Annual Report 2009
Center for Healthy Aging
Center for Healthy Aging
Annual Report 2009 3 Healthy Aging? 7 Center for Healthy Aging 8 Organization and Management 11 12 14 17 18 21
Research Programs Program 1a – Cellular Stress and Aging Program 1b – Neurobiology of Aging Program 2 – Muscle and Matrix Program 3 – Body and Life Program 4 – Society, Culture and Health Care Policy Program 5 – Health Promotion and Innovation
22 IARU – International Research Cooperation 24 Selected Publications 25 Joint Activities 26 Outreach and Awareness
© Center for Healthy Aging, Copenhagen 2010. Graphic design: Signs & Wonders. Cover photo: Christoffer Regild. Print: Arco Grafisk.
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Photo: Christoffer Regil d
Healthy Aging? Aging is an integral part of human life. It affects all facets of living, including physical, mental, and social aspects. Our lifestyle, our health, and our longevity are directly or indirectly linked to aging. Therefore, aging is one of the most important areas of concern among leaders of countries on all five continents, as well as for the United Nations and its agencies (i.e., World Health Organization, WHO). In accordance with these universal trends and initiatives and our national societal priorities, we are inaugurating the Center for Healthy Aging (CEHA), described herein. The Center will carry out research on the foundations of healthy and active lives,
and how the adverse effects of age-related biological changes and chronic diseases can be minimized. The research conducted by the Center will provide new knowledge, which will nurture health and lifespan in the population. According to WHO experts, “health” is defined as physical, mental and social well-being. They have also indicated that aging is not only a biological process, but it occurs within a social context as well. Because we age while surrounded by our friends, relatives or coworkers, the societal aspects of aging cannot be separated from
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its biological features. The average population of each nation is also changing, and estimates are that by the year 2050 the globe will be inhabited by more than 2 billion elderly persons. It is our task to assure that these aging men and women remain as healthy as possible, that they remain active members of society, and that they do not suffer from diseases of aging.
Foundation. During 2009, we recruited 46 researchers and research staff. In addition, 43 researchers from the University of Copenhagen are participating in the Center’s five research programs and its multidisciplinary projects. When operating at full-scale, more than 100 scientists will participate in research focused on biomedical, social, and psychological causes of healthy aging.
Aging is complex and relatively poorly understood. Obviously, we must expand our understanding of the cell and molecular biology and various biological pathways underlying aging. Social factors and life style play important roles in aging and individual lifespan and these complex interactions within populations must be also elucidated. Recent research suggests that endogenous and exogenous stress throughout life affects the aging process. In some individuals, improved conditions, genetic factors and favorable social conditions later in adult life can compensate for damage early in life.
Successful multidisciplinary research is an immense challenge and, to ensure its success, the mission of the Center must be clearly defined. The Center conducts research on interactions between humans and their environment, social conditions, and life choices. Therefore, the Center will adopt an integrated holistic approach, in order to solve complex environmental and societal problems. Integration of multiple traditional disciplines will provide novel perspectives and critical insights. To be successful, all necessary steps must be taken to encourage collaborations, enhance exchange of information, promote synergies between the participating groups, and enable joint efforts involving different competencies, technologies, and traditions. With this in mind, excellent scientists from diverse backgrounds are being actively recruited to lead the way in interdisciplinary aging research.
One central question to be asked is: to what extent does the specific genetic makeup of a human being contribute to healthy aging and long life, and how do social class, life style, education etc. impact this process? An important contribution of CEHA will be to address this question and to develop guidelines and schemes for healthy aging. To achieve this goal, CEHA will adopt an integrated multidisciplinary approach, combining basic biology and clinical research with population studies. Importantly, the Center will, in collaboration with other Institutions, assemble a comprehensive database of molecular, clinical, nutritional, therapeutic, and lifestyle data and make this database available to researchers, governmental agencies, politicians and the general public. These data will be archived in an easily searchable form, and will, hopefully, spur collaborative research efforts. CEHA is an interdisciplinary research Center, based at the University of Copenhagen, which was established on 1 January 2009 using large scale funding from the Nordea
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In order to ensure that aging research in Denmark continues to meet high international standards well into the future, we expect to play a significant role in educating and training the next generation of scientists. We expect these young investigators to fulfill a central strategic niche in the Danish research, and to help bridge the gap between clinical and basic science. Therefore, CEHA is an important component of aging research, that will undoubtedly play a key role in addressing a priority public health issue in Denmark and beyond: namely, Healthy Aging.
Ulla Wewer, Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences Lene Juel Rasmussen, Managing Director
Key persons in CEHA
Professor Lene Juel Rasmussen Program 1a
Professor Vilhelm Bohr Program 1a
Professor Martin Lauritzen Program 1b
Professor Michael Kjær Program 2
Professor Flemming Dela Program 2
Associate Professor Erik Lykke Mortensen Program 3
Professor Allan Krasnik Program 4
Associate Professor Lene Otto Program 5
Professor Thomas Soderqvist Program 5
Center Administrator Tina Gottlieb Center Secretariat
Professor Kirsten Avlund Program 3
Our aim is to be recognized as one of the leading centers in the world in the area of interdisciplinary aging research. In addition to providing and developing strong research competencies, the Center will play a key role in establishing international collaborations, such as IARU.
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Photo: Anders Clausen
“In my opinion, CEHA has some unique features providing some special opportunities. It is based on a broad and comprehensive approach to aging as it includes disciplines spanning from molecular approaches, physiological approaches, and social and epidemiological studies. This allows for cross fertilization and broad collaborations and to develop bed to bedside strategies and intervention. Our goal is to find ways to alleviate the burden of age associated diseases for the individual and for the society, and thus strive towards achieving a more healthy aging. Since most hospital admissions are because of age associated disease, this would also greatly reduce cost for health care.“ Vilhelm A. Bohr, Laboratory Chief, National Institute on Aging, National Institute on Health Affiliated Professor, University of Copenhagen International expert for CEHA
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Center for Healthy Aging The Center for Healthy Aging (CEHA) was established in 2009 to promote new avenues of research and education focused on a lifespan approach to healthy aging. The Center is anchored at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, where it currently involves a strong network of independent laboratories. As soon as possible, CEHA will move to a centrally located new building, associated with the Faculty of Health Sciences. The Administrative Core of CEHA is expertly and efficiently led by Tina Gottlieb and her co-workers and staff. In August 2009, I was recruited as Managing Director to coordinate all Center activities and I am pleased to say that CEHA has established itself as a well functioning interdisciplinary research center in record time. The Center is multidisciplinary, spanning a broad spectrum of approaches, from the molecular and cellular level to individuals, culture and society. CEHA is organized around five research programs: • Molecular Aging and Neurobiology of Aging (Teamleaders: Lene Juel Rasmussen, Vilhelm A. Bohr, and Martin Lauritzen), • Skeletal Muscle Metabolism (Teamleaders: Michael Kjær and Flemming Dela), • Life Course Perspective on Aging (Teamleader: Kirsten Avlund), • Health Care Policy and Preventive Medication (Teamleader: Allan Krasnik), as well as • Health Promotion, Communication and User-driven Innovation (Teamleaders: Lene Otto and Thomas Söderqvist).
Each of these research programs will help increase our knowledge of the aging process, and determine how more people can live healthy lives and enjoy a better life in old age. One of CEHA's major goals in 2009 was to recruit internationally-recognized experts on aging to join the Center. Therefore, it is a pleasure to report that Professor Ian D. Hickson from University of Oxford joined CEHA on 1 January 2010. Ian Hickson has a broad and longstanding involvement in the field of DNA repair and molecular aging, and he has made outstanding scientific contributions to the field. Another goal of CEHA in 2009 was to initiate groundbreaking cross-disciplinary research on aging and agingrelated health issues. On 13 March 2009 the Center celebrated a one day kick off seminar and began planning interdisciplinary projects across research programs. The seminar program included presentations from an international group of invited speakers and all five CEHA program leaders. The day opened with the speech “Aging Research Areas of Common Interest and Focus” by Professor Vilhelm Bohr, NIH, USA. The kick off seminar was a great success, and it inspired many of the interdisciplinary projects listed below. It has been a great pleasure to play a role in cultivating enthusiasm for CEHA and strong commitment from the researchers who will make this Center a success. It has been especially encouraging to see the high quality of the interdisciplinary projects initiated in 2009, which we will continue to pursue in 2010. Lene Juel Rasmussen, Managing Director
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Dean
Managing Director
International Scientific Advisory Board
Executive Committee
Secretariat
Steering Committee
Program Leader
Program Leader
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Program Leader
1b
Research Groups
Program Leader
Program Leader
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Research Groups
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4 Research Groups
Research Groups
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Program Leader
Research Groups
5 Research Groups
Organization and Management The Center organization includes a Managing Director, a Steering Committee, an Executive Board, an International Scientific Advisory Board, Program Leaders and administrative staff. Steering Committee The role of the committee is to discuss and ensure research progress, economy and recruitment, as well as to plan research and disseminate activities, etc. The Committee members are leaders of the research programs: • Managing Director Lene Juel Rasmussen (Head of the Committee and Program leader of Program 1a) • Professor Martin Lauritzen (Program 1b) • Professor Michael Kjær (Program 2) • Professor Kirsten Avlund (Program 3) • Professor Allan Krasnik (Program 4) • Associate Professor Lene Otto (Program 5) Executive Board The role of the Executive Board is to plan Center activities, approve budgets, ensure milestones, evaluate research progress and review new research initiatives. The members are the Dean, the Managing Director, two principal investigators representing Program 1+2 and Program 3+4+5 respectively, as well as one international principal investigator. The members are: • Dean Ulla Wewer (Head of the Board) • Managing Director Lene Juel Rasmussen • Professor Michael Kjær (Program 1+2) • Associate Professor Erik Lykke Mortensen (Program 3+4+5) • Professor Vilhelm Bohr (international principal investigator, NIH, USA) International Scientific Advisory Board The role of the Board is strategic planning, including recruitment, feasibility, progress, and development of the Scientific Program. Such planning play an important role in optimizing Center performance. The board will also
propose criteria for evaluating scientific progress and success, assist in establishing suitable external collaborations, both domestic and international, and advise on scientific goals. Finally, the Board will advise the leadership to ensure that the research programs meet the highest international standards and achieve optimal scientific impact. The International Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) was appointed during 2009. It includes nine distinguished scientists, representing a broad scientific base that covers the Centers research areas. SAB is crucial for the Center’s scientific development. The Board will meet once a year in Copenhagen. The SAB can be consulted for advice at any time (i.e., in between annual meetings). The SAB members are: • Professor Ian Deary, Edinburg University • Professor Rudi Westendorp, Leiden University Medical Center • Professor Jan Vigh, Albert Einstein College of Medicine • Professor Leona Samson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Professor Diana Kuh, MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Aging and MRC National Survey of Health and Development • Professor Tone Tonjum, Oslo University • Professor Steve Iliffe, University College of London • Professor Sara Arber, University of Surrey, Guildford • Professor David G. Nicholls, Buck Institute for Age Research Center administration Administrative staff manage logistics of Center activities and help coordinate research activities and programs. The secretariat is centrally located at the Panum Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences. It includes: Tina Gottlieb, Center Administrator; Anders Østergaard Kronland, Economy Officer; Line Damberg, Student Assistant; Mikael Møller, Communication Assistant.
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research Programs
Program 1A
Research Program 1a
Cellular Stress and Aging A major hypothesis of aging is that oxidative processes gradually damage cellular macromolecules leading to defects in energy metabolism in mitochondria. Normal metabolic processes generate potentially deleterious reactive oxygen species leading to oxidative damage and inflammation, which increase with age and may contribute to senescence. Aging is associated with low-grade elevation of circulating inflammatory cytokines, which leads to disease-associated morbidity and mortality. However, it is presently unclear whether chronic inflammation is a consequence of deregulation of the immune system in older individuals or if it is a consequence of increased cell stress and cellular senescence. We are studying oxidative stress using various model systems and approaches, one of which exploits human progeroid diseases, such as Werner’s syndrome, Cockayne syndrome and Sjøgrens syndrome, that are characterized by premature aging. We are examining whether oxidation and inflammation are particularly prominent and whether cellular stress
causes major increases in aging-related parameters. This is done by examining oxidation of DNA and other macromolecules and by measuring mitochondrial functions such as respiration and energy output in cell lines and in cells and materials from individuals affected by a progeroid disease or normal controls. A clinical protocol was developed for studying these parameters in blood samples obtained from the Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank (CAMB) cohort, which is associated with the CEHA center. This cohort, and additional studies of this cohort, are described in research Program 3. We are asking whether cellular oxidation increases with aging and whether it is significantly increased in patients with frailty and cognitive deficiencies, which are clinical entities associated with aging. We will coordinate our studies with MRI scanning studies performed in Program 1b and muscle function studies in Program 2. These studies encompass molecular, clinical and epidemiological approaches.
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Program 1b
Research Program 1b
Neurobiology of Aging The research program on Neurobiology of Aging uses animal models and human clinical samples to examine how aging influences brain function. Brain metabolism is energy-intensive, so that minor errors in energy metabolism (with or without genetic factors) that disrupt the supply of oxygen can have severe impact on brain function. In this study, researchers will identify age-related factors that affect nerve cell function, energy consumption and oxidative stress in the brain, shedding light on how fluctuations in oxygen and glucose in the brain could contribute to premature aging, impaired brain function and neurodegeneration. In human studies, brain scanning methods will be used to explore markers of brain function in persons with or without signs and symptoms of mild dementia. We will look for network activity that correlates with perception, attention and problem-solving, and identify unique patterns of activity associated with dementia. Furthermore, the clinical neurobiology research group will develop new tools to identify unique sleep patterns in persons with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The goal is to develop markers for progressive disease, so that preventive or therapeutic interventions can be implemented.
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Program 1b
Program 2
Research Program 2
Muscle and Matrix Aging skeletal muscle metabolism Physical inactivity and the lack of muscle use increase the risk of many aging-associated chronic diseases, including the phenotypically complex disease known as metabolic syndrome. Biomarkers associated with metabolic syndrome will be evaluated in healthy and diseased individuals at different life stages and after perturbations including reduced physical activity. Candidate biomarkers include cytokines in the GH/IGF-1 and/or NF-kB pathways, estrogen and testosterone, the ubiquitinproteosome system, ROS and lipofuscin. These and other candidate biomarkers will be evaluated in individuals with or without signs of muscle atrophy and with or without specific co-morbidities. The effect of periods of physical activity or physical inactivity will be monitored, as well as the effect of nutritional or pharmacological interventions. We will impose a period of physical inactivity (bed-rest or reduced daily movements) on healthy individuals and type 2 diabetics, followed by a re-training programme. It is hypothesized that inactivity decreases insulin sensitivity and lowers mitochondrial function. Exercise inhibits insulin resistance and frailty at least in part by promoting normal mitochondrial function. We will study the response to major changes in daily physical activity on endothelial function, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial function (fat and muscle), ROS production and antioxidant enzyme activity. This will be done in popula-
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tion subgroups with predicted susceptibility to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and frailty. Sarcopenia, frailty and impaired tissue regeneration Age-related sarcopenia and frailty is associated with increased risk for falls and fractures, but mechanisms contributing to skeletal muscle atrophy in elderly populations are not well understood. In elderly individuals, growth factors such as IGF-1 antagonize muscle atrophy during periods of reduced physical activity. Further, factors linked to inflammatory pathways may limit muscle growth, and we will investigate the role of inflammation on growth stimulating pathways. Frailty can occur with several degrees of severity, and it may develop over decades of life (i.e., well ahead of old age). We hypothesize that physical inactivity is a trigger, leading to loss of motor function, decreased muscle performance and lower tissue regeneration capacity, and metabolic and energetic dysfunction. Furthermore, it is likely that there is a direct link between insulin resistance and frailty. Physical activity restores impaired signalling pathways in aging muscle. Similarly, connective tissue deteriorates with inactivity and regains function with training. We will investigate the mechanisms that cause age-associated loss of regenerative capacity in skeletal muscle and connective tissue, one of which may be low-grade chronic inflammation.
Photo: Christoffer Regild
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Photo: Liv Carlé Mortensen. Property of Medical Museion, University of Copenhagen
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Program 3
Research Program 3
Body and Life Causes of disability and frailty in older adults are multifactorial, including physiological, psychological and social risk factors for disability have been identified. Thus, it may be of little value to target one single risk factor, when preventive interventions are implemented in older individuals with comorbidity and complex problems. Consequently, it may be of greater value to target risk factors that increase the risk of disability, regardless of specific cause, and to explore early markers that precede pathological manifestation of disease. Such early signs may be useful in primary prevention to identify highfunctioning individuals at risk for functional decline or frailty. Program 3 will focus on early indicators of aging, such as mitochondrial function and oxidative stress (biological markers) as well as fatigue and decreased physical performance (self-reported behavioral markers). Aging occurs through the entire life course, not only in old age. Strain in childhood, youth and early adulthood (e.g.; disease, poverty, low education, stressful working environment) increases the risk of early onset of chronic disease (e.g.; cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease) and comorbidity, which in turn increases the risk of premature disability and frailty. A number of psychological factors, in particular, cognitive performance and psychiatric illness, influences the ability to respond to or recover from illness and disability, thereby shaping the aging process. Life course research is primarily based on prospective studies and focuses on biological, psychological and social factors that influence the association between development and aging over the entire life course. Moreover,
life course research requires a clear exploration of strain factors over the life span, i.e., when and how long does strain/stress typically influence the individual? what are the critical periods in life, when one is particularly vulnerable to certain types of strain (e.g.; early childhood)? is the duration of strain/stress of particular importance? Our studies will use data from Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank (CAMB). We will: 1) explore the independent effects of and interplay between social, cognitive and biological factors early in life on indicators of early aging; and 2) explore the cumulative effect of these factors. The analyses will be based on cohorts where information on individuals is collected at several points in time. This will allow us to use temporal patterns to assess the difficult question of causality. Thus, the availability of data at different points in the life course is one of the strengths of the proposed studies. This means that it is possible in several of the analyses to study the predictive value of changes in the determinant at two or more points in time on changes in the outcome measure at two or more points in time. Recently, methods have been developed to optimize analysis of such trajectories and to optimally utilize repeated observations of predictors. These analytical methods, as well as traditional regression analysis, will be used in our studies.
We will also consider induction time from exposure to effect, the effect of critical periods of exposure, and whether exposures are additive over time or synergistic (i.e., whether earlier exposure changes the susceptibility to later exposure).
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Program 4
Research Program 4
Society, Culture and Health Care Policy Drugs are important interventions for preventing, postponing and curing frailty and chronic disease in the elderly. In Denmark about 85% of the population aged 75 years or older consumes at least one prescribed drug daily and 60% consume more than three drugs daily. In addition to prescription drugs, non-prescription medicines and food supplements are used to promote health. As the average life span increases, frailty and chronic disease increase, the effects of long-term use of medication becomes an urgent problem for policy makers, health care providers, caretakers and patients. Long-term use of preventive medication is expensive and increases the risk of adverse side effects or unwanted drug-drug interactions. The benefits of preventive medication should be balanced against the risk of complications and possible alternatives, including increased physical activity, change in diet, and improved self-care. Decisions regarding prescriptions, follow-up and termination of drug consumption are made by many health care professionals, including general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, home care services, as well as patients and their family or members of their social network. However, drug usage is often poorly coordinated, thereby potentially contributing to unnecessary costs and suboptimal interventions. Roles, responsibilities, competen-
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cies and coordinating mechanisms regarding drug usage are unclear in spite of increased need for continuity and integrated care in light of the dramatic increase in use of preventive and therapeutic drugs. Poor communication between consumers and professionals regarding optimal drug use is also a major concern – not least with increasing age. In addition, little is known about whether and to what extent older patients taking prescription medications also take non-prescription medications and food supplements. This research Program is truly multidisciplinary, including theories and methods from health sciences, social sciences and humanities and involving a range of study designs and data sources. The studies are focusing on decisions made by managers, health professionals and patients concerning use of preventive drugs. The focus is also on factors influencing these decisions and tools for improved coordination of interventions. Furthermore, the research will explore different patterns of drug use among individuals of different social class or different ethnic background. Barriers to optimal and fair distribution of preventive medication among all elderly population subgroups will be identified, with the goal of improving the health of all population subgroups.
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Photo: Liv Carlé Mortensen. Property of Medical Museion , University of C openhagen
Program 5
Research Program 5
Health Promotion and Innovation Health Promotion and Innovation: Health Promotion, Communication and User-driven Innovation. Health in Everyday Life The overall objective of this program is to contribute to the dialogue between different methodological and theoretical traditions within aging research in biomedicine, the humanities and social sciences. We explore and contribute to new strategies for addressing the everyday health concerns of our aging population. Such strategies increasingly rely on advances in technology to prevent, detect, and treat the complex health problems prevalent among older adults living in their community. The Program, which will be carried out by researchers in the humanities and social sciences, will explore how emerging practices affect everyday life as well as practices of the self and of body/embodiment, forms of social relationships and familiarity. The research questions can be grouped under two headlings: Cultural aging and health in everyday life Based on a cultural understanding of health, reaching beyond the mere physical aspect, and thus perceiving health as more than just the absence of illness and disease, healthy aging is understood both in a narrow, medical sense, as a means to “stay healthy” and in a broader, cultural sense, in which concepts such as “quality of life” and “the good life” are central. Health practices are explored as something that is taken care of in various collective, cultural contexts such as local communities, workplaces, institutions, and families, which are
the focus of the ethnographic studies. Knowledge about the various ways in which the users approach healthcare and the challenges inherent in the new technologies will be generated through cultural analysis and ethnological fieldwork. Central questions are: How are various health promoting practices, products, discourses and techniques integrated in everyday life? How are consumers of health technologies and services integrated as actors, and, at the same time, created as citizens, clients and patients in the health care system? How can answers to these questions be applied to promote user-driven innovation in the health sector? Communication and public engagement in science The principal idea is that health promotion is not a question of dissemination and communication of medical information to an ignorant aging population. Rather, it requires a user-oriented approach, which takes into consideration the cultural life of the citizens. The quality of future health measures is dependent on the production of a multi-faceted knowledge of the users, generated together with the users, and transformed into usable methods together with the users. Central questions are: How does the emergence of social web media (web 2.0) change health communication practices? How can museums of health and medicine make use of user-driven innovation to produce exhibitions (museum 2.0)? Is userdriven creation of medical heritage a social technology for producing biocitizenship?
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IARU – International Research Cooperation
The Center for Healthy Aging has from the outset been closely associated with the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU; www.irauni.org), a prestigious alliance that includes the University of Copenhagen. The other IARU members are Yale University, UC Berkeley, ETH in Zurich, Switzerland, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, National University of Singapore, Australian National University, Peking University and the University of Tokyo. This alliance represents a valuable network between researchers at the participating universities and facilitates international collaboration and interaction. Members of CEHA participate in the IARU network and help arrange meetings, workshops, facilitate collaboration and discuss future activities. The effort from the Center has been spearheaded by Drs. Vilhelm Bohr and Albert Gjedde. This year, Dr. Albert Gjedde became an associate of the center. Dr. Gjedde is a well-known and highly regarded Professor of Neurobiology and Pharmacology at the University of Copenhagen. Dr. Gjedde’s research focuses on the relationships between neuroplasticity and neurotransmission, using diverse approaches including studies of ligand binding and neuroplastic changes associated with brain functions. CEHA representatives participated in a workshop in Singapore this year, which included valuable time for discus-
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sion and selection of new IARU task force members. A new network/focus group called iHAN was established. iHAN plans to hold networking meetings every half year at all IARU affiliates. iHAN works within the IARU structure and includes two well-known and highly recognized IARU researchers in the field of aging: Dr. William Jagust and Dr. Fahmeed Hyder. Dr. William Jagust of the University of California at Berkeley, is a Professor of Public Health and Neuroscience. The Jagust Lab is a joint research program involving the UC Berkeley Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, UC Berkeley School of Public Health and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The Jagust lab is engaged in the study of brain aging and dementia. Dr. Fahmeed Hyder, is the Director of the Core Center for Quantitative Neuroscience with Magnetic Resonance (QNMR) at Yale University. His laboratory focuses on magnetic resonance, electrophysiology and optical imaging techniques. Drs. Marc Budge of the Australian National University and Peter Little of National University of Singapore are long-standing key players in this important group of IARU collaborations. Dr. Budge is the Head of the Geriatric Medicine Unit, ANU Medical School, Director, Aged Care and Rehabilitation Services, ACT Health, President of Alzheimer’s Australia and Director of the Dementia
Collaborative Research Centre number 2. His primary research interests are brain and vascular imaging as well as non-invasive techniques for studying aging- and disease-associated decline of cognitive and cardio-vascular function. Dr. Peter Little is Director of Life Sciences Institute at the National University of Singapore. Dr. Little brings over 30 years of molecular genetic experience. His primary research interest is characterization of genetic factors that control gene expression. Within the Center, new interdisciplinary collaborations have been initiated between scientists with expertise in
molecular biology, physiology and epidemiology. The IARU network facilitates international collaborations involving IARU member universities. CEHA also actively participates in the IARU “Aging, Longevity and Health” project. During 2009, the University of Copenhagen awarded 100.000 euro to support an international IARU aging congress, which will strengthen collaborations associated with this project. The congress, to be held in Copenhagen 5-7 October 2010, will be co-financed and arranged by CEHA and hosted by the University of Copenhagen.
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Selected Publications Avlund K, Schultz-Larsen K, Krustrup U, Christiansen N, Holm-Pedersen P. The role of inflammation in the periodontium in early old age on mortality at 21-year follow-up. J Am Geriatric Soc. 57: 1206-12, 2009.
Lund R, Nielsen KK, Hansen DH, Kriegbaum M, Molbo D, Due P, Christensen U. Exposure to bullying at school. And depression in adulthood: a study of Danish men born in 1953. Eur J Public Health 19: 111-6, 2009.
Blaakilde, A. L. “Skal du kalde mig gammel?!!” Forestillinger om alderdom ved indgangen til det 21. århundrede. Indledning i Gammelfestivalen Det Sidste Suk. Festivaltekster. Red. af Michael Svennevig, Forlaget Epigraf, 2009.
Muftuoglu, M, de Souza-Pinto, N.C., Dogan, A, Aamann, M, Stevnsner, T, Rybanska, I, Kirkali, G, Dizdaroglu, M, and Bohr, V.A. Cockayne syndrome group B protein stimulates repair of formamidopyrimidines by NEIL1 DNA glycosylase. J. Biol. Chem. 284: 9270-9279, 2009.
Carlson M, Suetta C, Conboy M, Aagaard P, Mackey A, Kjaer M, Conboy I. Molecular aging and rejuvenation of human muscle stem cells. EMBO Mol Med, 1:381-391, 2009.
Osler M, Madsen M, Andersen AMN, Avlund K, McGue M, Jeune B, Christensen K. Do childhood and adult socioeconomic circumstances influence health and physical function in middle-age? Soc Sci Med. 68: 1425-1431, 2009.
Couppe C, Hansen P, Kongsgaard M, Kovanen V, Suetta C, Aagaard P, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP: Mechanical properties and collagen cross-linking of the patellar properties in old and young men. J Appl Physiol 107: 880-886, 2009. Dherin, C, Gueneau, E, Francin, M, Nunez, M, Miron, S, Liberti, S.E, Rasmussen, L.J, Zinn-Justin, S, Gilquin, B, Charbonnier, J-B, and Boiteux, S. Characterization of a Highly Conserved Binding Site of Mlh1 Required for Exonuclease I-Dependent Mismatch Repair. Mol. Cell. Biol. 29:907918, 2009. Hammer, T., Tritsaris, K., Hübschmann, M.V., Gibson, J., Nisato, R.E., Pepper, M.S. and Dissing, S. IL-20 activates human lymphatic endothelial cells causing cell signalling and tube formation. Microvasc. Res. 78:2532, 2009. Jespersen, A. and Elgaard Jensen, T. Tidens materialisering. Alment praktiserende lægers håndtering af tid. Materialiseringer. Nye perspektiver på materialitet og kulturanalyse. Red. Damsholt, T., Simonsen, D.G. and Mordhorst, C. Århus Universitetsforlag 175-201, 2009. Jespersen, A. Fremtidens interaktive dagligvarehandel, Rapport, CKA, 2009. Krabbe KS, Mortensen EL, Avlund K, Pilegaard H, Pedersen AN, Pedersen BK, Avlund K, Jørgensen T, Bruunsgaard H. Brain-derived neutrophic factor predicts mortality risk in older women. J Am Geriatr Soc. 57: 144752, 2009. Krasnik A., Paulsen B. Reforming primary health care. I: Magnussen J, Vrangbæk K, Saltman RB (eds). Nordic health care systems. Recent reforms and current policy challenge, p 233-254. Berkshire: Open University Press; the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Series, 2009. Larsen S, Ara I, Rabøl R, Andersen JL, Boushel R, Dela F, Helge JW. Are substrate use during exercise and mitochondrial respiratory capacity decreased in arm and leg muscle in type 2 diabetes? Diabetologia. 52(7):1400-8, 2009.
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Otto, L. Sundhed i praksis. Folkesundhed i et kritisk perspektiv. Red. Stinne Glasdam, Nyt Nordisk Forlag – Arnold Busck, 31-51, 2009 Rabol R, Hojberg PM, Almdal T, Boushel R, Haugaard SB, Madsbad S and Dela F. Improved glycaemic control decreases inner mitochondrial membrane leak in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Obes Metab 11: 355-360, 2009. Söderqvist, T, Bencard, A and Mordhorst, C. “Between meaning culture and presence effects: contemporary biomedical objects as a challenge to museums”, Studies in History and Philosophy of Science, Part A, vol. 40(4), 431-38 (2009) Sonne MP, Hojbjerre L, Alibegovic AA, Vaag A, Stallknecht B and Dela F. Impaired endothelial function and insulin action in first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 58: 93-101, 2009. Strandberg-Larsen M, Krasnik A. Measurement of integrated healthcare delivery: a systematic review of methods and future research directions. International Journal of Integrated Care 2009; 9, 4 February 2009 (http:// www.ijic.org/). Vass, M, Avlund, K, Siersma, V. and Hendriksen, C. A feasible model for prevention of functional decline in older home-dwelling people – the GP role. A municipality-randomized intervention trial. Fam Pract 26:56-64, 2009. Wadmann S, Strandberg-Larsen M, Krasnik A. Coordination between primary and secondary health care in Denmark and Sweden. International Journal of Integrated Care 2009;9:1-14. Whyte, S.R. Health identities and subjectivities: the ethnographic challenge. Medical Anthropology Quarterly 23 (1): 6-15, 2009.
Joint Activities Interdisciplinary projects in 2009 In 2009, CEHA celebrated a kick off seminar for researchers. The aim was to initiate the discussions on future plans and to explore the ground for interdisciplinary projects across research programs. The seminar inspired around 13 interdisciplinary projects between CEHA groups and programs: Project: “Research Coordination: Clinical Neuro Projects and Molecular Biology” Coordinator: Martin Lauritzen (Program 1) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 1 and 3 Project: “The Effect of Oxidative Stress in Human Inflammatory Disease and Premature Aging Syndromes with Focus on Changes in the Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines and DNA Repair” Coordinator: Anne Marie Lynge Pedersen (Program 1) Collaborators: Researchers from P1 Project: “Oxidative Stress, DNA Repair Capacity and Mitochondrial Function in Patients with Frailty and Cognitive Dysfunction” Coordinator: Lene Juel Rasmussen (Program 1) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 1, 2 and 3 Project: “Acquisition of a Seahorse XF24-3 Respirometer to use in several different CEHA projects” Coordinator: Lene Juel Rasmussen (Program 1) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 1 and 2 Project: “Vulnerability to and Rehabilitation after Immobilization of Skeletal Muscle and Matrix Tissue in 50-60 years old Individuals: Sarcopenia Prediction?” Coordinator: Michael Kjær (Program 2) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 2 and 3
Project: “Physical Activity and Appetite Regulation – Cornerstones in a Long and Healthy Life (FINE)” Coordinator: Bente Stahlknecht (Program 2) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 2 and 5 Project: “Mitochondrial Damage as a cause of Huntington Disease – a Premature Aging Model/ Skeletal muscle stem cells as a model for age-related accumulation of mtDNA mutations and possible underlying mechanisms” Coordinator: Flemming Dela (Program 2) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 2 Project: “SIRT1 Mediated Protection of Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Cockayne Syndrome B Protein Deficient Cells upon Oxidative Stress” Coordinator: Flemming Dela (Program 2) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 1 and 2 Project: “The Effect of Aging on Free Radical Production, Antioxidative Capacity, DNA Damage and Repair Capacity and Mitochondrial Turnover in Human Muscle” Coordinator: Flemming Dela (Program 2) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 1 and 2 Project: “Pathways Involved in Muscle Stem Cell Activity in Elderly: Role of Inflammation and Immobilization” Coordinator: Michael Kjær (Program 2) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 2 and 3 Project: “Childhood Social Position, Cognitive Function in Early Adulthood and Use of Preventive Medicine in Midlife” Coordinator: Carsten Hendriksen (Program 4) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 3 and 4
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Project: “A Genealogical Study of the Concept of ‘Successful Aging’ and its Relation to the Idea of ‘Human Enhancement’” Coordinator: Thomas Söderqvist (Program 5) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 5 Project: “Fatigue and Everyday Life – Experiences of Fatigue among Healthy People and People Suffering from Apoplexy” Coordinator: Lene Otto (Program 5) Collaborators: Researchers from Program 1 and 5 CEHA seminars Apart from the annual seminar for CEHA researchers, CEHA also started a sequence of monthly research semi-
nars for Center members and other interested researchers. The aim is to inspire Center staff and students on an ongoing basis, and to disseminate and focus on the Center research. Research Training and educational activities An important task for CEHA is to engage students and young researchers in research on aging-related topics and to recruit new scientists. A milestone in this effort is to develop pre- and postgraduate courses on aging specialties in the Center. In 2009, two PhD level courses were planned for 2010. The subject and scope of these courses are: “Life Course Influences on Health Changes in Adult Life” and “Brain Aging”. Apart from these PhD courses, CEHA welcomed 8 PhD students.
Outreach and Awareness An important milestone is to promote the Center and raise awareness of its research in the scientific community and the general public. In 2008, a CEHA website was launched (http://healthyaging.ku.dk/). The website provides general information on organization, research programs, research staff and collaborations. The website also disseminates news and announcements of internal and external events of interest to CEHA researchers. To support the internal communication within CEHA further, the Center launched a newsletter. CEHA is part of a consortium who responded to the call for “Innovative Community Solutions in Strategic
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Partnerships” from the Danish Agency for Science, Technology, and Innovation. CEHA expect the consortium – called “No Age” to be an important platform for disseminating information on its activities to the political sector and the general population. The Managing Director of the Center is a member of the Consortium Board and researchers from Program 2, 4 and 5 will participate. Awareness of CEHA activities within the political sector was also increased when the CEHA Managing Director visited the Age Forum (ÆldreForum) – an independent council set up by the Danish Ministry of Social Affairs. In November 2009, CEHA Director Lene Juel Rasmussen gave a presentation to the Age Forum council on the challenges of aging, CEHA research and the CEHA vision.
Photo: Anders Clausen
“Working at the CEHA as an international Research Assistant Professor has been a very rewarding decision. It is very exciting working in cross-disciplinary projects at the CEHA. The research is at a high level, with value for collaboration and strong work ethic. At the same time the center promotes work-life balance and cultural activities.” Scott Maynard, Assistant Professor Research Program 1a+2, CEHA
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