Research

Closely linked with the RAVEN initiative and the VA Pittsburgh GRECC, research in infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship aims to improve infection control and antimicrobial use in long-term care environments. Investigators develop and implement best practices for antibiotic prescribing, vaccination, and outbreak management, while creating new quality measures to assess prescribing appropriateness. This work has informed national standards and continues to shape evidence-based policies that promote safer, more effective infection management for older adults.

Research in caregivers and medical decision-making explores how older adults, families, and clinicians navigate complex health choices, from antibiotic use and cancer screening to advanced care planning and dementia-related decisions. Investigators develop and test stakeholder-informed interventions to support patients and caregivers during and after serious illness, with particular attention to transitional care, communication, and rehabilitation. Collaborations with the VA Pittsburgh Center for Health Care Evaluation, Research, and Promotion and other partners apply implementation science to improve outcomes for vulnerable and underserved populations, ensuring that medical decisions align with patient goals, values, and quality of life.

Research on chronic pain focuses on improving assessment and management for older adults, supported through partnerships with the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System’s Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC) and other national research networks. Studies explore both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies—ranging from mindfulness and physical therapy to mobile health interventions—aimed at reducing pain, improving function, and enhancing quality of life.

The Geriatric Cardiology Center examines how aging affects cardiovascular structure, function, and response to therapy. Investigators study mechanisms of muscle aging, exercise physiology, and mitochondrial function in older adults with heart disease, as well as strategies to optimize cardiac rehabilitation and caregiving. These studies aim to personalize cardiovascular care and improve both physical and cognitive outcomes for older adults with heart failure and related conditions.

Research in geroscience and the basic biology of aging largely takes place within the Aging Institute, where divisional researchers are working to uncover the molecular and metabolic mechanisms that drive age-related decline and disease. Investigators study how cellular stress, DNA damage, and lipid metabolism interact to influence cellular senescence, tissue repair, and overall longevity. Using multi-omic integration, causal inference, and translational models, these studies bridge discoveries from the bench to the bedside to identify potential targets for intervention. Complementary work examines the genetic and molecular pathways underlying Alzheimer’s disease, neurodegeneration, and cognitive disorders, with the goal of developing novel therapeutic strategies that promote healthy aging and resilience across the lifespan.

The Division’s continence research, conducted through collaborations with the Geriatric Continence Center, advances understanding of urinary incontinence, nocturia, and other voiding disorders that affect independence and well-being. Using neuroimaging and physiologic testing, investigators explore how aging impacts bladder control and develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes for older adults.

In collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer Disease Research Center, researchers study the biological mechanisms that link brain aging, cognition, and mobility. Investigations explore the roles of amyloid deposition, vascular changes, and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, while testing interventions that preserve cognitive and motor function. These efforts aim to extend healthspan and promote independent living in late life.

The Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Center, closely integrated with the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, leads comprehensive research on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of osteoporosis and fractures in older adults. Investigators study innovative approaches to improving bone health across care settings, including the use of a mobile laboratory unit that enables participation by frail or homebound individuals. These efforts advance understanding of bone fragility, promote early intervention, and inform best practices for fracture prevention and recovery among aging populations.

The Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Center of Excellence conducts research to improve medication use and safety in older adults. Investigators evaluate the effectiveness and risks of commonly prescribed drugs, develop evidence-based prescribing criteria, and advance policy and education around medication optimization. These efforts inform national standards for geriatric pharmacology and support the training of future leaders in safe, effective medication management.

In partnership with the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and regional collaborators, Division researchers are advancing telemedicine and digital health innovation to improve care for older adults. A central focus of this work is the RAVEN (Reduce Avoidable Hospitalization using Evidence-based Interventions for Nursing facilities) program, a nationally recognized model that leverages telehealth, data analytics, and clinical decision support to reduce unnecessary hospital transfers from nursing homes. These studies inform scalable, technology-driven approaches that enhance safety, coordination, and quality across long-term and post-acute care settings.