Flow chart representing the assessment of improved longevity. Increased longevity may be a result of mutations that have induced cognitive reserve or it may be a result of mutations linked to genes impacting longevity itself. The extent to which increased lifespan may be attributed to improved cognition may be assessed using a T-maze or courtship rituals. If improved cognition is the driving factor behind increased longevity, then next-generation sequencing is used to determine which mutations have impacted cognition. If longevity is increased, but cognition is not improved, then further testing and sequencing are required to determine which genes have been affected by the process of mutagenesis.