Alliance for Aging Research

Obesity and Aging

Alliance for Aging Research — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Gearing Up for the Silver Tsunami

Valerie Hagan — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:45:00 GMT

As the Silver Tsunami approaches, more and more families will be faced with the choice of staying at home and caring for their loved one or finding outside assistance. The uBOT-5 from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst may be available to help.

Gap between Beliefs and Actions in Early Detection of Alzheimer’s

Lindsay Clarke — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:15:00 GMT

While most people in a recent survey said they would encourage a loved one to seek early diagnosis if they suspected Alzheimer’s disease, when faced with the reality, only a small number sought out early diagnosis.

Nissan’s Design Strategy Emphasizes an Aging Population

Kyle Jensen — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:15:00 GMT

I recently came across this news. Automaker Nissan has created a suit that simulates the affects of aging. This suit, worn by auto designers, mimics a bulging stomach, slow reflexes, physical weakness, and even vision problems. The designers’ goal is to make vehicles that are very friendly and drivable for an ever growing aging population thanks to the baby boom generation.

Silver Alerts for Missing Seniors

Valerie Hagan — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:30:00 GMT

One frightening reality Alzheimer's caregivers face is the potential for a loved one to wander and not be able to find their way home. A new idea has emerged--an Amber Alert system for the elderly, appropriately called Silver Alert.

Early Detection of Alzheimer’s a High Priority for Consumers

Lindsay Clarke — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:15:00 GMT

Voters for the American Express Members Project recently chose the Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Detection Matters campaign as the project they would most like to see funded. Close to 90,000 card members cast a vote—choosing from more than 1,000 potential projects. In the end, the winner was a campaign that will educate people about the importance of early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s—receiving $1.5 million in funding.

Chronic Disease and Depression

Valerie Hagan — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:15:00 GMT

Two studies have been published recently that talk about depression—but not as a stand-alone diagnosis. They discuss both heart disease and diabetes and the high comorbidity of depression.

Dr. Marie Bernard Departs Alliance Board to Accept Position at NIA

Alliance for Aging Research — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 13, 2008 - Concluding six years on the Board of Directors of the not-for-profit Alliance for Aging Research, Dr. Marie A. Bernard assumed new responsibilities this week as Deputy Director of the federal government’s National Institute on Aging.

One of the nation’s most prominent geriatricians, Dr. Bernard’s recently was Professor and Chair of the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma. Her most recent positions included associate chief of staff for Geriatrics and Extended Care at the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

In the number two position in the premier federal agency for medical and scientific research in aging, Dr. Bernard will apply her physician’s knowledge and compassion and wide experience in the medical, social and behavioral needs of older Americans. In a statement issued this week by the National Institute on Aging, Dr. Bernard said “There is quite a bit yet to do, particularly as we face the Silver Tsunami of Baby Boomers that will start turning 65 in 2001. There will be particular challenges, since there will be even greater diversity in this population s a results of increased numbers of minority and ethnic elders.”

Alliance Board Chairman James E. Eden said, “Marie Bernard has set a very high standard for service to our non-profit Board and towards our goal to advance science in order to enhance lives of Americans as they grow older. We will miss her counsel within the Alliance but look forward to working closely with her in her important new role at the National Institute on Aging.”

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Founded in 1986, the Alliance for Aging Research is a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the health and independence of aging Americans through public and private funding of medical research and geriatric education. The Alliance combines the interest of top scientists, public officials, business executives, and foundation leaders to promote a greater national investment in research and new technologies that will prepare our nation for the coming senior boom, and improve the quality of life for today’s older generation

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Alliance for Aging Research — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:45:00 GMT

Hillary Lewis

Alliance for Aging Research — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:45:00 GMT

Alliance Launches Aortic Stenosis Awareness Campaign

Alliance for Aging Research — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:00:00 GMT

ALLIANCE FOR AGING RESEARCH LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF AORTIC STENOSIS

Survey Reveals Doctors, Patients Lack Information about Heart Condition

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following a survey that shows doctors and patients lack information about aortic stenosis (AS), a common age-related heart condition, the not-for-profit Alliance for Aging Research is launching a campaign to educate physicians about this under-diagnosed and under-treated condition.

Aortic stenosis is the abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve which obstructs blood flow from the heart to the arteries. If left untreated AS can lead to heart disease and sudden death. Today nearly one in four Americans age 65 and older has AS. With the aging of the population, the number of cases will increase.

According to the Alliance for Aging Research survey, nine out of 10 doctors who commonly treat older people think their patients need more information about AS, particularly regarding symptoms and treatments. In addition, three-quarters of physicians want more information themselves, especially about treatment options.

Many common symptoms of AS, including dizziness, fatigue and heart palpitations, may not appear in older adults or may be assumed to be part of normal aging. That is why it is important for doctors to examine for AS. However, 40 percent of the doctors surveyed do not specifically check for AS during regular check-ups. Risk of sudden death increases dramatically at the onset of symptoms, so early diagnosis is critical. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery is the most effective treatment once symptoms develop, but the Alliance survey revealed that doctors don’t always recommend it for older patients due in part to an incorrect belief that age is a contraindication to surgery.

“Aortic stenosis is a treatable disease that often goes untreated because of lack of knowledge about the condition,” said Daniel Perry, executive director of the Alliance. “There is a misconception among some doctors and patients that surgery shouldn’t be performed on older adults, when in fact AVR surgery can increase survival and improve quality of life for people of all ages.”

The survey was conducted for the Alliance by the opinion research firm of Beldon Russonello & Stewart. Some 300 general practitioners, internists and geriatricians, randomly selected from the Harris Interactive Physician Panel participated in a web-based survey.

Educational materials include a brochure entitled “Aortic Stenosis in Seniors: A Physician’s Guide” and a video featuring Dr. Jamie Brown, Director of Cardiac Transplantation and Assist Devices at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The video and brochure provide guidelines for diagnosing and determining the severity of the condition, choosing the correct treatment for each patient, and talking to patients—are available free of charge on the Alliance’s website at www.agingresearch.org. Edward Lifesciences is providing support for the campaign through an unrestricted educational grant.

To learn more about this campaign, visit www.agingresearch.org.

Aortic Valve Surgery is Best Treatment for Aortic Stenosis

Valerie Hagan — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Misconceptions about aortic stenosis can be deadly. About 4% of older Americans have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, and in a recent Alliance survey, relatively few general practice physicians reported feeling confident when diagnosing and recommending treatment for the disease. Most general practitioners and geriatricians choose to refer their patients to a cardiologist instead of diagnosing or treating patients themselves.

Aortic Stenosis in Seniors: Videos

Alliance for Aging Research — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:30:00 GMT

These four videos supplement the brochure Aortic Stenosis in Seniors: A Physician's Guide. Dr. Jamie M. Brown, Director of Cardiac Transplantation and Assist Devices at the University of Maryland Medical Center, highlights his experience and knowledge of aortic stenosis specifically as it relates to older patients.

Aortic Stenosis in Seniors: A Physician's Guide

Alliance for Aging Research — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a deadly condition that becomes more common with age. This expert-reviewed resource provides important information for physicians including:

Screening, diagnosis, and treatment information
Prognosis comparison of treated and untreated patients
Tips on talking with your patients about AS
A quick guide to the 2006 ACC/AHA practice guidelines on AS

The Aging Meeting

Alliance for Aging Research — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:30:00 GMT