Research Advancing Kentucky: Supporting healthy aging at home
Researchers at the University of Kentucky play an important role in advancing the health, well-being and future of our Commonwealth.
Much of that work is done with support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). That support allows our researchers to find answers to many of the critical health issues facing Kentuckians.
Elizabeth Rhodus, Ph.D., is supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The goal of the NIA is to conduct and support research on aging and the health and well-being of older people to better understand the nature of aging and the aging process, and diseases and conditions associated with growing older, in order to extend the healthy, active years of life.
Rhodus is an assistant professor in the UK College of Medicine’s Department of Behavioral Science. The Kentucky native is also faculty in the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, UK’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center the Center for Health, Engagement and Transformation.
The goal of Rhodus’ research is to help older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, to age in place — remaining safely and comfortably in their own homes. Her interventions are targeted for people with dementia and their caregivers. Rhodus has a strong focus on working with Kentucky communities to achieve these goals.
“I hope that UK can continue to provide nationally renowned research that not only impacts Kentuckians, but becomes a model of excellence for the rest of the country in how we care for older adults, support those with cognitive impairment and maximize independent community residency while decreasing strain on healthcare systems and costs,” said Rhodus.
Rhodus and other members of the research community shared the importance of NIH-funded research at UK in this video series from Research Communications.
Learn more about each featured researcher.
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