PROTECT: A longitudinal study of cognition in people over 50
Research type
Research Study
Full title
PROTECT: A Platform for Research Online to Investigate Cognition and Genetics in Ageing\n
IRAS ID
136118
Contact name
Anne Corbett
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
10 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
As we get older our brains begin to age resulting in a ’slowing down’ of abilities such as memory or reasoning. However, we do not fully understand how or why these changes occur. Studies have indicated that certain genes might govern these mental processes, known collectively as cognition, and how it changes throughout our lives. To date there have been no large studies examining how genes affect cognition in older adults over the long term. Furthermore, there is some evidence to show that lifestyle factors such as exercise and smoking status could also affect cognition but these links are still unclear. \nIt is important to understand what affects our cognition as we age and why it affects people differently. This information could also provide vital knowledge about who is most at risk of dementia, which currently affects 800,000 people in the UK. In order to develop better prevention and treatment for this devastating condition, it is essential to understand cognitive decline and the factors that govern it.\nThis study will address these important issues by measuring cognition in 5000 adults over 50 over eight years through an online study. Participants will complete a series of cognitive tests each year and we will compare their performance with their genes to see how they affect their cognition. By combining this data with information about each individual’s lifestyle and medical status this study will provide valuable new knowledge about how genetics influence cognition in older adults. \nIn addition, this study provides the exciting opportunity of building a valuable resource for future research. All participants will be asked if they would like to be invited and given the opportunity to take part in future research. This important step will enable us to maximise the value of the cohort to support vital future research into cognition.\n\n[COVID-19 amendment – 06/04/2020]\n\nWe are submitting this amendment in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. With sample of over 25,000 adults over 50, PROTECT is well placed to offer epidemiological insights into the disease. This is anincredibly important population to study. Current advice from the UK Government https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-s ocial-distancing-and-for-vulnerablepeople/guidance-on-social-dis tancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vu lnerable-adults) is for older adults to be “particularly stringent” in following advice to self-isolate regardless of any existing medical conditions. In addition, as the COVID-19 pandemic escalates, family carers are likely to experience significant pressure to increase their care provision with no extra support. This may particularly impact older carers, who may be\ncaring for family members and have their own health needs and vulnerabilities. Already in the UK, respite services have been cancelled, special schools closed, and visits to nursing homes restricted. Public Health England’s guidance has largely ignored carers, despite the fact that they provide the majority of care for people most vulnerable to the virus. And the introduction of the Coronavirus Bill will further diminish the support available to carers, as it releases local authorities from their obligations under the Care Act 2014 (including but not limited to the provision of carer assessments). Against this backdrop, it is critical to assess the impact on mental health of these additional policies on older adults.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1578
Date of REC Opinion
29 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion