Vision

To improve the quality of life for older adults through translational research and education of health professionals and the public.

Ongoing and Future Initiatives:

To build a competitive Alzheimer’s Disease Program at MUSC. The Center on Aging continues to support the Alzheimer's disease program at MUSC, with support to faculty, students, and clinical practice and data bases. A proposal will be developed in the next 6 months to develop a full fledged incorporated Center for memory disorders and Alzheimer's disease at MUSC, with offices and patient services localized close to the campus, and with the development of a state of the art brain bank at MUSC. Our future aim is to become competitive for program grants on Alzheimer's disease at NIA, both in terms of basic science and clinical research projects. In order to do that, we have realized the importance of developing a neuropathology core here at MUSC.

To develop and submit a pre- and post-graduate program on biology of aging and age-related disease at MUSC. As part of the strategic plan for Healthy Aging at MUSC (see www.musc.edu/strategic planning), one of the major goals was to build a better research program on healthy aging and age-related disease at MUSC. One of the corner stones for such a development is without a doubt a graduate training program. We now have the critical mass of faculty interested in Aging related topics here at MUSC. Therefore, this is one of the most important future projects in our Center

To work with the Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics in the Department of Medicine to implement the clinical aspects of geriatric education for all health professional students. In the summer of 2005, Dr. William Moran joined us from Wake Forest University, to become the Division Chief for General Medicine and Geriatrics in the Department of Medicine. Dr. Moran is a recognized authority in the field of geriatrics research and has added an important program here at MUSC, both regarding research and education. It is our hopes that we will now be able to develop a comprehensive training program for all health professionals here at MUSC together with Dr. Moran

To develop and implement senior mentor programs for the other colleges. The Center on Aging has already worked with the College of Health Professions to develop their senior mentor program, and will continue to develop further programs at all colleges eventually.

To develop a junior faculty pilot grant program at MUSC in aging. Together with the South east chapter of AFAR, we will develop a junior faculty pilot grant program, which will be implemented in the fall of 2006. It is estimated that the income from our book project (The Circle, see above) will be used to generate pilot grant funds to be handed out to 2-4 recipients per year.

Develop a state-wide Center on Aging in South Carolina. The Center on Aging meets with the USC Geriatrics Group (Dr. Paul Eleazer) in the end of June, 2006, to discuss a state-wide center on Aging. The basis for this project is a Lottery Proposal from USC entitled "The South Carolina Center for Older Adult Independence" which was submitted to the Lottery board in 2005. This unique center combines medicinal, public health, social work, and engineering resources to address the needs of older adults with a focus on promoting independence. Center Goals: To develop new methods and technologies to foster independence for older adults. The deans for both schools will be present at the meeting to discuss the possibility of developing this initiative into a statewide effort.