Why some people stay mentally sharp into their 90s
Official title: Cognitively Healthy Nonagenarians in the Cross Cohort Collaboration (CCC)
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11470427 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Bringing together long-term health data to find what helps people remain cognitively healthy past age 85.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2018 |
| Project end | January 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $267,160 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG059421-02S3 |
| Project ID | NIH-11470427 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This is most relevant to older adults, especially people aged 85 and older or anyone enrolled in long-term cohort studies that track brain health over decades.
✕Less likely to help
People seeking an immediate treatment for dementia or those under about 65 are unlikely to receive direct personal benefit from this observational, data‑linking work.
What this research studies
This project combines data from many long-term studies that followed people from midlife into very old age to compare those who stayed cognitively healthy with those who developed dementia. Researchers harmonize information on brain imaging, blood markers (like Aβ‑42), genetics (including APOE), vascular health, and lifestyle over decades. They will analyze how Alzheimer pathology, vascular injury, and other medical conditions contribute to dementia in the oldest-old and what resilience factors protect thinking. The aim is to reveal patterns that single cohorts cannot show because so few participants survive past age 85 in any one study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify risks and protective factors that help people keep their thinking skills late into life, informing prevention and care strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Pooling long-term cohort data (for example through CHARGE) has previously revealed links between genetics, vascular disease, and dementia, but focusing on the 85+ population by harmonizing many cohorts is a newer effort.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seshadri, Sudha — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Seshadri, Sudha
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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.