NCT00233272

Brief Summary

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.

Trial Health

75
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
10,000

participants targeted

Target at P75+ for all trials

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
recruiting

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

October 3, 2005

Completed
2 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

October 5, 2005

Completed
8.3 years until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

February 3, 2014

Completed
Last Updated

March 27, 2026

Status Verified

March 24, 2026

First QC Date

October 3, 2005

Last Update Submit

March 26, 2026

Conditions

Aging

Keywords

FrailtyDisease ProcessesNatural History

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • The major aim of the BLSA is to characterize the aging process in its multifaceted aspects.

    Characterization of the aging process

    Ongoing

Study Arms (1)

Healthy Volunteers

Healthy volunteers over a wide age-range

Eligibility Criteria

Age20 Years - 120 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
Sampling MethodProbability Sample
Study Population

Healthy volunteers 20 years of age or older.

You may not qualify if:

  • Age greater than or equal to 20 years of age
  • Weigh less than or equal to 300lbs and/or body mass index (BMI) is less than or equal to 40
  • Do not have established genetic diseases
  • Are able to perform daily self- care without assistance
  • Are able to walk independently for at least 400 meters without assistance and without developing symptoms
  • Are able to perform normal activities of daily living without shortness of breath (walking or climbing stairs)
  • Do not have cognitive impairment based on screening tests and in the absence of any drug treatment
  • Do not have a history of cardiovascular disease (including angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular diseases, uncontrolled hypertension)
  • Do not have a history of diabetes (requiring any medical treatment other than diet and exercise)
  • Do not have active (any activity in the last 10 years) cancer, except for locally limited basal or squamous cell cancer
  • Do not have clinically significant hormonal dysfunction (Laboratory values out of range despite supplementation and/or drug treatment)
  • Do not have a history of neurological diseases or birth defects (other than minor anatomical abnormalities, which do not affect physical and/or cognitive function)
  • Do not have a history of kidney or liver disease (associated with reduced kidney or liver function)
  • Do not have a history of severe gastrointestinal (G.I.) diseases
  • Do not have muscle-skeletal conditions due to diseases or traumas (that cause pathological weakness and/or chronic pain)
  • +17 more criteria

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

National Institute of Aging, Clinical Research Unit

Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States

RECRUITING

Related Publications (1)

  • Chia CW, Odetunde JO, Kim W, Carlson OD, Ferrucci L, Egan JM. GIP contributes to islet trihormonal abnormalities in type 2 diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Jul;99(7):2477-85. doi: 10.1210/jc.2013-3994. Epub 2014 Apr 8.

    PMID: 24712564DERIVED

Related Links

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Frailty

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pathologic ProcessesPathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

  • Luigi Ferrucci, M.D.

    National Institute on Aging (NIA)

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Jeannie M Ruffolo, R.N.

CONTACT

(410) 350-7389ruffolojm@mail.nih.gov

Luigi Ferrucci, M.D.

CONTACT

(410) 558-8110ferruccilu@grc.nia.nih.gov

Study Design

Study Type
observational
Observational Model
COHORT
Time Perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Sponsor Type
NIH
Responsible Party
SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

October 3, 2005

First Posted

October 5, 2005

Study Start

February 3, 2014

Last Updated

March 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03-24

Locations

US(1)