Duke University Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development

Examples of ongoing clinical research programs include an extensive program on pharmacogenetics which studies use of medications by the elderly. Epidemiologic studies defining problems of drug use have been conducted via the Piedmont Health Survey, and an intervention to improve appropriateness of prescribing has been designed and tested in a randomized controlled trial. Another major randomized control trial of the Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit is being conducted by affiliated GRECC investigators and drug utilization in this trial is also being assessed. Clinical trials are also being conducted by our program in metabolic bone disease studying both osteoporosis and Pagets disease of bone.

At the interface of basic and applied research we are studying the impact of biologic markers of inflammation (cytokines) on functional status and disease, in our Piedmont Health Survey of the Elderly. There are also important collaborative research programs with the Bryan Alzheimer's Center, the Stedman Nutrition Center, and the Duke Center for Living.