LINKAGE Data

The NIA Data LINKAGE Program (LINKAGE)* was established in 2021. The purpose of the Program is to link NIA-funded study data with existing datasets from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other sources and establish a cloud-based environment to support data accessibility and sharing. In providing these resources free of charge, LINKAGE aims to reduce resource cost and time barriers and promote access for researchers

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Datasets

ACTIVE

Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly

Data Request Status
  • Public data is downloaded
  • Apply through the LINKAGE program for the CMS linked ACTIVE data
Public Data Status
Downloaded
HRS

Health and Retirement Study

Data Request Status
  • Public data downloaded
  • Filled data access application form
  • Filled data usage agreement (DUA)
  • Working on preparing the complete application package and DUA signature
Public Data Status
Downloaded
MIDUS

Midlife in the United States

Data Request Status
  • Public data downloaded
  • Filled data access application form
  • Filled data usage agreement (DUA)
  • Working on preparing the complete application package and DUA signature
Public Data Status
Downloaded
NDWS

National Dementia Workforce Study

Data Request Status
  • Public data downloaded
  • Filled data access application form
  • Working on data request application package preparation
Public Data Status
Downloaded
NHATS

National Health & Aging Trends Study

Data Request Status
  • Public data downloaded
  • Filled data access application form
  • Filled data usage agreement (DUA)
  • Working on preparing the complete application package and DUA signature
Public Data Status
Downloaded
PSID

Panel Study of Income Dynamics

Data Request Status
  • Public data downloaded
  • Filled data access application form
  • Filled data usage agreement (DUA)
  • Working on preparing the complete application package and DUA signature
Public Data Status
Downloaded
UAS

Understanding America Study

Data Request Status
  • Public data downloaded
  • An email for clarification about DUA was sent on 12/17/2025
  • Working on preparing the complete application package and DUA signature
Public Data Status
Downloaded
WLS

Wisconsin Longitudinal Study

Data Request Status
  • Public data downloaded
  • An email for clarification about DUA was sent on 12/17/2025
  • WLS’s reply: “We do not yet have a link on our page describing how to apply for the linked data. Your email makes me think that you are also applying for data from all the other studies listed on NIA LINKAGE available data. Is this correct? Specifically, are you also applying for the Health and Retirement Study data? I ask because our requirements and our process for linked CMS-WLS data access are the same as HRS. Please let me know if that is the case”. Response email has been sent (01/06/2026)
Public Data Status
Downloaded
AESOPS

Application of Economics & Social Psychology to Improve Opioid Prescribing Safety Trial

Data Request Status
  • Determine relevance to AD/ADRD research
BEAMS

Boston Early Adversity & Mortality Study

Data Request Status
  • An email contact was initiated on 12/3/2025
  • A follow-up email was sent on 12/12/2025
  • Two separate data custodians were contacted
ExpCorps

Long-term Effects of a Community-based Volunteer Trial on Lifestyle Activity and Risk for Alzheimer's Disease

Data Request Status
  • Initial email contact was initiated on 12/3/2025
  • A follow-up email was sent on 12/12/2025 and waiting for reply
LLFS

LONG LIFE Family Study

Data Request Status
  • An email requesting clarification about CMS-linked restricted data was initiated on 12/16/2025
  • A second follow-up email requesting clarification on accessing the CMS-linked restricted data was sent on 12/17/2025
  • A reminder email was sent on 01/05/2025
NLTCS

National Long Term Care Survey

Data Request Status
  • An email has been sent for clarification about CMS-linked retricted data on 12/17/2025
  • Working on preparing a complete application package with signature
  • The application package must be sent via mail - email/pdf not acceptable
NUDGE-EHR

Optimizing Electronic Health Record Prompts with Behavioral Economics to Improve

Data Request Status
  • Initiated email contact on 12/3/25
  • Follow up email sent 12/12/2025
  • Waiting for new instruction for DUA and data request process
RADC

Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center

Data Request Status
  • Restricted Data Request Submitted on 12/03/2025
  • Data Request ID: 0763
  • 12/03/2025 – Confirmation of receiving the request; Under Review
  • 12/03/2025 – The MPI has been notified of the submitted request.
REGARDS

Understanding Cohort Effects on Stroke, VCID, and Cognition After Major Epidemiologic Transitions based on UAB

Data Request Status
  • Initial email contact was initiated on 12/3/2025
  • A follow-up email was sent on 12/10/2025
  • Working on the application form (i.e., manuscript proposal) with signatures
LTC

Long-Term Care Data Cooperative

Data Request Status
  • Filled data access application form
  • Working on complete application package preparation with signatures