Understanding Blood Changes in Very Long Lives

CH in Aging and Exceptional Longevity

['FUNDING_R01'] · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11161521

This research looks at changes in blood cells in people who live exceptionally long lives to understand how these changes relate to healthy aging and protection from diseases like Alzheimer's.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BRONX, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11161521 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our bodies naturally change as we get older, and sometimes these changes involve our blood cells. This project explores specific changes in blood cells, called Clonal Hematopoiesis (CH), in people who live to be very old, often over 95 years. We want to understand how these blood cell changes might protect some individuals from common age-related diseases like Alzheimer's or heart problems. By studying these unique individuals, we hope to learn more about what contributes to a long and healthy life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: The ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have lived to exceptional ages, particularly those over 95, and are part of specific Ashkenazi Jewish longevity cohorts.

Not a fit: Patients not part of these specific longevity cohorts or those without a focus on exceptional longevity may not directly benefit from this particular study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand how to promote healthy aging and potentially develop new strategies to prevent diseases like Alzheimer's.

How similar studies have performed: While the link between blood cell changes and aging is known, this project explores a unique aspect of these changes in people with exceptional longevity, building on existing knowledge.

Where this research is happening

BRONX, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.