About
The Late Life Learning, Cognition, and Aging (3LC) study is a longitudinal community-based study investigating the determinants of cognitive health and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD), focused on role of Late Life Learning (LLL) and psychosocial factors.
The study aims to investigate the benefits of engaging in LLL programs in older age, and contributes to our understanding of psychosocial determinants of cognitive function and changes in older age in Lebanon and beyond. Additionnally, the study aims at building research capacity in Lebanon and the region, focusing on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), a priority for the study objectives.
Context
Population aging is one of the most important megatrends of the 21st century. In parallel, Alzheimer's disease and related dementia have been increasingly acknowledged as a global health priority. The pace of aging is particularly fast in LMICs, and this is occuring within a context of restricted research funding and capacities, along infrastructural challenges, needed to address the growing burden of ADRD and its associated impacts.
Lebanon hosts 13% of older adults aged 65+ years, representing the greatest proportion in the Arab region. Older adults in Lebanon have historically been exposed to a myriad of psychosocial adversities (civil war, economic collapse, traumatic events including the 2020 Beirut Port Blast, etc.). This provides a unique opportunity for us to explore experiences that impact aging populations, driving them into increasing stress and social isolation, and examine whether late life learning (LLL) buffers or otherwise modifies life course ADRD risk and psychosocial adversities. The study sample includes repeated assessments with previously and newly enrolled University for Seniors (UfS) participants, matched with non-UfS-participating community residents.
For an in-depth description of our methodology including study design, sampling strategy, and population information, please see the associated For Researchers pages.
Funding and Collaboration
The 3LC study is funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) (Award:104330) and marks a continuing successful collaboration between investigators from AUB and Columbia University.