Browse Publications
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Document, TestimonyAlliance Calls for Increased NIH Appropriations in FY 2014
On March 15, 2013, the Alliance for Aging Research submitted testimony to the House Appropriations, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee, calling for $32 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in FY 2014. To justify this increase, the Alliance highlighted important NIH-supported work administered through the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and other of the NIH's 27 Institutes and Centers. Particular attention was paid to advances in understanding the basic biology of aging and its link to chronic disease and the formation of a Geroscience Interest Group (GSIG) comprised of 20 Institutes and Centers to coordinate discussion and action across the NIH on research into the processes of aging that underpin most major age-related disease.
To read the Alliance's testimony, click here.
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Science in the SpotlightMuscle Loss & Aging: Combatting Sarcopenia and Lost Independence
Winter 2013 | Alliance for aging Research
Related topics: Access to Breakthroughs Aging Research Drug Development Geriatric Training HealthTypically, our muscles grow larger and stronger as we age. That is, until about the time we celebrate our 30th birthdays. That’s when most of us start down the other side of the hill and begin to gradually lose our muscle mass, strength, and function. While it’s usually not very noticeable in our 30s and 40s, the loss increases exponentially with age and tends to accelerate between the ages of 65 and 80.
This progressive loss of muscle mass is called sarcopenia, and it’s found to play a major role in the increased frailty, disability, and functional impairment that too often come with aging. While sarcopenia is a condition that is not uncommon with age, we don’t have to just sit back and accept it. There are things we can do to slow its progress, and current research promises to make that trip over-the-hill less traumatic. -
Get Mad ColumnTaxes or Medical Research? Tensions Rise in the Battle to Reduce the Deficit
Winter 2013 | Alliance for Aging Research
Related topics: Access to Breakthroughs Aging Research Federal Funding Health PolicyThe country did not go over the "fiscal cliff" thanks to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA), which was passed by Congress on New Year’s Day. While fears loomed that lawmakers would fail to act in time, ATRA addressed the expiration of numerous tax credits, raised some revenue, and temporarily delayed automatic spending cuts scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2012. When ATRA became law America earned a temporary reprieve from imminent economic catastrophe. However, our health and personal economic security may still suffer from the fallout resulting from actions taken by policymakers struggling to find a more permanent solution to the nation’s fiscal woes. -
Fact SheetThe Silver Book: Atrial Fibrillation
February 2013 | Alliance for Aging Research
Related topics: Aging Research Cardiovascular Disease Health Medical Innovation Policy Prevention StrokeAtrial fibrillation impacts between 2.7 and 6.1 million adults and can lead to stroke, heart failure, dementia, disability, and death. It also costs a tremendous amount of money--at least $6.65 billion each year. This latest factsheet from The Silver Book brings the leading data on the burden of the disease and the value of innovation to reduce that burden, all into one place. -
Document, Feature ArticleTranslating Innovation to Impact
December 17, 2012 | Katie Maslow, MSW, Scholar-in-Residence at the Institute of Medicine
Related topics: Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Policy Quality of Care ResearchThis white paper presents the findings and recommendations from a review of the state of the art non-pharmacological treatments and care practices for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias and their family caregivers. It is intended to support deliberations by the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and other government and private organizations about hot to make effective non-pharmacological treatments and care practices available to people who will benefit from then. Its development resulted from a public-private partnership between AoA and the Alliance for Aging Research, with funding from the Metlife Foundation. -
NewslettersAt-A-Glance: Aging Research News
Leading researchers and authorities on aging are constantly making news with their breakthroughs and discoveries. Below is a small sample of the articles, podcasts, blog postings, and other media that highlight some of this important information on aging, age-related disease, and the science behind getting old: -
Feature Article, NewslettersDo We Have to Age the Way We Age? Dan Perry Takes This Question to the TEDMED Stage
Fall 2012
Related topics: Aging Research Federal Funding Longevity Medical Innovation Policy Prevention ResearchTEDMED is most known for its annual conference--a medical spin-off from the TED conference where people come to share big ideas and foster new ones. But TEDMED is also a community of people who are all passionate about the future of health and medicine, but in amazingly different ways. -
Newsletters, Science in the SpotlightHarnessing Technology & Science: Researchers Collaborate to Build an Unprecedented Resource
Recognizing both the power of technology and the priceless health information contained in the human genome, Kaiser Permanente and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), have formed a groundbreaking collaboration in order to produce one of the largest biobanks in the world. -
Alliance ViewsThe Common Denominator: The Key to Extending Healthspan
Spring 2012 | Alliance for Aging Research
Related topics: Aging Research Health Medical Innovation Policy Prevention ResearchMost people know what lifespan is—the average length of life of a species, often measured within a sub-population like “Americans” or “women.” Essentially—how long we live. But few have even heard of healthspan. Dictionary.com defines it as the “period of one’s life during which one is generally healthy and free from serious disease.” Essentially—how long we live in good health. -
Alliance in the News, Science in the SpotlightAlzheimer’s Biomarkers are Ready for Research
March 7, 2012
Related topics: Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Brain Health Drug Development Drug Safety Health Medical Innovation Policy ResearchIn a March 1st interview, Dr. John Morris, co-chair of the Alzheimer's Disease Biomarker Expert Working Group (convened by the Alliance for Aging Research), explains what biomarkers are and how they will help research in the field of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.
John C. Morris is the Harvey A. and Dorismae Hacker Friedman Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Professor of Pathology and Immunology, Professor of Physical Therapy, and Professor of Occupational Therapy at Washington University. He also is the Director and Principal Investigator of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.
For More info on the promise of biomarkers in Alzheimer's, click here. -
Alliance ViewsSilver Scholars: Valuing Active Aging
Summer 2011 | Alliance for Aging Research
Related topics: Aging Research Medical Innovation Policy ResearchWe make decisions using economics every day. Deciding whether or not to spend money on something we usually find ourselves weighing the benefits against the costs. Should I buy an iPhone so I can check my e-mail on the train, or get the free phone and check when I get home? Should I buy the more expensive house that’s closer to work, or the one in a more affordable neighborhood with a longer commute? Should I hire someone to paint my house, or take the time to do it myself? -
Get Mad ColumnBracing for the Silver Tsunami: Aging Research May Save Lives and Money
Investigators supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) are on the cusp of research breakthroughs that could enhance their abilities to predict and intervene earlier in the processes of many age-related chronic diseases. In particular, rapid progress in recent years in advancing understanding of the aging process has led to considerable knowledge of how scientists might increase human health in later life by opposing the primary risk factor for most disease of aging—aging itself. -
Alliance ViewsSuper Agers: Sharing Their Secrets
A new website from Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University—SuperAgers.com—highlights the findings from more than a decade of aging research and features some of the centenarians that shared their secrets, and their DNA, for this seminal project. -
NewslettersAt-A-Glance: Aging Research News
Leading researchers and authorities on aging are constantly making news with their breakthroughs and discoveries. Below is a small sample of the articles, podcasts, blog postings, and other media that highlight some of this important information on aging, age-related disease, and the science behind getting old: -
Science in the SpotlightOur Sick Environment: Threatening Healthy Aging
Spring 2010 | Alliance for Aging Research
Related topics: Aging Research Health Nutrition Prevention ResearchHeadlines continue to be filled with news about how we are “pre-programmed” for disease, but our genes are not the only things putting us at risk. When it comes to age-related chronic diseases, major risk factors like genetics, age, gender, and environmental factors appear to interact to cause disease. -
Document, ReportThe Silver Book: Chronic Disease and Medical Innovation--Diabetes
The first volume of The Silver Book was launched in 2006 and has quickly become a trusted resource for health policy practitioners. The Silver Book®: Diabetes is the latest volume in this important collection. Each section in the volume includes charts, statistics, and key findings that together paint a comprehensive picture of the burden of diabetes and the tremendous potential of innovation. Much of the data focuses on the older population. -
Report2008 Annual Report
The 2008 Annual Report highlights the programs and activities of the Alliance for Aging Research. -
Brochure, ReportThe Silver Book: Chronic Disease and Medical Innovation--Neurological Disease
November 2009
Related topics: Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Health Parkinson's Disease ResearchThe first volume of The Silver Book was launched in 2006 and has quickly become a trusted resource for health policy practitioners. The Silver Book®: Neurological Disease is the latest volume in this important collection. Each section in the volume includes charts, statistics, and key findings that together paint a comprehensive picture of the burden of neurological disease, focusing on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and the tremendous potential of innovation. Much of the data focuses on the older population. -
Get Mad ColumnRestoring a Commitment to Medical Research
Summer 2009
Related topics: Access to Breakthroughs Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Cardiovascular Disease Diabetes Federal Funding Policy Vision LossInvestigators supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are on the cusp of research breakthroughs that may enhance their ability to predict and intervene earlier in the processes of many age-related chronic diseases. -
Science in the SpotlightWhat is Aging Research? Defining the Field
How exactly does one define aging research? It turns out that finding agreement on a single definition is not as easy as it seems. -
ReportGray is the New Gold: State of the Science 2009
Optimism in Aging Research is the theme of this year's Gray is the New Gold report, produced by the Kronos Longevity Research Institute. The State of the Science Report was produced just after the new President took office, ushering in an era of optimism and hope within the scientific community. As you read through the report and recognize the potential of the research being conducted within the longevity field, we hope you, too, will feel the same.
Research highlighted in this report includes The Longevity Dividend, Oxidation, inflammation, and insulin resistance, Telomeres and insulin resistance, Physical fitness and exercise training, Calorie restriction, Hormones and aging, and Vitamin D.
To read the report, visit the Kronos Longevity Research Institute website. -
Report2009 Task Force on Aging Research Funding
May 2009
Related topics: Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Arthritis Brain Health Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Caregiving Diabetes Federal Funding Geriatric Training Health Incontinence Medical Innovation Men's Health Mental Health Osteoporosis Other Diseases of Aging Parkinson's Disease Persistent Pain Policy Research Stroke Vision Loss Women's HealthThe 2009 Task Force on Aging Research Funding--more than 65 non-partisan disease groups, patient advocates, and foundations--urges Congress and the President to restore a national commitment to medical research on behalf of America's aging population. This year's report of the Task Force calls for a at least a 7% increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health in FY 2010. It also presents data on the burden of diseases and conditions that predominately affect older Americans, highlights the emerging research the NIH is doing to decrease these burdens, and serves as a resource for policymakers working to establish the funding levels necessary to advance healthy aging. -
Science in the SpotlightLong Living in the Blue Zones
You’ve probably heard that Americans are living longer than ever—in fact the average baby born today can expect to live to be 78 years old. But did you know there are close to 50 other countries with even longer life expectancies? -
Get Mad ColumnElection 2008: Candidates Paying Too Little Attention to the Approaching Silver Tsunami
The 2008 presidential election is upon us and health care reform is at the top of both candidates’ agendas. Democratic Nominee Senator Barack Obama and Republican Nominee Senator John McCain have both offered detailed plans to fix our ailing health care system. -
Alliance ViewsInvesting in the Longevity Dividend
Life expectancy has reached an all-time high, and with that comes an increased risk of chronic diseases and other health conditions. Chronic diseases account for nearly three-fourths of the more than $2 trillion the U.S. annually spends on health care. If those numbers sound daunting, consider that costs will skyrocket in January 2011 when 78 million Americans begin to enroll in Medicare. The new president may choose to revamp health care when he takes office, but without breakthroughs in research, costs will continue to rise as our nation ages. -
Science in the SpotlightSirtuins, Famine, and the Fountain of Youth
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about a “red wine” drug that could be a fountain of youth—combating the effects of aging and age-related disease. The drug, along with other promising breakthroughs, is being developed by Sirtris Pharmaceuticals—a company recently purchased by drug giant GlaxoSmithKline. The drug is based on resveratrol, a chemical found in red wine that activates important sirtuin genes and has extended healthy life in animal studies. -
Report2007 Annual Report
"20 Years of Progress - Imagine What's Next" is the theme of the Alliance for Aging Research's 2007 Annual Report. -
ReportGray is the New Gold: Longevity Science and the Flourishing Aging Society
Vigorous Seniors Good for Economy, Social Security, Says New KLRI Report
What are the latest developments in longevity research and why are they important to society and national policy? Alliance Executive Director Daniel Perry is among the experts cited in this new report, which explains the need for and benefits of aging research. Read the Kronos Longevity Research Institute's new report, Gray Is the New Gold: Longevity Science and the Flourishing Aging Society, available on the KLRI website. -
Report2007 Task Force Report on Aging Research Funding
April 2007 | Alliance for Aging Research
Related topics: Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Arthritis Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Caregiving Diabetes Federal Funding Geriatric Training Health Incontinence Medical Innovation Men's Health Mental Health Osteoporosis Other Diseases of Aging Parkinson's Disease Persistent Pain Prevention Stroke Vision Loss Women's HealthThe 2007 Task Force on Aging Research Funding--more than 85 non-partisan disease groups, patient advocates, and foundations--urges Congress and the President to chart a better course for medical research on behalf of America's aging population. This year's report of the Task Force calls for a 6.7% increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health in FY 2008. It also presents data on the burden of 27 diseases and conditions that predominately affect older Americans, highlights some of the exciting work the NIH is doing to decrease these burdens, and serves as a resource for policymakers working to establish the funding levels necessary to advance healthy aging. -
TestimonyFiscal Year 2008 Appropriations for the National Institute on Aging:
U.S. Senate, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies
Daniel Perry of the Alliance for Aging Research, and Carol Schutz of the Gerontological Society of America, submitted this testimony on behalf of the Friends of the National Institute on Aging. The testimony called for a 6.7% overall increase for the National Institutes of Health for FY 2008 and additional resources for NIA in order to avoid continued cuts in existing grants and to sustain training and research opportunities for new investigators. -
Alliance ViewsPreparing for the Silver Tsunami
Whenever you open a newspaper or magazine these days, you’re likely to find an article exhorting baby boomers to plan for retirement—telling them to save more, to learn about portfolio planning, and to project their financial needs for decades to come. -
TestimonyFiscal Year 2007 Appropriations for the National Institute on Aging:
U.S. Senate, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies
Daniel Perry of the Alliance for Aging Research, and Carol Schutz of the Gerontological Society of America, submitted this testimony on behalf of the Friends of the National Institute on Aging. The testimony called for a 5% overall increase for the National Institutes of Health for FY 2007 and additional resources for NIA in order to avoid an 18% cut in existing grants and to sustain training and research opportunities for new investigators. -
ReportThe Science of Aging Gracefully:
Scientists and the Public Talk About Aging Research
In cooperation with Public Agenda and The American Federation for Aging Research, the Alliance sponsored a survey of 49 leading scientists and 1,000 randomly sampled adults, in order to determine their understanding of, and expectations for, aging research. The scientists showed significant optimism for the research but at the same time, expressed concerns about limitations that could hamper the research including an austere funding climate, limited federal support for stem cell research, and a variety of bureacratic and structural impediments. Learn more about the survey results in this report. -
DocumentThe Best Minds in the Business:
SAGE Crossroads Trading Cards
November 2005 | Alliance for Aging Research
Related topics: Aging Research Longevity Medical Innovation ResearchUse the SAGE Expert Cards as a quick reference to some of the nation's leaders in the science of aging, research, and policy. The SAGE Expert Cards will introduce you to people who are shaping and influencing this exciting field and connect you with the important work that they are doing.
This first edition pack includes 50 cards. Each card includes a photograph, quick summary of the researcher's work, and essential information such as specialty and favorite gene. -
Alliance ViewsAdvancing Quantity and Quality of Life
In the August 12th issue of the New York Times, writer Nicholas Kristof editorialized on what he sees as the ambiguous, and often rogue nature of aging research. -
Alliance ViewsGuiding Principles
To ensure that its work is consistent and productive, the Alliance has established the following set of five principles, or overarching goals, that guide all Alliance policy and advocacy initiatives: -
Living LegendThe Legendary Lifetime of Senator Alan MacGregor Cranston
Any facet of the late Alan Cranston's life would be enough to fill a profile. -
Feature ArticleSpecial Report! Results from the web version of our Attitudes on Aging Research Survey!
A national opinion survey (you can read the results online) of 1,000 adults conducted on behalf of the Alliance for Aging Research in April provided a snapshot of attitudes toward aging and aging research in America. -
Get Mad ColumnTaking Sides in the Great Longevity Debate
Critics of aging research are missing the point.
Here is a sampling of what they are saying: -
ReportPutting Aging On Hold:
Delaying The Diseases Of Old Age
This in-depth report, presented to the White House Conference on Aging, examines current statistics on the senior population and their health care needs, along with forecasts for the impending Senior Boom.