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Unlocking the secrets of youth
New endowed chair supports groundbreaking healthy-aging research
Many scientists dedicate their careers to discovering the cure for diseases, especially those associated with aging. Biochemist Tory Hagen and his colleagues at OSU's Linus Pauling Institute are searching for something even more revolutionary—the key to preventing diseases in the first place. In fact, Hagen's research already shows promise for preventing, and even reversing, the effects of old age in humans.
Recently, his work received a tremendous boost through The Campaign for OSU. On April 22, Hagen was inaugurated as the holder of the new Burgess and Elizabeth Jamieson Chair in Healthspan Research. This area of research seeks to help people not only live longer, but also live well—maintaining vitality and health even into old age. The chair was created through the Jamiesons' $2 million gift.
"I cannot express how much this chair means to me and my lab's research with the elderly, something we are passionate about doing," said Hagen, who will direct the Institute's new Healthy Aging Program. "While there is certainly good research all across the world in gerontology, most of it is centered around the diseases of aging. This program is turning that on its head. We want to go in and understand what allows us to maintain health. This endowed position is opening doors for increased research in this very vital area."
Hagen's studies have shown improved memory, mobility, and overall function in animals that received supplements of two nutrients: lipoic acid, a nutrient found in green leafy vegetables, and carnitine, found in meat and dairy products.
Now, Hagen's team is looking into preventive effects these nutrients may have on congestive heart failure, the leading cause of disability and death in people over 65. And pilot studies with human volunteers will begin soon on the impact of lipoic acid on memory. At the inauguration ceremony the Jamiesons praised Tory Hagen's research.
"We have personally benefited from Tory's work and
are very pleased to be as healthy as we are," said
Burgess Jamieson, who at age 77 is an avid hiker. Co-founder of the venture capital firms Institutional
Venture Associates and Sigma Partners, he has
followed the Institute's work for years and is a
strong proponent of vitamins and supplements.
He added that their gift is based not just on past
accomplishments but on what the Jamiesons expect
Hagen to achieve in the future. "Considering our ages,
please work fast," he said, drawing chuckles from the
audience.
Increasing faculty support is a major goal of The
Campaign for OSU. Endowed positions such as the
Jamieson Chair support individual faculty and provide
the means to build entire programs, influencing research,
education, and service that improve people's lives in
Oregon and around the world.
Learn More
Linus Pauling Institute fundraising opportunities
"Can acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid really turn back the clock?"
"Lipoic acid explored as anti-aging compound"
"Link identified between age, cardiovascular disease"
"Like Mom Said: Eat Your Broccoli" -- OSU President's Report (PDF)
Press release about the inauguration of the Jamieson Chair in Healthspan Research
