The Religious Orders Study conducted at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center at Rush University in Chicago is a research project begun in 1994 exploring the effects of aging on the brain.[1] More than 1,500 nuns, priests, and other religious professionals are participating across the United States.[1] The study is finding that cognitive exercise including social activities and learning new skills has a protective effect on brain health and the onset of dementia, while negative psychological factors like anxiety and clinical depression are correlated with cognitive decline.[1] The Religious Orders Study follows the earlier Nun Study. Initial funding was provided by the National Institute on Aging in 1993.[2]