By capitalizing on these new opportunities, we can work to substantially decrease the burden of disease and implement strategies that can maintain physical and cognitive abilities throughout the aging process. Basic research is providing significant insights into the aging process and associated chronic conditions. Most normal cells have little telomerase activity, and these cells lose a portion of their telomeres each time that they divide. When the telomeres have shortened sufficiently, cells stop dividing. Research is now being directed toward understanding whether this limited capacity for cell division is related to the diseases or disability that can accompany aging.
Many scientists view telomerase inhibition as a potential new approach to cancer therapy.
The long clinical course of Alzheimer's disease strikes as many as four million Americans, with devastating effects to patients, their families, caregivers, and society. Some scientists have projected a tripling of individuals with Alzheimer's disease to 14 million by the year 2050 if means to delay or prevent its onset are not discovered. In the absence of disease, the human brain functions well throughout life. Based on the suggestive data of epidemiologic studies, the NIA plans to initiate clinical trials to test the effectiveness of ibuprofen and of estrogen in treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease. A recently completed clinical trial showed that the antioxidants selegiline and vitamin E may slow development of functional signs and symptoms of AD by several months, although they did not affect cognitive measures.