Exploring how some older adults maintain exceptional memory abilities
Cognitive SuperAging: A model to explore resilience and resistance to aging and Alzheimers disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-10804730
This study is looking at a special group of people aged 80 and older, called 'SuperAgers', who have amazing memory skills despite their age, to find out what helps them stay sharp and resist Alzheimer's, and we invite participants to help us learn more about their brains and how they work.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10804730 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates a unique group of individuals aged 80 and older, known as 'SuperAgers', who exhibit remarkable memory performance that defies typical age-related decline. By studying these individuals, the research aims to identify biological, psychosocial, and genetic factors that contribute to their cognitive resilience against Alzheimer's disease. Participants will undergo longitudinal assessments and contribute to brain donation studies, allowing researchers to analyze brain connectivity and gene expression related to memory function. The goal is to better understand the mechanisms that enable some older adults to maintain superior cognitive abilities well into their later years.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 80 and older who demonstrate exceptional memory performance and cognitive resilience.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 80 or those who already exhibit significant cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and strategies for preserving cognitive function in aging populations, potentially delaying or preventing Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive resilience in aging, but this specific focus on SuperAgers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROGALSKI, EMILY J — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: ROGALSKI, EMILY J
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.