ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6377-9926
Current Organisation
Newcastle University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Public Health and Health Services | Mortality | Labour Economics | Applied Economics | Demography not elsewhere classified | Epidemiology | Social Change | Population Trends and Policies | Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified | Insurance Studies | Developmental Psychology and Ageing
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Health Related to Ageing | Micro Labour Market Issues | Social Structure and Health | Health not elsewhere classified | Superannuation and Insurance Services | Health Inequalities |
Related Links
Publications
Limitations in physical functioning among older people as a predictor of subsequent disability in instrumental activities of daily living
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 24-05-2011
A two-decade comparison of prevalence of dementia in individuals aged 65 years and older from three geographical areas of England: results of the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study I and II.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2013
Estimating the Years Lived With and Without Age-Related Sensory Impairment
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-10-2016
Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the expected years lived with hearing impairment, vision impairment, and dual sensory impairment among older adults. A total of 4,160 adults (45.1% men) from two Australian community based studies were followed for up to 16 years (average 8.9 years). Hearing impairment was defined by a pure-tone average (500-4000 Hz) greater than 25 dB in the better ear. Vision impairment was defined by presenting distance visual acuity worse than 6/12 (20/40). Postliminary analyses were also conducted for moderate levels of sensory impairment. Dual sensory impairment was defined by concurrent hearing and vision impairment. Multistate Markov models were used to calculate sensory life expectancies based on transition probabilities between health states (no sensory impairment, sensory impairment, and death). Based on thresholds for mild impairment, men aged 65 had a total life expectancy of 19.4 years, and were estimated to live for 10.4 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.1, 11.7) with hearing impairment, 2.8 years (95% CI: 2.4, 3.2) with vision impairment, and 2.2 years (95% CI: 1.8, 2.6) with dual sensory impairment. Women aged 65 had a total life expectancy of 23.2 years, and were estimated to live for 12.9 years (95% CI: 11.9, 13.9) with hearing impairment, 3.9 years (95% CI: 3.4, 4.4) with vision impairment, and 3.2 years (95% CI: 2.7, 3.7) with dual sensory impairment. In addition to being highly prevalent, hearing and vision impairment affect older adults for substantial periods of their remaining life. Given their broad ranging impacts on health and well-being, sensory impairments are ideal targets for strategies to compress morbidity in late life.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and its determinants in the very old: the Newcastle 85+ Study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-10-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S00198-015-3366-9
Abstract: Data on vitamin D status in very old adults are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and its predictors in 775 adults aged 85 years old living in North-East England. Low 25(OH)D was alarmingly high during winter/spring months, but its biological significance is unknown. Despite recent concerns about the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in much of the British adult and paediatric population, there is a dearth of data on vitamin D status and its predictors in very old adults. The objective of the present study was to describe vitamin D status and its associated factors in a broadly representative s le of very old men and women aged 85 years living in the North East of England (55° N). Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were analysed in 775 participants in the baseline phase of the Newcastle 85+ cohort study. Season of blood s ling, dietary, health, lifestyle and anthropometric data were collected and included as potential predictors of vitamin D status in ordinal regression models. Median serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 27, 45, 43 and 33 nmol/L during spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency according to North American Institute of Medicine guidelines [serum 25(OH)D <30 nmol/L] varied significantly with season with the highest prevalence observed in spring (51%) and the lowest prevalence observed in autumn (23% P < 0.001). Reported median (inter-quartile range) dietary intakes of vitamin D were very low at 2.9 (1.2-3.3) μg/day. In multivariate ordinal regression models, non-users of either prescribed or non-prescribed vitamin D preparations and winter and spring blood s ling were associated with lower 25(OH)D concentrations. Dietary vitamin D intake, disability score and disease count were not independently associated with vitamin D status in the cohort. There is an alarming high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) in 85-year-olds living in North East England at all times of the year but particularly during winter and spring. Use of vitamin D containing preparations (both supplements and medications) appeared to be the strongest predictor of 25(OH)D concentrations in these very old adults.
Dietary patterns and socioeconomic status in the very old: The newcastle 85+ study
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 21-10-2015
An epidemiological study to establish the prevalence of urinary symptoms and felt need in the community: the Leicestershire MRC incontinence study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-2000
Abstract: The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of urinary symptoms and felt need in adults. This paper discusses problems with setting thresholds to distinguish cases from non-cases in this field of research. Few studies have provided detailed age- and sex-specific prevalence estimates for felt need in relation to urinary symptoms. A cross-sectional postal survey was carried out of 15,904 community-dwelling adults aged 40 years or more registered with general practitioners in Leicestershire. Subjects were selected randomly by household from the Leicestershire Health Authority Register. The postal questionnaire consisted of questions on general health, urinary and bowel symptoms, quality of life, service use and demographic characteristics. Thirty-four per cent of the s le reported clinically significant symptoms. The prevalence and severity of symptoms increased with age. However, only 2 per cent of the s le reported symptoms that were clinically significant, bothersome and socially disabling. Urinary symptoms are very common in adults over 40 years of age living in the community. However, symptom-based estimates probably overestimate the level of need for health care in the community. It may be more effective and efficient to target services, in the first instance, on those people who report clinically significant symptoms that are bothersome or socially disabling. A consensus on thresholds and definitions of urinary symptoms is required to standardize clinical and research work and to target services more appropriately.
Regional differences in multidimensional aspects of health: findings from the MRC cognitive function and ageing study.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-04-2006
Predicting Risk of Cognitive Decline in Very Old Adults Using Three Models: The Framingham Stroke Risk Profile; the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia Model; and Oxi-Inflammatory Biomarkers
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-11-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JGS.14532
Abstract: To examine the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP) the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) risk score, and oxi-inflammatory load (cumulative risk score of three blood biomarkers-homocysteine, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein) for associations with cognitive decline using three cohort studies of very old adults and to examine whether incorporating these biomarkers with the risk scores can affect the association with cognitive decline. Three longitudinal, population-based cohort studies. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom Leiden, the Netherlands and Lakes and Bay of Plenty District Health Board areas, New Zealand. Newcastle 85+ Study participants (n = 616), Leiden 85-plus Study participants (n = 444), and Life and Living in Advanced Age, a Cohort Study in New Zealand (LiLACS NZ Study) participants (n = 396). FSRP, CAIDE risk score, oxi-inflammatory load, FSRP incorporating oxi-inflammatory load, and CAIDE risk score incorporating oxi-inflammatory load. Oxi-inflammatory load could be calculated only in the Newcastle 85+ and the Leiden 85-plus studies. Measures of global cognitive function were available for all three data sets. Domain-specific measures were available for the Newcastle 85+ and the Leiden 85-plus studies. Meta-analysis of pooled results showed greater risk of incident global cognitive impairment with higher FSRP (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-1.98), CAIDE (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.09-2.14), and oxi-inflammatory load (HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.04-2.88) scores. Adding oxi-inflammatory load to the risk scores increased the risk of cognitive impairment for the FSRP (HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.17-2.33) and the CAIDE model (HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.39-2.67). Adding oxi-inflammatory load to cardiovascular risk scores may be useful for determining risk of cognitive impairment in very old adults.
Macronutrient intake and food sources in the very old: Analysis of the Newcastle 85+ Study
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 18-04-2016
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114516001379
Abstract: Food and nutrient intake data are scarce in very old adults (85 years and older) – one of the fastest growing age segments of Western societies, including the UK. Our primary objective was to assess energy and macronutrient intakes and respective food sources in 793 85-year-olds (302 men and 491 women) living in North-East England and participating in the Newcastle 85+ cohort Study. Dietary information was collected using a repeated multiple-pass recall (2×24 h recalls). Energy, macronutrient and NSP intakes were estimated, and the contribution (%) of food groups to nutrient intake was calculated. The median energy intake was 6·65 (interquartile ranges (IQR) 5·49–8·16) MJ/d – 46·8 % was from carbohydrates, 36·8 % from fats and 15·7 % from proteins. NSP intake was 10·2 g/d (IQR 7·3–13·7). NSP intake was higher in non-institutionalised, more educated, from higher social class and more physically active 85-year-olds. Cereals and cereal products were the top contributors to intakes of energy and most macronutrients (carbohydrates, non-milk extrinsic sugars, NSP and fat), followed by meat and meat products. The median intakes of energy and NSP were much lower than the estimated average requirement for energy (9·6 MJ/d for men and 7·7 MJ/d for women) and the dietary reference value (DRV) for NSP (≥18 g/d). The median SFA intake was higher than the DRV (≤11 % of dietary energy). This study highlights the paucity of data on dietary intake and the uncertainties about DRV for this age group.
Micronutrient intake and food sources in the very old: Analysis of the Newcastle 85+ Study
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114516002567
Abstract: A number of socio-economic, biological and lifestyle characteristics change with advancing age and place very old adults at increased risk of micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of this study was to assess vitamin and mineral intakes and respective food sources in 793 75-year-olds (302 men and 491 women) in the North-East of England, participating in the Newcastle 85+ Study. Micronutrient intakes were estimated using a multiple-pass recall tool (2×24 h recalls). Determinants of micronutrient intake were assessed with multinomial logistic regression. Median vitamin D, Ca and Mg intakes were 2·0 (interquartile range (IQR) 1·2–6·5) µg/d, 731 (IQR 554–916) mg/d and 215 (IQR 166–266) mg/d, respectively. Fe intake was 8·7 (IQR 6·7–11·6) mg/d, and Se intake was 39·0 (IQR 27·3–55·5) µg/d. Cereals and cereal products were the top contributors to intakes of folate (31·5 %), Fe (49·2 %) and Se (46·7 %) and the second highest contributors to intakes of vitamin D (23·8 %), Ca (27·5 %) and K (15·8 %). More than 95 % ( n 756) of the participants had vitamin D intakes below the UK’s Reference Nutrient Intake (10 µg/d). In all, % of the participants were below the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake for Mg ( n 175), K ( n 238) and Se ( n 418) (comparisons with dietary reference values (DRV) do not include supplements). As most DRV are not age specific and have been extrapolated from younger populations, results should be interpreted with caution. Participants with higher education, from higher social class and who were more physically active had more nutrient-dense diets. More studies are needed to inform the development of age-specific DRV for micronutrients for the very old.
Cardiovascular disease risk models and longitudinal changes in cognition: A systematic review
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 05-12-2014
The effect of dementia trends and treatments on longevity and disability: a simulation model based on the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC CFAS)
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 13-10-2008
Abstract: the numbers with dementia are projected to double between 2001 and 2040, in line with continued increases in life expectancy. Projections have failed to account for the impact of changing risk factors on future numbers with dementia or disability. to estimate the size of the disabled population over the next 20 years and explore the impact of treatments that delay onset of cognitive impairment and associated disability. a dynamic macro-simulation projection model was used to calculate the numbers of older people with disability to 2026. Transition rates to disability and death conditional on a range of conditions, calculated from the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study, were applied to the 1992 England and Wales population. Scenarios for trends in dementia incidence, risk factors and treatment were devised from a systematic review and applied. population ageing alone resulted in 39% more older people between 2006 and 2026 and 82% more with disability. A combination of reduced incidence of cognitive impairment and disabling consequences alongside improved survival provided the largest reductions in the disabled population (15,000) and the numbers cognitively impaired (302,000) compared with ageing of the population alone. population ageing alone will increase the disabled older population by over 80% and the numbers cognitively impaired by almost 50% over the next 20 years with serious implications for the provision of care. Research priorities should focus on earlier detection of dementia and its risk factors, thereby allowing earlier and more targeted treatment to alleviate its associated disability.
Dietary Patterns High in Red Meat, Potato, Gravy, and Butter Are Associated with Poor Cognitive Functioning but Not with Rate of Cognitive Decline in Very Old Adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
Investigation of antihypertensive class, dementia, and cognitive decline: A meta-analysis.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-12-2019
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000008732
Abstract: High blood pressure is one of the main modifiable risk factors for dementia. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the best antihypertensive class for optimizing cognition. Our objective was to determine whether any particular antihypertensive class was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline or dementia using comprehensive meta-analysis including reanalysis of original participant data. To identify suitable studies, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO and preexisting study consortia were searched from inception to December 2017. Authors of prospective longitudinal human studies or trials of antihypertensives were contacted for data sharing and collaboration. Outcome measures were incident dementia or incident cognitive decline (classified using the reliable change index method). Data were separated into mid and late-life ( years) and each antihypertensive class was compared to no treatment and to treatment with other antihypertensives. Meta-analysis was used to synthesize data. Over 50,000 participants from 27 studies were included. Among those aged years, with the exception of diuretics, we found no relationship by class with incident cognitive decline or dementia. Diuretic use was suggestive of benefit in some analyses but results were not consistent across follow-up time, comparator group, and outcome. Limited data precluded meaningful analyses in those ≤65 years of age. Our findings, drawn from the current evidence base, support clinical freedom in the selection of antihypertensive regimens to achieve blood pressure goals. The review was registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42016045454.
Rehabilitation of older patients: day hospital compared with rehabilitation at home. A randomised controlled trial
Publisher: National Institute for Health and Care Research
Date: 08-2009
DOI: 10.3310/HTA13390
Abstract: To test the hypotheses that older people and their informal carers are not disadvantaged by home-based rehabilitation (HBR) relative to day hospital rehabilitation (DHR) and that HBR is less costly. Two-arm randomised controlled trial. Four trusts in England providing both HBR and DHR. Clinical staff reviewed consecutive referrals to identify subjects who were potentially suitable for randomisation according to the defined inclusion criteria. Patients were randomised to receive either HBR or DHR. The primary outcome measure was the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale. Secondary outcome measures included the EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Therapy Outcome Measures (TOMs), hospital admissions and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) for carers. Overall, 89 subjects were randomised and 42 received rehabilitation in each arm of the trial. At the primary end point of 6 months there were 32 and 33 patients in the HBR and DHR arms respectively. Estimated mean scores on the NEADL scale at 6 months, after adjustment for baseline, were not significantly in favour of either HBR or DHR [DHR 30.78 (SD 15.01), HBR 32.11 (SD 16.89), p = 0.37 mean difference -2.139 (95% CI -6.870 to 2.592)]. Analysis of the non-inferiority of HBR over DHR using a 'non-inferiority' limit (10%) applied to the confidence interval estimates for the different outcome measures at 6 months' follow-up demonstrated non-inferiority for the NEADL scale, EQ-5D and HADS anxiety scale and some advantage for HBR on the HADS depression scale, of borderline statistical significance. Similar results were seen at 3 and 12 months' follow-up, with a statistically significant difference in the mean EQ-5D(index) score in favour of DHR at 3 months (p = 0.047). At the end of rehabilitation, a greater proportion of the DHR group showed a positive direction of change from their initial assessment with respect to therapist-rated clinical outcomes however, a lower proportion of HBR patients showed a negative direction of change and, overall, median scores on the TOMs scales did not differ between the two groups. Fewer patients in the HBR group were admitted to hospital on any occasion over the 12-month observation period [18 (43%) versus 22 (52%)] however, this difference was not statistically significant. The psychological well-being of patients' carers, measured at 3, 6 and 12 months, was unaffected by whether rehabilitation took place at day hospital or at home. As the primary outcome measure and EQ-5D(index) scores at 6 months showed no significant differences between the two arms of the trial, a cost-minimisation analysis was undertaken. Neither the public costs nor the total costs at the 6-month follow-up point (an average of 213 days' total follow-up) or the 12-month follow-up point (an average of 395 days' total follow-up) were significantly different between the groups. Compared with DHR, providing rehabilitation in patients' own homes confers no particular disadvantage for patients and carers. The cost of providing HBR does not appear to be significantly different from that of providing DHR. Rehabilitation providers and purchasers need to consider the place of care in the light of local needs, to provide the benefits of both kinds of services. Caution is required when interpreting the results of the RCT because a large proportion of potentially eligible subjects were not recruited to the trial, the required s le size was not achieved and there was a relatively large loss to follow-up. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN71801032.
A two decade dementia incidence comparison from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies I and II.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-04-2016
DOI: 10.1038/NCOMMS11398
Abstract: Dramatic global increases in future numbers of people with dementia have been predicted. No multicentre population-based study powered to detect changes over time has reported dementia incidence. MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (CFAS) undertook baseline interviews in populations aged 65+ years in England and Wales (1989–1994). Three areas (CFAS I) were selected for new s ling two decades later (2008–2011) with same geographical boundaries, s ling and approach methods (CFAS II). At 2 years CFAS I interviewed 5,156 (76% response) with 5,288 interviewed in CFAS II (74% response). Here we report a 20% drop in incidence (95% CI: 0–40%), driven by a reduction in men across all ages above 65. In the UK we estimate 209,600 new dementia cases per year. This study was uniquely designed to test for differences across geography and time. A reduction of age-specific incidence means that the numbers of people estimated to develop dementia in any year has remained relatively stable.
Education Differences in Life Expectancy With Cognitive Impairment
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 2009
Cohort differences in disease and disability in the young-old: findings from the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC-CFAS).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-07-2007
Self-rated health status as a predictor of death, functional and cognitive impairment: a longitudinal cohort study.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-11-2006
Educational differences in the dynamics of disability incidence, recovery and mortality: Findings from the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC CFAS).
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-01-2007
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYL307
Abstract: This study aims to establish the extent of educational differences in the disability transitions of incidence, recovery and mortality in people aged 65 years and over, whether these can be explained by differentials in disease burden and their relative contribution to educational differences in prevalence and disability-free life expectancy (DFLE). A stratified random s le of 13 004 participants in five areas in England and Wales were interviewed in 1991-94 and followed up at 2, 6 (one centre only) and 10 years. Two levels of disability were analysed: mobility difficulty and activities of daily living (ADL) disability. We fitted logistic regression models to model educational differences in disability prevalence, incidence, recovery and mortality transitions. DFLE was calculated to assess the combined effect of the dynamic transitions. Those with < or =9 years education had higher ADL and mobility disability prevalence and higher incidence and lower recovery of mobility disability. Differences in disability incidence remained after adjustment for comorbidity. Women with the lowest education had shorter life expectancies (1.7 years less at the age of 65 years) than the most educated and had even shorter DFLE (1.9 years free of ADL disability and 2.8 years free of mobility difficulty at the age of 65 years). Differentials in education continue to contribute to prevalence of disability at ages beyond 65 years in both men and women and independently of diseases. These appear to be driven predominantly by differentials in disability incidence that also compound to produce greater differentials in DFLE between education groups than in total years lived.
Protocol of a feasibility study for cognitive assessment of an ageing cohort within the Southeast Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), Malaysia
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 2017
Prevalence of faecal incontinence in adults aged 40 years or more living in the community
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-2002
DOI: 10.1136/GUT.50.4.480
Abstract: Prevalence studies of faecal incontinence in the general population are rare and the impact of faecal incontinence on quality of life has not been previously addressed. To establish the prevalence of faecal incontinence in adults in terms of frequency of leakage, degree of soiling, and level of impact on quality of life. In a cross sectional postal survey, 15 904 adults aged 40 years or more (excluding residents of nursing and residential homes) were selected randomly by household from the Leicestershire Health Authority patient register. Participants were asked to complete a confidential health questionnaire. Major faecal incontinence was defined as soiling of underwear or worse with a frequency of several times a month or more. Respondents were also asked if bowel symptoms had an impact on their quality of life. From a total s le of 10 116 respondents, 1.4% reported major faecal incontinence and 0.7% major faecal incontinence with bowel symptoms that had an impact on quality of life. Major faecal incontinence was significantly associated with a lot of impact on quality of life (odds ratio 12.4, 95% confidence interval 7.5-20.6). Incontinence was more prevalent and more severe in older people but there was no significant difference between men and women. This study has confirmed that faecal incontinence is a fairly common symptom, particularly in older people. Faecal incontinence in men has received little attention in the past and the results from this study indicate that it is as much of a problem in men as it is in women while the level of unmet need in this group is high. Estimates of need for health care for this symptom should be multidimensional and assess both the severity of symptoms and the impact it has on quality of life.
Longitudinal studies of ageing: a key role in the evidence base for improving health and quality of life in older adults.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-2000
A Systematic Review of the Definitions of Vascular Cognitive Impairment, No Dementia in Cohort Studies
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1159/000448213
Abstract: b i Background/Aims: /i /b No set operational criteria for vascular cognitive impairment, no dementia (VCI-ND) have yet been established. The aim of this study is to undertake a systematic review to compare definitions of VCI-ND that have been used in cohort studies. b i Methods: /i /b Medline, PsycINFO and Embase were searched from inception to October 13, 2015. Initially, 3,142 records were screened, and 30 were included in this review. b i Results: /i /b No single set of criteria for defining VCI-ND was identified. VCI-ND b /b was broadly defined as an absence of dementia, cognitive impairment in at least one cognitive domain with signs of vascular involvement, and intact activities of daily living. b i Conclusion: /i /b Defining criteria will enable in iduals with VCI-ND to be efficiently compared across cohort studies to more accurately determine the prevalence and risk of dementia.
The contribution of multiple long-term conditions to widening inequalities in disability-free life expectancy over two decades: Longitudinal analysis of two cohorts using the Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
A comparison of health expectancies over two decades in England: results of the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study I and II.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
Antihypertensive drug use and risk of cognitive decline in the very old
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2015
Is late-life dependency increasing or not? A comparison of the Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFAS).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
The oldest old in England and Wales: a descriptive analysis based on the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 20-02-2008
Patterns of functional loss among older people: a prospective analysis.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-2009
Abstract: Objective: Patterns of capability loss and disability onset among older people were investigated prospectively. Background: With aging, the gap between personal capability and environmental demand becomes wider, resulting in higher levels of disability in daily activities. Methods: Data from a longitudinal, population-based study were obtained for analysis, which recruited a representative s le of 13,004 people aged 65 years and older from five sites in Great Britain. Participants completed a baseline interview during 1990 to 1994 and follow-up interviews after 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, and 10 years. Those who reported full vision, hearing, thinking, locomotion, reaching, and dexterity ability as well as no disability in cooking, housework, shopping, and transportation at baseline were included in a survival analysis. Results: Locomotion was the first ability to be lost, followed by reaching, thinking, hearing, vision, and dexterity. Age at onset of disability was earliest for shopping, then housework, transportation, and cooking. Women were consistently younger at capability loss and disability onset than men except in terms of hearing and cooking. Conclusion: These findings suggest that capabilities required for product and service interaction follow a hierarchical pattern of loss, which has practical implications for design. Although interventions to reduce disability in the older population are likely to require changes that address more than one demand, capabilities lost early in old age should take precedence over those lost later. Application: A potential application of this research is in the development of an overall design strategy to enhance older people’s ability to live independently.
Is there an association between metabolic syndrome and cognitive function in very old adults? the newcastle 85+ study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JGS.13358
Abstract: To determine, using data from the Newcastle 85+ Study, whether there is an association between modern diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive function in very old adults (≥85) and whether inflammation, physical activity, or diabetes mellitus status affects this association. Longitudinal, population-based cohort study. Newcastle and North Tyneside, United Kingdom. Community-dwelling and institutionalized men and women recruited through general practices (N = 845). MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Cross-sectional and prospective (up to 5 years of follow-up) associations between MetS and global cognitive function (assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)) and between MetS and attention and episodic memory (assessed using the Cognitive Drug Research battery) were performed. MetS was not associated with cognitive function at baseline or cognitive change over time. Lack of association was not because MetS was predictive of subsequent mortality. Of the in idual components of the MetS criteria, high blood pressure was associated with better cognitive function at baseline (MMSE: β (standard error (SE)) = -0.716 (0.152), P < .001), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with poorer global cognitive function at baseline (MMSE: 0.436 (0.131), P = .001). The association between MetS and cognitive decline, which has been described in younger populations (<75), was not apparent in this population of in iduals aged 85 and older at baseline.
A comparison of subjective and objective measures of physical activity from the Newcastle 85+ study.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 27-05-2015
Vitamin d status, muscle strength and physical performance decline in very old adults: A prospective study
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-04-2017
DOI: 10.3390/NU9040379
What do we know about the nutritional status of the very old? Insights from three cohorts of advanced age from the UK and New Zealand
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 11-05-2016
DOI: 10.1017/S0029665116000203
Abstract: Very old people (referred to as those aged 85 years and over) are the fastest growing age segment of many Western societies owing to the steady rise of life expectancy and decrease in later life mortality. In the UK, there are now more than 1·5 million very old people (2·5 % of total population) and the number is projected to rise to 3·3 million or 5 % over the next 20 years. Reduced mobility and independence, financial constraints, higher rates of hospitalisation, chronic diseases and disabilities, changes in body composition, taste perception, digestion and absorption of food all potentially influence either nutrient intake or needs at this stage of life. The nutritional needs of the very old have been identified as a research priority by the British Nutrition Foundation's Task Force report, Healthy Ageing: The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle. However, very little is known about the dietary habits and nutritional status of the very old. The Newcastle 85+ study, a cohort of more than 1000 85-year olds from the North East of England and the Life and Living in Advanced Age study (New Zealand), a bicultural cohort study of advanced ageing of more than 900 participants from the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua regions of New Zealand are two unique cohort studies of ageing, which aim to assess the spectrum of health in the very old as well as examine the associations of health trajectories and outcomes with biological, clinical and social factors as each cohort ages. The nutrition domain included in both studies will help to fill the evidence gap by identifying eating patterns, and measures of nutritional status associated with better, or worse, health and wellbeing. This review will explore some of this ongoing work.
Health and ill-health in the older population in England and Wales. The Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC CFAS).
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 2001
Abstract: to provide a profile of disorders and disabilities in the older population. the MRC CFAS drew population s les of people aged 64 years and over from Family Health Service Authority lists at five sites and asked participants about sociodemographic variables, physical and cognitive health and activities of daily living, We calculated the prevalence of co-morbidity from the number of different types of complaint or disability (physical, functional and cognitive), and calculated healthy life expectancies in each of these co-morbid states. three urban (Newcastle, Nottingham and Oxford) and two rural sites (Cambridgeshire and Gwynedd). the prevalence of morbidity is low at the youngest ages, as is co-morbidity. Women have consistently greater morbidity than men. Morbidity increases sharply with age, with a more dramatic rise in women. Life expectancy without any morbidity is short at all ages over 64, with the number of years expected with two or more areas affected virtually constant up to 90 years. As a proportion of remaining life expectancy, the period of time spent with two or more areas affected rises by the age of 90 to 30% in men and 60% in women. preventive programmes for the older population should take into account the large differences between the young old, the middle old and the old old. Our study provides a baseline against which to compare future changes in health in older populations, as well as benchmark expectancies for the UK population.
The Impact of Smoking and Obesity on Disability-Free Life Expectancy in Older Australians
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-11-2021
Abstract: Smoking and obesity are 2 modifiable risk factors for disability. We examine the impact of smoking and obesity on disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) at older ages, using 2 levels of disability. We used the DYNOPTA dataset, derived by harmonizing and pooling risk factors and disability outcomes from 5 Australian longitudinal aging studies. We defined mobility disability as inability to walk 1 km, and more severe (activities of daily living [ADL]) disability by the inability to dress or bathe. Mortality data for the analytic s le (N = 20 401 81.2% women) were obtained from Government Records via data linkage. We estimated sex-specific total life expectancy, DFLE, and years spent with disability by Interpolated Markov Chain (IMaCh) software for each combination of smoking (never vs ever), obesity (body mass index ≥30 vs 18.5 to & ), and education (left school age 14 or younger vs age 15 or older). Compared to those without either risk factor, high educated nonobese smokers at age 65 lived shorter lives (men and women: 2.5 years) and fewer years free of mobility disability (men: 2.1 years women: 2.0 years), with similar results for ADL disability. Obesity had the largest effect on mobility disability in women high educated obese nonsmoking women lived 1.3 years less than nonsmoking, not obese women but had 5.1 years fewer free of mobility disability and 3.2 fewer free of ADL disability. Differences between risk factor groups were similar for the low educated. Our findings suggest eliminating obesity would lead to an absolute reduction of disability, particularly in women.
Effect of dietary patterns on muscle strength and physical performance in the very old: Findings from the newcastle 85+ study
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 02-03-2016
Recovery in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs): findings from the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC CFAS)
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-07-2009
Abstract: to provide evidence for predictors of recovery in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among disabled older people living in the community. MRC CFAS recruited a s le of 13,004 in iduals aged 65 years and above from five communities in the UK. Participants underwent a baseline interview between 1990 and 1994 and were re-assessed 2 years later. the participants who reported that they were unable to perform any IADL without difficulty or help at baseline ('disabled') were included in the analysis. logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for improvement from disabled to non-disabled state at follow-up ('recovery'). at baseline, 50% reported disability of whom 9% reported independent function at follow-up. Women (OR = 0.4) and participants aged > or =75 years (OR = 0.2) were least likely to recover, followed by those with poor self-rated health (OR = 0.5), using at least one medication (OR = 0.6) and having more than or equal to two co-morbidities (OR = 0.6). a minority of participants reporting disability at baseline then reported independent function at 2 years. It may be important to focus on those who seem least likely to recover once they have become disabled. Several factors that have been shown to increase the risk of disability were inversely associated with recovery, suggesting that intervention programmes could target these same factors.
The influence of smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity on cognitive impairment-free life expectancy
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-08-2014
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYU170
Abstract: Smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity are risk factors for mortality and dementia. However, their impact on cognitive impairment-free life expectancy (CIFLE)has not previously been estimated. Data were drawn from the DYNOPTA dataset which was derived by harmonizing and pooling common measures from five longitudinal ageing studies. Participants for whom the Mini-Mental State Examination was available were included (N¼8111,48.6% men). Data on education, sex, body mass index, smoking and sedentary lifestyle were collected and mortality data were obtained from Government Records via data linkage.Total life expectancy (LE), CIFLE and years spent with cognitive impairment (CILE)were estimated for each risk factor and total burden of risk factors. CILE was approximately 2 years for men and 3 years for women, regardless of age. For men and women respectively, reduced LE associated with smoking was 3.82and 5.88 years, associated with obesity was 0.62 and 1.72 years and associated with being sedentary was 2.50 and 2.89 years. Absence of each risk factor was associated with longer LE and CIFLE, but also longer CILE for smoking in women and being sedentary in both sexes. Compared with participants with no risk factors, those with 2þ had shorter CIFLE of up to 3.5 years depending on gender and education level. Population level reductions in smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity increase longevity and number of years lived without cognitive impairment. Years lived with cognitive impairment may also increase.
Serum osmolarity and haematocrit do not modify the association between the impedance index (Ht2/Z) and total body water in the very old: The Newcastle 85+ Study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ARCHGER.2014.09.004
Abstract: Bioelectrical impedance is a non-invasive technique for the assessment of body composition however, information on its accuracy in the very old (80+years) is limited. We investigated whether the association between the impedance index and total body water (TBW) was modified by hydration status as assessed by haematocrit and serum osmolarity. This was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Newcastle 85+Cohort Study. Anthropometric measurements [weight, height (Ht)] were taken and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Leg-to-leg bioimpedance was used to measure the impedance value (Z) and to estimate fat mass, fat free mass and TBW. The impedance index (Ht2/Z) was calculated. Blood haematocrit, haemoglobin, glucose, sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine concentrations were measured. Serum osmolarity was calculated using a validated prediction equation. 677 men and women aged 85 years were included. The average BMI of the population was 24.3±4.2kg/m2 and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 32.6% and 9.5%, respectively. The impedance index was significantly associated with TBW in both men (n=274, r=0.76, p<0.001) and women (n=403, r=0.96, p<0.001) in regression models, the impedance index remained associated with TBW after adjustment for height, weight and gender, and further adjustment for serum osmolarity and haematocrit. The impedance index values increased with BMI and the relationship was not modified by hydration status in women (p=0.69) and only marginally in men (p=0.02). The association between the impedance index and TBW was not modified by hydration status, which may support the utilisation of leg-to-leg bioimpedance for the assessment of body composition in the very old.
Life Expectancy with and without Cognitive Impairment in Seven Latin American and Caribbean Countries
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 23-03-2015
Who Lives Where and Does It Matter? Changes in the Health Profiles of Older People Living in Long Term Care and the Community over Two Decades in a High Income Country.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 02-09-2016
Prevalence and determinants of low protein intake in very old adults: insights from the Newcastle 85+ Study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-09-2017
Related Organisations
Newcastle University
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
University Of Leicester
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
University Of Leeds
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University Of Hull
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Related Funding Activities
Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP190100459
Start Date: 05-2019
End Date: 07-2024
Amount: $404,293.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityARC Centres Of Excellence - Grant ID: CE1101029
Start Date: 03-2011
End Date: 12-2017
Amount: $12,700,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Projects - Grant ID: DP180100452
Start Date: 03-2018
End Date: 06-2021
Amount: $236,310.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity