Actively Recruiting
Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Led by National Institute on Aging (NIA) · Updated on 2026-05-08
10000
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 20 years or older
- Weight less than or equal to 300 pounds and/or BMI less than or equal to 40
- No established genetic diseases
- Able to perform daily self-care without assistance
- Able to walk independently for at least 400 meters without symptoms
- Able to perform normal daily activities without shortness of breath
- No cognitive impairment based on screening tests without drug treatment
- No history of cardiovascular disease including angina, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- No history of diabetes requiring medical treatment other than diet and exercise
- No active cancer within the past 10 years except for limited basal or squamous cell cancer
- No significant hormonal dysfunction despite treatment
- No history of neurological diseases or birth defects affecting function
- No history of kidney or liver disease with reduced function
- No history of severe gastrointestinal diseases
- No muscle or skeletal conditions causing weakness or chronic pain
- No severe psychiatric conditions requiring chronic treatment
- No medical condition requiring continuous long-term antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or certain other medications
- No important sensory deficits preventing testing or consent
- Able to read and speak English
- No joint replacements due to arthritis or two or more joint replacements for any reason
- Eligible for 3T MRI and agree to undergo the test
- Agree to genetic sample collection and storage at Visit 1
You will not qualify if you...
- Infection with HIV, Hepatitis B or C, or Syphilis
- White blood cell count over 12,000/mcL
- Platelet count below 100,000 or above 600,000/mcL
- Hemoglobin less than 11 g/dL
- Creatinine over 1.5 mg/dL or creatinine clearance under 50 cc/min
- Bilirubin over 1.5 mg/dL unless due to Gilbert's disease
- Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase) twice the normal level
- Corrected calcium below 8.5 or above 10.7 mg/dL
- Albumin less than 3.1 g/dL
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institute of Aging, Clinical Research Unit
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21224
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jeannie M Ruffolo, R.N.
CONTACT
L
Luigi Ferrucci, M.D.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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