Families with exceptional longevity and healthy aging
The Long Life Family Study
Researchers are following families who live much longer than average to learn what keeps their minds and bodies healthy as they age.
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-11385193 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This long-term project follows nearly 5,000 people across more than 500 families in the United States and Denmark who show exceptional longevity. Participants come for repeated in-person visits where staff measure memory, strength, lung function, blood pressure, activity, and other aging-related traits. The team links these measurements with whole genome sequencing, activity monitors, and health records to find rare genetic and lifestyle factors that might protect against decline, including Alzheimer's disease. Grandchildren and multiple generations are included so researchers can see which protections run in families over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people from families with exceptional longevity or their descendants, and anyone willing to share health information, samples, and attend in-person visits for aging and Alzheimer's-related research.
Not a fit: People without a family history of long-lived relatives or those not interested in long-term follow-up may not see direct short-term health benefits from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to genetic and lifestyle factors that help prevent or delay dementia and other age-related declines, guiding new prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other family-based and population studies have identified genetic and lifestyle links to healthy aging and lower dementia risk, though turning those discoveries into treatments is still ongoing.
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.