0
0
ARLINGTON, TX – Scientists at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) have launched a groundbreaking study aimed at unraveling the complexities of aging. The Arlington Study of Healthy Aging (ASHA) will investigate how lifestyle factors, such as diet, environment, and social connections, impact health decline in older adults.
Researchers are currently recruiting 600 volunteers, aged 50 to 80, from Tarrant County to participate in this ambitious project. The study will employ advanced imaging techniques, genetic analysis, and physiological assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of the aging process.
“What’s unique about our study is that we’re focusing on the entire individual,” explained Michael Nelson, lead investigator and director of UTA’s Center for Healthy Living and Longevity. “Other studies tend to focus on very specific parts of the body, like the brain or the blood vessels. But we are taking a fully encompassing approach—looking across the entire body from head to toe.”
Participants will undergo two days of testing at UTA. The first day will involve a full-body MRI, capturing detailed images of the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. On the second day, researchers will assess blood vessel function, memory, and physical performance, as well as collect a blood sample.
The study, which will utilize UTA’s Clinical Imaging Research Center (CIRC) and next-generation gene sequencer, aims to provide valuable insights into age-related health decline. Researchers also emphasize the community engagement aspect of the project.
“We are excited to have so many community members visit our campus and interact with our amazing students, faculty, and staff,” said Jon Weidanz, senior associate vice president for research and innovation at UTA and a co-investigator on the project.
The study is expected to take four years to complete, with researchers then analyzing the vast amount of data collected. The findings will be anonymized and made available to future researchers, contributing to scientific understanding for decades to come.
“In addition to the volunteers who donate their time to the project, the long-term success of ASHA will be due to the hard work and dedication of all the co-investigators, research scientists, support staff, graduate students, and undergraduate research assistants,” Nelson said.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals interested in participating in the study should contact the researchers directly for more information. Participation in the study is voluntary, and results may vary. The information provided is based on the provided press release and may be subject to change as the study progresses.
