Families with exceptional longevity and healthy aging
The Long Life Family Study
Researchers are following long-lived families to find genetic and lifestyle clues that help protect memory, thinking, and overall healthy aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11096291 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows nearly 5,000 people across 539 families in the U.S. and Denmark with repeated in-person visits that measure many aspects of aging. Study visits collect cognitive tests, physical measures like grip strength and lung function, activity data from devices, and biospecimens for sequencing. Scientists use family linkage, whole genome sequencing, and analytic tools including AI to find rare genetic variants and patterns linked to protection from Alzheimer’s and other aging-related declines. The work aims to explain why some families stay healthier into old age and to point toward ways to prevent or slow dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult members of families with exceptional longevity, including offspring and grandchildren of enrolled LLFS pedigrees, who can attend study visits and provide biospecimens and activity data.
Not a fit: People who are not part of the enrolled pedigrees or who cannot attend in-person visits are unlikely to be eligible or to gain direct benefit from joining this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could reveal genes, behaviors, or biomarkers that lead to new ways to prevent or slow Alzheimer’s and support healthier aging.
How similar studies have performed: Other family-based and longevity studies have identified genetic and lifestyle factors tied to healthy aging, but translating those findings into proven treatments remains an early-stage effort.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Province, Michael a. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Province, Michael a.
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.