Aging Research: Translating Scientific Discovery into Clinical Intervention

• DOI: http://doi.org/10.2202/1948-4682.1123
• Published date: 01 December 2010
• Author: Vicky Cahan,Richard J Hodes,Megan J Homer
• Date: 01 December 2010

World Medical & Health Policy

www.psocommons.org/wmhp

Vol. 2: Iss. 4, Article 2 (2010)

Aging Research: Translating Scientific

Discovery into Clinical Intervention

Richard J. Hodes, MD, National Institute on Aging, National

Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Vicky Cahan, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of

Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Megan J. Homer, MA, National Institute on Aging, National

Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Abstract

The world population is aging, and at a steadily increasing rate. In many ways

people are not only living longer, but healthier. However, the challenges of an aging

population, for individuals and society, are also increasingly evident: a significant

percentage of older Americans report functional problems, rates of morbidity from

heart disease and hypertension are still high, and exponential growth in Alzheimer’s

disease is predicted without new and more effective treatments. This article

highlights some of the National Institute on Aging’s research, including basic

studies in genetics and the biological determinants of agin g, translational studies in

Alzheimer’s disease, studies to reduce disease and disability among older adults, and

studies of the social and behavioral aspects of aging and Comparative Effectiveness

Research (CER). The revolution in longevity brings with it an increased urgency to

understand aging. A broad-based effort across key areas—basic biology,

epidemiology, translational and clinical medicine, and social and behavioral

factors—is critical to d iscovering new ways to support better health and maintain

independence for older people.

Keywords: aging, longevity, clinical intervention, translational research

Author Notes: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Corresponding author:

Megan J. Homer, MA, Public Affairs Specialist, National Institu te on Aging,

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© 2010 Policy Studies Organization