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The intestinal epithelium serves as a barrier that facilitates interaction between intrinsic and environmental factors. Aging is accompanied by the gradual deterioration of this barrier. We postulate that barrier dysfunction results from defects in epithelial membrane trafficking that exacerbate age-related metabolic imbalances. Herein, we integrate barrier integrity, protein homeostasis, membrane trafficking and intracellular lipid sensing into an age-determining mechanism.
Aging is a major risk factor for vascular disease. Increased levels of milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFG-E8) are associated with many age-related arterial changes, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We propose that these detrimental effects may result from medin, a fragment of MFG-E8 that forms a highly common vascular amyloid.
Population aging is a global challenge that poses particular difficulties for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). So far, there is a dearth of data that describe how aging affects Arab LMICs, which have distinct family structures, caregiving traditions, medical challenges and exposure to climate change. The planned Longitudinal Study of Egyptian Healthy Aging (AL-SEHA) — a member of the cross-nationally comparative family of aging studies around the world — is designed to address these knowledge gaps.
Studies have identified sex and/or gender differences in Alzheimer’s disease, but few have examined other dementias. We highlight sex and gender differences in other dementias, discuss sociocultural factors and provide a framework for future global studies.
Rapid progress in the development of novel biomarkers and lifestyle interventions and the emergence of the first disease-modifying therapy have revolutionized our approach to dementia diagnosis, prevention and therapy. In this Focus issue, Nature Aging presents a collection of reviews and opinion pieces on recent advances in dementia research.
The World Health Organization (WHO) blueprint for dementia research provides a roadmap to addressing the challenges in the field and reshaping our approach to dementia research. This Comment focuses on how to operationalize the drivers of research highlighted in the blueprint to make research more equitable, impactful and global.
A major transformation in dementia diagnosis and care appears imminent and will depend on three major types of biomarkers: molecular imaging, blood-based biomarkers and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. Each modality has unique strengths and limitations that suggest its optimal uses in research, clinical trials and clinical diagnosis.
