In the United States the population under the age of 65 has tripled since the beginning of the century. With the help of
technological advancements in health and medical care, the number of those over age 65 has increased 11-fold. At present, 1 in 8 Americans (33.2 million) are over age 65, up from 1 in 25 in 1900 (3.1 million). This trend is expected to continue into the next century. Projections by the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that the elderly population will more than double between now and the year 2050. In 50 years 1 in 5 Americans (80 million) will be elderly.
Among the elderly, the "oldest old" _ those aged 85 and over _ are the most rapidly growing age group. Between 1960 and 1994, their numbers rose 274 percent. In contrast, the elderly population in general rose 100 percent and the entire U.S. population grew only by 45 percent. The oldest old numbered 3 million in 1994, making them 10 percent of the elderly and just over 1 percent of the total population. By 2050, it is expected the oldest old will number 19 million, constituting one quarter of all elderly Americans and 5 percent of all Americans.
As the elder population increases comes the concern of Alzheimer's disease. Contrary to popular belief memory loss is not part of normal aging. Alzheimer'disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a group of conditions that all gradually destroy brain cells and lead to progressive decline in mental function. As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior. Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, new treatments are on the horizon as a result of accelerating insight into the biology of the disease.
Very few studies have assessed the cognitive status or neuropsychological functioning of the normal aging population. Majority of research has been focused on the treatment of the disease after onset. Only a very few genetic epidemiological family studies have considered the presence of genetic factors that protect against AD at very old ages. In one of these focusing specifically on the familiality of AD in a nondemented aged proband group, relatives of optimally healthy nondemented elderly (85+ year old) probands had a reduced risk of dementia compared with not only the relatives of AD probands, but also the relatives of a sample of random controls, almost all aged less than 85. 47 The decreased cumulative risk in the older, optimally healthy proband families led to the suggestion that this group carried a relatively high concentration of genetic protective factors against dementia. A remaining issue, however, was distinguishing increased presence of genetic protective factors from a decreased presence of genetic risk factors which is not answered merely by demonstrating different cumulative risk curves
Advanced Glycation Ed Products (AGEs) and Alzheimer's Disease
By studying an elderly population with no memory problems, this study aims to identify non-genetic and genetic risk factors associated with very late onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Factors of particular interest include many of the those that are already associated with cardiovascular disease including cholesterol, consumption of saturated fat, and physical activity levels. Other factors include the gene for apolipoprotien E and family history of dementia. People who are over 90 years of age and have no memory problems may be eligible to participate in this research study, which consists of a comprehensive interview including memory and thinking tasks, health and medical histories and an optional blood draw (approximately 3 tablespoons). We also look to follow-up every year.
GCO#03-0568
IRB approved 8/26/05 - 7/31/06
PI: Michal Schnaider Beeri, Ph.D.
Sponsor: National Institute on Aging
Age at Onset and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Very Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease
The overall aims of this project are to examine the role of cardiovascular risk factors for cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease (AD) in elderly men with no memory problems. A growing body of evidence indicates that risk factors for cardiovascular disease also increase the risk of developing both vascular dementia (VaD) and AD. Most, but not all, of the evidence comes from research that has studied predominantly women, especially among the very old. In this project, we will conduct an extensive CvRF assessment in an elderly male veteran sample, recruited through the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center . Male veterans, 75 years old and older with no memory problems and no history of stroke (TIAs and mini-strokes are acceptable) may qualify to participate in this research study which consists of comprehensive interview including memory and thinking tasks, health and medical histories and a blood draw (approximately 3 tablespoons). We will also look to follow-up every year.
GCO# 79-141, Project 4
IRB approved 4/1/06- 3/31/07
PI: Jeremy Silverman, Ph.D.
Sponsor: National Institute on Aging
Cognitive Function in Offspring of Hispanic Oldest-Old
This study is being carried out from the Family Studies satellite office in Puerto Rico , and it seeks to assess the impact of genetic factors on the cognitive functioning of Puerto Rican elders. To this end we will characterize the neuropsychological status in two groups of Puerto Rican men and women aged over 60. One group will be comprised of offspring of nondemented nonagenarians, the other comprised of offspring of nonagenarians with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
GCO#04-0100
IRB Approved 9/1/05 - 8/31/06
PI: José Carrión-Baralt, Ph.D.
Sponsor: National Institute on Aging
Successful Cognitive Aging Phenotypes in the Founder Population of Costa Rica
This study is being carried out from the Family Studies satellite office in Costa Rica . The goal of this project is to identify phenotypes which play a role in successful aging. In this project we will recruit demented and nondemented nonagenarians and their offspring. We will assess risk factor, cognitive and neuropsychological testing and blood data on the available sample. We will look to compare the two offspring and one sibling group on these cognitive and neuropsychological tests.
GCO# 03-0078 (1&2)
IRB approved 7/1/05- 6/30/06
PI: Jeremy Silverman, Ph.D.
Sponsor: Alzheimer's Association/ National Institute on Aging
If
you would like more information about any of the aforementioned
studies, please contact our coordinator for more information: