Investigating the biological factors that help some older adults maintain memory function
Biospecimen/Neuropathology Core
This study is looking at why some people over 80, called Cognitive SuperAgers, have memory skills like much younger folks, and it aims to learn more about their brain and blood to help everyone understand how to stay sharp as we age, especially by including more African American participants in the research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082261 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why some individuals over 80, known as Cognitive SuperAgers, maintain memory performance comparable to much younger adults. By studying these individuals, researchers aim to identify biological, anatomical, and molecular features that contribute to their cognitive resilience against age-related decline. The study involves collecting and analyzing brain tissue and blood samples to explore key markers of neurodegeneration and genetic factors. The goal is to enhance the representation of African American participants in this research to better understand the diverse factors influencing cognitive aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include individuals aged 80 and older who exhibit strong memory performance and those who are African American.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 80 or do not have cognitive performance comparable to younger adults may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and strategies for preserving cognitive function in aging populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive resilience in older adults, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geula, Changiz — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Geula, Changiz
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.