Research questions:
1. How do each dimension of intrinsic capacity (IC) (cognitive function, locomotor capacity, sensory status, psychological health, and vitality) independently or synergistically influence the onset and progression of aging-related geriatric syndromes (e.g., falls, depression, frailty) and diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease)?
2. How do lifestyle factors, genetic factors, and environmental factors independently or synergistically influence the onset and progression of aging-related geriatric syndromes/diseases?
3. How do interactions between IC and lifestyle/genetic/environmental factors synergistically influence the onset and progression of aging-related geriatric syndromes/diseases?
4. How do aging-related geriatric syndromes/diseases impact the decline of IC, and through which biological mechanisms might these effects be mediated?
Research objectives:
1. To explore the independent and synergistic effects of intrinsic capacity (IC) dimensions on the onset and progression of aging-related geriatric syndromes/diseases .
2. To explore the independent and synergistic effects of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors on aging-related geriatric syndromes/diseases.
3. To explore the interactions between IC, lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors on aging-related geriatric syndromes/diseases.
4. To explore the potential mechanisms through which aging-related geriatric syndromes/diseases impact the deterioration of IC.
Scientific rationale for the research:
Aging-related geriatric syndromes and diseases are major challenges for public health. Intrinsic capacity (IC) is defined as the composite of the overall capacity that an individual can draw upon at any point in their life. There may be a bidirectional relationship between IC and aging-related geriatric syndromes or diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of their bidirectional relationship remain to be fully elucidated.
