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Dynamics of Health, Aging and Body Composition (HEALTH ABC) The major aim
of the study is to improve understanding of the disabling process through serial
measurement of body weight, muscle and fat mass and their distribution, bone
mineral density, muscle strength, endurance, and physical function. HEALTH ABC
is significant not only for its scope and objectives, but also for the use of
state-of-the-art technology and for bringing laboratory-based measurements to
population-based epidemiologic studies. Findings from HEALTH ABC will have far
reaching implications for the development of effective prevention and health
care strategies and programs for improving the health, functioning and life
quality of older adults. In April 1997, the challenging task of recruiting over
3,000 participants for the HEALTH ABC study began. The study population was
designed to include comparable numbers of blacks and whites because these groups
differ in certain aspects of body composition and in the prevalence of
weight-related health conditions. It was determined that a comparison of the two
groups would aid in the identification of risk factors for important disabling
conditions such as osteoarthritis and pulmonary disease. It also will allow
determination of the degree to which reported difference in survival and
disability between blacks and whites are secondary to these health outcomes. The
first examination year was devoted largely to initial clinical evaluations and
to ascertaining the prevalence of weight-related health conditions, including
osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, pulmonary function, cardiovascular disease,
depression, diabetes, and selected cancers. As the study progresses, two or
three detailed studies will focus on factors hypothesized to accelerate changes
in body composition, particularly the loss of bone and muscle mass. There will
also be a study of cognitive vitality focusing on the highest functioning
individuals in the cohort.
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