The project already spans three cycles of data collection over approximately eight years, with individuals ranging in age from 20 to 98. Technological advances since the research began have enabled scientists to study aging at a more granular level as they look for biomarkers that advance understanding of individual differences in brain aging. The second aim involves measuring cortical-layer thickness and myelin content to identify patterns that correspond with healthy or dysfunctional aging. “With this continuing support from NIH, we can now test hypotheses about the health biomarkers and the specific patterns of brain aging that combine to predict successful cognitive aging in older adulthood, as well as those patterns that underlie the progression from healthy to pathological aging,” Rodrigue said. Rodrigue and Kennedy also highlighted the crucial contributions that colleagues at UT Southwestern will make to the project.