A novel strategy that combines computational and experimental approaches has allowed researchers to distinguish alterations in gene function that contribute to Parkinson’s disease from those that protect from the condition. The study revealed novel risk factors and previously unrecognized therapeutic targets, offering hope for a future in which effective therapies will be available to prevent, slow down or stop this devastating disease.

@AmerGeriatrics welcomes its newest class of fellows — a select group of experts recognized for their deep commitment to the AGS and to advancing high-quality, person-centered care for us all as we age. https://bit.ly/3QipD25 

The Center for Disease Control estimates nearly 50% of the U.S. population has either prediabetes (38%) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Vitamin D deficiency is common in individuals with T2D with a prevalence of more than 80%. Past studies have reported pre-diabetic adults on 4000 IUs vitamin D3/d (median of 2.5 years) received no benefit in reducing progression to type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to placebo. While other studies have shown participants receiving vitamin D who maintained certain levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], resulted in approximately 52% and 71% risk reductions.

In the latest issue of JAMA Network Open, Dawson-Hughes et al., examined four common vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms (common genetic variations in DNA sequences) and observed that subjects with the vitamin D receptor (VDR) ApaI AA alleles, received no benefit from vitamin D treatment. However, subjects with ApaI AC and CC genotypes showed a 19% decreased risk of progressing to T2D. Polymorphisms are associated with chronic disorders including autoimmune diseases, diabetes, heart disease, deadly cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Polymorphisms also disrupt drug responses by alterations in enzyme function, drug transport and receptors.

Researchers from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago were among the multicenter team of experts who determined more accurate national estimates of non-neonatal pediatric sepsis using readily available clinical data from electronic health records. As they recently reported in JAMA, sepsis occurred in 1.3% of pediatric hospitalizations, with 10% mortality rate, corresponding to more than 18,000 U.S. cases and more than 1,800 deaths annually. Neither pediatric sepsis incidence nor mortality changed significantly from 2016 to 2022.