1,407 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
This 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will test the hypothesis that Vibegron (brand name GEMTESA) can improve energy metabolism, cardiometabolic risk factors, and physical and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults with obesity.
Obesity
To critically examine biological, clinical, and behavioral modulators of progressive resistance training-associated exercise response heterogeneity in physical function and whole-body metabolism in older adults.
Aging, Mobility Disability
The goal of the proposed study is to understand the reasons for the variability in aerobic exercise (AE) training benefits on the vasculature in middle-age and older (MA/O) adults, including differences between men and women. To achieve this goal, a mechanistic randomized controlled (RCT) will be conducted, in which adults are randomized to 12-weeks intervention of AE or no-exercise Control. Our overall hypothesis is that the exercise response variation in vascular benefits is related to age and sex differences in the biological changes underlying vascular aging and/or the molecular transducers (i.e., circulating molecules) that communicate and coordinate the effects of AE on the vasculature in the periphery and brain. Because this is a mechanistic trial, the overall goal is not a single health-related outcome. Rather, the goal is to advance our understanding of the molecular signals and pathways underlying the systemic and local effects of AE on vascular health that may explain the variability in AE responses with age and sex. This knowledge will allow for the development of personalized age- and sex-specific AE recommendations, and/or provide insights into molecular targets that can be manipulated to enhance and/or mimic exercise in non-responders or in persons unable to exercise.
Aging, Physical Activity, Vascular Health
The purpose of this study is to determine if daily consumption of 2 oz of pecans compared to 3.5 oz pretzel snacks for 12 weeks will 1) contribute to the body's ability to protect itself from oxidative damage (caused by oxygen radicals created by ultraviolet (UV) B light) by evaluating skin resistance to UV light irritation, skin fats/oils degradation and "rusting", and oxidative damage to the skin genes; and 2) explore the mechanisms of how snack consumption may affect aging by analyzing blood markers of aging as well as the microbes living in the gut (gut microbiome).
Aging
The goal of this observational study is to learn about the mechanisms causing functional decline with age, using exercise science, neuroscience, and remote monitoring. Specific aims include: Aim 1: Advance knowledge of the biology of aging and its impact on the prevention, progression, and prognosis of disease and disability. Aim 2: Determine the effects of personal and societal factors on aging. Aim 3: Examine the influence of racial/ethnic and sex differences on the biology of aging and its impact on the prevention, progression, and prognosis of disease and disability.
Aging
This is a randomized, investigator-blinded, self-controlled pilot study of the physiologic response to topical moisturizers among older adults with dry skin. The overarching hypothesis is that skin barrier decline is an important source of chronic inflammation, and that skin barrier restoration with moisturizers can reduce serum biomarkers of inflammation. The primary objective is to determine the feasibility for a larger trial, and the secondary objectives are to determine the extent to which measures of serum inflammation, skin barrier function, and the skin microbiome change in response to moisturizers. Participants will be asked to apply one of two topical moisturizers that are widely available over the counter in the US (Vaseline® 100% pure petroleum jelly or CeraVe® moisturizing cream) once daily for 4 weeks to the front of the torso, buttocks, arms, and legs. Subjects will act as their own control (i.e. they will be asked to apply the study moisturizer they are randomized to for one intervention period (4 weeks) and not to apply topical moisturizers for the other 4- week intervention period). Participants will be randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to one of 4 treatment groups: i. no intervention then CeraVe; ii. CeraVe then no intervention; iii. no intervention then Vaseline; iv. Vaseline then no intervention. At each visit (baseline, week 4, and week 8), participants will undergo skin barrier testing, skin microbiome sampling, and phlebotomy to measure serum inflammatory markers.
Inflammation, Skin Inflammation, Aging
The goal of this clinical trial study is to evaluate the impact of a personalized lifestyle intervention on improving healthspan. The primary questions of interest are whether the personalized intervention will result in improvements in muscle function, immune function, and cognitive function in adults aged 50-85 years. Participants will complete baseline assessments, receive an individualized intervention plan for approximately 3 months, and then complete post-intervention assessments. The intervention includes an exercise plan, nutrition recommendations, and general lifestyle goals that will be personalized to each participant.
Aging, Aging, Healthy
This study aims to find out if a special drink that contains a naturally occurring substance, ketones, can help to improve strength and general wellness in adults at, or over the age of 65 years who are experiencing a slight decline in their physical function. Participation will involve a screening visit and 4 additional study visits over the course of 20 weeks. After being assessed for eligibility, study participants will be sorted into two groups at random and consume either a ketone drink or placebo drink at home every day for 20 weeks. Both study drinks can cause gastro-intestinal side effects in some individuals. At all study visits, subjects will provide blood samples. At three study visits, subjects will be asked to complete physical performance tests, provide blood, stool and urine samples. They will also complete questionnaires during three study visits to assess physical function, markers of inflammation, and other aspects of general well-being.
Frail Elderly, Aging, Immune Function, Muscle Function
The purpose of this study is to develop a brief assessment and need-based behavioral intervention for addressing aging-specific concerns in older adults with lung cancer. The long-term goals of this research include identifying the unique concerns of these patients, providing patients with behavioral skills to address their symptom management needs, and enhancing patient engagement with healthcare specialties targeting aging-specific concerns. In the first phase of this study, participants (12 patients with lung cancer, 6 caregivers, 12 providers) will be asked to participate in two individual interviews (each 30-45 minutes in length) via teleconference. During the first interview, participants will be asked to provide feedback on the current version of the assessment and behavioral intervention. Participants will be asked to describe strengths and weaknesses of the materials, topics to add or remove, and any other suggested changes. After the research team has made changes to the materials, participants will be invited to complete a second interview to provide feedback on the updated materials. In the second phase of the study, 16 older adults with lung cancer will complete the revised assessment and participate in the behavioral intervention, in order to a) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the program and b) measure change in depression, anxiety, pain, and dyspnea.
Lung Cancer
Vascular dysfunction is a common factor in many chronic debilitating diseases, contributing to morbidity and mortality. With the onset of chronic disease or exposure to stress, the vasculature displays an inability to adequately respond to increased blood flow demands, manifesting in a reduced ability or altered mechanism of vasodilation. Aging is an independent risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, and reduces vasodilator capacity, or alters the mechanism by which vasodilation occurs in multiple vascular beds. Chronic exercise/physical activity is one of the most potent ways to enhance vascular function, resulting in favorable outcomes such as reductions in blood pressure, and improved ability to perform activities of daily living. Barriers to exercise or failure of long-term adherence preclude many populations from the cardiovascular benefits of exercise, thus further enhancing cardiovascular risk. Avenues to mimic blood flow patterns observed with exercise may exert beneficial effects without the need for the ability to exercise. Recent evidence has demonstrated that passive heat therapy, or chronic heat exposure (\~ +1°C in core temperature) results in reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events, blood pressure and improved large artery endothelial function, primarily through preservation of large artery function in response to vascular stress. It is unclear whether microvascular function is augmented in response to acute heat exposure, or whether this can protect against vascular insults particularly in older adults. Some preliminary evidence in humans suggest that autophagy, a cell recycling process is involved in the beneficial cardiovascular effects, as short-term heat exposure upregulates markers of autophagy. Previous evidence from our lab indicates that autophagy governs the mechanism by which microvascular vasodilation occurs. The role of autophagy in mediating the beneficial effects of passive heating is unknown.
Aging
This study will test the hypothesis that the drugs propranolol and metoprolol will result in greater increases in core body temperature during 3 hours of extreme heat exposure in older adults.
Heat Stress, Aging
The main goal of this two-phase clinical trial is to learn whether local heat therapy, using heat pads applied to the legs, can enhance skeletal muscle health, physical function, and blood sugar control in a manner comparable to exercise, specifically High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), in older individuals with prediabetes. The study aims to answer the following questions: 1. Does local heat therapy improve muscle architecture (e.g., muscle cross-sectional area, capillary density, mitochondrial content), glucose tolerance, and frailty indicators similarly to HIIT in older individuals with prediabetes? 2. Does local heat therapy as a pre-conditioning method enhance the skeletal muscle response to HIIT in older individuals with prediabetes?
Prediabetic State
Women are the fastest-growing group of U.S. Veterans. Over half of those using VA care are 45 or older, with more age-related health concerns than civilian women. The VA urgently needs gender-informed strategies to ensure women Veterans receive tailored care that addresses their intersecting mental, physical, and age related health concerns, as well as gender-linked stressors. One prominent example is menopause, a health transition period that, for many women, can be associated with negative physical and mental health concerns that can worsen their functioning and quality of life. This project will: (1) integrate stakeholder feedback to tailor Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Menopause (CBT-Meno) for women Veterans with menopause concerns; and (2) refine and evaluate tailored CBT-Meno as a treatment to address these intersecting needs in a clinical trial.
Menopause
This study collected real-world evidence to better understand and define the relative bioavailability ratio between compounded rapamycin and generic rapamycin, with a specific focus on relative efficacy in increasing rapamycin levels in the blood (blood rapamycin levels).
Aging
The primary purpose of this study is to assess changes in epigenetic markers of aging and physiological parameters in overweight older adults consuming a mixed greens-based supplement over a 30-day period in a randomized crossover design.
Aging
Our goal is to enhance our understanding of early vascular adaptations in aging women with an emphasis on the sympathetic nervous system.
Women, Sympathetic Nervous System, Aging, Blood Flow
Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial in a cohort of males (n=40) and females (n=40), 60-80 years of age, with the hypothesis that SGLT2 inhibition with empagliflozin (10mg/day for 12 weeks) reduces aging-related arterial stiffening.
Aging, Arterial Stiffness
The purpose of this study is to examine hypoxic vasodilation and the role of beta-adrenergic receptors in younger premenopausal, perimenopausal, and older postmenopausal women.
Aging, Menopause, Hypoxia, Vasodilation
The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effectiveness of a memory enhancement technique in an aging population.
Aging
This is a Stage I randomized, sham-controlled trial on the effects of multimodal musical stimulation on working memory in aging. Neurologically healthy older and younger adults will be tested on working memory and electroencephalography in the first randomized controlled trial of music as a form of brain stimulation, with multimodal musical stimulation and control stimulation conditions. Results will test the causal role of oscillatory mechanisms of the brain on cognition, and will lay the groundwork to the first musical, neurophysiologically targeted, brain-stimulation device for reversing cognitive decline in aging.
Aging
The goal of this clinical study is to learn about the effect of aging on certain enzymes, or proteins, in the blood and colon. The study involves collection of blood and colon tissue biopsies using a flexible sigmoidoscope or colonoscope. This study is also investigating how medications tenofovir and emtricitabine interact with certain enzymes. The investigators will compare the difference in enzyme activity between people taking tenofovir and emtricitabine, to those who are not taking tenofovir and emtricitabine.
HIV Infections, Aging
The goal of this behavioral clinical trial is to learn how to increase physical activity in mid-life adults. Specifically, can guided imagery that includes creating mental pictures increase excitement about working out. Participants will be asked to complete testing at the beginning of the study, following 6-weeks of an in-person exercise program, and 6-weeks after finishing the exercise program. Testing will include an exercise test, MRI, questionnaires, computer tasks, and a blood draw.
Exercise Training, Aging
The goal of this basic science clinical trial is to understand whether adipose tissue blood flow changes between younger and older healthy adults. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: * Is basal and nutrient responsive adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) different between younger and older adults * What molecular and systemic signatures related to adipose tissue blood flow are altered between these two groups. Participants will undergo measurements of adipose tissue blood flow using the xenon washout technique, undergo 2 abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies, and drink a sugary drink.
Healthy, Aging
Aim 1: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of delivering AGE SELF CARE through virtual medical group visits by measuring recruitment rate, adherence, and participant satisfaction. Hypothesis 1: It will be feasible to recruit 12 older adults who are pre-frail. Hypothesis 2: At least 70% of participants will attend 6 of 8 group visit sessions. Hypothesis 3: At least 70% of participants will report satisfaction with the program. Aim 2: Determine the feasibility and burden of measuring frailty in this study by different instruments. Hypothesis 1: At least 70% of participants will complete portions of all frailty assessments. Hypothesis 2: Participants will not find testing to be burdensome and measures may be completed in 60 minutes or less. Hypothesis 3: Mean gait speed and frailty index will improve from baseline to post-intervention.
Frailty, Aging, Frailty Syndrome, Frail Elderly Syndrome
Exercise is routinely recommended because of its benefits for physical, cognitive, and mental health. It is especially beneficial for older adults due to its potential buffering effects against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (Luck et al., 2014). However, little is known about how to best encourage older adults to exercise. Based on behavior change theory, different intrapersonal and interpersonal motivational factors are likely to be relevant during the contemplation, action, and maintenance stages of behavior change. Generally, as a result of motivational shifts toward prioritizing positivity and socially meaningful goals with advancing age (Carstensen, 2006), socioemotional aspects of decision making may become more salient and influential for older adults (Mikels et al., 2015; Peter et al., 2011). Our previous work has demonstrated that positive affect (Mikels et al., 2020) and social goals (Steltenpohl et al., 2019) play a critical role in older adults' motivation to exercise, but these two lines of research have not been integrated to date. Recent work indicates that positive affect is particularly beneficial for health when shared in social connections (Fredrickson, 2016; Major et al., 2018), and the proposed work will, for the first time, examine how shared interpersonal positivity may impact exercise decision making and behavior, especially during the contemplation and action/maintenance stages of behavior change. But who are the older adults that benefit the most from exercise in terms of physical, cognitive, and mental health (and should be hence be targeted with messages)? Not all older adults reap the benefits of exercise (Sparks, 2014) and, conversely, sedentary older adults have the most to gain. Overall, the current proposed research program is innovative in its (a) translational application of insights from affective, cognitive, and aging theory and research to understand the antecedents and outcomes of exercise decision making in younger and older adults, (b) conceptualization of both the social and emotional aspects of decision making, (c) development of novel methods for health messaging that incorporate social influences, and (d) novel assessments of the exercise-health link.
Motivation, Aging, Health Behavior, Emotions, Social Behavior
This study is being done to collect Adipose tissue from young and older individuals and gather data on the effect of methionine aminopeptidase protein (MetAP2) inhibition on that Adipose tissue in the laboratory.
Aging
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), including mild cognitive impairment (MCI), are becoming among the most prevalent causes of disability, death and healthcare costs worldwide. Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are common among individuals with MCI as well as their spouses/ partners and may increase risk of the development of ADRD in both patients and partners. This is the first study to systematically investigate sleep as a shared health behavior within couples in which one member has MCI, and the degree to which sleep and circadian disturbances impact both partners health and well-being, including cognitive decline and risk for ADRD.
Aging, Memory Loss
This study is investigating changes to the proteins in skeletal muscle that contribute to reduced muscle size and muscle function that occurs with aging.
Aging, Muscle Atrophy or Weakness, Sarcopenia in Elderly, Sarcopenia
The primary goal of this intervention is to determine the efficacy of acute mitochondrial-specific antioxidants to improve vascular endothelial function in middle-aged and older (≥45 y) adults who do no perform regular aerobic exercise. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design participants with receive both MitoQ and placebo arm of the study. Primary endpoints will include vascular endothelial function assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and cardiac function assessed via pulse wave analysis. Secondary endpoints will include measures of aortic stiffness assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid artery stiffness (e.g. β-stiffness) and elasticity (carotid compliance, distensibility, and Youngs elastic modulus) from ultrasonography.
Aging, Endothelial Dysfunction, Cardiovascular Function, Arterial Stiffness
The primary objective of this study is to identify and characterize frailty and pre-frailty in persons age 50 and older living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) followed by the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Infectious Diseases Specialty Clinics (IDSC).
HIV, Aging