Scholars@Duke
Connie Watkins Bales

Connie Watkins Bales

Professor Emeritus in Medicine
Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care
bales001@mc.duke.edu
Duke Box 3003, Durham, NC 27710
2508 Busse Bldg, Durham, NC 27710

Overview

Research in our laboratory focuses on the role of nutrition (particularly vitamins and minerals) in the prevention and management of chronic diseases in older adults. Previous studies have concerned trace elements and cardiovascular disease, calcium and osteoporosis, and renal synthesis of vitamin D as it relates to bone health. Some of our newest work emphasizes the role of micronutrients as antioxidants and their interaction with the aging process. We are also working on various aspects of energy balance in older adults, ranging from failure to thrive in stroke patients with dysphagia to exercise and nutrition effects in overweight subjects who begin physical training. Thus we have a number of clinical and epidemiological projects on-going, many of which include a strong emphasis on nutrition assessment techniques in middle-aged and elderly subjects.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor Emeritus in Medicine · 2024 - Present Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Medicine
Senior Fellow in the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development · 1988 - Present Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Institutes and Centers

Recent Publications

From Intention to Maintenance: A Two-Year Examination of Clinical and Lifestyle Changes in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Journal Article ACR Open Rheumatol · December 2025 OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term impacts of a 16-week remotely supervised exercise and weight loss intervention for rheumatoid arthritis (Supervised Weight Loss and Exercise Training in Rheumatoid Arthritis [SWET-RA]). METHODS: In total, 21 older adult ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

The impact of lifestyle modification on metabolic pathways in older adults with overweight/obesity and rheumatoid arthritis: a secondary exploratory analysis of the SWET-RA study.

Journal Article BMC Rheumatol · June 9, 2025 BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk due to inflammation and traditional risk factors, both of which can be mitigated by lifestyle modifications. This study examines metabolic pathways influenced by lifest ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Effects of Blueberry Consumption on Fecal Microbiome Composition and Circulating Metabolites, Lipids, and Lipoproteins in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Older Adults with Overweight or Obesity: The BEACTIVE Trial.

Journal Article Nutrients · March 29, 2025 Background/Objectives: Generous consumption of phytonutrient-rich foods, including blueberries, provides benefits to multiple physiologic and metabolic systems. This study explored the potential that regular, generous blueberry intake could favorably modul ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants

Weight loss, in vivo cartilage mechanics, and joint health

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2025

Behavior and Physiology in Aging

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute on Aging · 2015 - 2025

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Education, Training & Certifications

University of Tennessee, Knoxville · 1981 Ph.D.