View clinical trials related to Aging.
Filter by:The overall objective of this project is to thoroughly investigate the effects of diet-induced weight loss in the absence of or in combination with exercise on skeletal muscle IR, energy metabolism and function. These studies will significantly improve our understanding of the fundamental biochemical and molecular factors linking intervention-induced changes in mitochondria, oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, IR, and loss of muscle function in aging humans.
The aim of this randomized, observer-blind, controlled intervention study with parallel groups is to study the effect of strength training (2x/week for 6 months) with and without additional dietary supplementation (protein-enriched) on muscle strength, function and mass, oxidative stress parameters and the immune system in elderly institutionalized persons. The participants (n = 120) are recruited from Viennese senior residencies (Kuratorium Wiener Pensionistenwohnheime). After a pre-participation screening participants will be distributed randomly but stratified by sex and age to one of the 3 intervention groups (cognitive training, strength training, strength training + supplement). Study participants are eligible if they are male or female with an age over 65 years and if their cognitive status as well as their physical fitness level allows to participate at the strength training sessions. Exclusion criteria comprise chronic diseases which contraindicate the medical training therapy, serious cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy and manifest osteoporosis, medication with anticoagulants or cortisone drugs and also regular strength training during the last six months. Primary outcome measure is the change in isokinetic torque of knee extensors. Secondary outcome measures comprise anthropometric data, functional performance tests, immunological and oxidative stress parameters. The change in muscle signaling pathways will be assessed from muscle biopsies.
The Neurocognitive Study for the Aging (NEUROAGE) was initially funded by the Cyprus Innovation Foundation and has received subsequent funding by the European Union Regional Development Fund. The project focuses on the understanding of the effects of age on neurocognitive abilities such as attention, memory, language, categorization, and executive functioning. In addition, specific arms of the project investigate the effects of a theory-driven hierarchical training program, the Categorization Program, to improve cognitive abilities in adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and of a group intervention program focusing on cognitive and psychosocial abilities. Over 1000 adults ages 40 and older have been recruited in the NEUROAGE project thus far. The grant was awarded to the University of Cyprus, with Professor Fofi Constantinidou as the PI.
Insulin resistance is a crucial factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and a major health problem for older adults. It is the principal mechanism by which obesity is considered to increase the risk for type 2 diabetes and is a key feature of the metabolic syndrome. The elevated prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the older population has important consequences on the morbidity and mortality as well as on the economic burden on society. Controversy currently exists as to whether or not aging contributes to insulin resistance. Many potential factors confound the association between aging and insulin resistance, including obesity and physical inactivity. Ectopic lipid depositions, defined as an excess accumulation of triglycerides in non adipose tissues such as in the liver (intrahepatic lipids) and within the muscle fibers (intramyocellular lipids), are positively associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Furthermore, the accumulation of intracellular lipids is often cited as being a key determinant in the underlying mechanisms of insulin resistance. In addition of playing an important role in obesity and type 2 diabetes, these ectopic fat depositions are also observed in common conditions such as aging and physical inactivity. The intervention trial will test in skeletal muscle, liver and heart of sedentary obese volunteers, normal weight volunteers and masters athletes, the overall hypotheses that exercise improvement of fat oxidation capacity and/or decrease of damaging fat metabolites is a primary factor that predicts the improvement in insulin resistance.
The purpose of this study is to examine the consequences of chronic sleep restriction on nighttime sleep, daytime alertness, performance and memory functions, and metabolic and cardiovascular function, and to determine if the consequences of chronic sleep restriction differ between healthy young and older adults.
The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a new couples counseling intervention for people recently diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease and their spouses. The study hypothesis is that counseling the couple shortly after the diagnosis, and while the functional impact of the illness is still relatively mild, will have a significant impact on their ability to provide support for each other.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of age, exercise and cardiovascular disease on blood pressure.
Background: - The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) is a clinical research program on human aging that began in 1958. Volunteers of different ages join the study when they are healthy, and have follow-up visits for life. Visits last for multiple days. Participants are evaluated for many physical elements as well as for brain function. Physical tests are given. Information on mood, personality, and social aspects of life is also collected. This program has contributed more than any other research project to our understanding of aging. Objectives: - To characterize the many aspects of the aging process and learn how people can successfully adapt to aging. Eligibility: - Healthy individuals at least 20 years old. Design: - Participants will receive a booklet and video describing the tests they will take. - During a 3-day visit at the study hospital, participants will take the following tests: - Urine will be collected for 24 hours. Blood samples will be taken. A small piece of muscle tissue may be collected by a needle. - A medical questionnaire and a physical exam will be given. - Participants hearts will be tested, including with blood pressure tests and electronic monitors. They will breathe into a tube to test their lungs. - Participants will perform several exercises, including treadmill walking. - Vision, hearing, and taste will be tested. - Bone and joint X-rays may be taken. - Imaging tests will be given, such as an MRI. - Participants will answer questions to test their mental abilities. - Participants will return for follow-up visits every few years for life. The tests listed above will be given at every visit.