The Effects of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) on Brain Function and Cognition (NAD)
(Funded by a grant from the National Institute of Health Older American Independent Center)
Currently Recruiting
Subjects previously diagnosed with or without Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) by the Texas Alzheimer’s Research Study (TARC). Study involve 5 visits and intermittent phone contact by study coordinator. Participants are randomized to Vitamin B3 /Placebo and follow incremental dose increases weeks 1-3 then wk. 4-10 are on standardized dose till study completion.
Contact: 210-450-0020
Location: STVHCS Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital
The Physiologic Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on Sarcopenic Obesity (INOSO)
(Funded by a grant from the National Institute of Health )
Closed to Recruitment
The pilot study will be conducted at 3 sites in 9 visits over a period of 12+ weeks. Older sedentary subjects will be screened for sarcopenic obesity using a modified consensus definition and evaluated at baseline for safety labs, glucose tolerance, body composition, cognition and physical performance, as well as systemic inflammatory markers in blood and muscle tissue. Eligible subjects self-administer 24 IU intranasal oxytocin four times a day for 8 weeks. The study will examine whether the intervention will promote weight loss and preserve muscle mass, thereby preserving and/or improving physical function in older subjects with sarcopenic obesity.
Contact: 210-450-0020
Location: Texas Diabetes Institute, 701 S. Zarzamora Street, San Antonio, TX 78207
Metformin for the Prevention of Frailty in High Risk Older Adults
The purpose of the study is to find out if metformin treatment prevents or reduces frailty in older adults who are pre-diabetic. Frailty is a geriatric syndrome which leads people to falls, become disabled, require nursing home placement, and have increased risk for death.
Contact: 210-450-0020
Location: 7th Floor STVHCS Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital in the Bartter Research Unit (BRU)
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Rapamycin and Acarbose on muscle strength, cognition, immune function and physical performance in adults Age 70-95 (Non-smokers in general good health, without diabetes, without recent history of heart attack, or not taking blood thinners).
Contact: 210-450-0020
Location: 7th Floor STVHCS Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital in the Bartter Research Unit (BRU)
(AIM 1) This outpatient study will evaluate how a probiotic (a type of good bacteria) and food composition affect the metabolism. Recent research suggests that diets that have a high fat content increase the level of a substance called ”endotoxin” in the blood and also suggests that endotoxins might affect the way the body metabolizes (burns) sugars. We will study healthy people without diabetes who are lean. Conducted at the South Texas Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, the study is currently enrolling from all ethnic groups, veterans and non-veterans, and non-smokers between ages 18 and 65 without family history of diabetes.
(AIM 2) This outpatient study will evaluate how a probiotic (a type of good bacteria) affects the metabolism. Recent research suggests that people who are overweight or who have Type 2 diabetes have an elevation in the level of a substance called ”endotoxin” in the blood, and this study will examine if lowering the level of endotoxins will improve the way the body metabolizes (burns) sugars. We will also study healthy people without diabetes who are lean (see Aim 1). Volunteers will be non-smokers between the ages of 18 and 65. Also conducted at VA Hospital.
Contact: 210-450-0020
Location: 7th Floor STVHCS Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital in the Bartter Research Unit (BRU)
The purpose of this study is to explore the differences in quality of life, inflammation, stress, telomere length, and mucosal immune function of Hispanic and non-Hispanic caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The caregivers will complete the Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers in the language of their choice (English or Spanish).
The Role of TLR4 on Lipid-Induced Insulin Resistance in Human Subjects
Dr. Musi’s research interest is studying the causes of Type 2 diabetes, a disease that affects more than 27 million Americans, based on the 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report. Another 86 million have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing this disease. His current research on insulin resistance centers on understanding the causes of diabetes at the molecular level and identifying ways to reverse the molecular abnormalities seen in Type 2 diabetes patients.
(AIM 1) The Role of TLR4 on Lipid-Induced Insulin Resistance
This study will use an investigational medication to determine whether it can prevent inflammation and insulin resistance in lean and healthy subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Conducted at the South Texas Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, the study is currently enrolling from all ethnic groups, veterans and non-veterans, and non-smokers between ages 18 and 65 without family history of diabetes.
(AIM 2) The Effect of TLR4 Inhibition in Obese and Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
Similarly, this study uses the same investigational medication to determine whether it can prevent inflammation and insulin resistance in those who are Type 2 diabetic subjects or obese with impaired glucose tolerance, compared to lean, normal glucose-tolerant subjects. Also conducted at the VA Hospital, the study is enrolling subjects taking sulfonylureas or metformin (not insulin-dependent), who are non-smokers, and between the ages of 18 and 65.
We want to learn more about the causes and treatment of Alzheimer’s and related disorders. We are participating in the Texas Alzheimer’s Research Study (TARC). TARC is a non-profit state funded institution that promotes Alzheimer’s research.
We will be studying both healthy, MCI (mildly cognitively impaired males and females) between the ages of 45-89, and subjects diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease between the ages of 65-79 and will be looking at the effects of Methylene Blue on memory and cognition.