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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 1999 and 2004, more than 60 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. (See Pepper Center site 1999-2004)

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 60% of the 560 subjects screened have completed at least one protocol in our Pepper studies.