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High-altitude exposure leads to many physiological challenges, such as weight loss and dehydration. However, little attention has been posed to the role of nutrition and ethnic differences. Aiming to fulfill this gap, five Italian trekkers and seven Nepalese porters, all males, recorded their diet in diaries during a Himalayan expedition (19 days), and the average daily intake of micro and macro-nutrients were calculated. Bioimpedance analysis was performed five times during the trek; muscle ultrasound was performed before and after the expedition, only for the Italians. The Nepalese group consumed a lot of rice and only Italians consumed cheese. Water intake was slightly over 3000 g/d for both groups. Nepalese diet had a higher density of dietary fibre and lower density of riboflavin, vitamins A, K, and B12. Intake of calcium was lower than recommended levels. Body mass index, waist circumference, fat-free mass, and total body water decreased in both groups, whereas resistance (Rz) increased. Italians reactance (Xc) increased at day 9, whereas that of Nepalese occurred at days 5, 9, and 16. The cross-sectional area of the Vastus lateralis was reduced after the expedition. Specific nutritional and food-related risk factors guidance is needed for diverse expedition groups. Loss of muscle mass and balance of fluids both deserve a particular focus as concerns altitude expeditions.

Objectives: To investigate associations between demographic and lifestyle factors and memory performance in European people aged ≥60 years. Methods: Data from 23,641 people with a mean age of 70.2 (95 % CI 70.1–70.3) were analyzed and drawn from the fourth wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Generalized linear models were carried out to estimate the associations for both men and women. Memory performance was tested using two word-list learning tests with immediate and delayed recall in SHARE. Results: age, severe limitations in physical activities, and any past alcohol problem were all negatively associated with memory performance. Contrarily, education level, higher nonalcoholic fluid intake, and engagement in sports activities more than once a week and in activities requiring a moderate level of energy were all positively associated with memory performance. Smoking showed a significant negative association only in the immediate recall test for both men and women together, whilst long-term illness showed association only in the delayed recall. Alcohol consumption was positively associated with memory performance in women, but in men, it depended on the drinking frequency. Conclusions: Demographic and lifestyle factors are associated with memory performance in the older population.