VA'S GERIATRIC RESEARCH, EDUCATION
AND CLINICAL CENTERS
March 1997
Anticipating the impact of the aging veteran population
on VA's health care system, in 1975 VA established the Geriatric Research,
Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) program. The purpose of GRECCs is
to increase the basic knowledge of the aging process and diseases associated
with aging, share that knowledge with health care providers and improve
the overall quality of care for the elderly veteran.
Today, there are 16 GRECCs. Each has an identified focus on research in
the basic biomedical, clinical and health services areas; develops clinical
care models, such as the geriatric evaluation and management program; and
trains medical and associated health students and staff in geriatrics and
gerontology. GRECC locations and research specialty areas are listed below.
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Research focuses on the neurosciences and metabolism and nutrition with
correlated clinical studies of autonomic function, diabetes mellitus and
hypertension. Researchers associated with the Ann Arbor GRECC also collaborated
in the discovery of the gene responsible for Huntington's Disease. Health
sciences research focuses on cost and quality of health care.
Baltimore, Md.
Research focuses on hormonal regulation of lipids, glucose and adipose tissue
metabolism in aging; and effects of interdisciplinary treatment of cardiovascular
disease risk factors in older veterans through exercise, dietary intervention,
and cigarette smoking cessation.
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GRECCs -- Page 2
Boston, Mass. (Bedford and Brockton/West
Roxbury Divisions)
Research focuses on basic and clinical studies of dementia, including Alzheimer's
disease and aspects of memory failure; dehydration and urinary incontinence
in the frail elderly; and respiratory dysfunction in older veterans with
spinal cord injury. Health services research delves into ethics, the ability
of older veterans to safely drive automobiles, and advance directives.
Durham, N.C.
Basic and clinical research focuses on patterns of cancer in the elderly,
exercise for cardiovascular fitness and mobility, stress and hypertension
by race and age, reduction of impairments from osteoporosis and Paget's
disease of the bone. Health services research focuses on health promotion
and disease prevention.
Gainesville, Fla.
Studies focus on basic and clinical pharmacology of age effects on drug
mechanisms, immunology, dementia, thermogenesis, signal transduction mechanisms
and systemic adaptation to exercise. Additional research examines exercise
physiology and wellness programs for healthy and sick elderly.
Little Rock, Ark.
Research focuses on the cellular and molecular biology of aging with clinical
focus on cancer and nutrition, helping to define the role of nutrition in
morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients. Additional research is helping
evaluate the delivery of geriatric and long-term care service.
Madison, Wis.
Basic research into cancer, immunology and nutrition, with applied clinical
research in geriatric oncology and swallowing. Health services research
examines the critical junctures in the continuum of long term care.
Miami, Fla.
Basic research focuses on bone and cartilage metabolism, neurodegeneration
and prostate disease. Applied clinical research delves into osteoporosis
and osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, Paget's disease and prostate disease.
Additional research is being conducted on preventive services, rehabilitation,
and cost-effectiveness studies.
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GRECCs -- Page 3
Minneapolis, Minn.
Basic and clinical studies are directed at behavioral neurobiology and psychopharmacology,
particularly involving Alzheimer's disease and delirium. An adapted work
therapy program has been developed for dementia patients.
Palo Alto, Calif.
Studies focus on the endocrinological and metabolic aspects of aging, biomechanics
of mobility, ethnic contributions to skeletal health, and adjustment to
vision loss. Additional research examines use of psychological interventions
to treat depression and other mental health problems, resource utilization
for frail hospitalized patients, as well as family caregiving issues.
St. Louis, Mo.
Biological research focuses on the role of hormones in age-related behavior
changes, age-related changes in bone mineral metabolism, and age-related
changes in immune system physiology. Clinical research focuses on the effects
of exercise and nutrition on physiological and metabolic parameters, while
additional research examines nursing home care and health care delivery
for African Americans.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Basic and applied clinical research is helping to evaluate strategies intended
to reverse the effects of aging, such as administration of deficient cytokines
and hormones, and the application of aerobic exercise as a means of improving
cognitive function. A particular emphasis of health services research is
in the use of computers to support sensitive, accurate and timely diagnoses.
San Antonio, Texas
Biomedical and clinical research focuses on metabolic diseases and endocrinology,
nutrition, oral health and dentistry. Clinical studies include oral epidemiology
and effectiveness of diabetes education in Mexican-American elderly, while
health services research focuses on functional status and ethnicity, and
health care utilization.
Seattle/American Lake, Wash.
Basic biomedical research is directed toward neurobiologic and neuroendocrine
aspects of aging and Alzheimer's disease, with clinical evaluation of new
treatments for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Additional research examines
the bioethical aspects of medical decision-making in the elderly.
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GRECCs -- Page 4
Sepulveda, Calif.
Biomedical research focuses on Alzheimer's disease, molecular biology and
endocrinology, with studies on bone cell changes with aging and the impairment
of immune response to psychological stress in the elderly. Applied clinical
research studies delve into falls and mobility problems, long-term care,
exercise, pain, sleep and quality of care. Additional research examines
the cost-effectiveness of health care delivery.
West Los Angeles, Calif.
Biomedical studies are conducted in the fields of osteoporosis, immunology
and osteoarthritis, focusing on underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Applied clinical research has focused on pharmacological and exercise approaches
to osteoporosis and physical therapy approaches in osteoarthritis. Health
services research examines the use of geriatric outpatient care by the elderly,
and the cost effectiveness of health maintenance programs.
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Related Fact Sheets Available from
VA News Service
VA Geriatrics Research
VA Programs for Older Veterans
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