How decision-making changes as we age and with neurodegenerative diseases
Changes across the lifespan in the use of heuristics to guide decision-making
This study looks at how people make decisions as they get older, especially focusing on older adults and those with conditions like Alzheimer's, to better understand how aging and cognitive challenges affect their thinking and choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10589139 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how decision-making processes evolve throughout a person's life, particularly focusing on older adults and those with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. It aims to understand how aging affects the use of heuristics, or mental shortcuts, in making decisions. By developing a novel animal model, the researchers will explore the differences in decision-making abilities between younger and older individuals, as well as those with cognitive impairments. The findings could provide insights into the cognitive changes that occur with age and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger and do not have any cognitive impairments or neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for supporting decision-making in older adults and those with neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that cognitive processes related to decision-making can change with age and disease, suggesting that this area of study is both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Basso, Michele a — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Basso, Michele 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.