Nutrition & Dietary Research
Sponsors:
The National Institutes on Aging (NIA), The Center for Aging (CFA)
Summary:
Several ongoing interdisciplinary research projects are taking place within the
Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine related to the nutrition and dietary
behavior of older adults. These are led by Julie Locher, Ph.D., M.P.H., and Christine
Ritchie, M.D., M.S.P.H. One project involves a longitudinal study of the multiple
factors (social, psychological, economic, religious, medical, functional, medication,
and oral health) and their outcomes that influence eating behaviors in homebound
older adults.
A related project (based upon data from the first project) involves a multi-dimensional
self-management intervention to improve nutritional health in homebound older adults.
Locher and Ritchie are also engaging in a qualitative study of eating and quality
of life in older adults with cancer. This study explores the communication that
takes place between older cancer patients, their caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Locher and Ritchie are also collaborators on Richard Allman's (M.D.) study of mobility
among older African Americans and whites, which examines nutrition-related factors
in the population. Pending projects focus specifically on older adults with eating
problems related to oral cancers and their treatment, and the evaluation of frailty
and its prevention.
Opportunities for Faculty Involvement:
Faculty, postdoctoral, and predoctoral students are encouraged to participate in
research projects related to nutrition and dietary behaviors through collaborations
with Locher and Ritchie.
Contact Persons and Leaders:
Julie L. Locher, Ph.D., M.S.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
Department of Medicine
1530 3rd Avenue South
CH19-Room 219N
Birmingham, Alabama 35294-2041
(tel) (205) 934-7542
(fax) (205) 975-7099
Christine S. Ritchie, M.D. M.S.P.H.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
Department of Medicine
1530 3rd Avenue South
CH19-Room 219T
Birmingham, Alabama 35294-2041
(tel) (205) 975-8197
(fax) (205) 975-7099