MCI is a serious health problem in China that will only worsen as the population ages if no widespread interventions are implemented. Preventive strategies that promote brain activity and support healthy lifestyle choices are required. We identified modifiable factors for MCI in older individuals. The easy-to-adopt solutions such as tea consumption and physical activity can aid in preventing MCI.

This study is a 6-month pilot three-arm randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants (n=108) were recruited and randomised to the AE group, RE group or control (CON) group with a 1:1:1 ratio. Interventions were delivered at home with remote supervision. We evaluated participants’ global cognition, memory, executive function, attention, physical activity levels, physical performance and muscle strength of limbs at baseline, 3 months (T1) and 6 months (T2) after randomisation. A linear mixed-effects model was adopted for data analyses after controlling for covariates. Tukey’s method was used for adjusting for multiple comparisons. Sensitivity analyses were performed after excluding individuals with low compliance rates.

Increasing observational and experimental trial data have shown that mental stress can lead to an increase in adverse clinical cardiovascular events. Mental stress affects the heart by inducing ischaemia and precipitating myocardial infarction (MI) or direct myocardial injury. Mental stress leads to systemic inflammation. Inflammation is known to cause rapid atheromatous plaque progression, instability and thrombosis—the classic type 1 MI. Inflammation can also lead to type 2 MI or myocarditis and injury. The published data linking systemic inflammation, mental stress and cardiovascular disease will be reviewed to establish the linkage between mind and heart, thereby highlighting the importance of holistically managing the patient, not only addressing separate organ systems. Finally, recent trial evidence showing the value of anti-inflammatory drugs in cardiovascular and mental conditions will be briefly considered.

Sports clubs have the potential to provide a profound and positive impact on the mental health of their younger members, but the whole club must be engaged to make a real difference. 

A new study by Flinders University shows that while coaches are often the focus of mental health efforts in sport, real and sustainable change relies on recognising the role of all club stakeholders including parents, committee members, trainers and volunteers.