This week’s #fridayfive presents five new studies examining pain, low wages and dementia support.

The social lives of the elderly mirror how they grow older: Small changes in the social lives of older people are early red flags showing that their thought processes and brain functioning could be on the decline. A US study of 3,310 people aged 62-90 found that important changes were noted in the social lives of people who have signs of early cognitive decline. Their social networks are smaller, more interconnected, and contain a higher proportion of relatives (65% for the normal group versus 73% for the dementia group).

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160502131411.htm Source: Science Daily / Springer

Social clubs fill gap in dementia support: Community-based social groups could play a crucial role in empowering people with early-onset dementia, according to new research. The research focused on an independently run program known as Paul’s Club, which offers social and recreational activities three days a week out of a hotel in downtown Vancouver. Members range in age from mid-40s to late 60s. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160503072244.htm Source: Science Daily / University of British Columbia
Experimental Alzheimer’s drug reverses genetic changes thought to spur the disease: When given to old rats, the drug, which is known to affect signaling by the neurotransmitter glutamate, reversed many age-related changes that occur in a brain region key to learning and memory. The drug also produced effects opposing those seen in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160503131508.htm Source: Science Daily / Rockefeller University

Are low wages an occupational health hazard? Low wages should be recognized as an occupational health threat, according to a new editorial. The authors believe that low wages should be considered among the psychosocial factors — such as long work hours and high job strain — identified as occupational risks to health. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160503153029.htm Source: Science Daily / Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Does pain hurt more when you’re older? Study shows pain causes older adults to develop more inflammation over time. When older relatives complain about their pains, show a little empathy, because new research suggests that as we age, we may all become more sensitive to pain. A small, preliminary study has suggested for the first time that inflammation may occur more quickly and at a higher magnitude — and stays around longer — when older adults experience pain versus when younger adults experience pain.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160504140806.htm Source: Science Daily / University of Florida