Dopamine, brain aging, and neuroplasticity in longitudinal cognitive change
Official title: Dopaminergic and Neuroplastic Influences on Longitudinal Change in Cognitive and Brain Aging
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11371147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term study following adults as they age to understand how dopamine, brain changes, and neuroplasticity relate to cognitive aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2017 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $742,994 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG056535-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11371147 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older who are at risk for or living with age-related cognitive changes and Alzheimer-type dementia may be eligible based on study criteria.
✕Less likely to help
People without the study-specified age range or cognitive/clinical criteria may not benefit from participation.
What this research studies
This project follows the Dallas Area Longitudinal Lifespan Aging Study (D.A.L.L.A.S) as it adds two more data collection waves and a new enrichment group to better map how immune signals, inflammation, metabolism, and neural chemistry relate to aging brain structure and thinking skills. By combining advanced MRI techniques at high magnetic field with blood-based biomarkers, researchers aim to link biological processes to changes in cognition over time. The study design emphasizes repeated measurements so we can see how individuals differ in aging trajectories and what factors might influence them. Participants may contribute by joining the enrichment cohort and providing blood samples or undergoing scans as part of ongoing follow-up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could improve understanding of aging brain health and identify targets to support cognitive function in aging.
How similar studies have gone: Similar longitudinal aging studies have yielded important insights into brain aging, with newer methods offering more detailed links between biology and cognition.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kennedy, Kristen M. — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Kennedy, Kristen M.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.