Unravelling muscle loss, cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease in baby boomers


Technology utilised

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry

Lead researchers

Professor Jeremy Nicholson

Professor Jeremy Nicholson

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Professor Elaine Holmes

Professor Elaine Holmes

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Dr Luke Whiley

Dr Luke Whiley

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Dr Torben Kimhofer

Dr Torben Kimhofer

researcher looking at results in lab

An ageing global population is increasing the rate of death from non-communicable diseases. Researchers at the ANPC are working to identify metabolic signatures that can help deliver early nutritional interventions that promote healthy ageing.

What is the need for this project?

In 2030, there will be more people in Australia aged over 65 years than children aged under 14 years.

The loss of muscle mass, cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease are major contributors to the progression of ill-health among this ageing cohort.

The ANPC is seeking to better understand the causes and metabolic pathways associated with these diseases so that we can help clinicians develop more effective interventions.

What research are we undertaking?

The ANPC is performing metabolic profiling using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry on serum samples from 2,000 participants in the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study - Australia’s most defined large population cohort study.

This will determine metabolic phenotypes (phenomes) integrating genetic, environmental and microbiome exposures, and their association with each of the outcomes of interest.

Data generated will be modelled to identify metabolic pathways associated with sarcopenia, cognitive decline and metabolic syndrome.

What are the key outcomes?

This study will identify potentially unique biomarkers and therapeutic targets for clinical and dietary intervention – leading to healthier individuals as they age.


Lead researchers

Professor Jeremy Nicholson
Professor Jeremy Nicholson
View staff profile
Professor Elaine Holmes
Professor Elaine Holmes
View staff profile
Dr Luke Whiley
Dr Luke Whiley
View staff profile
Dr Torben Kimhofer
Dr Torben Kimhofer

Technology utilised

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry

Lead researchers

Professor Jeremy Nicholson

Professor Jeremy Nicholson

View staff profile
Professor Elaine Holmes

Professor Elaine Holmes

View staff profile
Dr Luke Whiley

Dr Luke Whiley

View staff profile
Dr Torben Kimhofer

Dr Torben Kimhofer