Even if you maintain an active lifestyle, aging is inevitable. But luckily doctors and scientists around the world are looking for new ways to help all of us grow old in a healthier way. The 10 medical breakthroughs below could enable us to retain our faculties and enjoy a high quality of life for longer. The following studies have the potential to improve geriatric medicine and have been highlighted by the National Institutes of Health.
1. New Alzheimer’s Medication
Research into Alzheimer’s has culminated in a new FDA-approved drug called donanemab. According to the NIH, donanemab has been shown to slow functional decline in those suffering from early-stage Alzheimer’s. In the phase 3 clinical trial, 47% of patients on the medication had no additional sign of decline after a year, compared to 29% who received a placebo. These promising results can help provide hope for Alzheimer’s patients and their families.
2. Dementia Linked to Sensory Impairment
According to the NIH, new research has shown a link between hearing loss and dementia. The ACHIEVE Study found that older adults at risk of dementia who wore hearing aids exhibited nearly 50% less cognitive decline than those who did not. Additional studies have shown that seniors with combined vision and hearing loss are at greater risk of dementia compared to older adults with no sensory impairment. These findings will hopefully help raise awareness about how important it is to treat sensory conditions to help prevent cognitive decline.
3. Low-Dose Aspirin Is Not Always Effective
Adults with vascular conditions are often prescribed low-dose aspirin to help reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. Since aspirin can be easily purchased over the counter, many older adults not at risk for these conditions also take it, assuming it will still lower their risk factors. According to the NIH, research has found that aspirin did not prolong health span in these older adults, and actually increased their risk of death. Based on these findings, the American Heart Association recommended against the use of low-dose aspirin as a preventative measure in healthy seniors. Hopefully, these findings will help improve health outcomes for older adults.
4. Lower Blood Pressure Leads to Better Brain Health
According to the NIH, new research has established a link between high blood pressure and cognitive decline. In a recent study, tighter management of high blood pressure was associated with lower levels of mental deterioration. Intensively controlling blood pressure also slowed the accumulation of white matter lesions, which have been connected to dementia. These findings led the American Heart Association to update the definition of hypertension in adults, which will help improve patient care.
5. Colorectal Cancer Screening
A new blood test aims to identify colorectal cancer and make screening more accessible. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in March found the blood test to be 83% successful. While colonoscopy continues to be the benchmark for identifying cancerous polyps, many adults find the procedure unpleasant and skip it. By making screening less intrusive, this new test could help catch new cases of colorectal cancer early, allowing many patients to live longer lives.
6. Cellular Reprogramming Breakthrough
Researchers working on mice have been able to “reprogram” tissue on a cellular level by reversing epigenetic markers. These revitalized cells function better and divide faster, resulting in improved tissue. This has become a promising path for treating conditions like glaucoma but does carry some risks, cancer being chief among them. Although many more studies will need to be completed, the future of this gene therapy method seems bright.
7. Xenotransplantation of Pig Organs
In March, Mass General Hospital transplanted a gene-edited pig kidney into a 62-year-old man for the first time. Rick Slayman, who had end-stage kidney disease, sadly passed away two months later. However, this medical milestone opens the doors for future study and advancement in the organ transplantation field. Because of the limited supply of human organs, 17 people die each day waiting for a transplant. The hope is that surgeons can reliably expand the practice of animal organ transplants someday and help save countless lives.
8. Testing for Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia
Diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies can be hard to diagnose due to their complexity. Luckily researchers have been working on a skin biopsy that could detect these diseases much more quickly and easily. The test looks for specific types of abnormal proteins and has a diagnostic success rate of over 90%. This significant advancement could help patients access treatment faster, potentially improving their health outcomes.
9. Simple Dietary Changes Can Increase Healthspan
Scientists are looking into innovative dietary approaches that could help increase healthspan. According to Afar.org, Dr. Longo’s research on diets that mimic fasting may help patients decrease their chances of developing age-related diseases. His findings indicate that periodically reducing caloric intake for five days can reduce risk factors for serious ailments like heart disease and cancer.
Additional studies by Dr. Panda have shown that intermittent fasting in mice reduces fat mass and inflammation, and even reverses Type 2 Diabetes. These simple dietary tweaks could help improve patient adherence because they’re easy to implement.
10. Differences in Aging Between Genders
Another medical breakthrough that may be on the horizon is discovering why females have a survival advantage over men. According to Afar.org, scientists are researching how chromosomes and hormones contribute to aging differences between the two genders. Learning more about sex differences in longevity may enable researchers to develop better treatments for aging, enabling us all to enjoy healthier golden years.
Don’t Rely on Medical Breakthroughs to Age Well
Medical breakthroughs like new medications and innovative surgical techniques may enable us to live longer in the future. However, we shouldn’t rely on scientific advancements to help increase our health span. The best way to protect ourselves from age-related risks and diseases is to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Eating a nutritious diet, reducing stress, and getting proper exercise and rest are all necessary self-care practices if you want to age gracefully.