Anti-Aging Eastern Europe

PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN THE TIME OF CRISIS

2023-04-19T09:21:52+03:00

Psychological interventions may improve patients’ motivation and adherence to various therapies, including those alleviating pain, depression, and fatigue. Evaluating patients’ psychological status and choosing the most appropriate intervention may improve combined treatment outcomes, particularly in the elderly and other vulnerable groups. Exposure to psychotraumatic events such as violence, torture, and limb amputation should be appropriately assessed to choose a psychotherapy method. Narrative exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy are commonly used psychological interventions with variable level of evidence. Training first-contact health professionals and psychologists to use the most efficient evidence-based psychological interventions is thus becoming critical at the current stage.

FEMALE HEALTH AMIDST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2023-04-19T09:24:42+03:00

As COVID-19 morbidity rates continue to increase tremendously across the world, it has a profound effect on female health.

The available data suggest that men demonstrate greater disease severity and/or mortality than women in the middle-aged group, however, these differences seem not to be preserved in the elderly patients.

Clinicians should consider gender disparities in diagnostic and therapeutic management. The severity of COVID-19 viral infection is tightly linked with cytokine balance which is inevitably influenced by hormonal changes. Lack of estrogens during the ageing process in women poses a significant threat during the acute phase as well as in the sequel, which may result in autoimmunity or long-term complications. Research on female ageing amid the COVID-19 pandemic is urgently needed to alleviate immune dysfunction in these patients, define best practices, and develop health promotion strategies.

INFLAMMATION, MENOPAUSE, AND WOMEN’S HEALTH: A RHEUMATOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

2023-04-19T09:28:56+03:00

Inflammatory rheumatic disorders come with their plethora of complications including accelerated ovarian aging and the associated adversities which could be a consequence of disease itself or treatment with immunosuppressants. While aiming for treat-to-target in these patients, its effect on the ovaries takes a backseat.

This review focusses on this underexplored avenue of effect of inflammation, inflamm-aging and the associated complications that come with early menopause, in the context of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs). Some autoimmune diseases like lupus have a major role of estrogen in their causation and tend to be less severe when the onset is after menopause, while in other inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), estrogen may have some anti-inflammatory potential. Inflamm-aging that is associated with the AIRDs also leads to early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency in some patients, which adds-on to the morbidity and sometimes, mortality.

With early ovarian aging and precipitous decline in circulating estrogen, there is accelerated reduction in the bone mass and early set-in of osteoporosis. Long-term steroids, on-going inflammation and RA itself are major risk factors. The high risk of detrimental fragility fractures in these patients with a consequential reduction in the quality of life with higher loss of disability adjusted life years (DALY) and poorer functional outcomes, contributes to long-term morbidity. While remission induction and maintenance are a major part of treatment, physicians should exercise a keen eye towards recognizing early menopause and its adversities and inculcate measures for osteo-protection and prevent adding on to the morbidity. Future prospects would include attempts at delaying ovarian aging by targeting mTOR/S6 kinase pathways and preservation of ovarian tissue.

BODY IMAGE IN AGING

2023-04-19T09:31:35+03:00

Body image relates to how individuals perceive and feel about their bodies. Research on body image in men, women, and adolescents has increased substantially in the past two decades. Body image, determined by various instruments, is classified as either negative or positive. A positive body image implies that the body is seen accurately and that the individual is delighted with their physical appearance. Negative body images are characterized by inaccurate perceptions of all or a part of the body and uncomfortable feelings associated with them. Negative body image has been linked to eating disorders and mental disorders. The media, social pressures, cultural norms, age, gender, level of education, and an individual’s opinion of beauty all influence his or her body image perception. Studies in this area have been predominantly conducted with a focus on the association between eating disorders and dissatisfaction with body image in adolescents and young women. However, there is a growing interest in studying how body image functions and how it corresponds with psychological well-being across a lifetime in various demographic groups, especially among older adults. In this review, the life-altering body image satisfaction of men and women, as well as associated problems, were examined. The relationship between body dissatisfaction across ages, confounded by obesity, eating disorders, low physical activity, age-related reduction in sexual activity, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors has been investigated.

EPIGENETIC ALTERATIONS IN GENE EXPRESSION IN THE AGING IMMUNE SYSTEM

2023-04-19T09:35:50+03:00

Immunosenescence or aging of the immune system is characterized by dysregulation of the innate and adaptive immune system mechanisms, associated with a systemic low-grade inflammation (i.e., «inflammaging»), non-effective protective humoral and cellular immune responses to a microorgamis or vaccine, autoimmunity, and cancer. In addition, genetic dysregulation and alterations across the immune system drive the cellular manifestations of immunosenescence. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the recent advancements in immunosenescence research concerning epigenetics alterations in gene regulation and disturbances in gene expression in the aging immune system, focusing on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs.

THE EFFECTS OF EXERCISING ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN OLDER ADULTS

2023-04-19T09:38:28+03:00

Exercising is an essential component of healthy aging. The benefits of exercise are numerous. There are certain benefits on physical performance. Exercise in older adults can increase endurance, improve balance and quality of life. The benefits of exercise are not limited to physical health. Psychological variables such as depressive mood and anxiety can also be modified by regular exercise. There are several types of exercise regimens. The most common exercise types tailored to older adults include aerobic training, strengthening, flexibility exercises and balance exercises. Specific exercises can be directed to individuals with certain health disorders. Exercising may mediate psychological health through the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Improved sleep via exercise can further lead to an improvement in mood and cognition. The current article reviewed the recent literature regarding the effects of exercising on psychological well-being in older adults.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE IN OSTEOARTHRITIS

2023-04-19T09:40:40+03:00

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequent rheumatic disease of adults and older age. A sedentary lifestyle is the primary cause of knee, hip, and spine OA. However, it also affects the hands and causes disability in everyday life. Physical therapy improves muscle strength and quality of life, maintains a range of motion and flexibility, and reduces pain. Although more studies on OA are needed, from the patient’s perspective, physical therapy is effective. Sarcopenia and decreased muscle strength of the joints affects the evolution of OA. Inactivity and reduced function developing with age and OA favor obesity and sarcopenia. Exercise and the addition of various physical agents significantly reduce the burden related to OA.

SPA THERAPY: A GERIATRIC PERSPECTIVE

2023-04-19T09:43:33+03:00

Spa therapy refers to the preventative, therapeutic, and rehabilitative use of thermo mineral waters, mud/peloid compresses, and natural gases. Applications are administered in sessions, and treatment regimens are determined in detail. Various modalities, such as exercise interventions, massage, phytotherapy, relaxation techniques, psychotherapy, nutrition, and electrotherapy, can be incorporated into the treatment process. Spa therapy has been effectively used to manage various diseases in many European countries, Japan, and Israel. Due to its natural structure, the difficulties in using drugs that frequently have side effects, and the limitations of many contemporary therapeutic alternatives, it is still a choice for treating a number of chronic conditions, especially rheumatic disorders. Furthermore, the global population is getting older. Considering the comorbidities, organ dysfunctions, and multiple drug use of elderly individuals, non-pharmacological treatment methods such as spa therapy have become more prominent. Spa therapy has been shown to be effective in treating osteoarthritis, balance problems, and chronic pain in older adults. Additionally, it might be chosen for managing psychiatric conditions and mood changes. Alterations in telomere lengths, reduced pain levels, increased cortisol concentrations, and an overall anti-inflammatory influence may mediate spa therapy’s anti-aging effect. Although opinions and assumptions support its anti-aging properties, more research is needed to prove its biological effects.

TELEREHABILITATION AFTER HIP-FRACTURE SURGERY

2023-04-19T09:47:23+03:00

Hip fracture is one of the most common fractures among the elderly population with high rates of mortality and morbidity. The annual incidence of hip fractures is predicted to be increased by around 16 times by the year 2050. Due to the high cost of traditional rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery and the effect of pandemics, telerehabilitation after hip fracture is gaining more importance in recent years. This review is designed to examine the importance and progress of telerehabilitation after hip fracture surgery. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for English-language sources were searched from their inception using the keywords telerehabilitation and hip fracture between January 2014 and January 2023. The literature search resulted in 29 non-duplicate records and 8 of them were eligible and were included in this review. Telerehabilitation is a feasible, safe, and effective rehabilitation method after hip fracture surgery. However, the ability of elderly patients and their caregivers to use technology and apply what they see seems to be a big disadvantage. The literature lacks long-term studies with larger patient groups.

ÉLIE METCHNIKOFF’S LEGACY IN THE FIELD OF ORTHOBIOSIS

2023-04-19T09:51:13+03:00

Elie Metchnikoff is well known for his fundamental works in the field of cellular immunity and phagocytosis for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize. He gained his international reputation for ground-breaking research across numerous academic disciplines: biology, embryology, zoology, bacteriology, etc. The great visionary leader of science launched evolutionary embryology, comparative immunology, gerontology, to name a few. Most of his scientific works were influenced with philosophical reflections on the meaning of life, old age, and death. This article attempts to overview his legacy in the field of orthobiosis, or active and healthy aging. It discusses Metchnikoff’s hypothesis of self-poisoning of an organism and related views on orthobiosis.

SUCCESSFUL MYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION IN A 92-YEAR-OLD FEMALE PATIENT: A CASE REPORT

2023-04-19T09:56:36+03:00

Introduction. Patients with acute myocardial infarction should be treated with early revascularization. Patients over 73 years have a higher risk of infarct-related cardiogenic shock, which is a leading cause of lethality. Unfortunately, little is known about myocardial revascularization care for elderly people in Ukraine. We presented a 92-year-old lady with an acute chest pain case report, which was not revealed by analgesics.

Important clinical findings. Coronary angiography revealed thrombotic occlusion of the distal segment of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and floated thrombus in LAD mid-segment; stenosis of the left circumflex artery (LCx) close to the first obtuse marginal artery (OM1).

The main diagnosis. Acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation of the left ventricle anterior wall (anterior-STEMI). Calcific aortic valve disease, severe aortic valve stenosis, significant mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation, pulmonary hypertension. Heart failure with reduced LVEF (<40%), NYHA class III symptoms.

Intervention. The decision was to perform urgent stenting in LAD and balloon angioplasty in LCx. Successful hospital discharge was after 14 days.

Conclusions. Take-away lessons: Elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction can be successfully treated in Ukraine. Age and comorbidities are not a contraindication for early myocardial revascularization.

GET PHYSICALLY AND PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHIER BY EXERCISING!

2023-04-19T09:58:46+03:00

GET PHYSICALLY AND PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHIER BY EXERCISING!