Understanding why some people age with intact thinking despite Alzheimer’s pathology
Official title: Neural and Biochemical Mechanisms of Cognitive Aging
Funded at University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab · NIH-11393935 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term study looks at why some people keep their memory sharp even when brain changes linked to Alzheimer's are present.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2009 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,763,899 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG034570-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393935 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged for whom aging-associated cognitive changes are relevant, including those with or at risk for early Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without aging-related cognitive concerns or those outside the study’s age range may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project follows people over many years to see why some individuals maintain good memory despite age-related brain changes. Researchers will use brain scans, biomarkers, and cognitive tests to track who develops memory decline and who does not. The aim is to uncover factors that help people age healthily and resist Alzheimer’s pathology. Results could point to targets for interventions to preserve thinking as we age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to strategies to protect memory in aging and reduce the impact of Alzheimer’s pathology.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown links between amyloid/tau pathology and memory decline, but variability suggests resilience factors that this study aims to identify.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jagust, William J. — University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab
- Study coordinator: Jagust, William J.
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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.