Old Red Ashbel Smith building on UTMB Health campus

The Sealy Center on Aging at UTMB HealthLeading Aging Research Since 1995

Welcome

The Sealy Center on Aging (SCOA), an independent, multidisciplinary component of The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health),  focuses on improving the health and well-being of older adults through interdisciplinary research, education, clinical care, and community service. Supported by endowment funds from the Sealy and Smith Foundation, SCOA encompasses over 50 Senior Fellows and more than 50 affiliated Fellows from all five UTMB schools as well as numerous institutes.

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Sealy Center on Aging (SCOA)
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0177
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Phone: (409) 747-0008
Email: aging.research@utmb.edu

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News from the Sealy Center on Aging

a health care provider comforts a patient, placing gloved hand on their hand

New Study Looks at Association Between Cognitive Impairment and Repeat Fractures

Sep 12, 2023, 08:00 AM by SCOA

A study by an interprofessional team of researchers including Huey-Ming Tzeng, Brian Downer, Chih-Ying Li, Mukaila A Raji, Allen Haas, and Yong-Fang Kuo investigates the association between cognitive impairment and repeat fractures. Read the article online, Association Between Cognitive Impairment and Repeat Fractures in Medicare Beneficiaries Recently Hospitalized for Hip Fracture.

This study looked at older adults who had hip fractures and were sent home from a skilled nursing facility after getting rehabilitation. They wanted to see if there was a connection between their cognitive (thinking) abilities and the chances of them getting another fracture within 90 days of going home.

They checked the data of 29,558 older adults with hip fractures. The results showed that those who had even mild cognitive problems were more likely to have another fracture compared to those with good cognitive function. In other words, people with thinking difficulties had a higher risk of getting hurt again.

This study tells us that it's important to consider a person's cognitive health when they leave the hospital after a hip fracture. If someone has even mild cognitive problems, they might need extra care and support to prevent another fracture and the need for hospitalization.

a health care provider comforts a patient, placing gloved hand on their hand

New Study Looks at Association Between Cognitive Impairment and Repeat Fractures

Sep 12, 2023, 08:00 AM by SCOA

A study by an interprofessional team of researchers including Huey-Ming Tzeng, Brian Downer, Chih-Ying Li, Mukaila A Raji, Allen Haas, and Yong-Fang Kuo investigates the association between cognitive impairment and repeat fractures. Read the article online, Association Between Cognitive Impairment and Repeat Fractures in Medicare Beneficiaries Recently Hospitalized for Hip Fracture.

This study looked at older adults who had hip fractures and were sent home from a skilled nursing facility after getting rehabilitation. They wanted to see if there was a connection between their cognitive (thinking) abilities and the chances of them getting another fracture within 90 days of going home.

They checked the data of 29,558 older adults with hip fractures. The results showed that those who had even mild cognitive problems were more likely to have another fracture compared to those with good cognitive function. In other words, people with thinking difficulties had a higher risk of getting hurt again.

This study tells us that it's important to consider a person's cognitive health when they leave the hospital after a hip fracture. If someone has even mild cognitive problems, they might need extra care and support to prevent another fracture and the need for hospitalization.

Services for Researchers

Schools

The Sealy Center on Aging brings together faculty across all five UTMB schools who specialize in aging-related research, education, and clinical care.

SCOA provides infrastructure and resources to foster collaborative translational research, support externally funded projects, and promote education and community outreach. SCOA supports its Core Investigators with office space, editorial services, pilot funding, research infrastructure, and administrative assistance.

Example Services

  • Administration
  • Clinical research coordination and study support
  • Community engagement and education
  • Science writing and editing
  • Logistical and meeting support, purchasing, or travel
  • Web and graphic design, social media, or advertising
  • Request information about educational programs, training, and mentorship

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