July 21, 2009

New University Center on Aging and Health Grants Inspire New Research on Aging

A voice-activated wheelchair, immune responses in the elderly, stopping or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and understanding how spirituality plays a role in the mental health of older women with chronic diseases are new interdisciplinary projects getting underway on campus.

The University Center on Aging and Health in the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing recently received money from the President's Strategic Initiatives Fund with support from the McGregor Foundation. The funding enabled the center to launch a new initiative to help faculty members undertake research projects.

These projects have the potential to leverage larger grants after some initial findings, say Diana Morris, executive director of the aging center.

Four research projects received awards in the inaugural funding. Grants are generally for one year and $20,000. A second round of proposals is being accepted by the aging center. The deadline is August 21.

Awarded grants were:

  • David Canady, assistant professor of medicine and director of the GRECC at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veteran Affairs Medical Center, for the project, “Frailty and Immune Dysfunction in Older Adults.” Working with Patricia Higgins and Chris Burant from the nursing school, Canady will look at robust and frail veterans to see if they have different immune responses to receiving the flu vaccine.
  • Hyoung-gon Lee, an instructor from the department of pathology in the School of Medicine, will undertake the project, "The Importance of Myc in Neurodegeneration Process of Alzheimer's Disease." Myc plays a role in regulating the cell and triggering a host of events that lead to the cell deaths and eventually the loss of memory.
  • Wyatt Newman, professor of the department of electrical engineering and computer science in the Case School of Engineering will work with Per Aage Brandt, Emile B. de Sauzé Professor of cognitive science in the College of Arts and Sciences, to design a new type of interactive wheelchair that moves by voice commands.
  • Camille Warner, assistant professor from the nursing school, and Kathryn Betts Adams, assistant professor of social work from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, will survey women 65 years and older to find out if spirituality and religion play a role for women in managing and coping with chronic illnesses.

To apply for a grant or for more information contact Diana Morris or go online.

For more information contact Susan Griffith, 216.368.1004.

Posted by: Kimyette Finley, July 21, 2009 01:47 PM | News Topics: Collaborations/Partnerships, Community Outreach, Faculty, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Research, news

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