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The Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center

The Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center honors the memory of Claude Denson Pepper, a Florida congressman and career-long advocate for the rights of older adults. A vigorous man throughout his life, he rejected the idea that physical and mental decline were an inevitable part of normal aging.

UTMB is one of ten Pepper Centers located throughout the United States and funded by the National Institute on Aging. These Centers were named for Congressman Pepper since their primary goal reflects his interest in helping older Americans maintain their independence. Pepper Center research supports this goal by working on ways to delay or prevent chronic diseases that can disable older people and cause them to become dependent on others.
 

Accomplishments

Investigation

Between 2000 and 2008, more than 80 investigators have worked on Pepper research projects across the UTMB campus including the effects of nutritional, hormonal and exercise interventions on muscle function in older subjects.

Publications
In addition, more than 225 publications have been generated by Pepper investigators since the Center was established in 2000.

Research Career Development Core (RCDC) Trainees

First OAIC Funding Cycle (2000-2004):

·        Seven RCDC trainees supported: 4 PhD, 2 MD, 1 MD/PhD

·        Six of the seven RCDC trainees currently employed in academic medicine positions ranging from assistant to full professor

·        Six of the seven RCDC trainees received external federal funding: 8 R01s, 2 R03s, 2 K-awards, 1 S06.

Current OAIC Funding Cycle (2005 – current):

·        Eight RCDC trainees supported: 6 PhD, 2 MD

·       Six of the eight RCDC trainees currently employed in academic medicine positions ranging from assistant to associate professor

·        Four of the eight RCDC trainees received external funding: 1 K01, 1 Geriatric Academic Career Award, 1 R01 Diversity Supplement, 2 Foundation grants.

·        Two RCDC trainees have pending grants with good priority scores: Borsheim R01 (160), Szczesny K01 (154)

Collaboration

UTMB OAIC has expanded its collaboration with other OAICs including Wake Forest and University of Maryland OAICs to analyze muscle samples from patients enrolled in clinical trials of interventions to improve function.

Participation

More than 600 volunteers have been enrolled to participate in Pepper-related studies.  Of these, 60% have completed at least one protocol in our Pepper studies.