Exploring what helps some older adults maintain exceptional cognitive abilities

Study to Uncover Pathways to Exceptional Cognitive Resilience in Aging (SUPERAging)

NIH-funded research University of Chicago · NIH-11082249

This study is looking for what helps some older adults, called SuperAgers, stay sharp and healthy in their thinking, and it’s inviting 500 people from the U.S. and Canada, including both SuperAgers and those with average cognitive abilities, to join in and share their experiences.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11082249 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to uncover the factors that contribute to exceptional cognitive resilience in older adults, known as SuperAgers. By establishing a multicenter consortium, the study will enroll 500 participants across various sites in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on both Black SuperAgers and cognitively average elderly individuals. The research will analyze a wide range of factors, including behavioral, genetic, and environmental influences, using advanced imaging and biostatistical methods to gather and interpret data. Participants will undergo assessments that help identify what promotes cognitive health as they age.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above, particularly those who demonstrate exceptional cognitive abilities or are cognitively average.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those with significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing cognitive health and resilience in aging populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying factors related to cognitive resilience in aging, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.