The Center for Vital Longevity has two primary research aims. First, to develop a strong, scientific understanding of the fundamental neurocognitive changes that occur as a result of the aging process. Second, to translate this understanding into research designed to promote neurocognitive health throughout adulthood. Our research team accomplishes these aims within the framework of three, large-scale research programs.

Dallas Lifespan Brain Study

This project is one of the largest projects in the United States that examines neural and cognitive aging across the entire adult lifespan from age 20 to 90. The study involves a search for a neural signature that is characteristic of healthy cognition that will predict who will and will not age well. Read more

Synapse Project: Use It or Lose It

The Synapse Project is designed to test the hypothesis that leading an engaged lifestyle is facilitative of brain health and may slow down the process of normal cognitive aging. Read more

Aging, Culture, and Cognition Project

This research program examines cognitive and neural aging in participants in the U.S. and Singapore. We test the hypothesis that sustained immersion in a culture actually sculpts the brain and biases neural activity. Read more

Texas Twin Study

The Texas Twin Study tests the genetic underpinnings of neurocognitive development in young adulthood. Specifically, using functional MRI technology, the Center for Vital Longevity is recruiting twins to study genetic influences on the neural response to comparing strings of characters and performing simple arithmetic. Read more