Long-term treatment with the type 2 diabetes drug metformin improves health and longevity of male mice when started at middle age, reports an international team of scientists led by researchers at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes Health. The study, which tested two doses of the drug in the male mice, found the higher dose to be toxic in the animals. Scientists emphasized that considerably more research is needed before the implications of metformin for healthy aging are known for humans.
Evaluating the cognitive status of older patients in the primary care setting is one of the first steps in determining the cause of problems with memory, attention, and other aspects of thinking that can affect their health and well-being. With dozens of instruments available, finding the right ones to use can be a challenge. Now, clinicians and researchers have a new and simple way to find appropriate instruments—through a searchable database from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) at NIH has named its prestigious Summer Institute on Aging Research after NIA’s first two directors—Dr. Robert N. Butler and Dr. T. Franklin Williams. The week-long training program for early and mid-career scientists will now be known as the Butler-Williams Scholars Program, and participants from here on will be recognized as Butler-Williams Scholars.
Summer often brings excessive heat, which can lead to heat-related problems caused by hyperthermia, an abnormally high body temperature. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia and are at high risk for heat-related death. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, has some tips to help older people avoid the hazards of hot weather.
The Summer 2013 issue of LINKS: Minority Research & Training is now available online. This twice-yearly e-newsletter is part of NIA’s initiative to address health disparities and support scientists representing underserved populations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four drugs to treat AD. For people with mild or moderate AD, donepezil (Aricept®), rivastigmine (Exelon®), or galantamine (Razadyne®) may help maintain cognitive abilities and help control certain behavioral symptoms for a few months to a few years. Donepezil can be used for severe AD, too. Another drug, memantine (Namenda®), is used to treat moderate to severe AD. However, these drugs don’t stop or reverse AD and appear to help patients only for months to a few years.
The NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. The NIA supports and conducts genetic, biological, clinical, behavioral, social, and economic research related to the aging process, diseases and conditions associated with aging, and other special problems and needs of older Americans. The NIA is the primary Federal agency for research on Alzheimer’s disease. To learn more about the NIA, visit www.nia.nih.gov/about.
Individuals and organizations can donate to the NIA Gift Fund by sending a check or money order payable to “The National Institute on Aging” or to “NIA” with a letter stating that the money is to be used for research and related activities at the NIA. Donations and letters should be addressed to:
National Institute on Aging
Budget Officer, Financial Management Branch
Building 31, Room 2C-06
31 Center Drive, MSC 2292
Bethesda, MD 20892-2540
A clinical trial is a kind of research study performed in people and aimed at evaluating a medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention. The NIA has information about clinical trials pertinent to older people. The NIA tip sheet Clinical Trials and Older People can help you think about why you might consider participating in a clinical trial and how your safety is protected.
Check with the Eldercare Locator, a public service provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide directory assistance service helping older people and caregivers locate local support and resources. Visit the Eldercare Locator website at www.eldercare.gov or call 1-800-677-1116.
