Largest UK study of mid-life risk factors for dementia comes to Cambridgeshire

Funded by Alzheimer’s Society, the PREVENT study has already enrolled over 240 people in London and Edinburgh and is now expanding to include sites at Oxford and Cambridge, to make it the largest study of its kind in the UK.

With dementia now the leading cause of death in England and Wales, Alzheimer’s Society is urging Cambridgeshire residents to unite against dementia by taking part in the study.

The research team, led by Professor Craig Ritchie at the University of Edinburgh, aims to recruit 700 people aged 40 to 59 years who currently show no signs or symptoms of dementia. The aim is to identify biological markers of dementia and changes in risk factors in people many years before they would be expected to develop dementia symptoms.

Professor John O’Brien, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry and PREVENT lead at the University of Cambridge, said: “We are delighted to be opening the Cambridge PREVENT centre, to expand this important study on investigating risk factors and early biomarker changes in those at risk of future dementia. Such studies are essential if we are to move in a meaningful way towards studies of reducing risk and, ultimately, preventing dementia.”

Dr Doug Brown, Director of Research and Development at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Changes in the brain can start developing many years before the first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are noticeable. We’re calling on people without dementia to join the study to help us understand the smallest and earliest changes that occur – this is a crucial step on the path towards finding new treatments and ways to reduce the risk of dementia.

“After several recent drug trial failures and no new treatments in over a decade, the need to find ways to stop, slow or even prevent dementia is more urgent than ever.”

PREVENT is looking for the smallest and earliest biological differences between people at high risk of dementia and those at low risk. Changes in everything from memory and brain scans to blood and saliva will be measured, taking into account a person’s lifestyle, genetics, diet, physical and mental health.

Martin Keats, a participant at the PREVENT London site, said: “Being a participant in the PREVENT study has been fun and scientifically very interesting. It’s important to know I’m making a contribution towards understanding what puts people at risk of dementia and also reassuring to know that if any potential health issues arise during the study I would be referred to my GP for advice or treatment.”

After an initial visit and tests, and a follow-up after two years, researchers are hoping to then monitor participants every five years. Early results from PREVENT have shown that people with a high risk of dementia have different patterns of brain activity when they are unable to recall pictures compared to people at low risk.

People aged 40 to 59 can register their interest in joining the study at: preventdementia.co.uk

*******
Press Office: 01707 294609 or 07483 926214 Email: [email protected]
______________________________________