High and low blood pressure levels among different older age groups were associated with varying dementia risks, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine. The prospective observational study showed that high systolic blood pressure in people more than 60 years old decreases the risk of dementia, but both lower and higher blood pressure are associated with decreased dementia risk in people older than 75.

Although midlife hypertension is associated with an increased risk for dementia, this risk in older people has not been well researched. Previous studies have reported a U-shaped association between blood pressure and dementia risk, where both high and low blood pressure are associated with increased risk; however, the evidence for this association is limited. The JAMA Internal Medicine study collected blood pressure, onset of dementia, and mortality data from seven population-based cohort studies, including the NIA-funded Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study.

Researchers analyzed data on more than 17,000 participants from these cohorts and divided the participants into different age groups. In the younger age groups (60 to 70 years old), higher blood pressure was associated with lower dementia risk. The older age groups (75 years and older) showed the U-shaped association where high and low blood pressures were associated with decreased dementia risk. Interestingly, these associations for decreased dementia risk were not attributable to longer survival with lower blood pressure.

This study provides new evidence about how blood pressure affects dementia risk in older people, which previously has not been clearly defined. The researchers note that these observational study results contradict evidence from randomized controlled trials, including the NIA-supported Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial – Memory and Cognition in Decreased Hypertension (SPRINT MIND) study that suggested controlling high blood pressure can reduce dementia risk. They explain that the novel association in this study may be because their cohorts consist of a broader, older population rather than a specific subgroup of older people with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Since this was an observational study, the study authors suggest further research is needed to understand the cause behind the associations that it found, including randomized controlled trials to find the best strategies for controlling blood pressure in older people. Study co-author Zachary A. Marcum, Pharm.D., Ph.D., at the University of Washington, is a Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging recipient.

This research was supported in part by NIA grant K76AG059929.

Through the NIA-supported Dog Aging Project (DAP), scientists aim to understand how a complex combination of genes, lifestyle, and environment influence aging not only for dogs but for humans as well. In a perspective recently published in Nature, the researchers describe how they hope to establish the foundation for an innovative, community science approach to aging research in dogs.

There is still much to learn about the mechanisms underlying individual aging. Most of what is known about the biology of aging comes from laboratory studies of mammals such as mice and rats, and invertebrates like fruit flies and nematodes. To better understand how genes and environment affect aging in animals outside of a lab and closer to our own life-course experiences, and to generate knowledge that could more readily translate to human aging, the DAP has turned to the companion dog.

The companion dog is an ideal animal to study biological aging. Dogs are one of the most variable animal species in terms of size, shape, and behavior. Like humans, dogs vary in life expectancy and the spectrum of diseases they are likely to encounter. Companion dogs experience nearly every functional decline and disease of aging that people do, and these diseases are diagnosed and treated within a health care system that parallels human health care in many ways. Dogs also share the human environment, and given that they age more rapidly than humans, they enable unique opportunities for longitudinal and interventional studies.

DAP-targeted study populations consist of dogs of all breeds (purebred and mixed breed), ages, sizes, and sexes. Participation in the DAP is open to all geographic regions in the United States, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. DAP scientists are collecting a wide range of information — electronic veterinary medical records, environmental data, and genome-wide sequencing — as well as blood, urine, hair, and feces.

Data that will provide veterinarians and scientists with tools to assess how well a specific dog is aging and set the stage for studies on factors that influence normal aging. DAP researchers have already begun collecting and analyzing the data that lay the groundwork for canine-specific aging processes.

Whole-genome sequencing data that will help identify genetic variants, environmental and lifestyle factors, and the interactions that are associated with diverse measures of aging. The DAP is on track to complete sequencing of the genomes of 10,000 dogs by the end of 2022.

These data will generate predictive and prognostic biomarkers of aging and will point to causal factors that explain the mechanisms by which specific genetic or environmental factors influence aging. These should also be useful biomarkers for clinical studies to develop anti-aging therapies.

The DAP also includes a clinical trial in dogs using a one-year course of weekly low-dose rapamycin, which has been shown to extend lifespan and improve health in mice. The intent is to test the hypothesis that this compound can increase lifespan, improve heart and cognitive function, and reduce age-related disease incidence in middle-aged, large-breed dogs. This represents the first clinical trial of a drug with lifespan and healthspan metrics as endpoints in any species outside of a laboratory.

In addition to making important contributions to veterinary medicine, the ambitious goals set by the DAP research initiative hold the potential of transforming the field of aging research.

This research was supported by NIA grant U19AG057377.

by Carol Leish, MA

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAA), in collaboration with Community Memorial Health System (CMHS), debuted their seminars on Health & Wellness for Older Adults & People with Disabilities.

Maziar Goshtasbi, MD, who is a gerontologist, gave the first talk: Healthy Aging. It was, via Zoom, on February 17, 2022.

“The expertise in our county to help our aging population and those with disabilities is profound,” according to, Maureen Hodge, LCSW, High Risk Manager for CMHS, and member of the VCAAA Advisory Council. “Allowing experts to share their wealth of information for caregivers and loved ones will only enhance their knowledge and ability to handle significant changes as people age at any stage of life.”

Dr. Goshtasbi said that the World Health Organization defines health in a multidimensional way, as “complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. And, its vision includes ideas such as meaning and purpose, connectedness, dignity, adaptation, and resilience.”

“Adopting positive lifestyle behaviors increases longevity, decreases chronic disease, and improves quality of life in old age,” according to Dr. Goshtasbi. “Contributors to health include: Health care (10%); social circumstances (15%); Genetics (30%); and, Behavioral patterns (40%).”

Dr. Goshtasbi said that, “The term ‘healthy aging’ often conjures an idea state of freedom from illness of medical conditions. However, in reality, healthy aging requires adaptation to stress, change, and adversity, which is resilience.

“Prevention of cognitive decline occurs with lifestyle interventions (e.g., nutrition, exercise, cognitive training, maintaining social connectedness, and managing vascular risk factors.

“Some risk factors for functional decline are: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, COPD, arthritis, being overweight, smoking. Some protective factors are high levels of physical activity and emotionally supportive social networks.”

The American Geriatrics Society’s framework for health aging in 2019 was outlined as a holistic approach to interventions to promote health aging that accommodates the diversity of health trajectories as we age. “These domains include: 1) Facilitating social engagement; & 2) Promoting health, preventing injury and managing chronic conditions. Other domains are: 1) Promoting health, preventing injury and managing chronic conditions; 2) Optimizing cognitive health; 3) Optimizing physical health; and 4) Optimizing mental health.”

Healthy aging can be achieved at any stage of life. Dr. Goshtasbi said, “Let’s live happier and healthier lives since it’s not o.k. to suffer when getting older.” Dr. Maziar Goshtasbi practices at Community Memorial Health System’s Midtown Medical Group Pirie Road clinic in Ojai. Phone: (805) 640-2323. He is currently accepting new patients.

by National Institute on Aging

Vitamins and minerals are two of the main types of nutrients that your body needs to survive and stay healthy. Find information on some of the essential vitamins recommended for older adults and how to get the recommended amount within your diet.

Vitamins help your body grow and work the way it should. There are 13 essential vitamins — vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate).

Vitamins have different jobs to help keep the body working properly. Some vitamins help you resist infections and keep your nerves healthy, while others may help your body get energy from food or help your blood clot properly. By following the Dietary Guidelines, you will get enough of most of these vitamins from food.

Like vitamins, minerals also help your body function. Minerals are elements that our bodies need to function that can be found on the earth and in foods. Some minerals, like iodine and fluoride, are only needed in very small quantities. Others, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are needed in larger amounts. As with vitamins, if you eat a varied diet, you will probably get enough of most minerals.

It is usually better to get the nutrients you need from food, rather than a pill. That’s because nutrient-dense foods contain other things that are good for you, like fiber.

Most older people can get all the nutrients they need from foods. But if you aren’t sure, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to find out if you are missing any important vitamins or minerals. He or she may recommend a vitamin or dietary supplement.

If you do need to supplement your diet, look for a supplement that contains the vitamin or mineral you need without a lot of other unnecessary ingredients. Read the label to make sure the dose is not too large. Avoid supplements with mega-doses. Too much of some vitamins and minerals can be harmful, and you might be paying for supplements you don’t need. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend brands that fit your needs.

Different foods in each food group have different nutrients. Picking an assortment within every food group throughout the week will help you get many nutrients. For example, choose seafood instead of meat twice a week. The variety of foods will make your meals more interesting, too.

Measurements for Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are measured in a variety of ways. The most common are:

mg – milligram (a milligram is one thousandth of a gram)

mcg – microgram (a microgram is one millionth of a gram. 1,000 micrograms is equal to one milligram)

IU – international unit (the conversion of milligrams and micrograms into IU depends on the type of vitamin or drug)

Recommended Sodium Intake for Older Adults

Sodium is another important mineral. In most Americans’ diets, sodium primarily comes from salt (sodium chloride). Whenever you add salt to your food, you’re adding sodium.— it’s added to many foods during processing or preparation.

How much sodium is okay? People 51 and older should reduce their sodium intake to 2,300 mg each day. That is about one teaspoon of salt and includes sodium added during manufacturing or cooking as well as at the table when eating. If you have high blood pressure or prehypertension, limiting sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day, about 2/3 teaspoon of salt, may be helpful. Preparing your own meals at home without using a lot of processed foods or salt will allow you to control how much sodium you get. Try using less salt when cooking, and don’t add salt before you take the first bite. If you make this change slowly, you will get used to the difference in taste. Also look for grocery products marked “low sodium,” “unsalted,” “no salt added,” “sodium free,” or “salt free.” Also check the Nutrition Facts Label to see how much sodium is in a serving.

Eating more fresh vegetables and fruit also helps — they are naturally low in sodium and provide more potassium. Get your sauce and dressing on the side and use only as much as you need for taste.