Health Disparities Scientific Research in the Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology

The Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology (DGCG) supports clinical and translational research on health and disease in the aged, and research on aging over the human lifespan, including its relationships to health outcomes. Key areas include development of new interventions for age-related conditions and pathologies, prevention and treatment of multiple chronic conditions, geriatric palliative care, factors influencing the progression of chronic diseases over the life span, and predictive markers of aging that may inform potential interventions for extension of health span. Population diversity and health disparities are critical aspects of science that cut across DGCG research areas. This presentation will highlight several examples of DGCG-supported studies related to health disparities and discuss potential future research directions. One potential upcoming research area of interest involves leveraging large data sets to examine disparities in risks and benefits of long-term osteoporosis drug therapy and drug holidays according to racial and ethnic groupings

NIA Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology

Dr. Hadley will discuss research priorities for the Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology. Dr. Hadley will also be available for small group discussion.

The INSPIRE research initiative: a program for GeroScience and healthy aging research going from animal models to humans and the healthcare system

Aging is the most important risk factor for the onset of several chronic diseases and functional decline. Understanding the interplays between biological aging and the biology of diseases and functional loss as well as integrating a function-centered approach to the care pathway of older adults are crucial steps towards the elaboration of preventive strategies (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological) against the onset and severity of burdensome chronic conditions during aging. In order to tackle these two crucial challenges, ie, how both the manipulation of biological aging and the implementation of a function-centered care pathway (the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) model of the World Health Organization) may contribute to the trajectories of healthy aging, a new initiative on Gerosciences was built: the INSPIRE research program. The present article describes the scientific background on which the foundations of the INSPIRE program have been constructed and provides the general lines of this initiative that involves researchers from basic and translational science, clinical gerontology, geriatrics and primary care, and public health.

OVERVIEW OF NIA RESEARCH

Dr. Hodes will provide an overview of the latest research in basic biology, neuroscience, behavioral and social science, and geriatrics and clinical gerontology supported by the NIA.

VIEWPOINT FROM THE DIVISION OF GERIATRICS AND CLINICAL GERONTOLOGY

Dr. Hadley will review accomplishments of the Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology and make projections for the future.