Isolation and Loneliness Raise Death Risk

While a number of studies have suggested that both social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased risk of death, evidence differs as to whether their effects are independent or loneliness represents the emotional pathway through which social isolation impairs health. Andrew Steptoe, from University College London in the United Kingdom, and colleagues studied 6,500 men and women, aged 52 years and older, who were enrolled in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing in 2004–2005. The team tracked the subjects’ contact with family and friends and participation in civic organizations and assessed loneliness via a standard questionnaire. They monitored all-cause mortality up to March 2012, meaning a follow-up of 7.25 years, and found that mortality was higher among more socially isolated and lonelier participants. After they adjusted statistically for demographic factors and baseline health, social isolation remained significantly associated with mortality.

Steptoe, A., et al. (2013). Social isolation, loneliness, and all-cause mortality in older men and women. PNAS, March 25.

Olive Oil Nourishes Brain Cells

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by an accumulation of beta-amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. Oleocanthal is a phenolic component found abundantly in extra-virgin olive oil. Some previous studies have suggested that it may exert neuroprotective effects. Amal Kaddoumi, from the University of Louisiana, and colleagues completed in vitro and in vivo studies that demonstrate the ability of oleocanthal to increase two proteins, P-glycoprotein and LDL lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1, as well as key enzymes believed to be critical in removing beta-amyloid from the brain. The researchers conclude that “these findings provide experimental support that potential reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease associated with extra-virgin olive oil could be mediated by enhancement of [beta-amyloid] clearance from the brain.”

Abuznait, A. H., et al. (2013). Olive-oil-derived oleocanthal enhances [beta]-amyloid clearance as a potential neuroprotective mechanism against Alzheimer’s disease: in vitro and in vivo studies. ACS Chem Neurosci. February 15.

—Dr. Bob Goldman
www.WorldHealth.net

 

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Dr. Robert M. Goldman MD, PhD, DO, FAASP has spearheaded the development of numerous international medical organizations and corporations. Dr. Goldman has served as a Senior Fellow at the Lincoln Filene Center, Tufts University; as an Affiliate at the Philosophy of Education Research Center, Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, He is Clinical Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea Medical University; and Professor, Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Central America Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Goldman holds the positions of Visiting Professor, Udayana University School of Medicine, Indonesia; Visiting Professor, Huazhong University of Science & Technology Tong Ji Medical School, China; Visiting Professor, The Wuhan Institute of Science & Technology, China; Visiting Professor at Hainan Medical College, China; and Visiting Professor, School of Anti-Aging, Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine, UCSI University, Malaysia. Dr. Goldman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sports Physicians and a Board Diplomat in Sports Medicine and Board Certified in Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Goldman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sports Physicians and a Board Diplomat in Sports Medicine and Board Certified in Anti-Aging Medicine. He has overseen cooperative research agreement development programs in conjunction with such prominent institutions as the American National Red Cross, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Defense, and the FDA’s Center for Devices & Radiological Health.

Dr Goldman was awarded the 2012 LifeTime Achievement Award in Medicine &Science. Dr. Goldman is the recipient of the ‘Gold Medal for Science, the Grand Prize for Medicine, the Humanitarian Award, and the Business Development Award. He received honors from Minister of Sports and government Health officials of numerous nations. In 2001, Excellency Juan Antonio Samaranch awarded Dr. Goldman the International Olympic Committee Tribute Diploma for contributions to the development of sport & Olympism.

In addition, Dr. Goldman is a black belt in karate, Chinese weapons expert, and world champion athlete with over 20 world strength records, he has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Some of his past performance records include 13,500 consecutive situps and 321 consecutive handstand pushups. Dr. Goldman was an All-College athlete in four sports, a three time winner of the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Physical Fitness Award, was voted Athlete of the Year, was the recipient of the Champions Award, and was inducted into the World Hall of Fame of Physical Fitness. Dr. Goldman was awarded the Healthy American Fitness Leader Award from the President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Goldman is Chairman of the International Medical Commission overseeing sports medicine committees in over 184 nations. He has served as a Special Advisor to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports. He is founder and international President Emeritis of the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the cofounder and Chairman of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). Dr. Goldman visits an average of 20 countries annually to promote brain research and sports medicine programs.