims to understand how the programs affect participants over time.

Eye disease affects billions worldwide, causing vision problems that impact daily life and productivity. This research focuses on eye health in coastal Bangladesh, a region with high poverty, limited healthcare access, and environmental risks that increase eye disease prevalence. The study evaluates a community-based eye screening program using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration, aiming to improve early diagnosis and care in underserved areas. The program offers a twelve-step eye screening process supported by AI-assisted fundus imaging, combined with partnerships among local organizations and healthcare providers. Screening includes community outreach, vision tests, blood pressure and glucose checks, optometrist evaluations, and selective AI imaging for higher-risk individuals based on age, diabetes, hypertension, or symptoms. Patients diagnosed with severe cataracts are offered surgery through local or regional services. The approach integrates data collection, AI analysis, clinical examinations, counseling, and referrals to support comprehensive eye care. Participants aged 35 and older from the Char Fasson sub-district undergo screening and follow-up over several months. The study collects demographic, clinical, and imaging data securely, with informed consent for storing fundus images. Researchers monitor the number of individuals screened and the prevalence of eye diseases. Safety and data privacy are maintained using encrypted systems and compliance with ethical standards. The program's feasibility, cost, and effectiveness in improving eye care accessibility are assessed throughout the study.

Researchers are evaluating the +AGIL Barcelona program to help frail older adults improve their physical abilities and delay disability. This study focuses on adapting and expanding the program across different community health centers in Barcelona. It aims to measure improvements in physical performance using a simple test (SPPB) and assess how well the program can be implemented in various neighborhoods. The program includes up to 10 weekly group exercise sessions led by a physiotherapist, emphasizing strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. Participants receive personalized exercises supported by easy-to-understand materials. The program also offers advice on healthy habits like the Mediterranean diet, sleep improvement, and managing swallowing or memory issues. Medication reviews are conducted to ensure safe and appropriate treatments, and support is provided to connect participants with local activities to reduce social isolation. Participants will be involved in assessments of their physical performance, quality of life, cognitive function, social engagement, diet adherence, medication use, and any adverse events at the start, three months, and six months. The study uses a stepped approach to introduce the program at different sites gradually. Researchers will also gather qualitative feedback on participants' experiences and program implementation. The total participation duration includes baseline and follow-up visits over six months.

Researchers are conducting the 100-Year Human Aging Study, an observational trial designed to follow participants over their lifespans to investigate which health measurements can predict mortality, serious diseases, and functional disability. The study aims to validate many longevity measures that currently lack prospective evidence by tracking physiological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors that change with aging. This research will generate important data to improve understanding of aging and longevity medicine. Participants undergo comprehensive multi-system clinical screenings including tests like cardiopulmonary exercise testing, body composition assessment by DEXA, echocardiography, electrocardiography, spirometry, neurocognitive testing, sensory assessments, metabolic testing, and detailed medical and social histories. The study allows for different levels of participation, from single tests to full two-visit screening batteries, and encourages repeat testing to capture health changes over time. During the study, participants receive individualized reports including investigational estimates of biological age and predicted cause of death. Researchers collect data on mortality, serious health events, chronic diseases, functional ability, and lifestyle changes through periodic follow-up over many years, potentially up to 100 years. This extensive data collection helps evaluate how well these measurements predict aging outcomes. All data are stored in raw form for future analysis and participants are supported with ongoing contact and opportunities for repeat assessments.

Perimenopause is the phase before menopause where women experience symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue, and trouble with memory or concentration. These symptoms can be frequent and intense, affecting quality of life. Despite growing awareness, there is limited research on how diet and supplements impact menopause symptoms. This study investigates the effects of 12 weeks of magnesium supplementation on symptoms, cognition, sleep, and psychological well-being in perimenopausal women. The study compares two groups: one taking a magnesium hydroxide supplement and the other a placebo, both for 12 weeks. Each participant will take two capsules daily of either magnesium hydroxide or placebo. The trial is randomized and triple-blinded to fairly assess the effects of magnesium. The treatment period lasts 84 days with assessments conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Participants will complete memory and cognitive tasks, such as numeric and alphabetic working memory tests, recognition tasks, and the Corsi blocks task, at three time points. They will also fill out questionnaires measuring menopause-specific quality of life, depression, anxiety, stress, mood, and sleep quality. These measures will help researchers understand how magnesium may influence cognition, psychological health, and sleep during perimenopause. The study is led by Northumbria University and plans to end in August 2026.

Perimenopause is a transition phase before menopause, marked by symptoms such as mood changes, anxiety, sleep problems, hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue, and cognitive challenges. These symptoms can significantly impact women's quality of life. Although awareness of menopause has grown, research on nutritional approaches to manage these symptoms remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a 12-week multi-vitamin/mineral and herbal supplement on perimenopause symptoms, memory, concentration, sleep, and psychological well-being compared to a placebo. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one taking a placebo capsule daily for 84 days, and the other taking a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement daily for the same duration. The supplement includes herbal extracts and vitamins recommended by menopause societies. The study will compare the effects of these supplements on symptoms and cognitive function over the 12-week period. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at the start, at 6 weeks, and at 12 weeks. Assessments include various memory and cognitive tests such as numeric and alphabetic working memory, 3-back task, word and picture recognition, as well as questionnaires on menopause quality of life, depression, anxiety, stress, mood, and sleep quality. The study monitors changes in these areas to understand the supplement's effects on perimenopausal women aged 40 to 60 years.

Researchers are studying the use of a 2,910 nm mid-infrared Fiber Laser (UltraClear, Acclaro Medical) to treat advanced perioral lines and wrinkles. The goal is to assess the laser's effectiveness for skin rejuvenation by using both superficial epidermis ablation and deeper skin layers' ablative and coagulative effects. The study also aims to evaluate safety and participant satisfaction with this resurfacing treatment for photodamaged skin and wrinkles. Participants will receive up to two treatments with the UltraClear laser, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. These treatments focus on improving the appearance of perioral lines and wrinkles using the laser's combined superficial and deep skin effects. Following treatments, participants will have follow-up visits at 1 month and 3 months to evaluate the results and any side effects. Throughout the study, researchers will measure improvements using multiple scales, including the Fitzpatrick Wrinkling and Degree of Elastosis Scale, Physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, and assessments by independent photographic reviewers. Participants will also report their own perceptions of aesthetic improvement and satisfaction. Safety and overall aesthetic outcomes will be monitored during follow-ups, with the total participation lasting through the 3 months after the final treatment.

This research aims to compare surgical outcomes and parameters between cataract surgeries performed using a new 3D imaging system called the NGENUITY4 3D Visualization System and the current standard binocular microscope in patients with high myopia. The study focuses on how differences in depth of field between these two systems affect factors during surgery and the results, including potential complications. Participants will have high myopia and significant cataracts requiring surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will undergo cataract surgery using the standard binocular microscope, while the other group will have surgery using the Alcon NGENUITY4 3D Visualization System. During surgery with the NGENUITY system, the surgeon wears 3D glasses and views the operation on a 3D screen. Both groups receive standard cataract extraction with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Throughout the surgery, researchers will measure how often and how far the microscope focus is adjusted, the distance needed to focus from the corneal surface to the lens capsule, total operation time, and ultrasound energy used. After surgery, participants will be followed for three months to monitor vision, eye pressure, and any complications. These assessments will occur on day 1, week 1, month 1, and month 3 after surgery to evaluate safety and effectiveness of the two visualization methods.

Researchers are evaluating how a combined program of aerobic and resistance exercises along with cognitive training affects brain function in older adults aged 60 and above. The study focuses on people who are sedentary and may or may not have cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, conditions known to impact memory and attention. This trial aims to compare the effects of physical exercise alone versus combined physical and cognitive training on thinking skills and brain health. The trial includes three groups: one group will do both cognitive and physical training, another will do only aerobic and resistance exercises, and the third group will perform stretching and toning exercises as an active control. Each group participates in three sessions per week for 46 weeks, with options to train at home or at a center. The physical exercise sessions include warm-up, moderate to vigorous aerobic activity monitored by heart rate, and resistance training, while cognitive training involves computer-based memory and attention tasks. Participants will undergo assessments at the start and after 12 months to measure changes in general cognition, processing speed, executive functions, and memory. Brain imaging and blood flow measures will also be evaluated to observe changes in brain structure and function. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored for exercise intensity and adherence. The total study duration covers 12 months, with safety and cognitive outcomes closely tracked to understand the impact of these interventions.

Researchers are evaluating a computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program called Enhancing Memory in Daily Life (E-MinD Life) aimed at delaying functional decline related to cognitive changes in Chinese healthy older adults, those with memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and mild dementia. This pilot study is conducted in Hong Kong and includes participants without depression or other clinical conditions affecting cognition. The study uses a randomized controlled design to assess the feasibility and benefits of the E-MinD Life program. The trial has two groups: one receives the E-MinD Life Semantic program, which teaches memory strategies applied to 12 daily activities over 9 weeks with weekly sessions led by healthcare professionals and family-assisted home practice. The other group receives cognitive stimulation through visual and auditory memory activities with a similar schedule. Both interventions include one 45-minute individual session and two 30-minute home sessions weekly. Participants will attend sessions either face-to-face or online, with family or carers involved for support and observation. Researchers will assess acceptability at the end of the 9-week intervention and measure feasibility through attendance rates. Cognitive and daily living abilities will be evaluated using various tests from enrollment to intervention end. The total participation includes these assessments and intervention monitoring over 9 weeks.