Exploring the cause and prevelance of memory problems in mental health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The cap-mem study. Exploring the cause and prevalence of memory problems in people with mental health disorders.
IRAS ID
226258
Contact name
Stuart Watson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
It is known that people with psychiatric diagnoses are at an increased risk of problems with memory and concentration. We do not understand why this happens.
The autonomic nervous system regulates the way that our heart, lungs and digestive system work. If these systems are out of kilter then the blood supply to the brain will be slightly altered. This alteration may be enough to affect memory and concentration.
We want therefore to know if the autonomic nervous system works differently in people with psychiatric disorders. We also want to know if this system is affected by the severity of the disorder or by medication use.
We want everyone who takes part to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire asks about symptoms that are caused by an upset autonomic nervous system.
Those who choose to will also complete tests of memory and concentration. These tests are done with a member of the research team who will be using a computer.
We will see if the questionnaire suggests that people with psychiatric diagnoses are more likely to report symptoms of autonomic dysregulation, if the memory and concentration problems are more common in people who score highly on the autonomic dysregulation questionnaire and what effect medication has on these tests.REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0280
Date of REC Opinion
5 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion