SCOA banners

The Community Connection at the Sealy Center on AgingStay Connected. Stay Engaged. Stay Inspired.

Welcome

At the Sealy Center on Aging, we believe that growing older should mean growing stronger, through knowledge, community, and meaningful opportunities. That’s why we created the Community Connection, a program designed to keep older adults in Galveston County informed, engaged, and empowered.

Launched in 2022, the Community Connection has more than 1,300 subscribers who receive our quarterly newsletter by email or traditional mail. Each issue is filled with valuable updates, including:

  • Spotlights on groundbreaking aging research at UTMB Health
  • Invitations to participate in clinical studies that can improve health and wellbeing for older adults everywhere
  • Local events and programs tailored to seniors in our community
  • Volunteer opportunities, such as AmeriCorps Seniors, where you can give back and stay active

Why Join?

The Community Connection is more than a newsletter! It’s a way to stay plugged into the latest discoveries, connect with people who share your interests, and find new ways to stay involved in your local community.

We're Growing, Together!

Thanks to strong community partnerships and outreach, the Community Connection is expanding every day. Whether you hear about us through a senior center, social media, or a postcard at an event, the invitation is the same: be part of a growing network of older adults shaping the future of aging in Galveston County.

  • Sign up for the Community Connection newsletter and become part of a vibrant community of older adults making a difference.
  • Follow and engage with us on Facebook, where we share news and resources as well as event announcements that are relevant to local older adults.
  • Learn more about getting involved with AmeriCorps Seniors.
  • Visit the Learning Center, now located at the Osher Long Life Institute at UTMB Health

Newsletter Archive

Current Studies

News from the Sealy Center on Aging

Gabapentinoid Use for Chronic Pain

Jan 31, 2024, 07:00 AM by SCOA

A new study, Signal detection of adverse events associated with gabapentinoid use for chronic pain," authored by Yong-Fang Kuo, Efstathia Polychronopoulou, and Mukaila A Raji has been published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety.

This study investigated the potential side effects of a group of medications called gabapentinoids (GABA), which are sometimes prescribed for chronic pain as an alternative to opioids. The researchers compared the adverse effects of GABA with opioids and a control group of people who didn't use either type of medication.

They looked at a sample of Medicare enrollees who were diagnosed with chronic pain between 2017 and 2018. The study found that within three months of use, GABA users had higher rates of immune system disorders compared to those using opioids. Additionally, complications related to transplanted organs, mental health disorders like schizophrenia, skin disorders, and strokes were also more commonly reported in GABA users compared to opioid users or the control group.

The study suggests that while some side effects were expected and related to the neurological reasons for using GABA, there were also unexpected signals like strokes and certain cancers. These findings need further research to confirm and understand better. Overall, the study aims to help doctors make informed decisions about pain management by considering potential side effects of these medications.

Connect with Us on Social Media