Mayo Clinic to Examine the Causes of Brain Aging

Monday, March 14, 2005

ROCHESTER, Minn. —

Dear Abby: I live in Olmsted County and have been contacted by the Mayo Clinic and the Olmsted Medical Center to participate in a study of aging. What should I do? - Uncertain in Olmsted County

Dear Uncertain: By all means, participate! My family and I are wholeheartedly behind this study since it will likely help us all as we age. Please help them out. - Abby

Mayo Clinic is conducting a research study on aging involving people from Rochester and the surrounding communities within Olmsted County. The study, called "The Mayo Clinic Study of Aging", is supported by the National Institute on Aging and the family of Abigail Van Buren (popularly known as "Dear Abby"). This research study is being performed to better understand physical and mental changes that occur as people grow older. By studying the process of aging over a period of time, researchers will attempt to identify factors that promote and maintain healthy aging.

Dear Abby, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and her mother Pauline Phillips, founder of Dear Abby (Used with permission)

"Brain aging is the new frontier," says Ronald Petersen, M.D., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist and lead researcher for the study. "There is currently a great deal to be learned about the physical and mental changes in aging and diseases such as stroke, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. We hope to use the knowledge gained from this study to develop treatments to prevent or delay age-related diseases that affect the function of the brain," says Dr. Petersen.

Men and women between the ages of 70 and 89 who live in Olmsted County are potential candidates for study participation. Potential candidates, including residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are being contacted by mail regarding this study. "Participating in this study will help us to better understand the aging process with the potential of improving the health and quality of life for future generations," Dr. Petersen notes. "The public's involvement in this research project will be extremely valuable."

There are no direct monetary costs to being involved in this research study. Study participation is optional and all information obtained from the study will be used for research purposes with all information kept confidential. If you are selected to be in the study, we will write to you and invite you directly.

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