Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Recruiting now
Conditions studied: Aging
In brief
Background: \- The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) is a clinical research program on human aging that began in 1958. Volunteers of different ages join the study when they are healthy, and have follow-up visits for life. Visits last for multiple days. Participants are evaluated for many physical elements as well as for brain function. Physical tests are given. Information on mood, personality, and social aspects of life is also collected. This program has contributed more than any other research project to our understanding of aging. Objectives: \- To characterize the many aspects of the aging process and learn how people can successfully adapt to aging. Eligibility: \- Healthy individuals at least 20 years old. Design: * Participants will receive a booklet and video describing the tests they will take. * During a 3-day visit at the study hospital, participants will take the following tests: * Urine will be collected for 24 hours. Blood samples will be taken. A small piece of muscle tissue may be collected by a needle. * A medical questionnaire and a physical exam will be given. * Participants hearts will be tested, including with blood pressure tests and electronic monitors. They will breathe into a tube to test their lungs. * Participants will perform several exercises, including treadmill walking. * Vision, hearing, and taste will be tested. * Bone and joint X-rays may be taken. * Imaging tests will be given, such as an MRI. * Participants will answer questions to test their mental abilities. * Participants will return for follow-up visits every few years for life. The tests listed above will be given at every visit.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT00233272
- Run by
- National Institute on Aging (NIA)
- People needed
- 10000
- Starts
- 2014-02-03
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-08-03
Who can join
Age: 20 and older, up to 120. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may not qualify if…
- These criteria pertain to the Screening Visit and Visit 1. If conditions considered as exclusion criteria for study entry develop any time after the this, the participant remains in the study.
- Exclusion Criteria Based on Laboratory Assessment:
- HIV virus infection
- Hepatitis B or C
- Syphilis
- WBC > 12,000/mcrL
- Platelets < 100,000 or >600,000 /mcrL
- Hemoglobin < 11 g/dL
- Creatinine >1.5 mg/dl or calculated creatinine clearance < 50 cc/min
- Bilirubin > 1.5 mg/dl (unless higher levels can be ascribed to Gilbert s disease)
- ALT, AST or alkaline phosphatase twice the normal serum concentration
- Corrected calcium < 8.5 or > 10.7 mg/dl
- Albumin < 3.1 g/dl
Where it is running
- National Institute of Aging, Clinical Research Unit — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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