Main research areas:

Longevity
NCHA seeks to identify determinants of the variation in human longevity, morbidity and mortality. We hope to associate genetic variation to the longevity related phenotypes such as disease free, healthy and exceptional survival.
Principal investigators: Cornelia van Duijn, Diana van Heemst, Andrea Maier, Simon Mooijaart, Eline Slagboom, Henning Tiemeijer, Rudi Westendorp.

Cardiovascular function
NCHA aims to uncover the contribution of genetic variation to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease in the community. We want to assess effect modification of selected genetic variants by environmental factors and to study the relation of genetic variants with phenotypic characteristics. We will try to clarify the function of the genes involved in coronary heart disease.
Principal investigators: Ton de Craen, Abbas Dehghan, Albert Hofman, Wouter Jukema, Jacqueline Witteman.

Cognitive function
NCHA investigates the genetic variation that explains the variation in cognitive performance, the underlying brain structure and function. We want to identify the biological pathways involved in maintenance or loss of cognitive function (with dementia as a well known example of cognitive decline).
Principal investigators: Monique Breteler, Mark van Buchem, Rudi Westendorp.

Locomotor function
NCHA analyzes genetic variants for association to clinical symptoms, X-ray features, risk factors and comprehensive biochemical markers of ostheoartritis and osteoporosis, and to the absence of risk parameters. We will also functionally characterize identified loci on genes for their influence on bone and cartilage development, maintenance and ageing.
Principal investigators: Ingrid Meulenbelt, Joyce van Meurs, Fernando Rivadeneira, André Uitterlinden.

Integrative analysis
NCHA seeks to identify ‘pleiotropic’ loci which affect healthy ageing by influencing the risk of more than one disease or phenotype.