News Archive
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Webinar: Introduction to MarketScan Data: A Beginner's Guide, Feb 27
Dr. Polychronopoulou will present, "Introduction to MarketScan Data: A Beginner's Guide," in a webinar hosted by UTMB Department of Biostatistics & Data Science on February 27, 2025 at noon. Register in advance for the Zoom webinar.
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Dr. Downer Presents in Northwestern Pepper Center Rounds Feb 21
Dr. Downer will present, "Climate, Environment, and Vulnerable Populations: Natural Disasters and their Effects on Nursing Home Residents," in Pepper Center Rounds hosted by Northwestern Pepper Center on February 21, 2025 at noon. Register in advance for the Zoom meeting.
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Study Tests Physical Rehabilitation for Older Patients with Acute Heart Failure
The “Physical Rehabilitation for Older Patients with Acute Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (REHAB-HFpEF)” trial at UTMB is being conducted with qualified patients admitted to UTMB Clear Lake or Galveston hospitals.This study examines whether a new type of physical rehabilitation can help improve health outcomes for patients with heart failure.
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SCOA Holds Successful Research Retreat
The Sealy Center on Aging hosted an aging retreat on February 5, 2025 at Open Gates. Leaders from across the university were invited to attend. The goal of the retreat was to set priorities for research, discover new opportunities for collaboration, and highlight the exceptional work that has been done throughout the history of the center. Thanks to all attendees.
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Follow us on BlueSky!
Join the Sealy Center on Aging on BlueSky to connect with us about aging research from UTMB Health, including funding, new grants, researcher highlights, important findings, and more. Students, trainees, and early career researchers are invited to follow us for announcements and opportunities!
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New Video: Deciding How Human Viruses Shape Aging
A video is now available online for the Special Lecture on February 3, 2025, "Deciding How Human Viruses Shape Aging," presented by Michael J. Corley, MA, PhD Assistant Professor, Tenure Track Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases Weill Cornell Medicine. Visit the SCOA website to view the video.
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New Video: Mixed-Methods Research: Strategically Integrating Words and Numerical Data to Gain a Richer Understanding
A video is now available online for the Texas RCMAR Lecture on January 28, 2025, "Mixed-Methods Research: Strategically Integrating Words and Numerical Data to Gain a Richer Understanding," presented by Monique R. Pappadis, MEd, PhD. Visit the Texas RCMAR website to view the video.
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Special Lecture Feb 3: Deciding How Human Viruses Shape Aging
Join us for a special lecture hosted by the Sealy Center on Aging on February 3rd at noon. Dr. Michael J. Corley, MA, PhD, from the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases at Weill Cornell Medicine, will present 'Deciding How Human Viruses Shape Aging.' This event will be held in a hybrid format, in RSH 6.100 and on Zoom.
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New Video: HIV & Cancer - Utilizing Large Population Databases to Address Outcome Disparities
A video is now available online for the DMAC CERCIT Lecture on January 28, 2025, "HIV & Cancer - Utilizing Large Population Databases to Address Outcome Disparities," presented by Elizabeth Chiao, Professor, MD Anderson, Department of Epidemiology. Visit the DMAC CERCIT website to view the video.
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New Video: Sample Size Justification for Pilot Studies
A video is now available online for the Texas RCMAR Lecture on December 17, 2024, "Sample Size Justification for Pilot Studies," presented by Xiaoying Yu, PhD. Visit the Texas RCMAR website to view the video.
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One Way to Spot Early Cognitive Decline? Medicare Wellness Visits
A recent study by Huey-Ming Tzeng, PhD, and co-authors at UTMB Health found that receiving a Medicare annual wellness visit (AWV) was associated with greater recognition of mild cognitive impairment in older adults. "This study suggests that the Medicare AWV health policy may increase mild cognitive impairment identification, prompting more specialized care," Tzeng and colleagues said. "Early recognition of cognitive impairment is key to optimal dementia care," the researchers noted. "Patient access to dementia assessment often limits timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment."
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Former Pepper Scholars Receive New Grants
Dr. Neil Mehta and Dr. Huiwen Xu, former UTMB Pepper Center Scholars, received new external research funding in aging in 2024. Dr. Mehta was awarded a five-year NIH/NIA grant to study immigrant mortality trends in the U.S., while Dr. Xu received a four-year NIH/NIA grant to examine racial and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer’s care within nursing homes. Both researchers continue to make significant contributions to the field of aging and health.
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Texas RCMAR Presentation Jan 28
Join us for the next Texas RCMAR presentation on Jan 28, 2025. "Mixed-Methods Research: Strategically Integrating Words and Numerical Data to Gain a Richer Understanding," is presented by Monique R. Pappadis, MEd, PhD, at 3 PM via zoom.
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Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Applications Due Feb 21
The Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program encourages medical students, particularly budding researchers, to consider a career in academic geriatrics by awarding short-term scholarships. Applications are due February 21, 2025.
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New Video: Alterations in the GH/IGF-1 Axis and Gut Microbiome After Traumatic Brain Injury by Randall J. Urban, MD
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on January 21, 2025, "Alterations in the GH/IGF-1 Axis and Gut Microbiome After Traumatic Brain Injury by Randall J. Urban, MD," presented by Randall J. Urban, MD. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
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Thanks to Participants for a Successful MSTAR Program
A heartfelt thank you to all who participated in the 2024 Medical Students Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program. Meet the MSTAR Scholars and learn about their projects.
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Who gets to live to 100? The answer may surprise you
A new study finds that that Black octogenarians in the United States have significantly better odds of living to 100 than their white counterparts. UTMB’s Dr. Kyriakos Markides tells the Globe that the study confirms and adds to the research he’s done on Hispanic aging.
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New Device Could Help Predict Blood Clot Risks in Heart Disease
Researchers—including Sealy Center on Aging Fellows Drs. Yu, Kuo, Raji, and Berenson—have published a study examining trends in antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries with HIV.
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New Study Reveals Disparities in HIV Treatment Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Researchers—including Sealy Center on Aging Fellows Drs. Yu, Kuo, Raji, and Berenson—have published a study examining trends in antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries with HIV.
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Jan 28: DMAC-CERCIT Seminar Series
Join us for the Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC) for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas (CERCIT) Seminar Series: "HIV & Cancer - Utilizing Large Population Databases to Address Outcome Disparities," presented by Elizabeth Chiao, MD, PhD.
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Pepper Scholar Dr. Letitia Graves Receives Endowment
Dr. Graves has been named the FY25 recipient of the prestigious Beverly and F.A. (Andy) Odom Endowment for Nursing Research Award. This distinguished award will support her Pepper Scholar research project, which focuses on advanced aging in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The Beverly and Andy Odom Endowment for Nursing Research provides essential funding to outstanding faculty in the School of Nursing, fostering innovative research that advances the field of nursing.
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Pilot Trial on Audio Recording for Self-Management in Older Adults Paves the Way for Future Research
A new article by Dr. Masel, Dr. Goodwin, Isamar Ortiz, and Dr. Raji has been published in Patient Education and Counseling detailing the “AUDIO” Pilot Trial. This study tested how audio recordings of primary care visits could enhance self-management among older adults with chronic conditions.
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Texas RCMAR Presentation Dec 17
Join us for the next Texas RCMAR presentation on Dec 17, 2024. "Sample Size Justification for Pilot Studies," is presented by Xiaoying Yu, PhD, at 3 PM via zoom.
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Texas RCMAR Call for Pilot Applications - Due January 24, 2025
The Texas Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR), supported by the National Institute on Aging (Grant P30 AG059301), invites applications for 1-year pilot project funding. This initiative, led by the University of Texas Medical Branch and UT San Antonio, focuses on advancing research and researchers studying health and aging in under-represented populations, particularly Hispanic communities in the U.S. and Latin America.
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Symposium: Pathways in Aging, Geriatric and Palliative Medicine - January 29, 2025
We are pleased to invite you to the Pathways in Aging, Geriatric and Palliative Medicine Symposium, taking place on the UTMB-Galveston Main Campus, on Wednesday, January 29. Learners of all levels are invited to learn about opportunities available through The University of Texas- Medical Branch & Weill Cornell Medicine Partnership.
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New Community Connection Newsletter - November 2024, Issue 10
Read the latest issue of the Sealy Center on Aging Community Connection Newsletter, including a highlight featuring Dr Downer, research news about blood sugar, information about participating in aging research, current community activities, and more.
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Gerontological Society of America 2024
The GSA 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting, the premier annual scientific meeting for cutting-edge scholarship, research, and networking relating to the fields of aging and gerontology, is November 13 -16, 2024 in Seattle, WA. Attendees from UTMB include several postdoctoral trainees, students, staff, and faculty. Visit our website for a list of presenters and topics.
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Texas RCMAR Presentation Nov 19
Join us for the next Texas RCMAR presentation on Nov 19, 2024. "Healthcare Preferences of Older Hispanic Residents in Texas," is presented by Stephen Pan, PhD, at 3 PM via zoom.
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Oct 29: DMAC-CERCIT Seminar Series
Join us for the Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC) for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas (CERCIT) Seminar Series: "Enhanced Cancer Research Outcomes Through UTMB's EHR Data Integration," presented by Jiefei Wang, PhD.
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New Video: Analysis of Texas Medicare Claims Data to Evaluate for Disparities in Access to the Medicare Hospice Benefit for Cohorts of Patients with Serious Mental Illness
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on October 23, 2024, "Analysis of Texas Medicare Claims Data to Evaluate for Disparities in Access to the Medicare Hospice Benefit for Cohorts of Patients with Serious Mental Illness," presented by Sean O'Mahony, MB BCH BAO, MS. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
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New Video: Inflammation, Where are we now?
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on September 24, 2024, "Inflammation, Where are we now?," presented by Alan Landay, PhD. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
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WE Summit Oct 25
Join us for the third annual WE Summit on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the HEC, 3rd floor. This event focuses on networking and connecting medical students with faculty researchers while celebrating our collective achievements.
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Pepper Investigators Lecture Features Dr. O’Mahony
Please join us for the next Pepper Investigators Lecture: "Analysis of Texas Medicare Claims Data to Evaluate for Disparities in Access to the Medicare Hospice Benefit for Cohorts of Patients with Serious Mental Illness," presented by Sean O’Mahony, MD, BCH, BAO, on Weds, Oct 23, 2024 at noon in RSH 6.100 and via Zoom. Lunch provided for those in person.
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Research Ethics Workshop Oct 23
The UTMB Center of Excellence for Professional Advancement and Research and the UTMB Institute for Translational Sciences funded by the Clinical and Translational Science Award (UL1TR001439) present: Research Ethics Workshop "I Found it Online": Ethical Considerations for Research that Utilizes Social Media on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, HEC 3.200.
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Texas RCMAR Presentation October 22
Join us for the next Texas RCMAR Scholar presentation on Oct 22, 2024. "Mentorship Matters: Cultivating Relationships that Inspire and Transform," is presented by Celeste Finnerty, PhD, at 3 PM via zoom.
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Congratulations to Forum on Aging Winning Poster Presenters
The 27th Annual Forum on Aging was a huge success with more than 100 posters submitted. Monetary awards were given for the best student and fellow posters, sponsored by the Sealy Center on Aging and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women’s Health. New this year, a top student was awarded with the inaugural James S. Goodwin Distinguished Professor Award. Congratulations to our winners and thanks to all participants.
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Walk to End Alzheimer's Oct 19
Thanks to Stephanie Fitzgerald with the Alzheimer's Association: Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UTMB for hosting a "Flower Flocking" on Oct 11 in preparation for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct 19 at Stewart Beach in Galveston. Please join or donate to the UTMB Internal Medicine/Sealy Center on Aging Walk to End Alzheimer’s team.
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Women's Health RFA - Full Pilot Proposals Due Oct 14, 2024
The Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health (CIRWH), The Center for Health Promotion, Performance, and Rehabilitation Research (CHPPRR, pronounced ‘Chipper’), and The Sealy Center on Aging (SCOA) encourage UTMB investigators to submit pilot research proposals for translational research focused on Women’s Health. All application materials should be placed in a single PDF document and emailed to: Judi Linton, PT, MS, jllinton@utmb.edu .
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Pepper Investigators Lecture Features Dr. Landay
Please join us for the next Pepper Investigators Lecture: "Inflammation: Where are we now?," presented by Alan L. Landay, PhD, on Weds, Sept 25, 2024 at noon in RSH 6.100 and via Zoom. Lunch provided for those in person.
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SCOA Welcomes Emmy Vazquez
SCOA welcomes Emmy as a new Clinical Coordinator working with Dr. Meredith Masel. Previously she worked at UTMB in 2018 as a scribe, then as a Research Coordinator with Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Hospital. She received her Associate's degree at Galveston College and a BS in Biology at UHCL. Welcome, Emmy!
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SCOA Welcomes Joey Saavedra
SCOA welcomes Joey as a new T32 Postdoctoral Scholar working with Dr. Brian Downer. His research focuses on the health of older adults, with a specific emphasis on Hispanic aging. He also collaborates with Dr. Elizabeth Lyons on mobile health (m-Health) interventions aimed at increasing physical activity in aging populations, guided by behavioral change theory. Welcome, Joey!
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New Community Connection Newsletter - September 2024, Issue 9
Read the latest issue of the Sealy Center on Aging Community Connection Newsletter, including a highlight featuring Drs Sallam and Serag, research news, information about participating in aging research, current community events, and more.
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New Study Highlights Cognitive Benefits of Dual-Language Use Among Older Mexican Americans
“These findings suggest that bilingualism, especially the balanced use of two languages, provides a cognitive advantage in older age,” said Dr. Brian Downer, the lead author of the study and Associate Professor at the Department of Population Health & Health Disparities at UTMB.
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Workshop Sept 25: Research Ethics - How to Submit to the IRB
Join us for a workshop,"Research Ethics - How to Submit to the IRB" presented by Elise Smith, PhD Assistant Professor in Bioethics & Health Humanities, on September 25th at noon in HEC 3.200.
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Webinar Sept 25: Understanding Biologic Aging and Non-communicable Disease in HIV
Dr. Alan Landay, PhD, will present a webinar on September 25th at 10:00 AM, hosted by Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony, MD, PhD, and the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP). Register today for "Understanding Biologic Aging and Non-communicable Diseases in HIV."
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Join the Walk to End Alzheimer's with Team Captain Alice Williams
Please join or donate to the UTMB Internal Medicine/Sealy Center on Aging Walk to End Alzheimer’s team. We raised over $3,000 last year and want to make a bigger impact in 2024! The Walk is on Saturday, October 19 at Stewart Beach in Galveston.
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Spotlight on Dr. Alan Landay: A career built on curiosity and collaboration
When you talk to Dr. Alan Landay about his career, a palpable, positive energy fills the room as he smiles and takes you through his decades-long journey that has now brought him to the University of Texas Medical Branch. Read more about Dr. Landay's background and his idea that the answers to global problems can more readily be discovered when scientists and researchers from various disciplines, specialties and countries collaborate to study and solve the issues.
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Seaside Senior Expo Sept 6
The Seaside Senior Expo is a FREE event for the Galveston County area's older adults and family caregivers. Come and learn about local services and resources focused on the needs of the aging population.
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What is Scholarship and How to Get Started?
Join Dr. Perez Raifaisen for a presentation on Tuesday, August 27th for medical and health professional students and junior faculty members about how to get started in scholarship.
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Dr. Lantz Accepted to Butler-Williams Scholars Program
Dr. Emily Lantz, Assistant Professor in the Nutrition Sciences and Health Behavior in the School of Health Professions at UTMB, has been accepted to the Butler-Williams Scholars Program.
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Congratulations to Dr. Raji on Recent Awards
Dr. Raji was recognized for Excellence in Clinical Teaching in July. Then he received the 2024 Faculty Excellence in Mentoring award. He was also recognized by Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy, on behalf of American College of Clinical Pharmacy, for a top-10 most-cited paper in 2024.
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Oscar Townsel, Administrative Professional of the Year
Congratulations to Oscar Townsel for being named Administrative Professional of the Year at the ASG II End of the Year Awards Banquet. Oscar has been with the Sealy Center on Aging at UTMB for 16 years. He considers SCOA to be the best place he has worked and dedicates this award to the memory of Stephanie Burt, former Program Manager who passed away in March, 2024.
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SCOA & Pepper Center Welcomes New Program Manager Lexi King
We are thrilled to announce the addition of Alexis King to our team as a Program Manager. Lexi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in talent management, financial planning, and organizational development.
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Dr. Cantu Awarded New Grant from NIA
Congratulations to Phil Cantu, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Division of Geriatrics and former postdoctoral trainee in the Sealy Center on Aging and his new NIH/NIA grant award, "Informant Measures Of Cognitive Decline In Mexico".
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July 16: DMAC-CERCIT Seminar Series
Join us for the Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC) for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas (CERCIT) Seminar Series: "Examining Effects of Metformin on Cancer Survival Among Men Diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer Treated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy," presented by David S. Lopez, PhD.
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Karen Schlag Receives Linder Award
The recipient of the 2024 Dr. Suzanne Kneuper Linder Research Award for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research is Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Karen Schlag. The Dr. Suzanne Kneuper Linder Research Award Fund is a permanent endowment in the School of Health Professions, established in memory of Dr. Suzanne Linder, former Edna Seinsheimer Levin Endowed Professor in Cancer Studies and Assistant Professor in the former Division of Rehabilitation Sciences. Funds distributed from the endowment are used to give an award to a Fellow, Student, or other Trainee working in patient-centered research. The awardee is selected by the Director of the Sealy Center on Aging in consultation with the Dean of the School of Health Professions.
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Texas RCMAR Presentation June 25
Join us for the next Texas RCMAR Scholar presentation on June 25, 2024. "Characterizing the Neurocognitive Effects of Bilingualism in Mexican American Adults," is presented by Stephanie Grasso, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, at 3 PM via zoom.
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Public Health in the 1990’s: 1990’s and Hispanic Health/Aging - Webinar June 24, 2024
In honor of their 100-year anniversary, Delta Omega will be hosting monthly webinars. This webinar will outline two of the most well-known, longitudinal cohort studies on the health and well-being of aging Hispanic adults – the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE) and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS).
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DMAC Workshop & Call for Pilots
The Data Management and Analysis Core for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas is having a workshop on May 22, 2024 at the Galveston Island Convention Center. Register today! In addition, UTMB DMAC encourages all investigators in Texas academic and research institutions to submit pilot grant proposals on comparative effectiveness research on cancer in Texas. Proposals from screening, diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment surveillance, or survivorship are all welcome. Register for information sessions to be held June 3 & 7, 2024.
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Dr. Pérez Raifaisen Appointed Director of WHOPAHO at UTMB
We are pleased to announce that Norma A. Pérez Raifaisen, MD, DrPH, CPC, will serve as Director of the World Health Organization / Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) Collaborating Center on Aging and Health, effective May 1. Dr. Pérez Raifaisen is Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, John Sealy School of Medicine and PI, Center of Excellence for Professional Advancement and Research.
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Dr. Alan Landay Joins the Sealy Center on Aging as Interim Director
We are pleased to announce that Alan Landay, PhD, will serve as Director ad interim of the Sealy Center on Aging, effective May 1. Dr. Landay is Vice President of Team Science at UTMB and Professor in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology.
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DMAC-CERCIT Seminar Series: Space-Time Infectious Disease Modeling, Nowcasting, Counterfactuals and NPIs
Please join us on April 22 at noon for the Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC) for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas (CERCIT) Seminar Series: Space-Time Infectious Disease Modeling, Nowcasting, Counterfactuals and NPIs Presented by Andrew B. Lawson PhD, Professor of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina.
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Texas RCMAR Presentation April 23
Join us for the next Texas RCMAR Scholar presentation on April 23, 2024. "Data available from the Data Management and Analysis Core for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas," is presented by Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Biostatistics & Data Science at 3 PM via zoom.
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Call for Pilot Project Proposals - UTMB DMAC CERCIT
The UTMB DMAC, funded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, encourages all investigators in Texas academic and research institutions to submit pilot grant proposals on comparative effectiveness research on cancer in Texas. Proposals from screening, diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment surveillance, or survivorship are all welcome. Register for information sessions to be held June 3 & 7, 2024.
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New Video: Injury Prevention in Wheelchair Users- Measuring Movement and Mobility during Daily Life
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on March 27, 2024, "Injury Prevention in Wheelchair Users- Measuring Movement and Mobility during Daily Life," presented by Missy Morrow, PhD. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
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Volunteer for a Study on Medication Management for Older Adults
The use of telehealth has become increasingly popular and convenient for many patients to interact with healthcare providers since the COVID-19 pandemic. This study focuses on a pharmacist-led program that incorporates the use of electronic devices to aid in medication therapy management for men and women aged 65 or older.
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Thanks for a Successful 21st Annual Abundant Living Conference
Whether you are 8 or 80, there is fun to be had and friends to be made at camp! In March, we had the best time hosting over 100 seniors to our Abundant Living Conference, co-hosted with Camp Allen.
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New Study Looks at Traumatic Brain Injury and Health Literacy
Dr. Monique Pappadis and colleagues have published a new paper, The Relationship of Health Literacy to Health Outcomes Among Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study. The study looked at how well people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) understood health information and how it affected their health.
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Empower Yourself with UTMB's Diabetes Prevention and Care Program
Are you an adult age 65+ living with diabetes? Do you want to take control of your health and live an active, fulfilling life? Look no further – UTMB's Diabetes Prevention and Care Program is here to support you! Thanks to a generous grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, UTMB is proud to offer a range of evidence-based programs designed specifically for adults aged 65 and older living with diabetes.
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New Video: Multi-parametric Thrombus Profiling Microfluidics Uncovers Mechanobiology of Hypertension and Aging-related Thrombosis
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on February 28, 2024, "Multi-parametric Thrombus Profiling Microfluidics Uncovers Mechanobiology of Hypertension and Aging-related Thrombosis," presented by Yunfeng Chen, PhD. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
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Community Engagement Event
UTMB Sealy Center on Aging and UTMB Community Engagement, alongside 20 other healthcare vendors, collaborated to deliver essential senior care resources to more than 100 residents at Brookdale Senior Living in Clear Lake, TX, on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
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Texas RCMAR Presentation March 26
Join us for the next Texas RCMAR Scholar presentation on March 26, 2024. "The Demography of Latino Aging," is presented by Rogelio Saenz, PhD Professor, Sociology and Demography University of Texas San Antonio College for Health, Community and Policy at 3PM via zoom.
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Postdoctoral Fellowship Position
The UTMB Sealy Center on Aging seeks to fill one postdoctoral fellowship position on the aging and health of diverse older adult populations. Visit the T32 Health of Older Minorities page at the SCOA website to learn more.
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Annual Wellness Visit Study Seeks Volunteers
Annual Wellness Visits for People with Dementia: A National Study at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Caregivers, patients, or providers are needed to participate in a 30-minute interview to help us improve the healthcare services provided to individuals with dementia.
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Texas RCMAR Presentation Feb 27
Join us for the next Texas RCMAR Scholar presentation on February 27, 2024. "Capturing Lived Experience: Interview Techniques, Skills, and Other Considerations," is presented by Kelly Grace, PhD at 3PM in a hybrid format, in person in Rebecca Sealy, 6.100 and via zoom.
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Researchers Earn Best Overall Poster Award at NPIAP 2024
A poster titled, "Wheelchair Sitting Patterns in a Long-Term Care Memory Care Unit," has been selected for the Best Overall Poster Award at the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel’s 2024 Annual Conference.
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Call for Pepper RL5 Scholars - LOI Due March 18, 2024
UTMB investigators are invited to submit applications to the RL5 Scholars Program. Up to 50% Salary support is provided. Scholars participating in this program will collaborate with a primary mentor and research team to devise and execute individual development plans, encompassing research projects, training activities, funding endeavors, and publication efforts.
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Call for Pepper Pilots - LOI Due March 18, 2024
UTMB investigators are invited to submit pilot research proposals focusing on translational aging research, particularly on physical function and recovery from illness in older adults. Proposals from various domains including basic science, clinical trials, patient-centered outcomes, population health, and any other area of translational research (T1-T4) are encouraged.
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Centering Aging Populations in the Public Health Agenda - Feb 6th online
Dr. Rebeca Wong & colleagues will speak at Boston University's Public Health Conversation event about Centering Aging Populations in the Public Health Agenda on February 6, 2024 at noon, Central. This program will focus on the health of older adults. What set of unique health challenges do aging populations face? How can we better promote the health of aging populations nationally and globally?
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Gabapentinoid Use for Chronic Pain
A new study on pain medications finds that Gabapentinoids, often used for chronic pain instead of opioids, show potential side effects. Compared to opioids and a control group, users had higher rates of immune disorders, mental health issues, skin problems, and strokes within three months. Some unexpected signals, like certain cancers, need further investigation. Learn more about this new study by researchers in aging at UTMB that was recently published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety.
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DMAC-CERCIT Seminar Series: Using linked registry-claims-survey data to study late effects of cancer treatment
Please join us on February 6th at noon for the Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC) for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas (CERCIT) Seminar Series: Using linked registry-claims-survey data to study late effects of cancer treatment Presented by Dr. Sharon Giordano, M.D., MPH, FASCO, Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
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Daily low-dose aspirin has little impact on stroke risk and spikes risk of brain bleeding from falls
UTMB was a participating clinical location in a national study that helped researchers learn that low-dose daily aspirin does not provide significant protection against stroke resulting from blood clots and may increase the risk of bleeding in the brain or skull after head trauma.
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Pepper Center Scholar Dr. Murton Awarded Grant to Study Muscle Loss, Aging, and Obesity
UTMB Pepper Center Scholar Dr. Murton, in partnership with Dr. Juan Pablo Palavicini from the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies at the University of Texas Health San Antonio, has secured a $100,000 grant from the Older American Independence Center. The grant will fuel a collaborative effort to launch a multi-center pilot study investigating the potential biological factors contributing to muscle loss associated with aging and obesity.
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New Study Looks at Pain in Mexican Older Adults
Pain, whether treated or not, in elderly Mexican Americans is linked to memory issues. Depression plays a role, emphasizing the need for screening. More research is needed to understand the connection and evaluate treatments. Learn more about this new study by researchers in aging at UTMB that was recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Save the Date for the Annual Abundant Living Conference: March 25-27, 2024
Camp Allen and UTMB’s Sealy Center on Aging invite you to the 21st annual Abundant Living Conference. This year's theme is Joyful Living. Gather with others on the journey of aging while learning from healthcare experts and spiritual leaders in the beautiful piney woods of Navasota. Experience music, nature walks, labyrinth walks, and the gifts of friendship and hospitality.
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New Video: Multimodal Effects of Neo-adjuvant and Adjuvant Exercise on Tumor Pathology and Survivorship
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on January 24, 2023, "Multimodal Effects of Neo-adjuvant and Adjuvant Exercise on Tumor Pathology and Survivorship," presented by Darpan Patel, PhD. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
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New Video: Using Electronic Health Resources for Health Assessment to Improve Older Adult Wellbeing
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on September 27, 2023 "Using Electronic Health Resources for Health Assessment to Improve Older Adult Wellbeing," presented by Erin Hommel, MD. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
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Texas RCMAR Call for Pilots LOI Due Feb 12
The Texas Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) announces a call for applications for Pilot Projects supported by Grant Number P30 AG059301 from the National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health. The application process involves a Letter of Intent due by February 12, 2024, and selected investigators will submit full proposals by March 4, 2024, with decisions expected by March 26, 2024. Successful applicants will contribute to advancing research on minority aging, aligning with the Texas RCMAR mission.
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Dr. Wong presents in the Center for Health-system Improvement Works-in-Progress Seminar Series Jan 9
Dr. Wong will present in the Center for Health-system Improvement Works-in-Progress Seminar Series on Jan 9th about Longitudinal Representative Population Studies: the potential for discovery post-COVID. Please visit https://www.utmb.edu/chi to be added to the email and event list.
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Save the Date: Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging, Jan 30 - Feb 27, 2024
The Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging, now in its 29th year, features nationally recognized gerontology research educators, basic scientists, clinicians, and social scientists. This series of 5 weekly lectures is offered in a hybrid format, with presentations that are open to the community online and in-person.
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Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Applications Due Feb 7
The Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program encourages medical students, particularly budding researchers, to consider a career in academic geriatrics by awarding short-term scholarships. Applications are due February 7, 2024.
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The "Double Jeopardy" of Midlife and Old Age Mortality Trends in the United States
A new publication reveals that the United States is experiencing a "double jeopardy" that is driven by both mid-life and older-age mortality trends, but more so by older-age mortality.
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Applications Due January 2nd for Seed Grants to Promote Collaborative Research to Advance Public Health
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is launching a Seed Grant program to foster collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects in public health. The initiative aims to support cross-center collaborations by providing funding of up to $25,000 for data acquisition or secondary data analysis and up to $40,000 for other seed projects. The grants are directed toward initiatives addressing various public health issues, including disease prevention, aging, health disparities, and mental health.
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COVID-19 And Mental Health Outcomes Of Older Adults: Evidence From Mexico
A new study by an international consortium of investigators with researchers in aging at UTMB has been highlighted in a special issue of Health Affairs about global lessons from COVID-19. Access the article and a video by Dr. Wong, "COVID-19 And Mental Health Outcomes Of Older Adults: Evidence From Mexico".
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New Community Connection Newsletter - November 2023, Issue 6
Read the latest issue of the Sealy Center on Aging Community Connection Newsletter, including a research support highlight featuring Roxy Hirst and Shawn Goodlett who are celebrating 25 years of service, other research news, information about volunteering in the community, participating in aging research, current clinical trials, and more.
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Social and Leisure Activities May Play a Protective Role in Cognitive Aging of Older Mexican Adults
A new study by researchers including Michael Robertson, Brian Downer, Paul Schulz, Rafael Samper-Ternent, Elizabeth Lyons , and Sadaf Arefi Milani looks at social and leisure activities in older Mexican adults. The findings suggest that popular social and leisure activities may play a protective role in cognitive aging, potentially influencing the development of enjoyable and effective health interventions.
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Dr. Schlag Receives Judith D. Tamkin Scholar Award
Congratulations to Dr. Schlag for being selected for the prestigious 2024 Judith D. Tamkin Scholar Award for her academic achievements and work in research about elder mistreatment. The award will cover her hotel, travel, and registration costs for the USC Judith D. Tamkin International Symposium on Elder Abuse to be held in February 2024.
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Participants in Dementia Care Study Celebrated
An event was held to honor participants in the recently concluded Dementia Care Study, Supporting Individuals and Caregivers (D-CARE). Dr. Volpi, study support staff, providers, and patient volunteers gathered at Open Gates in Galveston for a luncheon in honor of participants.
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To Get a Better Workout, Play Like a Kid
“Adding an attitude of play is about trying to make things more interesting and meaningful," UTMB’s Dr. Elizabeth Lyons told AARP for an article on embracing a playful attitude toward exercise. "It can involve discovery, exploration, and spontaneity. There’s something unique about play that brings autonomy—you want to do it for its own sake.”
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Improving Hurricane Preparedness for Home-Bound Patients
UTMB’s Jennifer Young and Jessica den Herder were highlighted for their work to help home-bound patients prepare for hurricanes. “We realized if [our home-bound patients] were having a difficult time going to the clinic, they’re going to have a difficult time evacuating [during an emergency],” Ms den Herder told The Clinical Advisor.
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Nov 9: Understanding Alzheimer's & Dementia at Moody United Methodist Church - Register Today
Register for a talk by Alice Williams on Nov 9th, "Understanding Alzheimer's & Dementia at Moody United Methodist Church" presented by the Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.
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Study on Dementia Help Seeks Family & Provider Volunteers
A new research study on Dementia help, led by Karen Schlag, PhD, is seeking family caregivers and healthcare providers to help us learn more about the difficulties families experience when seeking professional help for dementia.
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Congratulations to Forum on Aging Poster Winners
Congratulations to all the poster winners at this year's Forum on Aging at UTMB and thanks to all participants.
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Study on Overactive Bladder Seeks Volunteers
A new research study on the latest treatments for Urinary Incontinence, led by Steve Fisher, PhD, and colleagues is seeking older adult women in the community to volunteer. We're looking for women aged 60 or older who have UI and could be at some risk of falling.
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Join us TODAY Oct 18th at 4PM for the Forum on Aging
Join us on October 18th at 4PM in Levin Hall for the 26th Annual Forum on Aging at UTMB. Download the program at the Forum web page. This event allows faculty, fellows, and students to showcase their research and inform the UTMB community about the aging research being conducted. Awards will be announced at 5PM.
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Dr. Pappadis Appointed Vice Chair, Department of Population Health and Health Disparities
Monique R. Pappadis, PhD, MEd, FACRM, has been appointed as Vice Chair for the Department of Population Health and Health Disparities. In 2022, she was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure and moved her primary appointment to the Department of Population Health and Health Disparities. She is also a faculty member within the Center for Violence Prevention. She is a Scholar and Leader in Training for the Pilot / Exploratory Studies Core at the UTMB Pepper Center.
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Join us Oct 18th at 4PM for the 26th Annual Forum on Aging at UTMB
Join us on October 18th for the 26th Annual Forum on Aging at UTMB. This event allows faculty, fellows, and students to showcase their research and inform the UTMB community about the aging research being conducted here. It is also a great networking event and opportunity to learn about the research resources available from the Sealy Center on Aging and Research Services. Monetary awards for best student and fellow posters will be given, sponsored by the Sealy Center on Aging, the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women’s Health, and Sigma Xi.
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Kenneth J. Ottenbacher PhD, OTR, Junior Faculty Research Award
The Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR Jr. Faculty Research Award is funded for the benefit of early career faculty (rank of Assistant Professor) at UTMB who are conducting research related to rehabilitation, disability, and recovery. Applications are due no later than October 20, 2023.
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Salud Pública de México Celebrates 20 Year of MHAS with Special Volume
The WHO/PAHO Center has collaborated with a team of Mexican and U.S. partners, to produce a special volume of the Journal SALUD PUBLICA DE MEXICO. The special volume celebrates 20 years of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). The Special Volume includes Editorials from leaders of key co-funders of the MHAS, the NIA/NIH Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the Mexican Statistical Bureau (INEGI). The volume includes eleven peer-reviewed papers that use MHAS data.
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The ‘Hispanic Paradox’ Intrigues a New Generation of Researchers
Part of the story about the Hispanic Paradox,” said Kyriakos S. Markides, a professor of aging at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, “is that the non-Hispanic white population is not doing as well as it should.” Markides coined the term “Hispanic Epidemiological Paradox” in a 1986 paper showing Hispanics in the American Southwest lived as long, or longer, than white people.
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Customizing Self-Management for Older Stroke Patients with Multiple Health Issues
A new study used computer analysis to understand the health problems of older stroke patients with many illnesses. Based on what they found, they created stories to make a better self-management program for these patients. Authors included Timothy Reistetter, Kimberly Hreha, Julianna Dean, Monique Pappadis, Rachel Deer, Chih-Ying Li, Ickpyo Hong, Annalisa Na, Sara Nowakowski, Hashem Shaltoni, and Suresh Bhavnani.
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New Study Looks at Association Between Cognitive Impairment and Repeat Fractures
A study by an interprofessional team of researchers including Huey-Ming Tzeng, Brian Downer, Chih-Ying Li, Mukaila A Raji, Allen Haas, and Yong-Fang Kuo investigates the association between cognitive impairment and repeat fractures.
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Uncovering Potential Side Effects of Pain Medications: A Study on Gabapentinoids in Medicare Patients
A new study by Yong-Fang Kuo, Efstathia Polychronopoulou, and Mukaila Raji investigates the safety of gabapentinoid medications used for pain management compared to opioids in Medicare patients. It reveals unexpected side effects like potential links to stroke and cancer in gabapentinoid users, suggesting the need for further research and careful consideration in prescribing these drugs
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New Community Connection Newsletter, August 2023, Issue 5
Read the latest issue of the Sealy Center on Aging Community Connection Newsletter, including a researcher highlight featuring Dr. Wong, an infographic about COVID in Mexico, information about volunteering in the community, participating in aging research, current clinical trials, and more.
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Sealy Center on Aging Trainee Receives NIA F31 Diversity Award
Congratulations to Mariela Gutierrez for receiving an F31 Diversity Award from the National Institute on Aging for her project "The Influence of Lifetime Occupational Experience on Cognitive Trajectories Among Mexican Older Adults."
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Submit Your Abstract to the Forum on Aging by Oct 3
Join us on October 18th for the 26th Annual Forum on Aging at UTMB. This event allows faculty, fellows, and students to showcase their research and inform the UTMB community about the aging research being conducted here. It is also a great networking event and opportunity to learn about the research resources available from the Sealy Center on Aging and Research Services. Monetary awards for best student and fellow posters will be given, sponsored by the Sealy Center on Aging, the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women’s Health, and Sigma Xi.
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News for Researchers from the Network for Innovative Methods in Longitudinal Studies on Aging
Read about news for researchers from the Network for Innovative Methods in Longitudinal Studies on Aging, including a workshop on community advisory boards planned for August 31, 2023, as well as consulting services available. Stay tuned for a call for pilot project proposals.
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UTMB Researchers Set to Help Clinicians Diagnose Dementia Earlier
An interprofessional team of researchers at UTMB has received a 5-year award notification from the National Institute on Aging for their multi-PI R01 project "Annual wellness visit policy: Impact on disparities in early dementia diagnosis and quality of healthcare for Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer's disease and its related dementias."
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Developing an Agenda for Population Aging and Social Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Sept 7-8 Hybrid Workshop
Please join us for a two-day public workshop to identify the most promising directions for behavioral and social science research and data infrastructure investment for studying life course health, aging, and Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias in low- and middle-income countries.
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Community Health Expo August 19 in LaMarque
Join us for a Community Health Expo on Saturday, August 19, 2023, 10 am -2 pm, at 2413 Pecos, LaMarque, TX. Presented by True Living Word Christian Church, open to all in the community.
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UTMB Sealy Center on Aging Successfully Completes Dementia Care Study
Galveston, TX - In a groundbreaking effort, the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging has achieved a significant milestone in the field of dementia care research by successfully enrolling almost 500 patients with dementia and their family caregivers in the Dementia Care Study, Supporting Individuals and Caregivers (D-CARE).
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CERCIT Data Management Workshop Oct 3-4
Please join the Office of Biostatistics for a Data Management and Analysis Core for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas Workshop to be held October 3 & 4, 2023 in Galveston.
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Join the Walk to End Alzheimer's with Team Captain Alice Williams
Please join or donate to the UTMB Internal Medicine/Sealy Center on Aging Walk to End Alzheimer’s team. Our goal is $10,000 this year. The Walk is on Saturday, October 14 at Stewart Beach in Galveston.
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Sealy Center on Aging Announces New Director
The Sealy Center on Aging is excited to appoint Rebeca Wong, PhD as its Director ad interim, starting July 1, 2023. Additionally, she has been named Co-director of the UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Adults Independence Center. Dr. Wong is an esteemed economist and population health expert with 35 years of research experience. Her career includes faculty positions at renowned universities and her current roles as the Sheridan Lorenz Distinguished Professor in Aging and Health, Associate Dean for Research, ad interim in the School of Public and Population Health, and Director of the WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center on Aging and Health at UTMB. She leads the Mexican Health and Aging Study, supported by NIA/NIH and INEGI.
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INEGI Announces MHAS Wave 6 with Press Conference
The Mexican National Institute of Statistics and Geography, known as the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía or INEGI in Spanish, hosted a press conference to announce the availability of the latest wave 6 of data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) online on July 6th, 2023. Rebeca Wong, Principal Investigator of MHAS, and others gave comments followed by a Q & A session.
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New Factsheet Infographic on Aging in Mexico: COVID-19 from MHAS
A new infographic using data from the Mexican Health & Aging Study (MHAS) discusses the challenges faced by older adults in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights how the pandemic has exacerbated existing issues related to aging in the country and emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique needs of older adults, including access to healthcare, social support, and financial stability.
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Dr. Nir Accepted to NIA Butler-Williams Program
UTMB Pepper Center Scholar Guy Nir, PhD has been selected to participate in the 2023 Butler-Williams Scholars Program. Since 1987, this program has offered an intensive experience on issues, opportunities, and challenges of research on aging, with an emphasis on disparities and health equity.
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News on Overactive Bladder and Fall Risk in Older Women
Dr. Steve Fisher & Colleagues have published a new article, "Cumulative Effects of Comorbid Burden and Overactive Bladder Symptoms on Fall Risk Among Older Women Seeking Treatment for Urogynecologic Conditions," in the journal Urogynecology. Several news outlets covered this new research.
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Doctoral Student Receives Innovative Methods Fellowship
Current PhD candidate Zachary Von Ruff, PhD, received the UTMB Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) Innovative Methods Fellowship (IMF) Award. Congrats to Zachary from your mentors & colleagues at SCOA!
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Announcing Wave 6 of the Mexican Health and Aging Study Data Release
The MHAS team is pleased to announce the highly anticipated release of Wave 6 (2021) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). This milestone marks a significant advancement in research on health and aging in Mexico. Researchers worldwide can now access and download the comprehensive MHAS data and companion codebooks, enabling them to delve into the intricate dynamics of health among the Mexican population over a 20-year period.
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The Mexican Health and Aging Study will Extend over 26 Years
The NIA/NIH has renewed the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) grant for five more years (2023-2028). MHAS is a national longitudinal study of adults 50 years and older in Mexico. The baseline survey, with national and urban/rural representation of adults born in 1951 or earlier, was conducted in 2001 with five subsequent waves of interviews through 2021.
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Caregiver and Patient Support Study (CAPSS) Seeks Volunteers
A new research study, the Caregiver and Patient Support Study (CAPSS) led by Monique R. Pappadis, MEd, PhD, FACRM, and colleagues is seeking volunteers in the community as well as among healthcare providers.
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New Video: International Variation in Treatment and Outcomes for Older Adults Hospitalized with Acute Illness: Findings from the IHSRC Investigators
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on June 7, 2023, "International Variation in Treatment and Outcomes for Older Adults Hospitalized with Acute Illness: Findings from the IHSRC Investigators," presented by Peter Cram, MD, MBA. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
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New Grant to Study Nursing Homes' Visitation Bans During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Effectiveness and Consequences led by Pepper Center Scholar
Huiwen Xu, PhD and colleagues have received funding for new study, “Nursing homes' visitation bans during the COVID-19 pandemic: Effectiveness and consequences,” from the National Institute on Aging. The 4-year study will be conducted with a team at UTMB including study PI, Dr. Huiwen Xu, Dr. James Goodwin, who also serves as Dr. Xu’s Pepper Scholar mentor, Dr. Yong-fang Kuo, and Dr. Shuang Li. Outside collaborators include Dr. John R. Bowblis and Dr. Jennifer Heston-Mullins from Miami University of Ohio.
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Share Your Science! Help Us Increase Your Online Presence
Research Investigators in the Sealy Center on Aging are invited to Share Your Science. This ongoing initiative helps faculty share information and get noticed online. In this process, the researcher receives notification that their grant is funded, or their paper published. Then, they send information to our email (aging.research@utmb.edu). We disseminate the Information to our website news and social media. Some topics are included in the Community Connection newsletter, with a mailing list that is made up of more than 800 local subscribers.
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June 14: SCI Cafe Hope on the Horizon: Advances in Alzheimer’s Research
Join the UTMB Institute for Translational Sciences on June 14th at 5:30 pm at Mod Coffeehouse in Galveston for "SCI Cafe Hope on the Horizon: Advances in Alzheimer’s Research" - a FREE community discussion led by Dr. Giulio Taglialatela from UTMB Brain Health Institute, Stephanie Fitzgerald from Alzheimer's Association and Alice Williams, MS, LBSW, from the Sealy Center on Aging.
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Dr. Xu Selected as RCCN Scholar in Multidisciplinary Research
Congratulations to Xu, PhD for selection into the Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN) Scholars Program in Multidisciplinary Research. This program targets early-career faculty with an interest in multidisciplinary aging research. Scholars participate in a longitudinal mentoring and support program to build knowledge and confidence in pursuing a multidisciplinary research program. They also build connections among scholars to promote multidisciplinary collaboration.
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Congratulations to T32 Scholars and All 2023 SPPH & GSBS Grads - Video Now Available
The UTMB School of Public and Population Health and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Commencement was held on May 19, 2023. Congratulations to all the T32 scholars who graduated this year, including Lauren Paige Downer, Robert Rodriguez, Amy Givan, Kevin Pritchard, and Derrick Gibson. Watch the commencement event online.
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UTMB Represented at the American Geriatrics Society Annual Scientific Meeting
Faculty, fellows, and students from UTMB recently attended the American Geriatrics Society Annual Scientific Meeting. They presented a total of 8 posters. Dr. Erin Hommel stated, "We had a good showing, a great time, and now have a wealth of new knowledge to incorporate."
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Learning Center for Older Adults at UTMB PCP Now Open
The Sealy Center on Aging Learning Center, located at 400 Harborside Drive in Galveston, is a free, easy-to-access resource for all community members aged 55 and older, promoting and supporting healthy lifestyles through educational talks and handouts.
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Seeking Volunteers for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Study
Postmenopausal Female Volunteers Needed for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Study. Help us better understand barriers to the management of PCOS and the metabolic risks of PCOS across the lifespan.
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Dementia Caregiver Conference June 9th in Alvin
RSVP by June 1 for a free Caregiver Conference to be held on June 9th in Alvin, TX at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Hear talks about hearing loss, dementia, Alzheimer's, and more. Stop by our table and speak to Alice Williams about our studies.
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Exercise as Play - Dr. Lyons quoted in a Recent Article
Researcher Elizabeth Lyons, PhD, MPH is quoted on exercise as play in a recent article, "Learning To Do Handstands at Age 30 Healed My Relationship to Exercise After a Lifetime of Resenting It".
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New Video: Studies of Genome Organization at the Single-Cell Level
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on May 3, 2023, "Studies of Genome Organization at the Single-Cell Level," presented by Guy Nir, PhD. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
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Special Lecture: Using the Life Course Approach to Examine the Associations Between Objective and Subjective Social Status and Health Among Older Women and Men in India by T Muhammad
Join us for a special lecture on Thursday, May 4th via Zoom: T. Muhammad, International Institute for Population Sciences will present, "Using the Life Course Approach to Examine the Associations Between Objective and Subjective Social Status and Health Among Older Women and Men in India".
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Pooja Agrawal Receives Lefeber Award
Congratulations to 4th-year medical student Pooja Agrawal, recipient of the 2023 Edward J. and Ellie Weisiger Lefeber, Sr. Prize in Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology.
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Volunteers Needed for Bed Rest Study
The purpose of the study is to identify the causes that accelerate the loss of muscle mass and function with short-term bed rest, a time frame that is modeled after what some may experience during a short hospitalization. This study seeks individuals, ages 60-85 years old with Type 2 Diabetes, not taking insulin. They are asked to attend 2 outpatient clinic visits and one 7-day in-clinic admission where 5 of those days will require complete bed rest. Interested? Contact Paula Skinkis at (409) 772-1907 or pskinkis@utmb.edu.
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Special Lecture: Early Health Conditions, Home Environments, and Educational Achievements by Han Liu
Join us for a special lecture on Monday, May 1st at noon in RSH 5.100 (or via Zoom). Doctoral Candidate Han Liu from University at Albany, State University New York will present, "Early Health Conditions, Home Environments, and Educational Achievements".
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New Video: A Non-Parametric Approach to Predict the Recruitment for Randomized Clinical Trial in Elderly Inpatient Setting
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on April 5, 2023, "A Non-Parametric Approach to Predict the Recruitment for Randomized Clinical Trial in Elderly Inpatient Setting," presented by Xiaoying Yu, PhD and Alejandro Villasante-Tezanos, PhD. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
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MSTAR Student Receives Fulbright Award
Juan D. Ventura, MS, John Sealy School of Medicine class of 2024, former MSTAR student and poster winner in the annual Forum on Aging, has been selected for a Fulbright Award to the United Kingdom.
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Machine learning helps identify older adults with cancer at high risk for adverse outcomes
Huiwen Xu, PhD, and colleagues recently published an article in JAMA. "In the long run, we hope to examine whether providing a machine learning-based tool can modify clinical decisions and eventually improve outcomes for this population," said Dr. Xu.
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Register for the Galveston County Community Forum on April 19
Join us for this community forum hosted by Alice Williams, MS, LBSW, to learn about Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory loss. Share your thoughts about how we can work with the Galveston County community.
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Dr. Milani Appointed to RCMAR Advisory Board
Congratulations to Sadaf Milani, PhD, who was invited to join the 2023 Research Centers for Minority Aging Research Scientist Advisory Board.
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Videos Now Online for the 2023 Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging
Videos are now available online for lectures in this year's Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging. Learn about current research on aging from leading researchers.
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Dr. Milani Recieves Pilot Grant in Environmental Health
Congratulations to Sadaf Milani, PhD on a recent grant award, "Environmental Exposures and Health Outcomes among Older Mexican Americans," from Gulf Coast Center for Precision Environmental Health.
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Pooja Agrawal Receives Linder Award
The recipient of the 2023 Dr. Suzanne Kneuper Linder Research Award for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research is 4th year medical student Pooja Agrawal. The Dr. Suzanne Kneuper Linder Research Award Fund is a permanent endowment in the School of Health Professions, established in memory of Dr. Suzanne Linder, former Edna Seinsheimer Levin Endowed Professor in Cancer Studies and Assistant Professor in the former Division of Rehabilitation Sciences. Funds distributed from the endowment are used to give an award to a Fellow, Student, or other Trainee working in patient-centered research. The awardee is selected by the Director of the Sealy Center on Aging in consultation with the Dean of the School of Health Professions.
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New Video: Strategies for Rejuvenating Senescent Cells by Low Frequency Ultrasound
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigators Lecture on March 1, 2023, "Strategies for Rejuvenating Senescent Cells by Low Frequency Ultrasound," presented by Michael Sheetz, PhD. Visit the Pepper Investigator's Lecture page to view the video.
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Ronak V. Shah Presents in the Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging Feb 28
Join us on February 28, 2023, at 5:00 PM for the fifth and final Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging 2023 lecture: "We Love Space. But Does Space Love You Back?" by Ronak V. Shah, DO, MBA, MP
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Call for Nominations: Dr. Suzanne Kneuper Linder Research Award for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research - DUE FEB 24
Now accepting nominations for the Dr. Suzanne Kneuper Linder Research Award for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research through February 24, 2023.
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New Video: Gaps and Opportunities in Developing a Chronic Disease Management Model of Traumatic Brain Injury
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigator's Lecture on February 1, 2023, "Gaps and Opportunities in Developing a Chronic Disease Management Model of Traumatic Brain Injury," presented by Monique R. Pappadis, MEd, PhD.
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Gulshan Sharma Presents in the Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging Feb 21
Join us on February 21, 2023, at 5:00 PM for the fourth Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging lecture: "Rearview in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned" by Gulshan Sharma, MD, MPH, FCCP.
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Pepper Scholar Neil Mehta Receives New Grant
Dr. Neil Mehta, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and current UTMB Pepper Center Scholar, was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the National Institute on Aging, "Identifying the Causes of the Stagnation in National U.S. Cardiovascular Disease Mortality".
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George A. Kuchel Presents in the Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging Feb 14
Join us on February 14, 2023, at 5:00 PM for the third Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging lecture: "UConn Pepper Center: Early Insights into Precision Gerontology and Geroscience" by George A. Kuchel, MD CM, FRCP, AGSF, FGSA, UConn Health.
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MSTAR Participants Publish Projects in International Peer-Reviewed Journals
UTMB Medical Students Mathilda Nicot-Cartsonis and Peyton Armstrong recently published their 2022 Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) projects in two international peer-reviewed journals. These accomplishments underscore the hard work and research excellence of the students as well as the success of the MSTAR program at UTMB.
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UTMB Sealy Center on Aging Completes Enrollment for Dementia Care Study
The Dementia Care Study (D-CARE) is the largest clinical trial of dementia care to date. It compares 2 ways of caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and their unpaid caregivers and aims to determine which of the programs best helps manage difficult dementia symptoms while reducing caregiver stress. 478 patients with dementia and their family caregivers have been enrolled in D-CARE at UTMB.
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Call for Pilots in Aging Research - LOIs Due March 1
The NIH-funded UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (P30 AG024832) encourages investigators at UTMB to submit pilot research proposals for translational aging research on physical function and recovery from illness in older adults. Proposals from basic science, clinical trials, patient-centered outcomes, population health, and any other area of translational research (T1-T4) are welcome.
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James S. Goodwin Presents in the Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging Feb 7
Join us on February 7, 2023, at 5:00 PM for the first Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging lecture: "Long Term Care: A Concept in Transition" by James S. Goodwin, MD, UTMB Health.
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Congratulations to Doctoral Students Receiving Scholarships
Congratulations to Doctoral students in Rehabilitation Sciences and Population Health Sciences who are mentored by researchers at the Sealy Center on Aging and receiving scholarships for this year: Kevin Pritchard, Kseniya Masterova, Kelli LaCroix, Nisha Bhattarai, Zachary Von Ruff, Yejin Kang, and Monica Hernandez.
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Alzheimer’s Association Community Leaders Summit 2023
Alice Williams was invited to talk about community partnerships at the Alzheimer’s Association Community Leaders Summit 2023 in San Diego, January 26-29. Watch her presentation online.
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AmeriCorps Seniors Honors Volunteers & Read More About the Impact of Volunteering
The AmeriCorps Seniors program hosted a volunteer appreciation luncheon on January 13, 2023 in Galveston, Texas.
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Michael S. Wolf Presents in the Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging Jan 31
Join us on January 31, 2023 at 5:00 PM for the first Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging lecture: "Optimizing Primary Care for Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions: Work of the Northwestern Pepper Center" by Michael S. Wolf, PhD, MPH, MA, Northwestern University.
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Geriatrics House Calls Team Presents at AARP Meeting
The UTMB Geriatrics House Calls team presented information about Health Promotion: Exercise, Nutrition and Blood Pressure Monitoring to over 75 older adults at the Webster AARP meeting on January 12, 2023.
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You're Invited to the Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging
You’re Invited! Join us for the annual Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging offered in person at UTMB and online. Now in its 28th year, the series honors Dr. Edward James Lefeber and his daughter, Dr. Nancy Lefeber Hughes. The series begins January 31 with five weekly Tuesday evening lectures and a reception to follow each week for those in person.
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Call for Nominations: Dr. Suzanne Kneuper Linder Research Award for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Now accepting nominations for the Dr. Suzanne Kneuper Linder Research Award for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research through February 24, 2023.
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Dr. Pappadis receives $1.1 million in funding from the National Institute on Aging to improve elder abuse screening
Congratulations to Monique Pappadis, MEd, PhD for receiving $1.1 million in funding from the National Institute on Aging to improve elder abuse screening. This 2-year project aims to create an effective screening and intervention approach, following a Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model, to improve elder abuse screening in primary care settings and prevent elder abuse while improving caregiver outcomes and training medical providers who serve this high-risk population.
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New Video: Recent Trends in the Functional Status of U.S. Adults: Evidence from the NHIS
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigator's Lecture on January 4, 2023, "Recent Trends in the Functional Status of U.S. Adults: Evidence from the NHIS," presented by Neil K. Mehta, PhD, MSc, MA.
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Dr. Rasmussen Appointed to Editorial Board for Aging Cell Journal
Dr. Blake Rasmussen, Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, has been invited to be an Advisory Editorial Board Member for the journal Aging Cell. Aging Cell (2021 impact factor: 11.005) is expanding the journal scope to now include studies evaluating the impact of translational geroscience. Dr. Monty Montano from Harvard University and Boston Pepper Center is the Editor-in-Chief. The editorial board consists of national and international leaders in the biology of aging field.
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New Video: Excess Deaths from COVID-19 Among Medicare Beneficiaries with Psychiatric Diagnoses: Community Versus Nursing Home
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigator's Lecture on December 7, 2022, "Excess Deaths from COVID-19 Among Medicare Beneficiaries with Psychiatric Diagnoses: Community Versus Nursing Home," presented by Huiwen Xu, PhD, MHA.
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PhD Students Present at Conferences
Congratulations to PhD Students mentored by Dr. Al Snih who presented at conferences this fall, including presentations by Kevin Pritchard, Kelli LaCroix, Megan Wickliff, and Khamron Michaels.
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Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Applications Due Feb 3
The Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program encourages medical students, particularly budding researchers, to consider a career in academic geriatrics by awarding short-term scholarships. Applications are due February 3, 2023.
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Dr. Pappadis Named ACRM Fellow
Congratulations to Monique Pappadis, MEd, PhD, on being named a fellow of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.
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OAIC Coordinating Center Grant Awarded to Dr. Cantu & Colleague
Congratulations to Philip Cantu, PhD, for receiving an OAIC Coordinating Center award with Co-PI Brienne Miner, MD (Yale U), “Assessing barriers to accessing sleep resources among caregivers of persons living with dementia."
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ALZ TALKS Caregiving Tips for the Holidays Dec 15
The holidays can be challenging for families facing dementia. Join us for a panel discussion with special guests regarding things to consider when planning holiday visits and traditions with your loved ones. You’ll also learn about the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and the resources and services that are available while you navigate the holidays.
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Amber McIlwain Presents Research Writing for Publication at Geri Grand Rounds
The Sealy Center on Aging's Science Writer Amber McIlwain presents, "Research: Writing for Publication" in today's Geriatric & Palliative Medicine grand rounds for the UTMB community. Contact us for the Teams link.
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Call for Pilot Applications in Gender Differences and Aging Due Jan 15
The Sealy Center on Aging and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women’s Health are accepting applications for the FY2023 Pilot Research Grant Program in Gender Differences and Aging. Submissions are due January 15, 2023.
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Save the Date for the Annual Abundant Living Conference: March 27-29, 2023
Camp Allen and UTMB’s Sealy Center on Aging invite you to the 20th annual Abundant Living Conference. This year's theme is Reconnecting with Nature. Gather with others on the journey of aging while learning from healthcare experts and spiritual leaders in the beautiful piney woods of Navasota. Experience music, nature walks, yoga, labyrinth walks, and the gifts of friendship and hospitality.
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Holiday Tips for Caregivers Virtual Talk Nov 22
Alice Wiliams will present a session in the Time-Out Tuesdays series hosted by the UTMB Resource Center. Join us on November 22nd at noon via zoom for an informative talk about Holiday Tips for Caregivers: Self-Care.
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7th Annual Workshop of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) Users
The 7th Annual Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) Users workshop was held virtually on October 17-18, 2022.
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New Video: Putting Patient-Centered Programs to the Test: The Case of Medical Visit Audio Recording by Meredith Masel
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigator's Lecture on November 2, 2022, "Putting Patient-Centered Programs to the Test: The Case of Medical Visit Audio Recording," presented by Meredith Masel, PhD, MSW
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Terms of the heart: Patients in wealthy countries face difficulties
UTMB Pepper Center Scholar Dr. Neil Mehta and SCOA Senior Fellow Dr. Peter Cram commented on why the U.S. has higher death rates after heart attacks than other countries in a recent news article in the daily newspaper for Brazoria County, Texas.
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OLLI Presentation: Be Part of the Answer - Be a Research Volunteer
In this seminar, Be Part of the Answer - Be a Research Volunteer, Alice Williams presents an overview of the different types of clinical trials, the potential benefits and risks of study participation, and the questions to ask researchers when deciding to participate.
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Congrats to Forum on Aging Poster Winners & Thanks to All Participants
The Annual Forum on Aging was held in person at UTMB on October 25, 2022. Over 100 posters were submitted. Visit the FOA home page to view this year's winning posters, download the program, and see the event photos. Congratulations to this year's winners and thanks to all participants.
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Dr. Raji Receives Two New Awards
Mukaila Raji, MD was honored with a Faculty Researcher Award at the first John Sealy School of Medicine WE Summit in October, 2022. In addition, he has been named the 2022 Internal Medicine Senior Faculty Mentor of the Year.
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Center for Metabolic Health Lecture Oct 26th
“The Impact of Aging on Cerebral Blood Flow Regulation in Humans,” is presented by Jill Barnes, PhD, Associate Professor of Kinesiology, Bruno Balke Biodynamics Laboratory, University of Wisconsin - Madison.
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Dr. Volpi in AARP - 6 Quick Home Improvements When Someone Suddenly Needs Extra Care
To make a main-floor bedroom as comfortable and safe as possible, Elena Volpi, MD, director of the Sealy Center on Aging at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, suggests removing area rugs to prevent tripping and adding night lights for middle-of-the-night bathroom trips. Make sure furniture including side tables, footstools, benches, and storage items are removed from the path to the bathroom, for example.
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Dr. Goodwin to Present Comparative Effectiveness Research in Cancer Care, DMAC CERCIT Oct 25th
James S. Goodwin, MD, George and Cynthia Mitchell Distinguished Chair in Geriatric Medicine, Sealy Center on Aging will present on Comparative Effectiveness Research in Cancer Care in the DMAC (Data Management and Analysis Core) CERCIT (Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas) Seminar Series.
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Team of MD leaders calls for phase-out of the readmissions reduction program
Dr. Peter Cram, chair of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, is one of three prominent physician health care policy leaders calling for the phasing out of the readmissions reduction program. The team’s position appeared Oct. 6 in an op-ed in Jama Network.
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OLLI Presentation Nov 1: Be Part of the Answer - Be a Research Volunteer
In this seminar, Be Part of the Answer - Be a Research Volunteer, Alice Williams presents an overview of the different types of clinical trials, the potential benefits and risks of study participation, and the questions to ask researchers when deciding to participate.
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Dr. Al Snih Receives Top Faculty Researcher Award
Soham Al Snih, MD, PhD, was honored with the Top Faculty Researcher Award at the first John Sealy School of Medicine WE Summit in October 2022. Dr. Al Snih was selected for most scholarly products, publications, and presentations for medical students produced in 2019-2022.
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Thanks for Supporting Alzheimer's Research - Donate thru December
The 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Bay Area / Galveston was a great success. Thanks to all who support this important event. The UTMB Internal Medicine / Sealy Center on Aging team has raised almost $8,000. Donate through the end of Dec.
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Researchers Receive $30 Million Award to Study Novel Rehab Program for Heart Failure Patients
With the support of a $30M grant from the NIH, researchers will lead a multi-site trial to study whether a novel physical rehab intervention improves outcomes in older patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Led by Wake Forest University School of Medicine, a team of scientists and partner institutions including UTMB will lead a Phase III REHAB-HFpEF trial to examine whether a novel physical rehabilitation intervention will reduce rehospitalizations and mortality in patients hospitalized for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
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New Video: Using National Data to Study Functional Recovery during a Skilled Nursing Facility Stay: Challenges and Opportunities by Brian Downer, PhD
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigator's Lecture on October 5, 2022, "Using National Data to Study Functional Recovery during a Skilled Nursing Facility Stay: Challenges and Opportunities," presented by Brian Downer, PhD.
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New Mexican Health and Aging Study Website Launched
The website for the Mexican Health & Aging Study has been redesigned and updated. It features improved content organization and layout and enhanced site performance/speed.
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Muscle Disuse Study Featured on i45Now
This study seeks healthy men and postmenopausal women aged 50-65. Participants are required to attend 9 study visits at the research site over a 4-5 week period and will be reimbursed for participating in this study. If you are interested in participating you can contact Sean Kilroe (spkilroe@utmb.edu 409-747-1918) or Liza Durgens (lidurgens@utmb.edu 409-772-2578).
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Volunteer for Research on Aging at UTMB
Researchers in Galveston studying physical function, strength, and recovery from illness are recruiting adult subjects for their studies. Study volunteers can learn more about their own health by participating in clinical trials. Join our mailing list to receive a quarterly newsletter with information about clinical trials, community events, volunteer opportunities, and research on aging news from UTMB.
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Submit Your Abstract to the Forum on Aging
Join us on October 25th for the 25th Annual Forum on Aging at UTMB. This event allows faculty, fellows, and students to showcase their research and inform the UTMB community about the aging research being conducted here. It is also a great networking event and opportunity to learn about the research resources available from the Sealy Center on Aging and Research Services. Monetary awards for best student and fellow posters will be given, sponsored by the Sealy Center on Aging, the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women’s Health, and Sigma Xi.
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Professorships in Aging Awarded to Drs Downer, Rasmussen & Markides
Congratulations to Brian Downer, PhD, Blake Rasmussen, PhD, and Kyriakos S. Markides, PhD on endowed professorships in aging through fall 2027.
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Dr. Milani Honored for Alzheimer’s and Aging Research
An article published by UF highlights recent accomplishments by Sadaf Milani, PhD, MPH, including the 2022 Early Career Investigator Award from the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment, the inaugural Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR, Junior Faculty Research Award, and a career development award (K01) from the National Institute on Aging.
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Dr. Al Snih Publishes Several Articles, Becomes Associate Editor of JGMS
Soham Al Snih, MD, PhD is now Associate Editor for the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences (JGMS). Her participation in the review process is instrumental in promoting high-quality science and positioning JGMS as the leading publication in the field of aging. Dr. Al Snih also recently published several new articles in Hispanic aging research.
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Trainees Earn Top Poster Awards at ICAA 2022
The 15th International Conference on Aging in the Americas (ICAA) Cognitive Aging in Mexico and Latino Communities in the United States: Deconstructing Resilience was held September 14 – 16, 2022. A predoctoral and postdoctoral trainee in SCOA earned top awards in the poster session.
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Join or Donate to the Walk to End Alzheimer's - Bake Sale & Auction 9/28
The UTMB Internal Medicine/Sealy Center on Aging Walk to End Alzheimer’s team raised almost $10,000 in 2021. We hope to exceed that goal this year. Join team captain Alice Williams at the walk this year on Sat. Oct. 8 at Stewart Beach in Galveston. A Bake Sale & Virtual Cake Auction will be held on Sept. 28. Donate or join our team today!
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Thanks to our AmeriCorps Seniors
The UTMB Sealy Center on Aging has supported Americorps Seniors (RSVP of Galveston County) since 2002. We are honored and committed to supporting such meaningful outreach and engagement among the senior community. Learn more about volunteering today.
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UTMB Pepper Center Awards 2 New Developmental Awards
Two new developmental projects were awarded to Alejandro Villasante-Tezanos, PhD with Xiaoying Yu, PhD, and Guy Nir, PhD by the Pepper Center beginning Fall 2022. Dr. Nir has also been invited to be a Sealy Center on Aging Fellow.
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Elizabeth Lyons Speaks to NPR About Physical Activity
Elizabeth Lyons of the University of Texas Medical Branch said some people love video games because there's a lot of unpredictability and surprise. Lyons tries to mimic these characteristics in her own fitness game designs. As part of her research, she created a Facebook page to help motivate older women in Galveston, Texas, to go for daily walks. To keep the participants on their toes, she posts fun challenges on the page. “A lot of the things we've been trying to do with challenges is to bring back a sense of childlike wonder," she said – "kind of like what you get when you're exploring a video game world for the first time."
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UTMB Pepper Center Appoints New Scholar
Congratulations to new Pepper Scholar Yunfeng Chen, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Pathology. His research areas include Mechanobiology, Vascular biology, Hemostasis, and thrombosis, as well as Protein dynamics.
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UTMB Pepper Center Awards 2 New Pilot Projects
Two new pilot projects were awarded to Hoang T. Nguyen, PhD, and Michael Sheetz, PhD by the Pepper Center for 2022-2023.
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New Video: Overview of Aging Research at SCOA
Please see new video, "An Overview of Research on Aging at the Sealy Center on Aging," a special presentation at the weekly Geriatrics Medicine Conference by James S. Goodwin, MD, Brian Downer, PhD, and Huiwen Xu, PhD.
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No One Dies Alone Program Seeks Volunteers
Medical Student in Aging Research participant Mathilda Nicot-Cartsonis leads No One Dies Alone (NODA) at UTMB, an organization that matches volunteers with end-of-life patients who have no friends or family to visit them.
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Geriatric Nurses Receive President's Cabinet Award
Congratulations to Jennifer Young, Jessica den Herder, and Tammie Michael, House Call Nurse Practitioners in the Division of Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine, on being selected for the 2022 President’s Cabinet Award to fund their proposed project, “Improving Hurricane Preparedness in Galveston County Home Bound”.
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Liver Disease Among Older Mexican Americans
Past UTMB Medical student Ronan P Allencherril has published a new paper with mentors from the Sealy Center on Aging, "Liver Disease Among Mexican Americans Aged 67 Years and Older".
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Save the Date for the 25th Annual Forum on Aging
Join us on October 25th for the 25th Annual Forum on Aging at UTMB. This event allows faculty, fellows, and students to showcase their research and inform the UTMB community about the aging research being conducted here. It is also a great networking event and opportunity to learn about the research resources available from the Sealy Center on Aging and Research Services. Monetary awards for best student and fellow posters will be given, sponsored by the Sealy Center on Aging, the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women’s Health, and Sigma Xi.
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Sadaf Milani Receives Ottenbacher Award
We are pleased to announce that the 1st recipient of the Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR, Junior Faculty Research Award is Assistant Professor of Geriatrics, Dr. Sadaf Milani. Dr. Milani is a former T32 Health of Older Minorities Postdoctoral Trainee at the Sealy Center on Aging and a current UTMB Pepper Center Scholar. The Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR Jr. Faculty Research Award is funded for the benefit of junior faculty at UTMB who are conducting research related to rehabilitation, disability, and recovery.
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Dr. Xu Appointed President-Elect of CHPAMS
Dr. Huiwen Xu, Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine and Population Health and UTMB Pepper Center Scholar has been appointed President-Elect of the China Health Policy and Management Society (CHPAMS).
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Join the Walk to End Alzheimer's with Alice Williams
Please join the UTMB Internal Medicine/Sealy Center on Aging Walk to End Alzheimer’s team. We hope to exceed our goal of raising $10,000 last year. The Walk is on Saturday, October 8 at Stewart Beach in Galveston.
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Lunch & Learn for Seniors: Physical Activity & Aging
The final presentation in our recent Lunch & Learn series was held on July 28th at Grace Episcopal Church in Galveston. Jake Trione and John Adiletta from TriFitness Gym presented to 50 attendees about Physical Activity & Aging. We appreciate their generosity to SCOA in making our Lunch and Learn series a success.
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Researchers Attend Annual Pepper Meeting
Researchers from the Sealy Center on Aging and UTMB Pepper Center attended an annual meeting presented by the Coordinating Board of the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center in April 2022. Attendees from UTMB included Elena Volpi, Blake Rasmussen, Rafael Samper-Ternent, Erin Hommel, Sadaf Milani, Neil Mehta, Andrew Murton, and Huiwen Xu.
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Hurricane Preparedness Lunch & Learn for Seniors
The Sealy Center on Aging is offering a summer series of Lunch & Learn programs for older adults in association with Seaside Seniors, a group that meets weekly in Galveston. On July 7th, Nurse Practitioners provided Hurricane Preparedness kits and information about the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR program) for the elderly and disabled.
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SCOA Redesignated as PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre
The Sealy Center on Aging at UTMB has been redesignated as a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Collaborating Centre through 2026.
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Dr. Wong Appointed as the Sheridan Lorenz Distinguished Professor in Aging and Health
Rebeca Wong, PhD, has been appointed as the Sheridan Lorenz Distinguished Professor in Aging and Health in the School of Public and Population Health through June 2025. Dr. Wong is a Professor in the School of Public and Population Health; Director of the WHO/ PAHO Collaborating Center on Aging and Health; and Associate Director of the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center as well as the Sealy Center on Aging.
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Mechanomedicine of Aging Symposium to be held on campus and webcast July 1st
A Mechanomedicine of Aging Symposium is planned for July 1st on campus and via webcast featuring presentations from members of the Sealy Center on Aging and Pepper Center at UTMB. All UTMB researchers are invited.
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Alice Williams Participates in Caregiver Conference
The Sealy Center on Aging participated in the Positive Caregiving conference hosted by the Alzheimer's Association: Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter at United Way of Greater Houston on June 23rd, 2022. Alice Williams, MS, LBSW participated in a panel discussing How to Improve Resilience in Caregiving.
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AmeriCorps Seniors Serve the Community
AmeriCorps Seniors are busy assisting the community in Galveston County. The Salvation Army made a call for help with serving dinner to those in need. AmeriCorps Seniors/RSVP director Ritchie Adoue and volunteers were able to answer the call.
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UTMB Doctoral Students Receive Awards
Current MD/PhD candidate Kelli LaCroix won second place in the recent UTMB T1-T4 3-minute thesis challenge. In addition, current Rehabilitation Sciences doctoral student Jason Johnson, BS, is the recipient of the 2022-2023 Jeane B. Kempner Predoctoral Fellowship Award. Congrats to both from your mentors & colleagues at SCOA.
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Lunch & Learns for Older Adults in the Community
The Sealy Center on Aging is offering a series of Lunch & Learn activities for the public in association with the Seaside Seniors, a group that meets weekly in Galveston. Join us for a series of lunchtime talks about important topics for older adults.
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Positive Caregiving Conference by Alzheimer's Association (Hybrid) June 23
Caregivers are invited to join Alice Williams from the Sealy Center on Aging and colleagues for a hybrid conference on June 23rd. Learn how to cultivate optimism, improve your inner strength, and support systems to build resilience.
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Reminder: Call for Pepper Center RL5 Scholar Applications - Due July 1
The UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center encourages UTMB investigators to submit RL5 scholar applications. The Research Education Component engages early-stage investigators in a mentored research experience to support the development of externally funded research. Deadline: July 1, 2022.
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Video from i45Now about MoTrPAC at UTMB
The MoTrPAC research study is the largest effort to date, aimed at understanding how physical activity improves health and prevents disease. The main goal of the MoTrPAC is to gain a better understanding of how the body changes with physical activity. This will help researchers and doctors to prescribe tailored exercise programs in the future. View a new video about the study.
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NIH Working Group on Integration of Behavioral and Social Sciences Issues Report
During the National Institutes of Health Council of Councils Meeting in May, a report from the Working Group on Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Integration was presented and approved by the Council. It was prepared by a working group chartered by the NIH Council of Councils including Dr. Rebeca Wong from UTMB.
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What your metabolic age really says about your health
As we age, we could benefit from adding more protein to our diet. It's also one of the slowest macronutrients to digest, a 2008 study by the University of Texas Medical Branch explains, which means as well as helping to improve your metabolism, you'll also stay fuller for longer and gradually learn how to eat less.
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Want to lose weight? Doctors say it’s time to stop counting calories - MoTrPAC featured on TODAY Show
See a video from the TODAY Show in a segment from June 6th to learn about MoTrPAC (Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium). MoTrPAC is a research study and one of the largest efforts to study physical activity involving universities, medical centers, researchers, and most importantly, participants from all over the country.
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Dr. Al Snih Appointed Assistant Dean for Doctorate Foundational Curriculum at SPPH
Soham Al Snih, MD, PhD, Senior Fellow of the Sealy Center on Aging, has been appointed Assistant Dean for Doctorate Foundational Curriculum at the UTMB School for Public and Population Health. She will oversee PhD curricula and PhD foundational courses, assess program changes, and monitor doctoral student progress and professional development for PhD students.
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Wilma Afunugo Selected for Lefeber Award
Congratulations to former MSTAR graduating medical student Wilma Afunugo, this year’s recipient of the Edward J and Ellie Weisiger Lefeber, Sr Prize in Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology.
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Deciding Whether to be Part of a Study? Research Participation: You Make the Difference - June 16
How do you know if participating in a research trial is right for you? What difference does your participation make to you and to others? Join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the Sealy Center on Aging for this important presentation to learn what is involved in a clinical trial, get an overview of the potential benefits and risks of study participation, and learn questions to ask researchers when deciding to participate.
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Learn about the Future of Parkinson's Disease Research - SPARX3: June 20
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you’ll want to attend this seminar and learn about SPARX3 research Monday, June 20, at 10 AM-Noon at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Presenters: UTMB Sealy Center on Aging Researchers, Summer Chapman, and Jessica Spahn.
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Why Does Health in the U.S. Continue to Lag Behind - Special Supplemental Issue in Gerontology
Dr. Neil K. Mehta, current scholar in the UTMB Pepper Center and Associate Professor in the School for Public and Population Health is a guest editor of “Why Does Health in the U.S. Continue to Lag Behind,” a special supplemental issue of The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. Several news outlets covered the release of the supplemental issue.
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Announcing the SCOA Community Connection
Connect with us to receive research information, community education, and volunteer opportunities in an email or traditional print newsletter format, approximately every three months. Unsubscribe at any time.
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Memorial Service for The Rev. Dr. Helen W. Appelberg June 11
The Rev. Dr. Helen W. Appelberg (née Helen Marie Waller) died April 21, 2022 on Galveston Island. She was a Visiting Scholar at Sealy Center on Aging at UTMB in Galveston and was later appointed Director of the Center for Spirituality in Aging. During this time, she also began an annual three-day conference at Camp Allen, “Abundant Living,” which celebrated its 18th year this May. A memorial service for the Rev. Dr. Helen W. Appelberg will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 22nd & Winnie Streets, Galveston, Texas, with the Rt. Rev. Jeff Fisher officiating and the Rev. Susan Kennard preaching. A reception will be held in Eaton Hall following the service.
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Call for Plots in Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer - Due May 27
The Data Management and Analysis Core for Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) on Cancer in Texas is looking for investigators in Texas academic and research institutes interested in conducting CER on cancer to submit pilot grant proposals.
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Guest commentary: Help battle osteoporosis, the 'silent thief'
Known as the “silent thief,” osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens bones to the point where they break easily. Read more from Elena Volpi, MD, PhD in this guest commentary in the Galveston Daily News. Learn more about the STEP-HI Study at UTMB.
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In Memoriam: Doug Paddon-Jones, PhD, FACSM
Professor Douglas Paddon-Jones, PhD, FACSM passed away in August 2021 after a brief and aggressive illness. He was well-respected as a researcher and educator who sought the improvement in human health through the study of muscle mass regulation and function.
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UTMB Researchers: Call for Pepper Center RL5 Scholar Applications - Due July 1
The UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center encourages UTMB investigators to submit RL5 scholar applications. The Research Education Component engages early-stage investigators in a mentored research experience to support the development of externally funded research. Deadline: July 1, 2022.
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Kseniya Masterova Awarded TL1 Fellowship
UTMB MD-PhD student Kseniya Masterova has been awarded a predoctoral training fellowship supported by the Institute for Translational Science TL1 Training Core. Elena Volpi, MD, PhD is her primary and clinical research mentor and Blake Rasmussen, PhD is her basic science mentor.
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Call for Pilots in Aging Research - LOIs Due May 23
The NIH-funded UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (P30 AG024832) encourages UTMB investigators to submit pilot research proposals for translational aging research on physical function and recovery from illness in older adults. Proposals from basic science, clinical trials, patient-centered outcomes, population health, and any other area of translational research (T1-T4) are welcome.
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Dr. Pappadis Named Elite Reviewer for ACRM
Monique Pappadis, MED, PhD has been named an Elite Reviewer for 2021 for the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, once more. She is 1 of 29 reviewers or the top 3% with this designation. Elite status designation reflects the number, timeliness, and quality of reviews for the Archives in 2021. Congratulations, Dr. Pappadis!
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New research: Mexican immigrants have to work longer due to inadequate social security benefits
A new journal article by Rebeca Wong, PhD and colleagues, Migration, work, and retirement: the case of Mexican-origin populations, is highlighted in an article at USC Price, New research: Mexican immigrants have to work longer due to inadequate social security benefits.
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H-EPESE Presentation Aril 27, 2022
Please join us for the Secondary Data Analysis Seminar Series: Identifying Data Sources for High Impact Research as Drs Al Snih and Markides present, “The H-EPESE: Longitudinal Study of older Mexican Americans” sponsored by the Department of Population Health and Health Disparities on April 27th at Noon.
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Dr. Raji Presents at Geriatric Medication Safety Symposium
Dr. Raji was the Plenary Speaker at the 2022 Geriatric Medication Safety Symposium this month. He presented, “Opioid and Benzodiazepine Substitute Use in Older Adults Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic.”
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UTMB Researchers Attend PAA2022
UTMB researchers are presenting their work this week at the Population Association of America Annual Meeting. Sealy Center on Aging & UTMB Pepper Center members represented include Rebeca Wong, Brian Downer, Rafael Samper-Ternent, Neil Mehta, Matthew Miller, Phillip Cantu and Sadaf Milani. Population Health Sciences Doctoral Students Monica Hernandez and Mariela Gutierrez, who are mentored by our members, also presented their work.
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Pepper Center Hosts Advisory Board
The UTMB Pepper Center hosted its external advisory board on March 31, 2022, with members Karen Bandeen-Roche, PhD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Thomas M. Gill, MD, Yale School of Medicine (via Zoom), and Stephen Kritchevsky, PhD, Wake Forest University Health Sciences (via Zoom). The agenda included a welcome from UTMB leaders, and an introduction from Pepper Center Director Elena Volpi, MD, PhD with Co-director Rebeca Wong, PhD. An open discussion for future plans was held prior to drafting a final report. Current scholars also gave presentations.
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Fundraising for Community Education
The Sealy Center on Aging recently accepted a donation of over $4,700 from TriFitness Gym in Clear Lake from their annual fundraiser. The funds will be used for community education activities for local seniors.
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The Dementia Care Study Reaches Enrollment Goal
The Dementia Care Study (D-CARE), a nationwide clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of different approaches to caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, has reached its recruitment goal. UTMB is one of the participating locations. The researchers expect to complete the trial in 2024, with results to be published in 2025.
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2022 Abundant Living Conference
Camp Allen and UTMB’s Sealy Center on Aging invite you to the 19th annual Abundant Living Conference May 24th - 26th, 2022. Reconnect with others on the journey of aging while learning from health care experts and spiritual leaders in the beautiful piney woods of Navasota. Experience music, nature walks, yoga, labyrinth walks, and the gifts of friendship and hospitality.
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Hospital Deaths from Other Causes Up Among Seniors During COVID, New Study Finds
Although COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has seized headlines recently, people are still dying of other causes. Recently, researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch, sought to answer this question. The authors published their findings in the online journal JAMA Network Open. Their article, "Hospitalizations and Mortality From Non–SARS-CoV-2 Causes Among Medicare Beneficiaries at US Hospitals During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic," appears in the March 9 issue of the journal. The study specifically looked at how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected the hospital care of patients without SARS-CoV-2 illness. Click the title above to read more about this important study.
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Video Now Online: Research Education, More than Just Training
A recording of the latest Pepper Investigator's Lecture, "Research Education: More Than Just Training" presented by Melodi Moore & Heidi Lutz, CRA is now available at the UTMB Pepper Center website.
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Videos Now Online: Lefeber Winter Series on Aging
The Lefeber Winter Series on Aging, now in its 27th year, features nationally recognized gerontology research educators, basic scientists, clinicians, and social scientists. Videos of the 2022 series are now available online at the Sealy Center on Aging website.
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Geriatric Fellow Publishes Two New Papers
Geriatric Fellow Dr. Shivani Priyadarshni has published two new peer-reviewed publications with mentorship from members of the Sealy Center on Aging & UTMB Pepper Center: "COVID-19 Infection and Incidence of Myocarditis: A Multi-Site Population-Based Propensity Score-Matched Analysis" in Cureus and "Association of Medication-Assisted-Therapy with New Onset of Cardiac Arrhythmia in Patients Diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorders" in ScienceDirect.
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Warona Mathuba Receives Linder Award
The recipient of the 2022 Dr. Suzanne Kneuper Linder Research Award for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research is 3rd year medical student Warona Mathuba. The Dr. Suzanne Kneuper Linder Research Award Fund is a permanent endowment in the School of Health Professions, established in memory of Dr. Suzanne Linder, former Edna Seinsheimer Levin Endowed Professor in Cancer Studies and Assistant Professor in the former Division of Rehabilitation Sciences. Funds distributed from the endowment shall be used to give an award to a Fellow and/or Student and/or other Trainee working in patient-centered research. The awardee is selected by the Director of the Sealy Center on Aging in consultation with the Dean of the School of Health Professions.
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Time-Out Tuesdays: Communication When Dementia is Involved - February 22nd
Alice Williams, MS, LBSW, Community Education Specialist for the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging is presenting in the "Time Out Tuesdays" series hosted by the UTMB Health Resource Center about "Communication When Dementia is Involved" via Zoom on February 22, 2022.
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Wear Red Day 2022
Alice Williams, Community Education Specialist for the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging provided education about heart health to the participants and staff at Libbie's Place Senior Day Program.
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New Grant to Study Non-pharmacologic Pain Intervention vs Prescription Opioids
Kevin Thomas Pritchard, MS has received funding for his F31 project, “Determinants and effectiveness of non-pharmacologic pain interventions versus prescription opioids” from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Sponsors include members of the Sealy Center on Aging, Drs. Baillargeon, Kuo, and Raji. Pritchard is a PhD student in the Rehabilitation Science Program and an AHRQ T32 trainee.
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Save the Date: Lefeber Winter Series on Aging Online Jan 25 - Feb 22, 2022
The Lefeber Winter Series on Aging, now in its 27th year, features nationally recognized gerontology research educators, basic scientists, clinicians, and social scientists. All lectures will be held via Zoom. RSVP required for password. Lectures are open to everyone.
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A featured article in JAMDA by Dr. Goodwin and colleagues looks at the rise in full-time providers in US nursing homes
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association by Drs. James S. Goodwin, Yong-Fang-Kuo, and Mukaila Raji from the Sealy Center on Aging and others looked at the number of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who practice full time in nursing homes. Providers working full time in the nursing home is associated with better health outcomes for the approximately 1.3 million Americans who are residents in nursing homes.
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The Mexican Health and Aging Study Turns 20
The 6th Annual Meeting of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) Users took place October 27-29, 2021 (Virtual), in collaboration with the Mexican National Institute of Geriatrics. The MHAS is turned 20 this year!! The MHAS started its first baseline in 2001, following up a cohort of 15,000 persons aged 50 and older in Mexico. MHAS has been hosted at UTMB since 2008, with special thanks to the support from SCOA and the WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center at UTMB.
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Dr. Deer Receives new COVID-19 Funding
Congratulations to Dr.Deer on new COVID-19 funding from the Institute for Human Infections & Immunity at UTMB, "Symptom-Based Phenotyping of PASC Patients: Translation to Patient Triage and Treatment"
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Donation Drive for Local Seniors - Through Dec 8
Annual donation drive benefitting Galveston area seniors. Please donate items from our list or make tax-deductible monetary contributions by December 8, 2021. Collection boxes are located at Rebecca Sealy Hospital 1st & 2nd floor. Sponsor a senior $40, or any amount. Contact us for more info.
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Congratulations to Winners in the 24th Annual Forum on Aging
Congratulations to the winning poster authors and thanks to all who participated in the 24th Annual Forum on Aging at UTMB. You can view winners and photos and download this year's program at the SCOA website.
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UTMB Pepper Center Awards 3 New Pilot Projects
Three new pilot projects were awarded to Peter Cram, MD, Tse-Chuan Yang, PhD, and Sagar Gaikward, PhD by the Pepper Center for 2021-2022.
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Substantial Mental Health Impact From COVID-19 Measures Found in New Research by former SCOA Postdoc
"We hope that this study highlights the disproportionate effect of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, sex as a priority in research on the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for interventions to address these sex disparities in the consequences of the pandemic,” said Dr. Sadaf Milani, Assistant Professor in Geriatrics at UTMB and a former Postdoctoral Trainee in the T32 Health of Older Minorities Program at SCOA.
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Join us for the 24th Annual Forum on Aging: New Location - Levin Hall Dining Room
Join us Wednesday at 5 PM - 7 PM at Levin Hall Dining Room for the 24th Annual Forum on Aging at UTMB. The program is available online (only) this year on our website.
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UTMB Internal Med & SCOA Team Raises $9K for Alzheimer's
The 2021 Internal Medicine / Sealy Center on Aging Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team hit the sand Saturday, October 9th at Stewart Beach to support the fight to End Alzheimer’s. Thanks to the generosity of the UTMB and surrounding community for contributing to our cake auction, making donations, and supporting our walkers. Congratulations to the Champion Walkers that raised $500 or more, including Alice Williams, Susan Minello, Mukaila Raji, Melissa Lockhart, Rafael Samper-Ternent, and Eleanore Wuthrich.
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Submit Your Abstract to the 24th Annual Forum on Aging at UTMB
The Forum on Aging is an opportunity for faculty, fellows, & students to showcase their research at UTMB. Network & learn more about resources available from SCOA and Research Services. Monetary awards for best student & fellow posters, co-sponsored by Sigma Xi.
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Call for Seed Projects for Aging Collaborations Between UTMB and UT Austin
We invite teams of investigators from the University of Texas, Austin Center on Aging & Population Sciences, and the University of Texas Medical Branch Pepper Center / Texas RCMAR to submit collaborative proposals for seed projects to be completed during the period from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. An introductory meeting is planned for October 1, 2021.
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Dr. Wong Presents Keynote at the 2021 International Conference Series on Aging in the Americas
Rebeca Wong, PhD is presenting a keynote address, "About Resilient Aging – Evidence using the Mexican Health and Aging Study," in the 21st International Conference Series on Aging in the Americas: Resilience and Aging in the Americas. This virtual conference is scheduled for Sept 23 and 24 from 1 pm CST to 5pm CST each day, including sessions on defining resilience and early career mentoring.
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Dr. Samper-Ternent presents about Alzheimer's in i45 Now's Health Care Unmasked Sept 23
The next Health Care Unmasked will take place this Thursday, 9/23 at noon with Drs. Giulio Taglialatela & Rafael Samper-Ternent. They will be discussing Alzheimer's disease and the latest research and clinical care.
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Dr. Downer Appointed Co-Director of Translational Research Scholars Program
Brian Downer, PhD, has been appointed Co-Director of Translational Research Scholars Program in the Institution of Translation Sciences at UTMB.
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Dr. Deer Presents about Covid Recovery
Today at noon, Dr. Rachel Deer will present as part of the Infectious Diseases & Immunity Colloquium Series, “The Long Road to COVID-19 Recovery: UTMB Post-COVID Recovery Clinic Research Updates”.
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UTMB Awarded $2.9 million for State-wide Data Management and Analysis Core for Comparative Effectiveness Research
As part of $142 million in new grants, the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas, (CPRIT) announced on August 18, 2021 an award of $2,936,731 to Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Community Health and Director of the UTMB Office of Biostatistics. The award supports the establishment of a state-wide resource, The Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC) for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas, at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
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COVID-19 Presentation Aug 16th on Zoom
UTMB’s Institute for Translational Science and the Sealy Center for Environmental Health & Medicine invites you to participate in a conversation on “Setting the Record Straight: Separating COVID and Vaccine Myth from Fact” featuring Scott Weaver, PhD and Rachel Deer, PhD.
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Pepper Call for Pilot LOIs Due Aug 5
The Pepper Center encourages UTMB investigators to submit pilot research proposals in the areas of aging, physical function, and recovery from illness in older adults. The deadline for a letter of intent is August 5, 2021.
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Article Selected One of Ten Best of 2020 by AJE
An article published in the American Journal of Epidemiology has been selected by Editors as one of the 10 best of 2020. The article by Jacqueline Torres and colleagues uses data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study.
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Pepper OAIC Funding Opportunities
The OAIC National Coordinating Center for the Claude D. Pepper Older American Independence Centers has announced funding opportunities including multi-center and freezer RFAs.
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UTMB Pepper Center Offers Research Support
UTMB researchers have the opportunity to request core support services from our Pepper Center by visiting our website. Services include support for researchers whose research is in line with the Center’s mission: To improve physical function and independence in older adults.
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Melissa Lockhart Presents in UTMB's "Time-Out" Session, “Exploring Senior Living and Long Term Care Options”
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Melissa C. Lockhart, PhD, APRN, GNP-BC was recently invited to present, “Exploring Senior Living and Long Term Care Options," in the weekly "Time-Out" Session hosted by the UTMB Health Resource Center on July 21, 2021, at noon on Zoom. Dr. Lockhart is currently involved in the Dementia Care Study (D-CARE).
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Featured Article in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
An article by researchers in the Sealy Center on Aging was selected as a featured article in the July 2021 issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. "Association of Occupational and Physical Therapy With Duration of Prescription Opioid Use After Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Medicare Enrollees" by Kevin T. Pritchard, MS, OTR, Jacques Baillargeon, PhD, Mukaila A. Raji, MD, MS, Lin-Na Chou, MS, Brian Downer, PhD, and Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD.
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Dr. Pappadis Receives 2021 ACRM Early Career Outstanding Mentor Award
Monique R. Pappadis, MEd, PhD was selected as the recipient of the 2021 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) Early Career Outstanding Mentor Award.
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"All of Us" Research Program - UTMB Health Policy Dialogue June 16, 2021
The UTMB Office of the President presents an online Health Policy Dialogue on the “ALL of US” Research Program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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Dr. Ottenbacher Transitions to Professor Emeritus
Dr. Kenneth Ottenbacher, with over 25 years of exceptional contributions to UTMB, retired as of January 31, 2021. He served as Vice Dean of the School of Health Professions from 1995 to 2001 when he became the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Sciences. Dr. Ottenbacher was appointed as Associate Director in the Sealy Center on Aging in 1998 and has served as a member leadership of the UTMB Pepper Center.
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Nicole Huang Selected for Lefeber Award
Congratulations to former MSTAR graduating medical student Nicole Huang, this year’s recipient of the Edward J and Ellie Weisiger Lefeber, Sr Prize in Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology.
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Dr. Spratt Selected for Distinguished Faculty Award
Heidi Spratt, PhD was selected by the Graduate Student Organization at the recent Commencement of the Graduation School of Biomedical Sciences at UTMB to receive the 2021 Distinguished Faculty Award.
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Dr. Al Snih Selected for Distinguished Teaching Award
Soham Al Snih, MD, PhD was selected by the Graduate Student Organization at the recent Commencement of the Graduation School of Biomedical Sciences at UTMB to receive the 2021 Distinguished Teacher Award.
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Dr. Downer Awarded New NIH/NIA Grant
Brian Downer, PhD has been awarded a multi-year grant from the National Institute on Aging for a grant titled, "The influence of social and cultural context on life course pathways for Alzheimer’s disease, related dementia, and care resources for older Mexican adults."
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Texas RCMAR ICAA Call for Abstracts Due June 7, 2021
Save the Date: UTMB in partnership with UT Austin, UCLA, and USC will host the 2021 International Conference on Aging in the Americas. Submit abstracts through June 7, 2021.
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Proud to Support the RSVP Program of Galveston
Americorps Seniors are volunteers over the age of 55 who engage in a variety of volunteer activities, within Galveston County, identified through the RSVP Volunteer Program, sponsored and supported by UTMB’s Sealy Center on Aging for over 19 years. Learn more about this exciting program today.
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Dr. Lyons Invited to NIH Health Promotion in Communities Study Section through 2025
Elizabeth Lyons, PhD, MPH, has been invited to serve as a member of the Health Promotion in Communities Study Section, Center for Scientific Review at the NIH. Dr. Lyons was nominated because of her demonstrated competence and achievement in her scientific discipline as evidenced by the quality of her research accomplishments, publications in scientific journals, and other significant scientific activities, achievements and honors.
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Video Now Available: Using Medicare Data to Study the Impact of SARS-Co-V on Older Americans
A video from the recent Pepper Investigators Lecture presented by James S. Goodwin, MD, is now available, "Using Medicare Data to Study the Impact of SARS-Co-V on Older Americans".
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Volunteers Needed for the Study in Parkinson Disease of Exercise Phase 3 Clinical Trial: SPARX3
The Study in Parkinson Disease of Exercise Phase 3 Clinical Trial: SPARX3 is now recruiting research participants. We are seeking volunteers to participate in a clinical research trial to learn more about the effects of aerobic exercise on people with Parkinson’s disease.
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April 22 - Living with Dementia presented by Melissa Lockhart & Alice Williams
Learn how to get older the healthy way with a Health Chat series, part of the Beyond the Books Spring 2021 program at Helen Hall Library. The series is led by Alice Williams, Community Educator at the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging with guest speakers. Join us ONLINE January 28, Feb 25, March 25, April 22. Click title for more details.
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Dr. Samper-Ternent Awarded CTSA Diversity Supplement Grant
Congratulations to Rafael Samper-Ternent, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Geriatric Medicine & Scholar in the UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center on a new two-year CTSA Diversity Supplement grant funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.
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March 27 - The Gathering Place Brain Fair in Brazoria County
Alice Williams is participating in The Gathering Place Brain Fair on March 27, 2021, 9am-Noon at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds. Come out and learn about UTMB's D-CARE study supporting individuals with dementia and their family caregivers.
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Dr. Samper-Ternent Contributes to Videos en Español for People with Dementia and their Caregivers about COVID-19, Research and More
In collaboration with Université Laval and SilverScience20, Dr. Rafael Samper-Ternent is working with Dr. Julie Faieta to present videos about topics for people with dementia and their caregivers. Three videos are now available: "State of the Science: Does COVID-19 Impact Risk of Developing Dementia?", "Quick Tips for Dementia Caregivers: COVID-19 Vaccine", and "State of the Science: Participating in Research."
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March 25 - Galveston Alzheimer's Association Community Forum
Galveston Alzheimer's Association Community Forum Thursday, March 25th at 4pm: Join us to learn about Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory loss and share your thoughts about how the Alzheimer's Association can help people in your community.
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March 25 - Nourishing Your Body and Mind presented by Rae M. Kretzmer MS, RD, ACSM-CPT
Learn how to get older the healthy way with a Health Chat series, part of the Beyond the Books Spring 2021 program at Helen Hall Library. The series is led by Alice Williams, Community Educator at the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging with guest speakers. Join us ONLINE January 28, Feb 25, March 25, April 22. Click title for more details.
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Dr. Samper-Ternent Honored by IMPACT Collaboratory
Through a competitive process, Rafael Samper-Ternent, MD, PhD has been invited to IMPACT Collaboratory’s first annual Training Workshop and Retreat, “Building Skills to Conduct Embedded Pragmatic Clinical Trials for People Living with Dementia”, on April 7-8, 2021. Congratulations, Dr. Samper-Ternent!
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Data Sciences & Discovery Pilot Grants Application Due: April 30, 2021
CALL FOR PILOT PROPOSALS aimed at developing and/or utilizing state-of-the-art quantitative/data science methodologies and technologies to address aging-related research questions.
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UTMB Public Health Symposium - Submit Abstracts by March 10
All UTMB students, postdoctoral fellows, medical residents, staff, and faculty, as well as community members, are encouraged to share their public health-related projects and experiences by participating in the Symposium’s poster session on April 7, 2021.
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The Future of Aging Research is NOW! - Register by March 4th
Older Adults are invited to sign up for this informative series from OLLI. Be the first to know about emerging research being conducted by UTMB’s Sealy Center on Aging (SCOA) and some of the multidisciplinary investigations which SCOA directs. Sign up by calling 409.763.5604
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Nurses deliver COVID vaccines to homebound patients
Geriatric Nurse Practitioners Jennifer Young and Tammie Michael helped dozens of homebound people in Galveston County receive their second doses of COVID-19 vaccinations last week during the difficult weather.
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Dr. Pappadis Named Elite Reviewer
Monique Pappadis, MEd, PhD has been named as an Elite Reviewer for the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for 2020. Elite status designation reflects the number, timeliness, and quality of reviews for the Archives in 2020 as judged by the editors.
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UTMB Health Chat Series with Alice Williams at Helen Hall Library
Learn how to get older the healthy way with a Health Chat series, part of the Beyond the Books Spring 2021 program at Helen Hall Library. The series is led by Alice Williams, Community Educator at the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging with guest speakers. Join us ONLINE January 28, Feb 25, March 25, April 22. Click title for more details.
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March 8, 2021: Abundant Living Conference ONLINE
Join us for the Abundant Living Conference online this year. We look forward to connecting with you and miss seeing you at camp. March 8, 2021, 10AM-noon.
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Dr. Wong Joins NIH Working Group of the Council on Behavioral & Social Sciences Research (BSSR) Integration
Rebeca Wong, PhD has been invited by the chair of the NIH Council of Councils to join a newly formed working group of the Council on Behavioral & Social Sciences Research (BSSR) Integration.
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A Snapshot of Current US Medical School Off-Ramp Programs— a Way to Leave Medical School with Another Degree
Norma Perez Raifaisen, MD, DrPH, Sealy Center on Aging Fellow, has published "A Snapshot of Current US Medical School Off-Ramp Programs—a Way to Leave Medical School with Another Degree," with colleagues at 3 other US medical schools. They discuss ways to help medical students who discover that an MD degree is not the right career path for them.
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Dr. Hreha Earns Travel Award from the American Federation for Aging Research
Kimberly P. Hreha, EdD, OTR/L, is the recipient of a highly competitive travel award from the American Federation for Aging Research.
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Dr. Deer Earns ITS Provost's Scholar Award
Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences Rachel Deer, PhD, recipient of the Institute for Translational Sciences Provost’s Scholar Award for her proposal, "Feasibility Study of Multimodal Interventions to Accelerate Recovery and Improve Quality of Life in COVID-19 Survivors."
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SAVE THE DATE: Lefeber Winter Series Starts Jan 26
The Lefeber Winter Series on Aging, now in its 26th year, features nationally recognized gerontology research educators, basic scientists, clinicians and social scientists. This year all lectures will be ONLINE. Register to receive virtual meeting details.
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Beyond Health: United Nations Announces a New Initiative to Improve the Lives of Older People, Their Families and Communities
Beyond Health: United Nations announced a new initiative to improve the lives of older people, their families and communities. The initiative approaches different aspects of life including health services as well as other aspects of society such as employment and demand good and services.
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Dr. Li Receives AOTF Early Career Research Excellence Award
Chih-Ying (Cynthia) Li, PhD, OTR, Department of Occupational Therapy, is a new recipient of the AOTF Early Career Research Excellence Award. Dr. Li had a pilot project in the UTMB Pepper Center.
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Staff & Senior Volunteers Distribute Gifts to Seniors
Sealy Center on Aging staff and members of the Americorps Senior program of Galveston County assisted with distributing 40 gift cards to local seniors during the holidays. Also in December, Education Specialist Alice Williams gave a presentation, “Understanding Social Isolation and its Health Effects,” at Parson’s House Assisted Living in La Porte, TX.
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New Coronavirus Variant Found In U.K. What Does It Mean For The World? - Dr Menachery is Interviewed
Dr. Vineet Menachery, a leader in the Metabolism and Biology Resource Core of the UTMB Pepper Center, was interviewed by Ari Shapiro on, "All Things Considered," at NPR regarding the new strain of COVID-19 found in the UK.
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D-CARE Study Benefits Patients in Unexpected Ways
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, are enrolling participants in the Dementia Care (D-CARE) Study to determine the effectiveness of various types of care for dementia. One such story, related by Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Melissa C. Lockhart, PhD, APRN, GNP-BC, involves a person with dementia who was enrolled in the D-CARE Study.
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Video Now Online: Pepper Investigator's Lecture - Patient Priorities Care by Aanand D. Naik, MD
A video is now available online for the Pepper Investigator's Lecture on December 3, 2020, "Patient Priorities Care: Aligning Decisions and Care with Patients' Health Priorities," presented by Aanand D. Naik, MD, Professor and Robert J. Luchi, MD, Chair in Geriatric Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine.
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Rahul Shah Receives Linder Award
The Sealy Center on Aging and the School of Health Professions presented the Dr. Suzanne Kneuper Linder Research Award for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research to 4th-year UTMB medical student Rahul Shah on November 25, 2020.
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5th Annual MHAS Users Workshop Event a Virtual Success
For the 5th time, the annual Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS/ENASEM) seminar for users of the data was organized in collaboration with the Mexican National Institute of Geriatrics (Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, INGER). A trademark of this meeting is the time devoted for questions and answers. Thirty institutions were represented, including 15 from Mexico and 15 from US, Canada, Netherlands, and Cuba.
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Study in Parkinson's Disease of Exercise - UTMB Clinical Site
UTMB is participating as a clinical site for the Study in Parkinson's Disease of Exercise Phase 3 Clinical Trial. The SPARX3 (NCT04284436) study is the first randomized control trial designed to investigate the effects of moderate- and high-intensity aerobic exercise on disease progression in untreated patients with Parkinson’s.
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Using Big Data to Understand Care for Hip Fractures
A multidisciplinary team of physicians, rehabilitation specialists, nurses, and data scientists looked at hip fractures. Using a visual analytical method, the team was able to identify subgroups who shared pre-existing conditions and map out how these could lead to a higher risk of readmissions.
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Sunset Concert at the Bay - Fundraiser Held for the Dementia Respite Care
The outdoor concert raised money for the St. Vincent's House Dementia Respite Program which started as a pilot in 2019 with UTMB Geriatrics and has been funded for two years through a 2020 President's Cabinet Award led by Erin Hommel, MD, Melissa Lockhart, PhD, APRN, GNP, and Andrea Wirt, MSN, GNP.
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Texas RCMAR Call for Pilot Applications Due January 15, 2021
The Texas Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) will be accepting applications for pilot funding for the academic year (07/01/21 to 06/30/22) until January 15, 2021.
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Dr. Pappadis Publishes New Qualitative Study on TBI Among Immigrants
Monique Pappadis, MEd, PhD has published a new article, "Soy diferente: a qualitative study on the perceptions of recovery following traumatic brain injury among Spanish-speaking U.S. immigrants."
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GSA Honors Dr. Ottenbacher with The Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award
Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR has been selected to receive The Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award for 2020 at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting. The award is designed to acknowledge outstanding contributions in the field of the rehabilitation of aging individuals. A lecture in the name of this award is part of the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting Online and will feature an address by Dr. Ottenbacher on November 5, 2020.
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Aging in Mexico: Frailty MHAS Factsheet
A new factsheet from Dr. Wong and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) is now available. Download Aging in Mexico: Frailty MHAS Factsheet 20-3 October 2020 at the WHO/PAHO website.
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Internal Medicine/SCOA Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® Team Raises Over $8,000
Thank you all for joining the Walk on October 17, 2020 and for supporting our team under the able leadership of our Co-Captains—Alice Williams & Kayla Shamburger. Kudos to Alice and Kayla for doing an outstanding job of organizing the team and raising over 8K for the Alzheimer's Association, an important step in winning the fight against Alzheimer's.
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2020 President's Cabinet Award: Respite Care for Geriatric Patients - UTMB Geriatrics and St. Vincent's House
Erin Hommel, MD, Melissa Lockhart, PhD, APRN, GNP, and Andrea Wirt, MSN, GNP were awarded a 2020 President's Cabinet Award. Caregiver burden is significant for families of geriatric patients. Following the success of a 2019 collaboration between the UTMB Geriatrics Department and the St. Vincent’s House Clinic, this project seeks to expand free respite care to all UTMB campuses.
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Multidisciplinary Development of Walk and Talk Videos to Increase Physical Activity Among Diverse Older Women
New School of Health Professions / School of Nursing Grant: Multidisciplinary Development of Walk and Talk Videos to Increase Physical Activity Among Diverse Older Women. Annalyn DeMello PhD, MPH, RN (SON) Elizabeth Lyons, MPH, PhD (SHP), and Monique Pappadis, MEd, PhD (SHP) were awarded a fiscal year 2021 SHP/SON grant for a new project that aims to increase physical activity in older women.
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Dr. Deer Leads Research Arm of Post-COVID Recovery Clinic at UTMB
Rachel Deer, PhD is leading the research arm of a new Post-COVID Recovery Clinic at UTMB. Recovery from COVID-19 is posing a new set of challenges for patients and physicians alike. The Post-COVID Rehabilitation Clinic has a multidisciplinary team from a broad range of specialties to address the issues of COVID-19 aftercare. Make an appointment by calling (832) 632-6666.
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COPD readmissions reduction program decreases 30-day hospital readmission, may increase mortality
“An important concern is the current penalties for readmission do not to take into consideration the impact on mortality. Reducing readmissions may inadvertently affect minority and disadvantaged patients. These patients are not only at higher risk for readmission, they may also be at higher risk of dying,” said senior author Dr. Gulshan Sharma, director of the Division of Pulmonary Critical Care & Sleep Medicine.
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UTMB Researchers: Call for Pepper Center RL5 Scholar Applications - Due 10/9
The UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center encourages UTMB investigators to submit RL5 scholar applications. The Research Education Component engages early-stage investigators in a mentored research experience to support the development of externally funded research. Deadline: October 9, 2020.
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UTMB Researchers: Call for Pepper Center Pilot Project Proposals - Due 9/25
Proposals from any domain of translational research (T1-T4) are welcome. Projects will be funded for one year, with total annual direct costs not to exceed $50,000. LOI Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2020
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Members of the Sealy Center on Aging Serve the Community
Ritchie, Alice and Candy continue to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic by volunteering to feed those in need.
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Sealy Center on Aging Postdoc Joins Geriatrics at UTMB
Sadaf MIlani, PhD has joined the UTMB Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, as an assistant professor and BIRCWH scholar focusing on pain, prescription opioids, and cognition, among older women.
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In the news: Opioid prescriptions after knee, hip replacement on rise, study finds
United Press International: Research conducted at UTMB found that 90 percent or more of people undergoing total knee or hip replacement in 2017 received a prescription for opioid pain relievers within 60 days of surgery, up from 82 percent three years earlier.
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Drs. Raji, Kuo & team publish new article on Opioid use in JAMA
Mukaila Raji, MD and Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD with their team published, "Opioid Use and Pain Control After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in the US, 2014 to 2017," in JAMA on July 30, 2020. Fourth year medical student Rahul Shah was the first author on the article.
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Drs. Raji & Kuo receive $1.42M in second round of funding to study Opioid prescribing
Mukaila Raji, MD and Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD received a second round of funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH for grant, "Effectiveness, toxicity and safety of opioid and benzodiazepine substitutes," through 2024.
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Dr. Pappadis receives funding from the National Institute on Aging to study Geriatric TBI
Monique R. Pappadis, PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, has been awarded a new grant from the National Institute on Aging for her 5-year project, "Chronic Care Management of Geriatric Traumatic Brain Injury."
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UTMB Pepper Center Receives $6.3M in Fifth Round of Funding
The National Institute on Aging has announced $6.3M in continued funding for the UTMB Pepper Center for the next five years (through June 2025). Funded since 2000, the Center has focused on helping older adults improve muscle strength and regain function after an illness.
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New Press Release: Strategies to Reduce Injuries and Develop Confidence in Elders
The eagerly awaited results for the Strategies to Reduce Injuries and Develop Confidence in Elders (STRIDE) Trial are now available in the New England Journal of Medicine. This was a team effort among multiple institutions and health care systems across the US.
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Research Continues In-hospital and Post-discharge
The Volpi/Deer hospital research team has been recruiting for in-hospital and post-discharge studies since late April 2020 when Phase 1 research came back online after the COVID19 shutdown. They are currently recruiting for two randomized clinical trials investigating pragmatic interventions to slow muscle loss during hospitalization and accelerate recovery of physical function after discharge.
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Pepper OAIC Webinars of Interest
Researchers are invited to join two upcoming webinars from The Pepper Coordinating Center. July 10 - Succeeding in aging research during the pandemic: a webinar for research fellows and junior faculty. July 15 - Spotlight on AGS20 Virtual Sessions: Preventing Serious Fall Injuries: Primary Findings from the STRIDE Study.
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Dementia Care Study Progress (DCARE)
The DCARE Study has recruited 20% of the target sample and that we are now ready to include participants that only speak Spanish into the study. Are you caring for someone experiencing memory problems? Enrollment is ongoing. Contact us today. Call (409) 266-9641.
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Alice Williams Participates in The Longest Day
Alice Williams participated in the Longest Day fundraiser on June 20th. Alice rode her bicycle at sunrise and sunset along the beautiful back roads by Galveston's West Bay to honor family caregivers of people with dementia. She raised $1,000 to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.
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UTMB COVID-19 Research Virtual Workshop - COVID-19 in Older Adults
The Chief Research office and UTMB CTSA in collaboration with UTMB infectious disease research community hosted a COVID-19 Research Virtual Workshop to facilitate learning and discussion around critical research questions related to the pandemic. On Thursday June 11, researches from the Sealy Center on Aging gave presentations about COVID-19 in older adults.
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Dr. Watowich COVID-19 Research Collaboration News
As the world continues dealing with the pandemic, an international team of computational scientists, medicinal chemists, biochemists, and virologist, led by Texas researchers, are working to rapidly identify drug like molecules that stop SARS-CoV-2.
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Dr. Li Publishes Article on Post-Acute Care
Dr. Cynthia Li and colleagues published a new scientific article, "Impact of Self-Care and Mobility on One or More Post-Acute Care Transitions". This paper is a result of a pilot project from the UTMB Pepper Center previously awarded to Dr. Li.
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Dr. Ko Publishes Article on Stroke
Dr. Mansoo Ko and colleagues published a new scientific article, "Gait Deviation Associated with Absent Terminal Stance Phase in People with Stroke." Dr. Ko is a past recipient of a pilot project from the UTMB Pepper Center.
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RSVP of Galveston County Continues to Help the Community
The RSVP of Galveston County continues to help the community. Alice Williams and Ritchie Adoue have teamed up to be back-up volunteers for the local Meals on Wheels program. Catherine Cooksley, a retired member of the Sealy Center on Aging and volunteer with the RSVP Program, also helps deliver meals. Each month, Ritchie Adoue serves dinner at Salvation Army.
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Lefeber Prize Awarded to Usama Jazzar
Congratulations to former Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) graduating medical student Usama Jazzar, this year’s recipient of the Edward J and Ellie Weisiger Lefeber, Sr Prize in Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology.
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Welcome, New MSTAR Program Participants
The Sealy Center on Aging welcomes three students in the Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program this summer. Welcome, Lan Vu, Michael Sewanaku, Sun Paek.
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Aging in Mexico: The Most Vulnerable Adults
A new factsheet from Dr. Wong and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) is now available. Download Aging in Mexico: The Most Vulnerable Adults MHAS Factsheet 20-2 May 2020 at the WHO/PAHO website.
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Dr. Cantu Presents Special Lecture: “Living Arrangements of Older Mexican Americans”
April 20, 2020 at noon: Sealy Center on Aging & Health of Older Minorities Special Lecture, “Living Arrangements of Older Mexican Americans," presented by Phillip A. Cantu, PhD, Project Director, Texas Resource Center for Minority Aging Research and the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly.
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Dr. Li Receives New NIH/NICHD and AOTF Grants
Former UTMB Pepper Center Pilot award recipient Chih-Ying (Cynthia) Li, PhD, Dept of Occupational Therapy has been selected to receive a 2 year AOTF grant and a 5 year NIH/NICHD grant award.
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Dr. Ottenbacher Receives New NIH/NIA Grant
Dr. Ottenbacher received a new 5-year grant from the NIH/NIA, titled “Academic Leadership Award in Data Science and Discovery” (K07AG064031)
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Lefeber Winter Series Videos Now Available
Announcing the availability of online videos from the 25th Annual Lefeber Winter Series on Aging at UTMB. Watch 5 one-hour videos from this year's selection of experts, and browse previous recordings.
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Presentation on Navigating Resources for Local Providers
Community Education Specialist Alice Williams, LBSW, MS and others visited HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland on February 27, 2020 where they presented “Navigating the Resource Jungle – Tips and resources for quickly finding care and services in our community” at the Community Assistance Providers of Galveston County (CAPGAL) monthly meeting.
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17th Annual Abundant Living Conference
One hundred seniors from across Texas came together in the piney woods of Camp Allen to celebrate aging abundantly through fellowship, learning, being in nature, fishing, music, yoga and much more March 2-4, 2020 at Camp Allen, Navasota, TX.
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2020 Texas Senior Corps Association Conference, Thanks to Ritchie Adoue
RSVP Program Director Ritchie Adoue hosted coordinated the 2020 Texas Senior Corps Association Conference here in Galveston on February 26 – 28, 2020.
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Melissa Lockhart is President Elect of GAPNA
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Melissa C. Lockhart, PhD, APRN, GNP-BC is President Elect of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) Gulf Coast Region (Dallas, Brownsville, San Antonio Region). She will take office in July, 2020. Dr. Lockhart is currently involved in the Dementia Care Study (D-CARE) supported by the Sealy Center on Aging at UTMB.
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Sarcopenia associated with increased cardiometabolic risk
“Loss of lean body mass and function with aging decreases the amount of metabolically active tissue, which can lead to insulin resistance,” Elena Volpi, MD, said at the World Congress on Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. “Insulin resistance reduces muscle protein anabolism and accelerates sarcopenia, perpetuating a vicious cycle.”
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Alice Williams Visits Gulf Parkinson's Source Meeting
Community Education Specialist Alice Williams, LBSW, MS, visited Gulf Parkinson's Source (GPS) meeting on February 6, 2020 where she presented about current research at SCOA, UTMB resources for community education & caregiving, and the Abundant Living Conference.
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Melissa Lockhart Presents in UTMB's "Time-Out" Session
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Melissa C. Lockhart, PhD, APRN, GNP-BC was recently invited to present, "Protect Your Loved Ones. Obtain the Forms Everyone Should Have," in the weekly "Time-Out" Session hosted by the UTMB Health Resource Center on February 5, 2020 at 2pm in Jennie Sealy 2.506A. Dr. Lockhart is currently involved in the Dementia Care Study (D-CARE).
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Alice Williams Presents About Opportunities for Seniors
Community Education Specialist Alice Williams, LBSW, MS visited Greater St. Matthews Baptist Church where she gave a presentation about the annual Abundant Living Conference and the RSVP of Galveston County. She also presented about current opportunities to participate in aging research at UTMB.
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Video: Dr. Markides Presents Update on Hispanic EPESE
Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly: An Update Presented by Kyriakos S. Markides, PhD, Professor, Annie and John Gnitzinger Professor of Aging; Editor, Journal of Aging and Health
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Dr. Lyons Receives Aging Professorship
Congratulations to Elizabeth J. Lyons, PhD, MPH, on new professorship: the Grace Bucksch Gnitzinger Distinguished Professorship in Aging.
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Dr. Pappadis Collaborates with Chronic Brain Injury Task Force on Special Issue
Monique Pappadis, MEd, PhD collaborated with the Chronic Brain Injury Task Force of American College of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) on a special issue of Brain Injury Professional.
Events
- Feb 20:
- Winter Series: Dr. Ranka
- Feb 21:
- MSTAR Applications Due
- Feb 21:
- Pepper Grand Rounds: Dr. Downer
- Feb 25:
- Winter Series: Drs. Cano-Gutierrez and Parodi
- Feb 26:
- Pepper Investigators Lecture: Dr. Brown
- Feb 27:
- Biostatistics Webinar: Dr. Polychronopoulou
- March 6:
- RCMAR Red Hot Research
- March 13:
- Deadline to Submit Abstracts for GSA 2025
- March 14:
- Deadline to Register for RCMAR Annual Meeting
Contact Us
Sealy Center on Aging (SCOA)
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0177
Directions and Maps
Phone: (409) 747-0008
Email: aging.research@utmb.edu