Cognitive Dysfunction in Coeliac Disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Study of Cognitive Dysfunction in Coeliac Disease and the Impact of Good Adherence to a Gluten Free Diet
IRAS ID
173365
Contact name
Marios Hadjivassiliou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Small published case series indicate that cognitive difficulties can be identified in patients with Coeliac disease (CD). A recent prospective study funded by Coeliac UK and conducted at the Sheffield Institute of Gluten Related Diseases (SIGReD) has identified white matter abnormalities and cerebellar dysfunction in newly diagnosed patients with CD and so it is predicted that related cognitive deficits will also be identifiable in many patients at diagnosis. There is some anecdotal evidence that strict adherence to a gluten free diet can stabilise or improve cognitive function in this patient group although the evidence is rather limited. The proposed cross-sectional study is designed to establish if such cognitive deficits are indeed present at diagnosis and after treatment with a gluten free diet. The study will also examine the feasibility and acceptability of the proposed research process. To achieve these aims we intend to do a battery of cognitive tests in 3 groups. Firstly a group of 20 patients with newly diagnosed CD, secondly a group of 40 patients with established CD on the diet and finally on 20 healthy volunteers.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0096
Date of REC Opinion
2 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion