The investigators will study the effects of an ultrasound bath device that uses low-frequency ultrasound on the healthy aging. Participants will have before and after ultrasound assessments of muscle and thinking skills, aging related to the immune system, and body make-up. The group that is assigned to get the ultrasound will have low-frequency ultrasound in a bathtub for 45 minutes, three times weekly for 8 weeks, and the control group will be in the bathtub without the ultrasound turned on.
Background: Some people experience cognitive decline as they age. That is, they lose memory, problem-solving, and other mental abilities. Amyloids are groups of proteins that develop in the brain and increase in number as people age. Researchers want to use imaging scans to track amyloids in people s brains over time. Their goal is to find out if any changes are related to cognitive decline or other medical issues. Objective: To learn how amyloids may affect brain structure and function as people age. Eligibility: People aged 55 years and older who are enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Design: Participants will have imaging scans and other tests every 1 to 4 years, depending on their age. Those 80 and older will be scanned yearly. These scans will be done during regular BLSA visits. The scans will be positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET CT). Participants will be given fluid through a tube inserted into a vein in their arm. The fluid is a tracer that will cause the amyloids to light up in the images. Then they will lie on a bed with their head inside a PET CT scanner. They will lie still for about 30 minutes. Participants will have tests to assess their memory and other mental skills. They will answer questions about their mood and daily life. These tests will take about 40 minutes to complete; they may be done in person or by phone. Participants will give a contact number for someone who can answer questions about the participant s daily routine. These questions may be answered in person or by phone. Participants will be in this study for 5 years....
In postmenopausal women, obesity increases the risk of physical function decline, premature aging, and vascular dysfunction. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are potent obesity medications. The goal is to determine the effect of weight loss induced by the new generation of GLP-1 receptor agonists on physical function, aging biomarkers, and vascular function in postmenopausal women with obesity.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.