Nutrition in centenarians

A systematic review of diet and medication use among centenarians and near-centenarians worldwide

Centenarians represent a phenomenon of successful aging. This systematic review aimed to understand lifestyles and health practices, focusing on diet and medication use for healthy longevity in community-based adults 95 years or over. Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and gray literature were searched from 1 January 2000 to 10 December 2022. Study quality was assessed using the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (mNOS). Pooled prevalence [%; 95% confidence interval] for categorical variables and pooled mean for continuous variables were estimated for demographics, weight status, lifestyle factors, medications, and health conditions. Of 3392 records screened, 34 studies were included in the review, and 71% (24/34) met the 6/8 criteria in mNOS. Centenarians/near-centenarians' ages ranged from 95 to 118 years, with 75% (71-78%) female and 78% (68-88%) living in rural areas. They had an overall healthy lifestyle: current smoking (7%; 5-9%), drinking (23%; 17-30%), normal weight (52%; 42-61%), overweight (14%; 8-20%), physical activity (23%; 20-26%), and sleep satisfaction (68%; 65-72%). Diet averaged 59.6% carbohydrate, 18.5% protein, and 29.3% fat; over 60% consumed a diverse diet, and < 20% preferred salty food, contributing to lower mortality risks and functional decline. About half used antihypertensives (49%; 14-84%) or other cardiovascular drugs (48%; 24-71%), with an average of 4.6 medications. Common health issues included impaired basic activities of daily living (54%; 33-74%), hypertension (43%; 21-65%), and dementia (41%; 23-59%). The findings of this systemic review underscore the pivotal role of dietary practice and weight management in healthcare strategies to promote healthy ageing. It also recognises rural living styles and sleep hygiene as potential factors contributing to healthy longevity.

Lactic acid bacteria with a strong antioxidant function isolated from "Jiangshui," pickles, and feces

Excessive free radicals and iron death lead to oxidative damage, which is one of the main causes of aging and diseases. In this field of antioxidation, developing new, safe, and efficient antioxidants is the main research focus. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are natural antioxidants with good antioxidant activity and can regulate gastrointestinal microecological balance and immunity. In this study, 15 LAB strains from fermented foods ("Jiangshui" and pickles) or feces were evaluated in terms of their antioxidant attributes. Strains with strong antioxidant capacity were preliminarily screened by the following tests: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity; ferrous ion chelating assay; hydrogen peroxide tolerance capacity. Then, the adhesion of the screened strains to the intestinal tract was examined using hydrophobic and auto-aggregation tests. The safety of the strains was analyzed based on their minimum inhibitory concentration and hemolysis, and 16S rRNA was used for molecular biological identification. Antimicrobial activity tests showed them probiotic function. The cell-free supernatant of selected strains were used to explore the protective effect against oxidative damage cells. The scavenging rate of DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and ferrous ion-chelating of 15 strains ranged from 28.81-82.75%, 6.54-68.52%, and 9.46-17.92%, respectively, the scavenging superoxide anion scavenging activity all exceeded 10%. According to all the antioxidant-related tests, strains possessing high antioxidant activities J2-4, J2-5, J2-9, YP-1, and W-4 were screened, these five strains demonstrated tolerance to 2 mM hydrogen peroxide. J2-4, J2-5, and J2-9 were Lactobacillus fermentans and γ-hemolytic (non-hemolytic). YP-1 and W-4 were Lactobacillus paracasei and α-hemolytic (grass-green hemolytic). Although L. paracasei has been proven as a safe probiotic without hemolytic characteristics, the hemolytic characteristics of YP-1 and W-4 should be further studied. Due to the weak hydrophobicity and antimicrobial activity of J2-4, finally, we selected J2-5, J2-9 for cell experiment, J2-5 and J2-9 showed an excellent ability that resistant to oxidative damage by increasing SOD, CAT, T-AOC activity of 293T cells. Therefore, J2-5, and J2-9 strains from fermented foods "Jiangshui" could be used as potential antioxidants for functional food, health care, and skincare.

Diet and longevity in the Blue Zones: A set-and-forget issue?

The Blue Zones (BZs) are areas of the globe inhabited by exceptionally long-lived populations. They include the island of Okinawa in Japan, the island of Ikaria in Greece, the mountain area of the island of Sardinia in Italy, and the peninsula of Nicoya in Costa Rica. Their longevity is a relatively recent phenomenon that has been progressively investigated since the dawn of this century. Research efforts over the past two decades have sought to shed light on the factors associated with this longevity, as well as explore the possibility of lessons transferable to the general population. Among the features of BZ inhabitants, described in the literature, their eating habits hold a prominent place, as these have the advantage of being easily quantifiable and applicable on a larger scale. However, it is too often taken for granted that the mere fact of being documented in a long-lived population makes the diet a causal factor of that population's longevity; this is a claim which should be proven. Furthermore, it is implicitly assumed that a specific BZ diet is homogeneous and remains stable over time, whereas some evidence suggests the opposite. Therefore, this review summarizes our current knowledge of the BZ diets and discusses whether they can be considered as a paradigmatic example of healthy nutrition valid for anyone or, rather, a set of evolving food patterns that has offered benefits to a few specific communities in recent decades.

Prevalence of Obesity and Malnutrition in Four Cohorts of Very Old Adults, 2000-2017

OBJECTIVES

Investigate trends in the prevalence of obesity and malnutrition among very old adults (age ≥ 85 years) between 2000 and 2017.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, MEASUREMENTS

A study with data from the Umeå 85+/Gerontological regional database population-based cohort study of very old adults in northern Sweden. Every 5 years from 2000-2002 to 2015-2017, comprehensive assessments of participants were performed during home visits (N=1602). Body mass index (BMI) classified participants as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30.0 kg/m2). Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores classified participants as malnourished (0 to <17), at risk of malnutrition (17-23.5), and having good nutritional status (24-30). Prevalence and trends were examined using analysis of variance and chi-squared tests, including subgroup analyses of nursing home residents.

RESULTS

Between 2000-2002 and 2015-2017, the mean BMI increased from 24.8± 4.7 to 26.0± 4.7 kg/m2. The prevalence of obesity and underweight were 13.4% and 7.6%, respectively, in 2000-2002 and 18.3% and 3.0%, respectively, in 2015-2017. The mean MNA score increased between 2000-2002 and 2010-2012 (from 23.2± 4.7 to 24.2± 3.6), and had decreased (to 23.3± 4.2) by 2015-2017. The prevalence of malnutrition was 12.2%, 5.1%, and 8.7% in 2000-2002, 2010-2012, and 2015-2017, respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed similar BMI and MNA score patterns among nursing home residents.

CONCLUSIONS

Among very old adults, the mean BMI and prevalence of obesity seemed to increase between 2000-2002 and 2015-2017. Meanwhile, the nutritional status (according to MNA scores) seemed to improve between 2000-2002 and 2010-2012, it declined by 2015-2017.

Remaining Socially Connected at 100 and Beyond Reduces Impact of Loneliness on Nutritional Status

BACKGROUND

Understanding factors influencing centenarians' nutritional status can offer insight into effective nutrition interventions to improve quality of life among this population.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the role of social support and loneliness on nutritional status among Oklahoma centenarians (N = 151).

METHODS

Nutritional status was assessed with the Short Form Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA-SF). Perceived social support was assessed with the 24-item Social Provisions Scale. Loneliness was examined with the 10-item UCLA loneliness scale.

RESULTS

Ordinal logistic regression revealed that those who lacked social support were at increased risk of poor nutritional status (OR = 2.28, p < .05). Further, the model revealed that centenarians who reported lack of social support and loneliness had almost 2.8 times higher likelihood of being at risk of poor nutritional status compared to their socially connected counterparts (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Findings have implications for geriatric dietitians, social workers, and clinical counselors seeking to implement services and programs aimed at helping long-lived adults feel socially connected and maintain proper nutritional well-being.

Impact of Polyphenolic-Food on Longevity: An Elixir of Life. An Overview

Aging and, particularly, the onset of age-related diseases are associated with tissue dysfunction and macromolecular damage, some of which can be attributed to accumulation of oxidative damage. Recently, growing interest has emerged on the beneficial effects of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Several studies collectively suggests that the intake of polyphenols and their major food sources may exert beneficial effects on improving insulin resistance and related diabetes risk factors, such as inflammation and oxidative stress. They are the most abundant antioxidants in the diet, and their intake has been associated with a reduced aging in humans. Polyphenolic intake has been shown to be effective at ameliorating several age-related phenotypes, including oxidative stress, inflammation, impaired proteostasis, and cellular senescence, both in vitro and in vivo. In this paper, effects of these phytochemicals (either pure forms or polyphenolic-food) are reviewed and summarized according to affected cellular signaling pathways. Finally, the effectiveness of the anti-aging preventive action of nutritional interventions based on diets rich in polyphenolic food, such as the diets of the Blue zones, are discussed.

Dietary vitamin intake and risk of metabolic syndrome among centenarians in China

The present study aimed to investigate dietary vitamin intake levels and their association with the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in centenarians in China. From June 2014 to December 2016, a total of 992 centenarians aged >99 years (177 males and 815 females; age range, 100-115 years) were enrolled through household visits in the cities and rural areas of Hainan province. Details regarding food intake were recorded by continuous collection of 7-day food frequency and 24-h dietary review, and dietary vitamin intake levels were calculated according to the Chinese Food Composition Table. The deficiency rates of vitamin A (VA), VE, VB₁, VB₂, niacin and VC among the centenarians were relatively high and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) was 53.67% (519/967). The dietary intake levels of VA, VE and PP were significantly higher among the healthy centenarians than among the centenarians with MS (P<0.05). Compared with the lowest quartiles (Q₁) of dietary vitamin intake, higher dietary intake levels of VA (Q₄) [odds ratio (OR)=0.72; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.99], VE (Q₃) (OR=0.61; 95% CI=0.36, 0.88) and VB₂ (Q₄) (OR=0.51; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.81) were associated with a reduced risk of hypertension (P<0.05). However, higher dietary intake levels of VA, VE, VB₂ and PP were associated with increased risks of central obesity, hyperglycemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. A high prevalence of MS and vitamin deficiency were detected among the centenarians and these two items were associated with each other. It was indicated that specific vitamins are necessary for certain centenarians.

TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor and attainment of exceptional longevity

Bitter taste receptors play crucial roles in detecting bitter compounds not only in the oral cavity, but also in extraoral tissues where they are involved in a variety of non‒tasting physiological processes. On the other hand, disorders or modifications in the sensitivity or expression of these extraoral receptors can affect physiological functions. Here we evaluated the role of the bitter receptor TAS2R38 in attainment of longevity, since it has been widely associated with individual differences in taste perception, food preferences, diet, nutrition, immune responses and pathophysiological mechanisms. Differences in genotype distribution and haplotype frequency at the TAS2R38 gene between a cohort of centenarian and near-centenarian subjects and two control cohorts were determined. Results show in the centenarian cohort an increased frequency of subjects carrying the homozygous genotype for the functional variant of TAS2R38 (PAV/PAV) and a decreased frequency of those having homozygous genotype for the non-functional form (AVI/AVI), as compared to those determined in the two control cohorts. In conclusion, our data providing evidence of an association between genetic variants of TAS2R38 gene and human longevity, suggest that TAS2R38 bitter receptor can be involved in the molecular physiological mechanisms implied in the biological process of aging.

Validation of a Diet Quality Screening Tool for Use in the Oldest Old

The oldest old (aged ≥80 years) are often the population subgroup at high nutritional risk due to age-related metabolic changes. We performed a validation analysis of a dietary screening tool (DST) which was developed for older adults among the oldest old. We examined dietary intakes using three 24-hour dietary recalls and the DST among 122 participants (aged 82-97) of the Geisinger Rural Aging Study. DST scores were compared with the Health Eating Index (HEI)-2015 scores, which were calculated based on three-day dietary recalls. Pearson correlations were used to characterize concurrent validity and Bland-Altman plots were used to identify potential bias. DST scores were significantly correlated with HEI scores (adjusted r = 0.68; p < 0.001) in an age- and sex-adjusted model. Those within the not-at-risk DST group had significantly higher HEI scores (adjusted means = 79.6 ± 3.68) compared with those who were in the at-risk (adjusted means = 51.2 ± 1.56) and the possibly-at-risk (adjusted means = 66.3 ± 1.79) groups (p-trend < 0.001). The DST appears to be a valid measure of diet quality in the oldest old when compared with the HEI and may be a potential tool to assess overall diet quality in this population.

Association of vitamin D and vitamin B12 with cognitive impairment in elderly aged 80 years or older: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to assess the association of vitamin D and vitamin B₁₂ with cognitive impairment in elderly people.

METHODS

The data were obtained from a cross-sectional study that included individuals aged 80 years or older living in the urban and rural areas of the cities of Siderópolis and Treviso in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. In total, 165 elderly people were included in the analysis. The outcome of cognitive decline was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination. Vitamin D and vitamin B₁₂ levels were measured from blood samples. The socio-demographic, anthropometric and health variables used in the analysis were collected from a questionnaire. Crude and adjusted analyses of the relationship between vitamins D and B₁₂ and cognitive decline were performed using a Poisson regression model.

RESULTS

The prevalence of cognitive decline was 35.2%. In the adjusted model, individuals who had vitamin D levels >19 ng mL^-1 showed a lower prevalence of cognitive decline (prevalence ratio = 0.59; 95% confidence interval = 0.39-0.87). Those participants who had vitamin B₁₂ levels of ≥496 pg mL^-1 had a higher prevalence of cognitive decline (prevalence ratio = 1.90; 95% confidence interval = 1.08-3.36).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that individuals aged ≥80 years who had vitamin D levels of ≤18 ng mL^-1 had a higher prevalence of cognitive decline even after adjustment for potential confounders. In addition, the study demonstrated that vitamin B₁₂ levels of ≥496 pg mL^-1 in this population were also a risk factor for cognitive decline. A cross-sectional analysis does not enable the inference of a cause-effect relationship and additional studies are needed to understand these relationships.

Anti-senescence compounds: A potential nutraceutical approach to healthy aging

The desire of eternal youth seems to be as old as mankind. However, the increasing life expectancy experienced by populations in developed countries also involves a significantly increased incidence of the most common age-related diseases (ARDs). Senescent cells (SCs) have been identified as culprits of organismal aging. Their number rises with age and their senescence-associated secretory phenotype fuels the chronic, pro-inflammatory systemic state (inflammaging) that characterizes aging, impairing the regenerative ability of stem cells and increasing the risk of developing ARDs. A variegated class of molecules, including synthetic senolytic compounds and natural compounds contained in food, have been suggested to possess anti-senescence activity. Senolytics are attracting growing interest, and their safety and reliability as anti-senescence drugs are being assessed in human clinical trials. Notably, since SCs spread inflammation at the systemic level through pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory signals, foods rich in polyphenols, which exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, have the potential to be harnessed as "anti-senescence foods" in a nutraceutical approach to healthier aging. We discuss the beneficial effects of polyphenol-rich foods in relation to the Mediterranean diet and the dietary habits of long-lived individuals, and examine their ability to modulate bacterial genera in the gut.

Nutrition and lifestyle in healthy aging: the telomerase challenge

Nutrition and lifestyle, known to modulate aging process and age-related diseases, might also affect telomerase activity. Short and dysfunctional telomeres rather than average telomere length are associated with longevity in animal models, and their rescue by telomerase maybe sufficient to restore cell and organismal viability. Improving telomerase activation in stem cells and potentially in other cells by diet and lifestyle interventions may represent an intriguing way to promote health-span in humans.

The impact of nutrients on the aging rate: A complex interaction of demographic, environmental and genetic factors

Nutrition has a strong influence on the health status of the elderly, with many dietary components associated to either an increased risk of disease or to an improvement of the quality of life and to a delay of age-related pathologies. A direct effect of a reduced caloric intake on the delay of aging phenotypes is documented in several organisms. The role of nutrients in the regulation of human lifespan is not easy to disentangle, influenced by a complex interaction of nutrition with environmental and genetic factors. The individual genetic background is fundamental for mediating the effects of nutritional components on aging. Classical genetic factors able to influence nutrient metabolism are considered those belonging to insulin/insulin growth factor (INS/IGF-1) signaling, TOR signaling and Sirtuins, but also genes involved in inflammatory/immune response and antioxidant activity can have a major role. Considering the worldwide increasing interest in nutrition to prevent age related diseases and achieve a healthy aging, in this review we will discuss this complex interaction, in the light of metabolic changes occurring with aging, with the aim of shedding a light on the enormous complexity of the metabolic scenario underlying longevity phenotype.

Where are supercentenarians located? A worldwide demographic study

The world population is continuously aging, and centenarians may be considered to be the most successfully aged individuals. Among people who reach extreme longevity (EL; i.e., >95 years), supercentenarians (SCs; aged ≥110 years) represent a subgroup of great scientific interest. Unfortunately, data on the worldwide distribution of SCs remain scarce. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate this issue. Current available data indicate that Japan is the country with the highest number of currently alive SCs. Interestingly, Puerto Rico would show the highest prevalence of SCs among people who reach EL (approximately one SC per 10,000 inhabitants aged ≥95 years), although data on this country must be intrepreted with caution owing to potential methodological limitations, mainly related to its small population. Our findings highlight the need to investigate in greater detail the genetic and lifestyle background of SCs, with the ultimate goal of unraveling new potential mechanisms underlying human EL.

Determinants of fat-soluble vitamin status in patients aged 65 years and over

In the elderly, malnutrition is highly prevalent and a major contributor to increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the fat-soluble vitamin status and potential determinants in patients >65 years of age. Serum vitamins A, D and E were determined by liquid chromatography in 166 patients. Gender, age, season, hospitalization, nutritional markers (albumin and cholesterol), acute-phase reactants (ferritin and C-reactive protein) and renal function (creatinine and glomerular filtrate) were assessed as potential determinants. Prevalence of vitamin deficiency was highly variable, ranging from 0 (vitamin E/cholesterol ratio) to 94% (for vitamin D in hospitalized patients). Vitamin status did not differ according to gender, but age, season, hospitalization, a poor nutritional status and impaired renal function, and the presence of acute-phase response significantly affected serum levels of vitamin A, E and D. In conclusion, in subjects >65 years both demographic and clinical factors determined the fat-soluble vitamin status.

Profiles of cognitive functioning in a population-based sample of centenarians using factor mixture analysis

BACKGROUND/STUDY CONTEXT: The goal of the study was to identify and characterize latent profiles (clusters) of cognitive functioning in centenarians and the psychometric properties of cognitive measures within them.

METHODS

Data were collected from cross-sectional, population-based sample of 244 centenarians (aged 98 to 108, 15.8% men, 20.5% African American, 38.0% community-dwelling) from 44 counties in northern Georgia participating in the Georgia Centenarian Study (2001-2008). Measures included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Severe Impairment Battery (SIB), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III Similarities subtest (WAIS), Hand Tapping, Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale (BDS), Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), and Fuld Object Memory Evaluation (FOME). The Global Deterioration Rating Scale (GDRS) was used to independently evaluate criterion-related validity for distinguishing cognitively normal and impaired groups. Relevant covariates included directly assessed functional status for basic and instrumental activities of daily living (DAFS), race, gender, educational attainment, Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS), and vision and hearing problems.

RESULTS

Results suggest two distinct classes of cognitive performance in this centenarian sample. Approximately one third of the centenarians show a pattern of markedly lower cognitive performance on most measures. Group membership is independently well predicted (area under the curve [AUC] = .83) by GDRS scores (sensitivity 67.7%, specificity 82.4%). Membership in the lower cognitive performance group was more likely for individuals who were older, African Americans, had more depressive symptoms, lower plasma folate, carriers of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele, facility residents, and individuals who died in the 2 years following interview.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population expected to have high prevalence of dementia, latent subtypes can be distinguished via factor mixture analysis that provide normative values for cognitive functioning. The present study allows estimates for normative cognitive performance in this age group.

The effect of dietary administration of 2-oxoglutaric acid on the cartilage and bone of growing rats

2-Oxoglutaric acid (2-Ox), a precursor to hydroxyproline - the most abundant amino acid in bone collagen, exerts protective effects on bone development during different stages of organism development; however, little is known about the action of 2-Ox on cartilage. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the influence of dietary 2-Ox supplementation on the growth plate, articular cartilage and bone of growing rats. A total of twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. Half of the rats received 2-oxoglutarate at a dose of 0·75 g/kg body weight per d in their drinking-water. Body and organ weights were measured. Histomorphometric analyses of the cartilage and bone tissue of the femora and tibiae were conducted, as well as bone densitometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Rats receiving 2-Ox had an increased body mass (P<0·001) and absolute liver weight (P=0·031). Femoral length (P=0·045) and bone mineral density (P=0·014), overall thickness of growth plate (femur P=0·036 and tibia P=0·026) and the thickness of femoral articular cartilage (P<0·001) were also increased. 2-Ox administration had no effect on the mechanical properties or on any of the measured pQCT parameters for both bones analysed. There were also no significant differences in histomorphometric parameters of tibial articular cartilage and autofluorescence of femoral and tibial growth plate cartilage. Dietary supplementation with 2-Ox to growing rats exerts its effects mainly on cartilage tissue, having only a slight influence on bone. The effect of 2-Ox administration was selective, depending on the particular bone and type of cartilage analysed.

EMAS position statement: Diet and health in midlife and beyond

INTRODUCTION

There is increasing evidence that life-style factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption have a profound modifying effect on the epidemiology of most major chronic conditions affecting midlife health.

AIMS

To provide guidance concerning the effect of diet on morbidity and mortality of the most frequent diseases prevalent in midlife and beyond.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature review and consensus of expert opinion.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

A healthy diet is essential for the prevention of all major chronic non-communicable diseases in midlife and beyond, both directly, through the effect of individual macro- and micronutrients and indirectly, through the control of body weight. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is best prevented or managed by restricting the total amount of carbohydrate in the diet and by deriving carbohydrate energy from whole-grain cereals, fruits and vegetables. The substitution of saturated and trans-fatty acids by mono-unsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids is the most important dietary intervention for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Obesity is also a risk factor for a variety of cancers. Obese elderly persons should be encouraged to lose weight. Diet plans can follow the current recommendations for weight management but intake of protein should be increased to conserve muscle mass. The consumption of red or processed meat is associated with an increase of colorectal cancer. Adequate protein, calcium and vitamin D intake should be ensured for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. Surveillance is needed for possible vitamin D deficiency in high risk populations. A diet rich in vitamin E, folate, B12 and omega-3 fatty acids may be protective against cognitive decline. With increasing longevity ensuring a healthy diet is a growing public health issue.

Bitter taste receptor polymorphisms and human aging

Several studies have shown that genetic factors account for 25% of the variation in human life span. On the basis of published molecular, genetic and epidemiological data, we hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms of taste receptors, which modulate food preferences but are also expressed in a number of organs and regulate food absorption processing and metabolism, could modulate the aging process. Using a tagging approach, we investigated the possible associations between longevity and the common genetic variation at the three bitter taste receptor gene clusters on chromosomes 5, 7 and 12 in a population of 941 individuals ranging in age from 20 to 106 years from the South of Italy. We found that one polymorphism, rs978739, situated 212 bp upstream of the TAS2R16 gene, shows a statistically significant association (p = 0.001) with longevity. In particular, the frequency of A/A homozygotes increases gradually from 35% in subjects aged 20 to 70 up to 55% in centenarians. These data provide suggestive evidence on the possible correlation between human longevity and taste genetics.

Mediterranean diet and longevity in Sicily: survey in a Sicani Mountains population

Over the past several years, increasing evidence suggests that the Mediterranean diet has a beneficial influence on several age-related diseases, showing protective effect on health and longevity. Mediterranean diet refers to dietary patterns found in olive-growing regions of the Mediterranean countries. Previous data reported that in Sicily, Italy, the largest Mediterranean island, there are some mountainous regions where there is a high frequency of male centenarians with respect to the Italian average. The aim of the present study was to characterize centenarians living in one of this region, the Sicani Mountains, located in western Sicily. Present data shows that in this zone there are more centenarians with respect to the Italian average. In fact, in the three villages of the Sicani Mountains, there were 15 people ranging from 100 to 107 years old, of the total population of about 10,000 inhabitants. This centenarian number was more than six-fold higher the national average (15.0 vs. 2.4/10,000); the female/male ratio was 1.5 in the study area, whereas the national ratio is 4.54. Centenarians living in these villages had anthropometric measurements within normal limits and moderate sensory disability without any sign of age-related diseases, including cognitive deterioration and dementia. In addition, their clinical chemistry profile was similar to young controls and far better than that of old controls. Unequivocally, their nutritional assessment showed a high adherence to the Mediterranean nutritional profile, with low glycemic index food consumed. Overall, close adherence to Mediterranean diet seems to play a key role in age-related disease prevention and in attaining longevity.

Cognitive and behavioral consequences of impaired immunoregulation in aging

A hallmark of the aged immune system is impaired immunoregulation of the innate and adaptive immune system in the periphery and also in the central nervous system (CNS). Impaired immunoregulation may predispose older individuals to an increased frequency of peripheral infections with concomitant cognitive and behavioral complications. Thus, normal aging is hypothesized to alter the highly coordinated interactions between the immune system and the brain. In support of this notion, mounting evidence in rodent models indicate that the increased inflammatory status of the brain is associated with increased reactivity of microglia, the innate immune cells of the CNS. Understanding how immunity is affected with age is important because CNS immune cells play an integral role in propagating inflammatory signals that are initiated in the periphery. Increased reactivity of microglia sets the stage for an exaggerated inflammatory cytokine response following activation of the peripheral innate immune system that is paralleled by prolonged sickness, depressive-like complications and cognitive impairment. Moreover, amplified neuroinflammation negatively affects several aspects of neural plasticity (e.g., neurogenesis, long-term potentiation, and dendritic morphology) that can contribute to the severity of neurological complications. The purpose of this review is to discuss several key peripheral and central immune changes that impair the coordinated response between the immune system and the brain and result in behavioral and cognitive deficits.

Body mass index is associated with dietary patterns and health conditions in georgia centenarians

Associations between body mass index (BMI) and dietary patterns and health conditions were explored in a population-based multiethnic sample of centenarians from northern Georgia. BMI ≤20 and ≥25 was prevalent in 30.9% and 25.3% of study participants, respectively. In a series of logistic regression analyses controlled for gender and place of residence, the probability of having BMI ≥25 was increased by being black versus white and having a low citrus fruit, noncitrus fruit, orange/yellow vegetable or total fruit and vegetable intake. The probability of having BMI ≤20 was not associated with dietary intake. When controlled for race, gender, residence, and total fruit and vegetable intake, BMI ≥25 was an independent risk factor for diabetes or having a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, whereas BMI ≤20 was a risk factor for anemia. Given the many potential adverse consequences of under- and overweight, efforts are needed to maintain a healthy weight, even in the oldest old.