Cognition, brain, and aging (COBRA): 10-year longitudinal follow-up

The Cognition, Brain, and Aging (COBRA) project is a 10-year longitudinal study, with three measurement waves separated by five years. The main focus is on the link between brain dopamine (DA) and cognitive aging.

We use different brain-imaging techniques to measure DA D2 receptors as well as structural and functional brain parameters.

Cognitive performance (working memory, episodic memory, speed) is thoroughly tested, and genetic and life-style variables are assessed.

The baseline sample included healthy persons between 64-68-years of age (N=181), and 129 of these returned for the second wave.

We have analysed the cross-sectional and two-wave longitudinal data and several interesting findings on the role of DA in cognitive aging have been made, including intriguing evidence that cross-sectional estimates do not correctly reflect true age-related changes. The present application concerns the third wave of assessment.

A third wave increases statistical power, enables estimation of non-linear changes, and improves the validity of inferences on lead-lag associations, and is therefore of vital importance for realizing the COBRA research aims.

Given the central role of DA in motor, emotional, and cognitive processes, knowledge on true DA changes in aging, and individual differences therein, will be of relevance to many scientific areas.