Understanding cognitive changes in high-performing elderly individuals in Hong Kong

Decoding the Cognitive Trajectory of Hong Kong SuperAgers: a Longitudinal Follow-up Study

Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05728801

This study looks at how thinking skills change over time in older adults, including those who age well and those with cognitive issues, to see what helps some people stay sharp while others decline.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05728801 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study follows a cohort of elderly participants, including SuperAgers, normal aging individuals, and those with neurocognitive disorders, to investigate cognitive changes over time. Participants will be re-invited from a previous study conducted between 2013 and 2014, allowing for a longitudinal analysis of cognitive trajectories. The study aims to identify factors that contribute to cognitive maintenance and decline in older adults, utilizing standardized cognitive assessments to categorize participants based on their cognitive performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include high-performing elderly individuals (SuperAgers), normal aging elderly, and patients with mild neurocognitive disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological deficits or major psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into maintaining cognitive health in aging populations, potentially leading to improved quality of life for elderly individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding cognitive aging, but this specific approach focusing on SuperAgers is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* SuperAgers are determined by the scores of global cognitive function. This ensured that the participants are divided by a measure relevant to the current study without directly biasing the results toward the domain of interest;
* Normal aging: the cases with the scores of cognitive performance within 1.5 standard deviation (SD) of age and education matched normative values derived from our cohort study, of which presented with HK MoCA score greater than 26 and CDR score equal to 0;
* NCD patients are defined as: evidence of modest decline in one or more cognitive domains, which is set as ≥ 1.5 SD below the age- and education-adjusted normative scores; no interference with independence in everyday activities; and no comorbid major psychiatric disorders.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of bipolar disorders or psychosis;
* History of major neurological deficits including stroke, transient ischemic attack or traumatic brain injury;
* Comorbidities with depressive symptoms.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Age-related Cognitive Decline, Cognitive Deterioration, Dementia, Mild, Cognitive maintenance, Cognitive ageing, Superagers, Cognition, Quality of life

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.