The Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 have been followed over many years to investigate how cognitive abilities and the brain change as we age
The Lothian Borth Cohort 1936 is a group of people who are helping Professor Ian Deary and his team to find out why some people’s brain and thinking skills age better than others.
Psychology researchers at Edinburgh look at how lifestyle, health and genetic factors influence these changes in thinking skills. In addition to this, the researchers also study how childhood social background and intelligence contribute to physical and mental health in older age.
The LBCs are some of the world’s most intensively studied participants.
About Ian Deary
Ian Deary is the Professor of Differential Psychology at the University of Edinburgh.
His research interests include cognitive ageing, human intelligence differences and also personality traits.
In 2019, Ian was awarded an OBE for services to social sciences. This was in recognition of his work with the LBC and its importance for society.