An international team of scientists have developed a new way to screen for age-related cognitive decline at home using a test which asks people to detect sounds and flashes on their laptop or phone.
Source: Medicine Science Daily

Every cell and every organism ages sooner or later. But why is this so? Scientists have now discovered for the first time a protein that represents a central switching point in the aging process. It controls the life span of an individual -- from the fly to the human being. This opens up new possibilities for developing therapies against age-related diseases.
Source: Medicine Science Daily

A new study shows how rheumatoid arthritis inflammation affects different brain areas. The findings may explain the cognitive symptoms of the condition.
Source: Medical News Today

Scientists have shown that combining a brain-computer interface (BCI) with functional electrical stimulation (FES) can help stroke victims recover greater use of their paralyzed arm -- even years after the stroke.
Source: Care Giving Science Daily

Australian research shows for the first time that obese people who are suffering from atrial fibrillation can reduce or reverse the effects of the condition by losing weight.
Source: Health Medicine Science Daily

And what to do about it.
Source: Healthy Living Huffington Post

Age-related changes in the peripheral nerves can drastically reduce the quality of life. Scientists have now identified what triggers such changes.
Source: Medicine Science Daily

As we grow older, our skin becomes more fragile. The side effects of some medications, such as those prescribed for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can cause the skin to become dry. This is further compounded by the loss of the structural protein collagen, which is a natural part of the aging process. It can all contribute to increased sun sensitivity for older adults.  

As we head into summer, we thought it would be helpful to answer some of the questions seniors often have about sunscreen.

Sunscreen Basics for Seniors

Q: Is one form of sunscreen—a stick, spray, or cream—better than another?

A: Consumer Reports researched this issue and found each form of sunscreen to be equally effective. Older adults might find a sunscreen stick to be easier to use when applying to the face, while a cream or spray may be a faster way to protect the legs, arms, stomach, and back.

Q: What is SPF and what number of SPF is best on a senior’s skin?

A: SPF stands for sun protection factor. It is the rating system used to identify how effective the product is at preventing sunburn and for how long. If you typically start to experience sunburn after 10 minutes in the sun, for example, an SPF of 15 will allow you to be outdoors 15 times longer (150 minutes).

Experts recommend purchasing a sunscreen with an SPF rating between 30 and 50. A lower SPF can put you at risk for sunburn, while a higher one doesn’t offer much additional protection.  

Q: Is there a difference between UVA and UVB?

A: Both types of the sun’s rays can damage the skin, but UVB rays are the most harmful. While UVA rays are the most common, UVB rays are the ones that cause your skin to burn.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends avoiding direct sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you will be outdoors during those times, wear sunscreen, long sleeves, and a hat that shields your face. Sunglasses are also important for protecting the eyes and eye lids.

Q: How much and how often should sunscreen be applied?

A: Most people don’t use enough sunscreen, nor do they apply it as frequently as necessary. Unless the instructions indicate otherwise, the general recommendation is to apply one ounce of sunscreen (which equates to about two tablespoons) every two hours. If you are swimming or engaging in activities that cause you to sweat, reapply it more often.

Our final tip is to learn more about the risk factors for skin cancer and how to protect yourself. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and it’s on the rise across the country.

Source: Sunrise Senior Living

Researchers may have found a group of immune cells that increase in number with age but are too worn out to fight diseases. The accumulation of dysfunctional virtual memory T cells, in addition to the loss of true naïve T cells, may explain why older people have reduced immune responses to cancer and vaccines, why cancer immunotherapy is less successful in the elderly, and may help to tailor cancer immunotherapy treatments specifically for older patients.
Source: Medicine Science Daily

An age group analysis of data from the ADvance trial has shown that participants over the age of 65 continue to derive the most benefit from Deep Brain Stimulation of the fornix (DBS-f), as observed in the data from the phase 2 findings (12 - 24 months) of the Phase II trial.
Source: Medicine Science Daily