Approved Research
Exploring Multimorbidity Patterns through Network Analysis and Methodological Innovations in Analysis
Lay summary
This research project aims to better understand the concept, definition, and measurement of multimorbidity, which is when a person has multiple health conditions at the same time. Currently, there is no agreement on how to define multimorbidity, which conditions should be included, and how they should be measured.
The project will also investigate the relationship between degenerative ptosis - a condition where the eyelid droops due to aging - and systemic connective tissue diseases. These diseases can have serious consequences if left untreated, so it's important to identify them early and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
To address these issues, the project will use data from a large study of older adults to identify the patterns of multimorbidity and explore methods to prevent early-stage degenerative ptosis. The researchers will look for groups of diseases that tend to occur together and cause similar health problems. They will use these patterns to measure how much illness a person has, regardless of which specific diseases they have. This way, they can identify people who are at risk for serious health problems based on their overall level of illness, rather than just looking at each disease separately. Researchers will compare the accuracy of self-reported health conditions with those diagnosed by doctors, and develop methods to correct any errors in the self-reported data. They will also study methods for detecting and controlling degenerative ptosis at an early stage to improve the longevity and quality of life of patients.
The project will last for several years, and will involve collaboration between experts in different fields, including statistics, epidemiology, and ophthalmology.
The findings from this research project will have important public health implications. By better understanding multimorbidity, doctors and researchers can develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies, which can improve the health and well-being of millions of people. Additionally, by identifying the most important health conditions and risk factors, public health officials can develop targeted interventions to address these issues and reduce the burden of disease in the population. Finally, by investigating the relationship between degenerative ptosis and systemic connective tissue diseases, this research could lead to earlier detection and treatment of these conditions, improving outcomes for patients.
Project duration: About 3 years.