Digital Commons Network^™

Quantitative Investigation Of Effect Of Age And Bolus Characteristics On Laryngeal Movement During Swallowing, Tsui-Fen Yang, Rai-Chi Chan, Shinn-Shing Lee, Jia-Chi Wang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiologic changes of swallowing along with normal aging, and to study the influences on swallowing of gender and food consistency.Methods: One hundred adult men and women aged 24 to 80 participated. Each subject underwent a swallowing evaluation, in which a surface transducer was placed on the neck to detect laryngeal movement when they performed a dry swallow and wet swallow for different food consistencies. Main outcome measures included mean onset, mean amplitude and mean duration of the deglutition wave.Results: In this study, the onset of the dry swallow deglutition wave …

Effects Of Flight On Gene Expression And Aging In The Honey Bee Brain And Flight Muscle, Joseph Margotta, Georgina E. Mancinelli, Azucena A. Benito, Andrew Ammons, Stephen P. Roberts, Michelle M. Elekonich

Life Sciences Faculty Research

Honey bees move through a series of in-hive tasks (e.g., “nursing”) to outside tasks (e.g., “foraging”) that are coincident with physiological changes and higher levels of metabolic activity. Social context can cause worker bees to speed up or slow down this process, and foragers may revert back to their earlier in-hive tasks accompanied by reversion to earlier physiological states. To investigate the effects of flight, behavioral state and age on gene expression, we used whole-genome microarrays and real-time PCR. Brain tissue and flight muscle exhibited different patterns of expression during behavioral transitions, with expression patterns in the brain reflecting both …

Financial Exploitation Of The Elderly: A Policy Review And Recommendations For Georgia, Melissa C. Haberlen

Public Health Theses

Eleven percent of Georgians and 13.3% of all Americans are currently over the age of 65. The segment of elderly adults in the United States is the fastest growing subpopulation, attributed to both average lifespan increases and a significant aging of "the baby boomer generation". Thus it is increasingly important that health and policy professionals give attention to issues of health and well-being faced by the aging population. One such issue, financial exploitation of the elderly, has received a large amount of media attention and public concern over the last several years, due to a large increase in the recorded …

Targeted Mutation Of Mouse Skeletal Muscle Sodium Channel Produces Myotonia And Potassium-Sensitive Weakness, Lawrence Hayward, Joanna Kim, Ming-Yang Lee, Hongru Zhou, Ji Kim, Kumudini Misra, Mohammad Salajegheh, Fen-Fen Wu, Shinji Matsuda, Valerie Reid, Didier Cros, Eric Hoffman, Jean-Marc Renaud, Stephen Cannon, Robert Brown

Dr Robert Brown

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperKPP) produces myotonia and attacks of muscle weakness triggered by rest after exercise or by K+ ingestion. We introduced a missense substitution corresponding to a human familial HyperKPP mutation (Met1592Val) into the mouse gene encoding the skeletal muscle voltage-gated Na+ channel NaV1.4. Mice heterozygous for this mutation exhibited prominent myotonia at rest and muscle fiber-type switching to a more oxidative phenotype compared with controls. Isolated mutant extensor digitorum longus muscles were abnormally sensitive to the Na+/K+ pump inhibitor ouabain and exhibited age-dependent changes, including delayed relaxation and altered generation of tetanic force. Moreover, rapid and sustained weakness …

Regulators And Effectors Of Acetyltransferase P300 During Oxidative Stress, Heart Disease And Aging, Sumit Jain

Open Access Dissertations

The nuclear acetyltransferase p300 is a chromatin-modifying enzyme that facilitates gene transcription by modifying histone-DNA interactions and promoting the transcriptional activation properties of numerous transcription factors. p300 and its paralogue, CBP (CREB-binding protein) are implicated in a wide range of essential biological processes, however, the extent to which p300 has independent tissue- or signal-specific functions has been a matter of dispute. Here, I used gene targeting, gain-of-function and knockdown models to show that the myocardial response to oxidative stress is obligatorily dependent on the cellular availability of p300, and that this availability is dynamically modulated as part of an acute …

Neuromuscular Function Following Lengthening Contractions, Geoffrey A. Power

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Unaccustomed lengthening contractions have been shown to impair muscle function - however little is known regarding this impairment on muscle power - specifically, the velocity component of power during voluntary contractions in humans. The four studies presented in my thesis investigated power-loss following lengthening contractions in healthy young and old women and young men.

The purpose of Study 1 was to determine reliability of velocity-dependent power of the dorsiflexors using the isotonic mode of the Biodex Dynamometer. I determined the isotonic mode is reliable and can be used to track changes in velocity and power following fatigue and lengthening contractions. …

Town Of Cohasset Senior Center Study, Jan Mutchler, Hayley Gravette, Caitlin Coyle

Gerontology Institute Publications

The Town of Cohasset is considering the construction of a new Senior Center that will provide the opportunity for expanded programming within a dedicated building. In support of planning efforts by the Town of Cohasset, a study was conducted by the Gerontology Institute of the McCormack Graduate School at UMass Boston. The study addresses the need for, and probable utilization of, a new Senior Center, and includes consideration of the recreational, educational and health-related programs that are likely to be offered through the new Center. Results of the study presented in this report respond to three questions: First, what are …

Brain Structure In Older Adult Siblings, Nathaniel Lucena

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Considerable variability exists in patterns of brain aging within and across individuals. Quantifying familial contributions to brain structure in late life may help us understand this variability. We estimated heritability of gray and white matter volumes and cortical thickness in a sample of older adult full siblings: 2-4 individuals per pedigree; N = 75). Estimation of heritability was based on computation of intraclass correlations. Heritability estimates were higher for total cortical thickness compared to volumes. There was no evidence of overall laterality in heritability estimates, or differences between primary sensory and association regions. There was a tendency for lower estimates …

Impaired Skeletal Muscle Blood Flow Control With Advancing Age In Humans: Attenuated Atp Release And Local Vasodilation During Erythrocyte Deoxygenation, Brett S. Kirby, Anne R. Crecelius, Wyatt F. Voyles, Frank A. Dinenno

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

Rationale: Skeletal muscle blood flow is coupled with the oxygenation state of hemoglobin in young adults, whereby the erythrocyte functions as an oxygen sensor and releases ATP during deoxygenation to evoke vasodilation. Whether this function is impaired in humans of advanced age is unknown.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that older adults demonstrate impaired muscle blood flow and lower intravascular ATP during conditions of erythrocyte deoxygenation.

Methods and Results: We showed impaired forearm blood flow responses during 2 conditions of erythrocyte deoxygenation (systemic hypoxia and graded handgrip exercise) with age, which was caused by reduced local vasodilation. In young adults, …

The Neuropsychological Functioning Of Older Adults Pre- And Post-Cognitive Training With A Brain Plasticity-Based Computerized Training Program, Shannon M. Sorenson

Graduate Masters Theses

The present study evaluates the effectiveness of Posit Science Cortex™ with Insight Drive Sharp™ as a tool for improving neuropsychological functioning in a normal aging sample. The purpose of the DriveSharp™ training program is to help an individual improve his or her visual attention and useful field of view. Each exercise continually adapts to the individual’s performance so that the training is always at an appropriate level for that specific person. Thirty-two healthy older adult participants were randomly assigned to either the active intervention group (DriveSharp™) or a waitlist control group. Participants in the intervention group were required to engage …

Trpm2 In The Central Nervous System: Physiological Role And Critical Regulatory Pathways, Jillian C. Belrose

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

TRPM2 is a non-selective cation channel which is permeable to calcium. Although expression is highest in the brain, the physiological role for TRPM2 in neurons was unknown. Furthermore, our understanding of the pathways regulating TRPM2 channel function required further investigation. In this thesis, we identified that TRPM2 is required for NMDAR-dependent long-term depression (LTD). No change in NMDAR expression or function was observed following genetic deletion of TRPM2. Instead, the loss of NMDAR-LTD in TRPM2 knockout mice results from diminished GSK-3β activation. We next examined whether age in vitro could facilitate TRPM2 currents. We demonstrate that diminished glutathione with age …

Truncation, Cross-Linking And Interaction Of Crystallins And Intermediate Filament Proteins In The Aging Human Lens, Roger Truscott, Jason Mcarthur, Andrew Aquilina, Shi-Ping (Jim) Su

J. A. Aquilina

The optical properties of the lens are dependent upon the integrity of proteins within the fiber cells. During aging, crystallins, the major intra-cellular structural proteins of the lens, aggregate and become water-insoluble. Modifications to crystallins and the lens intermediate filaments have been implicated in this phenomenon. In this study, we examined changes to, and interactions between, human lens crystallins and intermediate filament proteins in lenses from a variety of age groups (0-86 years). Among the lens-specific intermediate filament proteins, filensin was extensively cleaved in all postnatal lenses, with truncated products of various sizes being found in both the lens cortical …

The Effects Of A Short Term Novel Aquatic Exercise Program On Functional Strength And Performance Of Older Adults, H. Scott Kieffer, Marie Attanasi Lehman, Danielle M. Veacock, Laura Korkuch

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(4) : 321-333, 2012. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a short-term novel multidimensional aquatic exercise program on functional abilities of healthy older adults. Twenty-six men and women (mean age 76.33 + 5.55 years) were recruited and assigned to an aquatic- (n = 15) or land-based (n = 11) training group. The aquatic training group completed a multidimensional water exercise program that incorporated resistance training, functional exercise movements and rudimentary aquatic plyometric activities. The active control group participated in a supervised land-based fitness program. Each exercise intervention was conducted over …

Decline In Health For Older Adults: 5-Year Change In 13 Key Measures Of Standardized Health, Paula H. Diehr, Stephen M. Thielke, Anne B. Newman, Calvin H. Hirsch, Russell Tracy

UW Biostatistics Working Paper Series

Introduction

The health of older adults declines over time, but there are many ways of measuring health. We examined whether all measures declined at the same rate, or whether some aspects of health were less sensitive to aging than others.

Methods

We compared the decline in 13 measures of physical, mental, and functional health from the Cardiovascular Health Study: hospitalization, bed days, cognition, extremity strength, feelings about life as a whole, satisfaction with the purpose of life, self-rated health, depression, digit symbol substitution test, grip strength, ADLs, IADLs, and gait speed. Each measure was standardized against self-rated health. We compared …

Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating The Effect Of Physical Activity On Delaying The Progression Of White Matter Changes On Mri In Older Adults With Memory Complaints And Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Aibl Active Trial, E V Cyarto, N T Lautenschlager, P M Desmond, D Ames, C Szoeke, O Salvado, Matthew Sharman, Kathryn A Ellis, P M Phal, C L Masters, C C Rowe, Ralph Martins, Kay L Cox

Research outputs 2012

Background: Older adults free of dementia but with subjective memory complaints (SMC) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are considered at increased risk of cognitive decline. Vascular risk factors (VRF), including hypertension, heart disease, smoking, hypercholesterolemia and lack of physical activity (PA) have been identified as modifiable risk factors contributing to cognitive decline, and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are associated with VRF, SMC and cognitive impairment. Findings from a growing number of clinical trials with older adults are providing strong evidence for the benefits of physical activity for maintaining cognitive function, but few studies are investigating these benefits in high-risk populations. …

Neuroprotective Effects Of Long-Term Endurance Training On The Cortical Autonomic Network In The Aging Brain, Torri A. Luchyshyn

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study tested whether long-term endurance training in older adults (ET; n = 15, 55 ± 4 years, relative VO₂max = 50 ± 8 ml/kg/min) would alter cardiovagal control and preserve the cortical autonomic network compared to age-matched controls (CON; n = 15, 56 ± 4 years, relative VO₂max = 37 ± 9 ml/kg/min). The hypothesis predicts 1) altered deactivation patterns of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) in response to isometric hand grip (IHG) and 2) greater indices of cardiovagal control; a) increased baroreflex sensitivity at rest, b) greater heart rate change (ΔHR) and c) …

Re-Purposing The Elderly Body, Charlotte H. Wellman

Mid-America College Art Association Conference 2012 Digital Publications

In cross-disciplinary scholarship, an emerging “trash” discourse considers the implications of excessive production and consumption and their inevitable corollary—the sense that all things are disposable. Nature has been reconfigured as a landfill, an artificial landscape of discarded matter. Objects possess a shrinking lifespan, quickly replaced by a newer upgrade. Driven by a need for constant rejuvenation, consumers fetishize the new and dismiss obsolescent products. I wish to posit aging – more specifically, the elderly female body—against the “landscape” of trash in order to engage its vocabulary of entropy and decay as well as to deploy the repurposing of discarded materials …

Milwaukee Police Department Retirees: Cardiovascular Disease Risk And Morbidity Among Aging Law Enforcement Officers, Sandra Ramey, Nancy Downing, W. Franke

Nancy R Downing

This study explored the self-reported prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and accompanying risk factors among 165 male retirees 43 years and older (M = 56.2, SD = 7.1) from the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) compared to 671 individuals of similar age and income who responded to the 2005 Wisconsin Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). CVD and other risk factors were more prevalent in the MPD retirees than the general population (CVD 15.2% vs. 9.5%, p = .036; hypertension 51.5% vs. 36.2%, p = .001; hypercholesterolemia 62.4% vs. 44.4%, p = .001; overweight and obesity 85.1% vs. 74.7%, p = …

Chronic Exercise Modifies Age-Related Telomere Dynamics In A Tissue-Specific Fashion, Andrew T. Ludlow, Sarah Witkowski, Mallory R. Marshall, Jenny Wang, Laila C.J. Lima, Lisa M. Guth, Espen E. Spangenburg, Stephen M. Roth

Exercise and Sport Studies: Faculty Publications

We evaluated the impact of long-term exercise on telomere dynamics in wild-derived short telomere mice (CAST/Ei) over 1 year. We observed significant telomere shortening in liver and cardiac tissues in sedentary 1-year-old mice compared with young (8 weeks) baseline mice that were attenuated in exercised 1-year-old animals. In contrast, skeletal muscle exhibited significant telomere shortening in exercise mice compared with sedentary and young mice. Telomerase enzyme activity was increased in skeletal muscle of exercise compared with sedentary animals but was similar in cardiac and liver tissues. We observed significant age-related decreases in expression of telomere-related genes that were attenuated by …

Sarcopenia, Obesity, And Natural Killer Cell Immune Senescence In Aging: Altered Cytokine Levels As A Common Mechanism, Charles T. Lutz, Lebris S. Quinn

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Faculty Publications

Human aging is characterized by both physical and physiological frailty. A key feature of frailty, sarcopenia is the age-associated decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and endurance that characterize even the healthy elderly. Increases in adiposity, particularly in visceral adipose tissue, are almost universal in aging individuals and can contribute to sarcopenia and insulin resistance by increasing levels of inflammatory cytokines known collectively as adipokines. Aging also is associated with declines in adaptive and innate immunity, known as immune senescence, which are risk factors for cancer and all-cause mortality. The cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) is highly expressed in skeletal muscle tissue …

Legal Guadians' Authority To Consent To Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders, Robert J. Best

Marquette Elder's Advisor

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has saved and prolonged the lives of many, but is it appropriate for elderly and incapacitated individuals? This article examines the role of surrogate decision making in withholding treatment of incapacitated individuals, and provides a list of twelve criteria to assist a guardian to determine what would be in the best interests of the patient.

Growth And Development Of The Assisted Industry, William F. Lasky

Marquette Elder's Advisor

The U.S. General Accounting Office issued a report on quality of care and consumer protection issues in assisted living residences. This article presents an excerpt of William F. Lasky's testimony, on behalf of the Assisted Living Federation of America, at the Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing that addressed this report.

The One-Stop Shop: Beyond Estate Planning, Ann M. Devine

Marquette Elder's Advisor

An investigation of the special needs of the elderly looks to expand the current practice of conventional estate planning beyond the creation of trusts and wills into an innovative business providing holistic life plans and services to address all the needs of aging.

Physical Restraint Use In Acute Care Hospitals: Legal Liability Issues, Marshall B. Kapp

Marquette Elder's Advisor

This article begins by explaining what physical restraints are. The author then explains that the elderly are the most likely group to be restrained in hospitals. He goes on to discuss the evolution of regulations controlling the use of such restraints. Changes in standards of care, customary practice, informed consent, and assumption of risk dynamics are explained. The article concludes by explaining that health care providers and facilities can limit their tort liability exposure through creative processes that include regulatory compliance, voluntary accreditation, and individualized assessment and care.

Development Of A Clinical Multiple-Lunge Test To Predict Falls In Older Adults, Ruth Wagenaar, Justin W. Keogh, Denise Taylor

Justin Keogh

Objective: To develop a new Multiple-Lunge Test to distinguish between fallers and nonfallers in community-dwelling older adults.Design: A cross-sectional design was used to establish the sensitivity and specificity of the test to predict faller status based on retrospective self-reported fall history. Setting: Local retirement villages.Participants: Community-dwelling older adults (N 130; mean age SD, 77 7y) with (n 40) and without (n 90) a history of falls.Interventions: The Multiple-Lunge Test required individuals to lunge forward to a step length determined as 60% of their leg length, and return to start, for 5 consecutive repetitions. Interday and intraday test-retest reliability of the …

Assuring Quality Long-Term Care In America, Thomas D. Begley Jr., Jo-Anne Herina Jeffreys

Marquette Elder's Advisor

Ninety percent of the 76 million baby boomers will be retired by the year 2030, and many will eventually need a continuum of care. The authors suggest that financing such care is primarily a middle-class problem, and suggest that making long-term care coverage both mandatory and universal, such as through a government program, may be the best way to spread the risk.

The Changing Face Of Seniors: Ethnic Diversity In The Aging Baby Boom Population, Clayton Fong

Marquette Elder's Advisor

Asian/Pacific elders present unique issues in professional services, including language barriers, family loyalties and diversity of cultural backgrounds. This article sketches a profile of this growing population

The Positive Impact Of Caregiver Support Groups On Adult Children Of Aging Parents, Susan Beerman

Marquette Elder's Advisor

Adult children of aging parents often suffer from a multitude of problems, which they endure quietly and alone. This article describes how five such caregivers formed a support group and derived invaluable help in coping

Affordability: What It Means For Aging People And Some Ways To Achieve It, Jim Moore

Marquette Elder's Advisor

Assisted living is an attractive model for many who suffer the frailties of aging. Why? Because services and their costs are limited to those that are actually needed. Yet few communities exists to provide assisted living to elders who are not affluent. Is affordability possible without substantial subsidies? This author says yes - with care and planning.

The Emerging Nexus Of Aging And Diversity: Implications For Public Policy And Entitlement Reform, Fernando Torres-Gil, Karra Bikson Moga

Marquette Elder's Advisor

This article examines the impending nexus of population aging and diversity in the United States. With the dramatic increase of older persons and minority and ethnic groups- particularly Hispanics- the intersection of these trends will have important consequences for all aspects of U.S. society, including public policy, legislation, retirement planning, and economics.