Exploring the breakdown of biological systems in older adults using high-dimensional metabolomic data
Description: Although Illness is a natural consequence of getting old, for some it can happen more often and be much more debilitating. While we know of certain lifestyle and environmental factors that can lead to poor health in older adults, the underlying biological factors that determine who is affected that most remains mysterious. Members of our research team were the first to provide evidence that a breakdown of the numerous biological systems that maintain good health in the face of life's many stressors may be a key determinant of whether they develop disease or disability, or die earlier than their peers. However, it remains unclear the degree to which this breakdown is affected by personal and lifestyle factors, such as education, diet, smoking or physical activity, and which biological systems are most responsible for poor health as we age. In the following study we aim to use the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging platform to investigate how biological dysregulation differs amongst older adults and how it relates to health changes over time. We will measure dysregulation in a large and comprehensive database of metabolites using a statistical method called Mahalanobis distance, and compare that to demographic, lifestyle and behavioral factors obtained from health questionnaires. To correlate dysregulation to health outcomes over time, we will evaluate the change in frailty and the incidence of disease and death up to six years later.
Amount: CA$70,000
Funding type: fellowship
Funder scheme: Catalyst Grant: Analysis of CLSA Data - IA Early Career Researchers
Start date: 2024-03-01
End date: 2025-02-28
Investigator: Chris Verschoor
Institution: Health Sciences North Research Institute (Sudbury, ON)
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: 192919_1
OpenAlex ID: G4906164141