J. Gerontol. Geriatr., Volume 74, Issue 1 (March 2026) – 7 articles

Japan is a super-aged society where community group multicomponent exercise is widely implemented, yet the age at which a fixed, low-frequency exercise dose no longer offsets functional decline is unclear. We examined 6-year trainability and explored “zero-change” ages in frail older women. Twenty community-dwelling frail women (80–86 years) participated in a once-weekly 90 min multicomponent exercise program for 6 years. Nine physical tests were assessed at baseline (Pre), 6 months, and annually. Overall time effects were tested using repeated-measures ANOVA and generalized estimating equations, with planned paired t-tests versus Pre. Age-specific annual percent changes (%/year) from Pre to each follow-up were annualized, grouped by age at follow-up (81–91 years), and tested against 0%/year. Separately, regression analyses related age to annual percent change across seven consecutive intervals to estimate “zero-change age” (predicted change = 0%). Time effects were significant for all nine measures (all p ≤ 0.032). Chair stand, 10 m fast/zigzag walk, supine-to-stand, maximal 5-step length, and 10-times knee lift generally improved in the early follow-up, whereas handgrip strength and sit-and-reach declined over time. In 6/9 tests, annual percent change diminished with advancing age; estimated zero-change ages ranged from ≈82 years (maximal 5-step length) to ≈88 years (chair stand and one-leg stance). Attendance remained high (≈90%). In this single-arm community program, several mobility-related functions improved or were maintained in frail women in their early 80s, whereas reduced trainability beyond the mid-80s may limit further protection. Threshold ages are exploratory statistical estimates; controlled trials are warranted. Full article

In the context of research aimed at identifying the causes of the progressive decline in cellular and tissue functions characteristic of aging, in recent decades, increasing attention has been devoted to the sirtuin family. Sirtuins are named after the Sir2 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a product of the SIR gene family, known as “silent information regulator 2”. Sirtuins are NAD⁺-dependent protein deacetylases and deacylases characterized by a conserved catalytic domain of approximately 275 amino acids. The removal of acetyl groups from acetyl-lysine residues on proteins is critical in regulating a wide range of biological functions, including gene silencing, genome stability, longevity, metabolism, and cellular physiology. In humans, the sirtuin family comprises seven isoforms (SIRT1–SIRT7), each with specific substrate preferences and primarily, but not exclusively, localized in the nucleus (SIRT1, SIRT6, and SIRT7), cytoplasm (SIRT2), and mitochondria (SIRT3, SIRT4, and SIRT5). Sirtuins may regulate numerous cellular processes associated with survival and longevity, including transcription and DNA repair, inflammation, glucose and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, apoptosis, autophagy, and stress resistance. Sirtuins’ dependence on NAD⁺ allows them to function as cellular energy sensors, linking metabolic demands to selective lysine deacylation in various subcellular organelles. The aim of this review is to provide an update on this family of molecules, describing their molecular structures, physiological functions, roles in aging processes, and potential to be modulated to serve as a strategy for promoting healthy aging. Full article

The objective was to evaluate the impact of a 3-month comprehensive rehabilitation program on functional outcomes and caregiver burden in a 73-year-old male with end-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD) following pallidotomy. Baseline evaluation included cardiorespiratory, digestive, and neuromusculoskeletal assessments, complemented by a multidomain geriatric assessment: activities of daily living (Barthel Index), cognition (MoCA), nutrition (MNA), mental health (GDS, UCLA Loneliness Scale), sarcopenia (AWGS criteria), frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale), fatigue (FSS), mobility (De Morton Mobility Index), fall risk (Morse Fall Scale), and caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview). The patient then underwent a structured 3-month rehabilitation program consisting of strengthening and flexibility training, cardiopulmonary endurance exercise, functional task practice, and psychological and nutritional counseling, with monthly evaluations. At baseline, the patient presented with generalized rigidity, fatigue, low cardiorespiratory endurance, total ADL dependence, malnutrition, sarcopenia, frailty, loneliness, and high caregiver burden, but intact cognition and mood. After rehabilitation, he achieved short distance walking, improved appetite and weight gain, and reduced scores in Zarit Burden, Fatigue Severity Scale, and MNA. Functional independence (Barthel Index) and respiratory capacity (single-breath count) improved, while frailty and sarcopenia remained stable without progression. In advanced PD, comprehensive rehabilitation can yield meaningful gains in mobility, nutrition, and functional independence while alleviating caregiver burden. Frailty and sarcopenia remain strongly associated with disease progression and highlight the need for sustained multidisciplinary care for both patients and caregivers. Full article

Dementia has a significant impact on individuals, families, communities, and the economy. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for 60–80% of dementia cases. The APOE e4 allele is well known as the primary genetic risk factor for AD and dementia. Studies have also shown that sleep apnea increases the risk of dementia. Some research further suggests a possible interaction between sleep apnea and the APOE in dementia development; however, this relationship remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to synthesize evidence from the existing literature and report findings on the relationship between APOE, sleep apnea, and dementia. A systematic search of multiple databases was conducted using selected keywords. Articles were screened and selected according to predefined inclusion criteria. Only original, peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2021 in English were included. Data from the included studies were extracted and summarized descriptively, including information on population characteristics, study design, key findings, and other relevant variables. Of the 328 records identified, 3 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Their findings suggest a potential interaction between sleep apnea and APOE that may influence dementia risk. This review highlights the need for further research to clarify the role of sleep apnea in the APOE pathway and its contribution to dementia. Full article

This review examines the impact of physical exercises on fluid intelligence (FI) among elderly individuals with or without dementia. Fluid intelligence declines with age and worsens faster with dementia, and studies suggest that physical exercise, like aerobic and strength training, may improve fluid intelligence by enhancing neurogenesis, promoting cerebral blood flow, and increasing brain plasticity. A comprehensive search was carried out for studies from inception to 31 May 2024 across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro, using keywords related to “physical activity”, “physical exercise”, “fluid intelligence”, and “dementia”. The inclusion criteria focused on randomized control trials (RCTs) involving elderly participants with or without dementia, where fluid intelligence was measured using validated tools. The PEDro scale was used for the quality assessment of included studies. Risk of bias assessment was done using the Cochrane risk of bias tool version 2. Out of 1982 screened studies (PubMed: 104; Web of Science: 1676; Scopus: 195; PEDro: six), five RCTs involving 676 participants were included. Interventions lasted 4 to 24 weeks and included aerobic training, flexibility training, combined strength, and cognitive training, amongst others. It is seen that low- and high-intensity aerobic exercises improved FI, whereas another study reported that combined physical and mental activity significantly enhanced executive function and processing speed. Overall, all included studies demonstrated improvements in FI following exercise interventions. Physical exercises may support fluid intelligence in older adults, but current evidence is limited to a small number of trials. More robust studies are required. Full article