Investigating protective factors against cognitive decline in centenarians
Protective factors and mechanisms
This study is looking at why some people who live to be 100 years old stay sharp and clear-minded, even as they age, and it hopes to find clues that could help develop new treatments for memory problems and Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10907582 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why some centenarians maintain cognitive function despite aging, which is a major risk factor for dementia. The project aims to identify genetic and biological mechanisms that contribute to this resilience. It employs a combination of genetic studies, transcriptomic analyses, and advanced 3D brain cell models to explore these protective factors. By studying both centenarians and their offspring, the research seeks to uncover insights that could lead to new treatments for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include centenarians and their offspring who are cognitively intact or exhibit resilience against cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in identifying protective factors in aging populations, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Doo Yeon — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Kim, Doo Yeon
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.