Pilot and Exploratory Core PESC

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PESC ABSTRACT/SUMMARY The Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) will promote the development of novel ideas and approaches to improving and sustaining independent function in older persons through Precision Gerontology. Using a rigorous application and selection process developed to maximize the pipeline of investigators pursuing Precision Gerontology, the PESC will select up to 3 pilot and exploratory studies (PES) each year of the award. Selection criteria specified in the Request for Applications (RFA) will include the potential to lead to larger high-impact projects, involvement of Pepper Cores, and responsiveness to the UConn Pepper Center focus on Precision Gerontology. PESC-funded projects can include a range of study designs from basic bench and human subject research to population science. The PESC seeks to fund three(PES) in Year 1 that each emphasize enhanced understanding of heterogeneity with aging and/or improved targeting in aging. PES1, Apathy: An Early Manifestation of Frailty and Disability in Older Adults with Depression?, will test the hypotheses that there will be differences in functional performance and blood-based biomarkers between older depressed adults with and without apathy. The results of this study will enhance understanding the pathophysiology underlying apathy and may help identify treatment targets in older depressed adults. PES2, Multicomponent web-based behavioral intervention to improve physical function and other health outcomes among African American older adults in the COVID-19 era, will develop, implement, and evaluate a multicomponent, culturally-tailored educational intervention to reengage and promote physical activity, adequate nutrition, and optimal mental health for African American older adults. PES3, The Heterogeneity of Vulnerabilities in Aging Cohort (HVAC): A new resource for early biomarker discovery and validation, seeks to provide junior faculty with: (1) experience in preparing an IRB protocol, recruiting human subjects, and assessing frailty; and (2) the opportunity to generate data that can be used to develop a platform for biomarker discovery and for future NIH grant applications. These goals will be accomplished using a cohort of well-defined geriatric clinical phenotypes that are associated with particular types of vulnerability or frailty. Metrics of success for each PES will include generation of preliminary data to support external NIH grant applications and dissemination of knowledge via presentations and manuscripts. Overall success of the PESC Core will be assessed in terms of responsiveness to the RFA and number of peer-reviewed manuscripts, submitted applications, and external funding generated from PESC-funded studies.