English Longitudinal Ageing (ELSA) — waves 12–13 and HCAP
English Longitudinal Study of Ageing - Renewal 2024
Collects health, memory, activity, and social information from adults aged 50+ in England to track aging and dementia risk over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University College London NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (London, United Kingdom) |
| Project ID | NIH-11087552 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be invited to take part in two new waves of data collection (2025/26 and 2027/28) with a third administration of detailed cognitive tests (HCAP). You would complete interviews about health, economic and social life, do cognitive tasks, and may be asked to wear activity monitors or provide biological samples and allow linkage to health records. The project follows people aged 50+ across England and compares results with similar US surveys to learn how genetics, biology, and social factors interact with aging and dementia. Findings are used to inform public health, services, and policies that affect older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults aged 50 and older living in England, including those with memory concerns, caregivers, or from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds.
Not a fit: People under 50, those living outside England, or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment should not expect direct medical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could clarify factors that raise or lower dementia risk and inform better prevention and care for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: ELSA and the related US Health and Retirement Study have a long track record of producing influential findings on aging and dementia, so this renewal builds on proven, established work.
Where this research is happening
London, United Kingdom
- University College London — London, United Kingdom (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steptoe, Andrew — University College London
- Study coordinator: Steptoe, Andrew
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 below.