View clinical trials related to Aging.
Filter by:The purpose of this study is to determine whether specific nutrient supplementation can improve dynamic stability in older adults.
The development of preventative nutritional strategies to promote healthy ageing is becoming increasingly important. Elevated thresholds for taste and smell, coupled with swallowing difficulties and masticatory dysfunction, often result in nutritionally imbalanced diets among the elderly. This can induce great changes in the composition and metabolic activities of the gut microbiome, leading to decreased intestinal motility and impaired bowel function. This can result in constipation or diarrhoea, increased basal levels of inflammation, immunosenescence and morbidity. The objectives of this study are to use dietary modification to improve gut health in older people. Diets high in resistant starch or dietary fibre will be given to 50 elderly volunteers (70-95 years) living in the community, in a randomised double-blind cross-over study. The aim is to investigate the effects on microbiome composition and functionality through fermentation, reduced putrefaction, and modification of blood markers associated with obesity and diabetes.
Background: - Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disabilities in the United States. Diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of heart disease. Fruits, including red tart cherries and purple aroniaberries, may be especially beneficial. Researchers want to know how tart cherry and aroniaberry extracts affect heart health. Objective: - To study the benefits of tart cherry and aroniaberry extract on vascular function and other measures. These include inflammation, oxidation, and cholesterol. Eligibility: - Men and post-menopausal women ages 55 70 in good health and with normal or slightly high blood pressure or cholesterol. Design: - Participants will be screened with a physical exam, medical history, and blood tests. - Participants will have 6 visits. They will have blood taken at every visit. - Visit 1: - Blood vessel tests. Participants will lie down. Heart rhythm will be monitored. A device will be placed on the upper arm, and pictures of blood vessels will be taken. - A blood pressure cuff will be tightened around the lower arm for 5 minutes. - Cardio-Ankle-Vascular Index (CAVI). Blood pressure cuffs will be placed on both arms and legs. They will be tightened with air at the same time for a few minutes. - Participants will be assigned to one of three groups. For 3 weeks each, in random order, they will take: aroniaberry capsules, tart cherry capsules, placebo capsules, and no capsules. - Participants will answer questions online about their eating and exercise. - Participants will be keep a record of what they eat for a few periods. They will come for a study visit every 3 weeks through week 15.
This study will be the first to test whether a selected anti-inflammatory agent, methotrexate, reduces inflammation in a human body, improve cognitive and physical function, and reduce pain levels in older adults at risk for functional decline, due to systemic inflammation.
The proposed preliminary study from this interdisciplinary team will provide important information about the feasibility and safety of bedside low intensity pedaling exercise during hospitalization. The findings from this study are essential to develop high-value, effective treatments that can be used by any hospital setting throughout the country. The program that investigators are proposing may provide important changes in how disability can be prevented in elderly patients who are hospitalized because of an acute illness.