Cognitive difficulty or “brain fog” in newly diagnosed coeliac disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of "brain fog" investigating the cognitive ability of adults with newly diagnosed coeliac disease: A multiple case study design
IRAS ID
197368
Contact name
Josephine Talbot
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
RRK5744, Site R&D database registration number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 28 days
Research summary
The gastrointestinal symptoms of coeliac disease (CD) are generally well known, however, CD can be present without these symptoms, or alongside other non-gastrointestinal symptoms, and research is starting to recognise that symptoms are more varied than previously thought. Some individuals report problems with memory and not being able to think clearly before they have removed gluten from their diet or if they eat gluten again, having started a gluten free diet. Within the CD community this is a recognised complication and has been labelled in a variety of ways including "brain fog" or "fuzzy thinking". There is little research into what this phenomenon is and it is rarely mentioned in research literature. This study aims to formally investigate and report this group of symptoms in the hope that people with these types of difficulties are tested for the presence of CD and treated more quickly.
What and How – Participants will meet with the chief investigator (CI) and be asked to complete a number of short cognitive assessments; these will identify any areas of strength or difficulty for each individual. They will also be asked interview questions about their experience and concerns with the cognitive symptoms.
Who – The study will focus on adults who have recently been diagnosed with CD, but who have not started a gluten free diet (GFD). There is some links in the research literature between adults above 60 with CD and dementia, in order to reduce the liklihood of recruiting participants with dementia the upper age limit will be 60.
Where – Participants will be recruited through their local CD dietitian clinic and will be seen at their own home or a location they prefer such as a GP surgery or health centre.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0264
Date of REC Opinion
5 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion