Charlie Rose Science Series Continues with Leading Experts in Longevity and Aging: Third Part of Science Series to Examine Longevity and the Aging Pro

[26 March 2007 - PRNewswire] Emmy Award winning journalist Charlie Rose announced the third installment of his 12-part Science Series examining the importance of scientific research in human health. This episode is an in- depth discussion of longevity and aging, including a look at existing and ongoing studies and the social and economic implications of an increase in human life span. Charlie's discussion includes experts who have contributed to important developments in the science of aging and how research into calorie restriction, anti-aging drugs, and genetic manipulation have led to exciting advances over the past decade. Special guests will include Dr. Richard Weindruch, University of Wisconsin; Dr. Robert Butler, President and CEO, International Longevity Center; Dr. Cynthia Kenyon; University of California-San Francisco; Dr. Jay Olshansky, University of Illinois-Chicago; and, Dr. Leonard Guarente, MIT. The program will air on more than 200 PBS stations across the country beginning on Wednesday, March 28th during Charlie's regularly scheduled program. "Longevity has reached something of a precipitating moment," said Charlie Rose. "It has become a subject of great interest for obvious reasons, and with great implications because the baby boom generation is moving forward. With a better understanding of the aging process, science will be able to assist the aging baby boomers, and improve on successes in fighting the diseases of aging." The Charlie Rose Science Series, which is sponsored by Pfizer Inc, is an exploration of the advances being made in scientific research, their contribution to our understanding of the world around us, and how these breakthroughs may be applied to improving human health. The series' first episode focused on the research and growing understanding of the human brain and the second episode examined the contributions that have been made to science through the discovering and mapping of human DNA. As the Baby Boom generation reaches retirement age and many older people live into their late 70s and beyond, the U.S. and global communities face tremendous challenges to health and economic security, quality of life, and the management of the diseases of aging. Across the world, scientists are conducting research to advance the field of longevity science, and address the close association between aging and diseases like Alzheimer's. According to a report released by the Alzheimer's Association on March 20, 2007, there are more than five million people in the United States living with Alzheimer's disease. This number includes 4.9 million people over the age of 65, which translates into one out of eight people age 65 and older and one out of every two people age 85 or older. It is estimated that by 2030, 7.7 million people will have Alzheimer's and by mid-century nearly 16 million will be affected. "While aging is the number one risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and the number of people with Alzheimer's continues to grow, the good news is that science is continuing to gain knowledge of how the disease works. This research has led to the effective treatments that are available today, and we expect it to lead to new treatments in the future that will address the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease, thus allowing us to prevent it from developing or progressing," said Thomas McRae, M.D., of Pfizer. "We are committed to helping people live longer and healthier lives. To help fulfill that promise we are engaged in more research programs and clinical trials than at any other time in our history to develop the therapies that address this and other diseases of aging." Charlie Rose is joined in this series by his co-host, Sir Paul Nurse, PhD, Nobel Laureate and President of Rockefeller University. Speaking about the Charlie Rose Science Series, Dr. Nurse said, "Given the major impact that science has on every day life, it is necessary that we take the time to explain to the public how scientific advances and discoveries affect their daily lives. A proper understanding of how science will facilitate public debate on many of the important scientific questions such as aging and human longevity is increasingly important. I'm pleased to be involved with this effort, and I want to thank Pfizer for the promotion and support of the Science Series." More | Watch Clips