# Exploring the Latent Class Structure of Inhibition in Normal Aging

> **NIH NIH R00** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2020 · $248,940

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Deficits in cognitive functioning are considered one of the most debilitating aspects of aging, and prevent older
adults from leading productive and meaningful lives. Although many changes occur over the normal course of
aging, recent work in cognitive neuroscience has implicated a central role for inhibition, one of several
“executive functions” that enable an individual to resist interference from task-irrelevant information in the
service of goals. Deficits in inhibitory processes may have direct implications for older adults' ability to function
independently in daily life, a key factor in considering institutional care. Despite work exploring age-related
changes to inhibitory processes, inconsistent findings have prevented a theoretical consensus from being
reached. Until the mechanisms supporting inhibitory abilities are fully understood, it will not be feasible to
construct maximally effective interventions to strengthen inhibitory skills in the individuals who need these skills
the most, and ultimately to promote successful cognitive aging.
This K99/R00 presents a research and training program that will support the applicant on a path towards
becoming an independent investigator focused on characterizing inhibitory processes in cognitively “normal”
aging (i.e., aging in the absence of dementia or neurologic disorder). Cross-sectional and longitudinal structural
equation models will test relationships between age, inhibitory ability, biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease (AD),
global and domain specific measures of cognition, and quantified measures of cortical thickness. The activities
in this application will supplement the candidate's strong existing background in cognitive psychology and
cognitive neuroscience and are set in a resource-rich environment that will provide the applicant with expertise
in (1) structural equation modeling, (2) neuroimaging data analysis of cortical thickness in an aged population
and multivariate brain-behavior analysis techniques, (3) biomarkers for age-related neuropathological disorders
including AD and 4) the responsible conduct of research. The combination of the environment, training plan,
research strategy and mentorship team will not only provide the candidate with a spectrum of new methods
and skills that will establish her as an independent research scientist, but will also produce a body of
knowledge that will clarify how inhibitory processes are affected in aging. This knowledge, in turn, may lead to
targets for interventions aimed at reducing age-related cognitive morbidity and improving quality of life in the
rapidly expanding U.S. aging population.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9999999
- **Project number:** 5R00AG055684-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Teal S Eich
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $248,940
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9999999

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9999999, Exploring the Latent Class Structure of Inhibition in Normal Aging (5R00AG055684-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9999999. Licensed CC0.

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