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Researchers race to detect Alzheimer's sooner using $3.9M grant

Too often, people learn they have Alzheimer’s disease when it’s too late. The changes in the brain that lead to the disease manifesting with symptoms have already been occurring for decades. Researchers at the University of Delaware will attempt to detect the disease sooner through a new study that examines changes in the arteries and brain tissue in midlife adults in their 50s and 60s. The findings of this work, funded by a nearly $4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), could identify the earliest mechanisms linking vascular aging to the loss of brain tissue integrity, leading to new targets for interventions aimed at preventing age-related cognitive impairment. “People who develop high blood pressure or stiffening of the aorta and carotid arteries in midlife are at a much higher risk for developing cognitive impairment or dementia in late life,” said Christopher Martens, the principal investigator of the study. Martens, an associate professor of kinesiology and applied physiology in UD's College of Health Sciences and director of the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging (DECCAR), is working closely with Curtis Johnson, an associate professor of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering and leader of the neuroimaging biomarker core within DECCAR, on research funded by a nearly $4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “A lot happens as we age, so we’re aiming to pinpoint the timing and exact mechanisms that cause these changes in midlife adults,” Martens said. This latest grant extends DECCAR’s ongoing Delaware Longitudinal Study for Alzheimer’s Prevention (DeLSAP), which seeks to study how risk and protective factors for dementia are related and change over time. Those eligible for DeLSAP could also meet the criteria for participating in the new study. In his Neurovascular Aging Laboratory, Martens studies mechanisms leading to the stiffening of arteries, while Johnson is specifically interested in measuring the stiffness of the brain. “As a person ages, the brain gets softer and breaks down, and we’re looking to see whether changes in arterial stiffness and patterns of blood flow in the brain cause this decline,” Johnson said. Changes in blood flow to the brain come from controllable factors. Smoking, cardiovascular health, diet and exercise all impact blood flow positively and negatively. “A lot of aging research is done at the end of life,” Johnson said. “We want to look at midlife and try to predict what happens later in life so we can prevent it.” While the brain gets softer with age, arteries get stiffer. “We hypothesize that midlife increases in stiffness in blood vessels cause damaging pulsatile pressure to enter the brain,” Martens said. “We believe this is one of the reasons we start to develop cognitive issues at an older age because the brain is exposed to increased pressure; that pressure is likely inflicting damage on surrounding brain tissue.” In Johnson’s Mechanical Neuroimaging Lab, researchers will use high-resolution magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to determine where brain damage occurs and what specific brain structures may be affected. “From an MRI perspective, most researchers look at AD and other neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis with an emphasis on detection in a hospital setting,” Johnson said. “Using highly specialized techniques we’ve developed, we focus on the earlier side and how these changes progress into disease from the neuroscience side, emphasizing prevention.” Together, they’ll seek to learn whether arterial stiffness causes the kind of cognitive impairment seen in AD or whether the decline is associated with a loss in the integrity of brain tissue. “If we can prove arterial stiffness is playing a causal role in cognitive aging, that would provide further support for focusing on blood vessel health as an intervention for delaying AD or other forms of dementia versus solely focusing on the brain,” Martens said.

The 47th President

Former President Donald Trump was re-elected as the 47th president of the United States. He will be only the second president to serve two nonconsecutive terms—the first being Grover Cleveland in the 1800s. Much of the country shifted right this election cycle, resulting in Trump earning the electoral vote and the popular vote. This is the first time the Republican candidate has the earned the popular vote since 2004, during George W. Bush's reelection campaign. Political expert, Dr. Mark Caleb Smith focused in on how the Christian vote may have affected this outcome.In a recent Christianity Today article, Dr. Mark Caleb Smith provides some insight into how Christians voted in the most recent election. Here are some key points from the recent article: President Joe Biden is a lifelong Catholic, but since he dropped out of the presidential race, many Catholics voted for Trump rather than Vice President Kamala Harris. How did the Catholic vote for Trump shift from the last election? Trump's victory seems to indicate the importance of economics for American voters. Did Trump's economic policies sway the votes of evangelicals, rather than his stances on social issues like abortion? Although Trump had the majority of the evangelical vote, there is still a minority that rejects Trump on account of his character and tone. Did these voters lean towards the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, or did their votes go to third-party candidates? If you are a journalist covering the election results and transition of power, our experts are here to help with all of your questions and stories. Dr. Mark Caleb Smith is the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. Mark is available to speak with the media regarding election emotions, the election results, and upcoming transition of power. Simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview.

The election is over, and Republicans have swept the White House and Congress

The race for the White House is over, and the Republicans have been swept into power with historic gains in Congress and control of the executive branch. What will their policy priorities be and how will the new political landscape mold the direction of the new Trump administration? What will the Democrats, now a minority opposition party, do? Can they adapt to a winning strategy in time for the midterms in two years? If you are covering American politics, how do you make sense of all the changes? How do you know what issues are going to drive decisions in Washington, D.C.? What can polling tell us about what happened? Where did the polls fall short? What will pollsters be looking at moving forward? We have an expert who can help. Kevin Wagner, Ph.D., is Florida Atlantic University’s renowned political science expert and co- executive director of Florida Atlantic University Political Communication and Public Opinion Research Lab (PolCom Lab) —the university’s extensive and nationally covered polling operation. View profile View some of Kevin Wagner's recent media here: ABC News Florida Atlantic University professor of political science Kevin Wagner says Florida’s shift started several years ago and it’s due to a variety of factors. "Certainly, there was some pretty good evidence that we had people moving from states like California and New York looking for a more conservative environment, and they brought their politics with them when they came to Florida," Wagner said. "That influx of more conservative voters certainly mattered. It's not the only thing that mattered." WINK Some voters believe the 60% mark is too high to make constitutional changes. For the threshold to change, it has to be put on the ballot for voters to decide and would need at least 60% of the vote. “Getting 60% of the voters to agree on anything is really hard and when it’s something that’s highly contested. It makes it even harder,” Florida Atlantic University Political Science Professor Kevin Wagner said. THE PINNACLE GAZETTE Political analysts point to various factors contributing to Florida’s Republican shift. Kathryn DePalo-Gould, a political scientist from Florida International University, aptly stated, “It’s now so solidly Republican it is crimson.” This sentiment was echoed by Kevin Wagner from Florida Atlantic University, highlighting how previously competitive races have now become predictable Republican wins. Indeed, Trump’s haul of 61 out of 67 counties stands as a testifier to this changing political tide. Looking to connect? He is here to answer all your questions and is available for interviews. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

Are you a Senior, Seasoned Citizen or "Seenager"?

Summary: The article humorously explores the different identities associated with aging: Seniors, Seasoned Citizens, and "Seenagers." Seniors embrace relaxation and nostalgia, Seasoned Citizens exude wisdom with style, and Seenagers live rebelliously youthful lives. Each group showcases the joy of aging uniquely, proving that growing older can be fabulous and fun. The aging mindset and associated vocabulary Aging: the thing we can't avoid, no matter how many anti-wrinkle creams or kale smoothies we try. But hold on! Getting older doesn’t have to be all about orthopedic shoes and early bedtimes. Sometimes, we can be intentional about how we age.  Bring to life the old saying, "You are only as old as you feel," or in this case, "only as old as we think. " Aging comes with its own vocabulary these days—like a senior high school class, except your class ring is arthritis-friendly. Your mindset will determine how you behave, and your behaviour will determine what label you fall under. Let’s dive into three hot buzzwords (labels) making waves in the grey hair community: Senior, Seasoned Citizen, and the fabulous Seenager. Buckle up your seatbelt (or your compression socks) because we’re about to break down what makes each term hilariously unique. Spoiler alert: the ability to laugh at yourself will help keep you young! The Senior: Official Member of the Blue-Haired Special Club Ah, Senior. It's the classic, the OG (Old Gangster) of aging terms. This one paints a picture of someone “past their prime” (which could mean they just don’t remember how Netflix works). Seniors have earned the right to relax, avoid emails, tell stories that start with "Back in my day…." and yell at the character on the TV to "speak up!" s But let’s not sugarcoat it—being called a senior can sometimes feel like being handed a ticket to the Rest-and-Retirement Express with a Has-Been Hangover. And if you’ve ever wondered why seniors are so good at discussing the weather, it's because everyone assumes their Wi-Fi password is “sunshine.” Historically, seniors are seen as a little out of touch, like trying to send a text from a rotary phone. But here’s the twist: while the term “senior” may suggest slowing down, many secretly download TikTok tutorials and know more about memes than they let on. The Seasoned Citizen: Aged Like Fine Wine, Not Expired Milk If Senior sounds too much like a countdown clock, I'd like to introduce you to Seasoned Citizen. Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it? Seasoned citizens aren’t just “old”—they’re marinated in life, baby! They’re wiser than your smartphone autocorrect and have more knowledge than an entire season of Jeopardy. "I'll take Guru for $1,000, Alex!" Seasoned citizens have been there, done that, and have the wrinkles to prove it—but in the coolest way possible. They’re like that hip grandparent who can teach you life lessons and how to win at poker. They’re the Yoda’s of society, doling out advice with just the right amount of sass. But don’t get it twisted. While they might be experts in wisdom, seasoned citizens know they’ve already done their share of life’s heavy lifting. They’re likelier to give great advice from the sidelines than participating in the next CrossFit challenge. And why shouldn’t they? With all that life seasoning, they’ve earned their spot as society’s wise sanseis. The Seenager: 70 Going on 17, and Loving Every Minute of It Then there’s the Seenager—aka the fun aunt of aging. This term combines “senior” and “teenager,” and that’s exactly how it sounds: older folks acting like rebellious teens with more fabulous cars and better credit scores. Seenagers know how to throw a wrinkle cream party, hit a Zumba class in the same evening (and still be home by 9 pm). Forget bingo; Seenagers are out here gaming on their consoles, posting selfies on social media, and flexing their fashion sense like it’s senior prom all over again. The Golden Bachelor, anyone? And don’t be surprised if they’re showing you how to work your smartphone because they’ve already FaceTimed the grandkids from halfway around the world. Seenagers are here to remind us that age is just a number that occasionally needs reading glasses. They defy the stereotype that aging means slowing down; instead, they speed up, engage in spontaneous activities, and sometimes wear questionable amounts of leather. They’re aging rebels, shaking their fists at society’s rules like, “No, I will have dessert for dinner, thank you very much!” What Kind of Fabulous Oldie Are You? So, there you have it: whether you're a Senior, a Seasoned Citizen, or a Seenager, each term brings its flavour of fabulous to the aging process. Seniors take life slow and steady; Seasoned Citizens throw wisdom around like confetti, and Seenagers party like it’s 1959 all over again (but with fewer sideburns and more disposable income). No matter which camp you fall into, one thing’s sure: getting older is a journey full of choices. You can nap through it, sprinkle sage advice everywhere, or rock that Seenager spirit with a fresh pair of Prada sneakers. The choice, dear friend, is yours—don’t forget your reading glasses! Don't Retire---Re-Wire! Sue

What’s Next for the Country?

James Sample, professor of Constitutional Law at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, appeared on WNYW Fox 5 to discuss the Electoral Count Reform Act, passed in 2022. He also appeared on News 12 Long Island to discuss the election results.

Black Friday Shoppers Seek Deals on Electronics, Early Sales and Convenience in a Competitive Market

This year’s Black Friday shopping will bring a fresh wave of trends for both consumers and retailers. With electronics, online convenience and competitive pricing at the forefront, the landscape of Black Friday is evolving to match the shifting shopping habits of today’s consumers, said Baylor University consumer behavior expert James A. Roberts, Ph.D. Roberts – who serves as The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing at Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business – keeps a close watch on Black Friday, including what he sees as the Top 5 trends for holiday shopping in 2024. Top Trends for Black Friday 2024 The Shift in Shopping Habits: The balance between online and in-store sales remains steady, with consumers enjoying a 50/50 split in shopping preference, Robert said. While COVID-19 accelerated a surge in online shopping, this year, both are expected to perform equally as shoppers appreciate the flexibility of both options. Holiday Deals Start Early: As the competitive landscape has grown, Black Friday sales now launch weeks in advance. This early kickoff benefits consumers who are eager to lock in discounts and spreads out the typical holiday rush, providing retailers a longer window to capture consumer interest, Roberts noted. Electronics Dominate Sales: As in previous years, electronics will be the driving force of Black Friday 2024, accounting for nearly half of all sales. Roberts said that shoppers are especially focused on deals for televisions, laptops, smartwatches and gaming consoles – underscoring the lasting demand for high-quality technology at competitive prices. Gen Z and Millennials Drive Online Growth: Digital natives like Gen Z and Millennials continue to shape holiday shopping habits. Roberts said their comfort with online shopping – coupled with their mobile-first approach – makes them a powerful force in the online retail space. Retailers can expect these younger consumers to leverage social media, mobile apps and seamless e-commerce platforms for their holiday purchases. Rising Categories: Beyond electronics, Roberts predicts that other sectors will see strong sales this season, particularly in clothing, cosmetics and home appliances. As consumer preferences expand, brands in these categories should prepare for increased demand. Factors shaping consumer choices For Black Friday in 2024, competitive pricing and convenience remain top priorities, Roberts said. “Retailers who offer the best deals alongside quick and reliable delivery options stand out among consumers,” he said. Additionally, low-cost brands – such as Shein – have set consumer expectations for affordable pricing, even as “Buy Now, Pay Later” options have increased in popularity – though Roberts said retailers and consumers alike should be cautious when using this financing option at the risk of overspending. Future of Black Friday Looking ahead, Roberts said Black Friday’s trajectory appears geared more towards online channels, with each year seeing a slight shift away from brick-and-mortar shopping. Retailers are encouraged to keep an eye on pricing expectations and financing trends, as they’ll play an increasingly influential role in the holiday season. ABOUT JAMES A. ROBERTS, PH.D. James A. Roberts, Ph.D., is The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. A noted consumer behavior expert, he is among the "World's Top 2%" most-cited scientists in a database compiled by Stanford University. In addition to journal citations, Roberts has often been called upon by national media outlets for his consumer expertise and latest research. He has appeared on the CBS Early Show, ABC World News Tonight, ABC Good Morning America, NBC’s TODAY Show and NPR’s Morning Edition, as well as in articles in The New York Times, USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal, TIME and many others. Roberts’ research has focused on how individual consumer attitudes and behavior impact personal and collective well-being. His research has investigated the factors that drive ecologically and socially conscious consumer behavior, the impact of materialism and compulsive buying on well-being and the impact of smartphone and social media use on personal well-being. He is the author of “Shiny Objects: Why We Spend Money We Don’t Have in Search of Happiness We Can’t Buy” and “Too Much of a Good Thing: Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?”

Consumers Face Elevated Prices Despite Waning Inflation

The years of high inflation appear to be over as inflation is now in line with the Federal Reserve’s target, though prices will likely remain permanently elevated, according to the Monthly Inflation Report produced by Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business. The Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCEPI), the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, grew at a continuously compounding annual rate of 2.1% in September, up from 1.4% the prior month. Overall, PCEPI inflation has averaged 1.8% over the last three months and 2.1% over the last year. “The good news is that the period of high inflation appears to be in the rearview mirror. The bad news is that prices remain permanently elevated,” said William J. Luther, Ph.D., associate professor of economics in FAU’s College of Business. “The PCEPI is about nine percentage points higher today than it would have been had inflation averaged 2% since January 2020. This unexpected burst of inflation transferred wealth from savers and employees to borrowers and employers.” Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, remains elevated. Core PCEPI grew at a continuously compounding annual rate of 3% in September. It has averaged 2.3% over the last three months and 2.6% over the last year. High core inflation is partly due to housing services prices, which grew at a continuously compounding annual rate of 3.8% in September. “If the Fed were committed to price stability, it would have helped bring prices back down to a level consistent with pre-pandemic inflation,” Luther said. Fed officials have projected another 25 basis points worth of rate cuts this year, a much smaller change than is required to return the policy rate to neutral. Since the data shows inflation is back on track, Luther says they should move more quickly. “As it stands, Federal Open Market Committee members intend to take some time reducing the policy rate to neutral, with policy likely to return to neutral sometime in 2026,” Luther said. “They might move more quickly if the economy shows signs of contraction or reduce the pace of rate cuts if they become concerned that inflation will pick back up.” William Luther, Ph.D., an assistant professor in FAU’s Economics Department, has expertise in economic growth, monetary policies, business cycles and cryptocurrencies. Luther’s research has obtained media interest across the nation, including recent coverage by The Wall Street Journal, Politico and Florida Trend. If you're looking to know more - let us help. Simply click on William's icon now to set up an interview today.

#ExpertSpotlight: A look at Afghanistan

Afghanistan has been at the center of international focus since 2001, enduring decades of conflict, social change, and efforts toward rebuilding. This topic remains significant as the world reflects on the lasting impact of the Afghanistan war, the country's evolving human rights landscape, and the enduring resilience of its people. For the public, understanding Afghanistan's history and current situation is essential to grasp the broader issues of international policy, humanitarian needs, and global security. This subject also highlights the importance of accountability and the role of the international community. Key story angles that may interest a broad audience include: The impact of foreign intervention on Afghan society: Exploring how two decades of international involvement have reshaped the country politically, economically, and socially. Human rights challenges and progress: Analyzing the state of women’s and minority rights, including access to education and healthcare under various regimes. Refugee crises and displacement: Examining the large-scale displacement of Afghans over the years and the humanitarian response by neighboring and Western nations. The resilience of Afghan culture and identity: Highlighting how art, music, and traditions have survived despite conflict, and how cultural preservation remains vital to Afghan communities. The future of Afghanistan’s youth: Discussing the aspirations and challenges facing a generation born into conflict, and the role of education and innovation. The international community’s role and response: Assessing current global engagement, diplomatic efforts, and the responsibilities of the U.S. and allied countries toward Afghanistan. Connect with an expert about the History of Conflict in Afghanistan:  To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com

MEDIA RELEASE: Are you Ready for Winter Driving? CAA Manitoba shares winter weather readiness tips

As the cold weather begins to roll in, CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is encouraging Manitobans to prepare themselves and their vehicles accordingly for the winter season. “All too often, motorists wait until the first snowfall before preparing their vehicles for winter driving,” says Nadia Matos, manager, external communications for CAA Manitoba. “Now is the time to get your winter tires on and check that your car battery will last the winter months. Even a fully charged battery can lose power when the temperature dips below 0° Celsius.” CAA Manitoba has compiled a list of winter readiness tips for Manitobans to help them prepare for the winter season. • Install winter tires for better traction – On cold and snowy roads winter tires can help reduce your breaking distance by up to 25 per cent. Members can call CAA before Nov. 30 to have our mobile tire service change them for you at home for a fee. • Test your car battery - If necessary, replace it before it fails. Even a fully charged battery can lose up to 30 per cent charge in temperatures below zero. CAA Manitoba will test Members’ batteries free of cost during a service call. • Ensure you have an emergency car kit – Your kit should have water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, batteries, waterproof matches, candles, and cat litter to help create traction under your tires. Add extra mitts, hats, socks and footwear to your emergency kit. • Have your brakes checked - If you’ve noticed any change in the feel of your brakes, or if they’re squealing or grinding, it may be time to have them serviced. With black ice and unpredictable weather, having good brakes can mean the difference between stopping and sliding. • Check your block heater- When you park– is your outdoor plug drawing power? Is your extension cord working with no missing prongs or exposed wires? • Check your lighting system - Make sure all your interior and exterior lights are working. For safe driving, ensure your headlights are aimed correctly. • Top up your fluids - Keep extra fluid in your trunk. Make sure it’s rated for -40ºC. Don’t let your gas drop below half full. • Inspect your wiper blade – Check the condition of your blades if you notice streaking on the windshield. Check for fraying or cracking and remove worn wiper blades and replace them with new ones. • Ensure you have the appropriate winter tools - Keep an ice scraper, small shovel and snow brush handy in your car at all times. While it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready to go, it’s also important for drivers and passengers to be prepared in case of an emergency or if you are stranded. Some additional ways to be prepared include: Have a cell phone battery bank and keep it on you, as well as a charging cable that connects your phone to your vehicle. • Download and register for the CAA app and keep your CAA membership card in your wallet or vehicle so you always know how to contact CAA Manitoba if you are stranded. • Check Manitoba 511.ca for road conditions and closures if you head into a rural area. • Always tell your loved ones where you plan to go and what your route is before leaving on a longer trip in your vehicle. “Member safety is always our top priority at CAA Manitoba,” says Matos. “There’s no better time than the present to ensure you, your loved ones and your vehicle are ready to drive safely this winter season.” For more information about driving safely in winter conditions, please visit our Safe Winter Driving page at caamanitoba.com.

LI Communities Take Measures to Stem Flooding Issues

Dr. Jase Bernhardt, Hofstra associate professor of geology, environment, and sustainability, was interviewed by WCBS-TV, about measures being taken in West Islip, Long Island, to mitigate flooding issues. He also talked to MoneyGeek.com about the ways in which climate change impacts homeowners. “Climate change should certainly be taken into account if you are a prospective home buyer,” he said. “It is always worth reading up on the normal climate conditions for the location where you are purchasing a home, to see if anything jumps out at you, such as a heightened risk of hurricanes or tornadoes.”