Mission

Our objective is to improve the scientific basis for setting nutrient intake requirements to promote musculoskeletal health and improve overall health and function in the elderly. Our activities and plans are summarized below.

Lab Objectives

1. Conduct clinical studies to determine the effects of vitamin D in the prevention of physical dysfunction, oral disease, and diabetes, and other chronic diseases in older adults.

2. Conduct clinical studies to determine the effects of dietary protein and dietary acid-base balance on bone and muscle metabolism and function, respectively, in older adults.

3. Determine the role and mechanisms of action for calcium and magnesium and other dietary components in the maintenance of bone health and the progression of related diseases.

a. Define the status of bone mineral density and determine associations between nutrition, stress, and bone in older Puerto Ricans.

Staff

Bess Dawson-Hughes, M.D., Laboratory Director
Senior Scientist and Professor, Medicine
Research focus: dietary and genetic determinants of bone mass

Susan Harris, D.Sc.
Scientist I
Research focus: Vitamin D and other nutritional determinants of chronic disease

Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, M.D., M.P.H.
Visiting Scientist
Research focus: Prevention of falls/disability in the elderly; musculoskeletal effects of vitamin D

Lisa Ceglia, M.D.
Scientist II
The relationship between the aging musculoskeletal system and nutritional factors such as vitamin D, dietary protein, and acid/base balance in the diet

Nancy Palermo, B.S., Project Manager

Nicole Chapelle, B.S., Research Coordinator

Joann Thelusma, Budget and Administrative Assistant

For contact information, please click on the scientist's webpage or visit the Tufts University online directory athttp://whitepages.tufts.edu/.