As people grow older ...

... memory and other cognitive functions seem to diminish. But is this true for everybody? It turns out that many young people are outperformed by middle-aged or older persons on tests of cognitive functions. So what are the characteristics of people who age succesfully, what causes the age-related cognitive changes seen in usual aging, and finally, what are the determinants of pathological aging, such as dementia?

These are the main questions of the Maastricht Aging Study (MAAS). This research program consists of several related studies into biological, medical and psychosocial aspects of cognitive aging. The core project of the MAAS is a longitudinal study in nearly 1900 individuals aged between 24 and 81 years. Since 1992 participants were tested at fixed intervals over a period of 12 years. At present, the data collection is completed and no further assessments are expected. The analysis of obtained data is ongoing and is done by researchers with a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds.

MAAS was carried out at Maastricht University and is based at the Maastricht school for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), in association with the ExTra institute for extramural research, and the Registration Network of Family Practices (RNH).

The Maas river that runs through the heart of Maastricht symbolizes both the connection between the city and the MAAS study, and also the continuity that characterizes this longitudinal project.