An Australian-first online study of psychological, lifestyle and genetic factors that increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
About this study
The main purpose of this study is to track the cognitive, lifestyle and psychological markers of a large group of community-based middle-aged adults (40 to 65 years inclusive) over five years online, in relation to genetic risk factors that are shown to increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease dementia in older adults.
We are interested to determine whether we can detect extremely subtle signs of memory and thinking changes in individuals who have an elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease dementia (for example, have a family history of dementia and/or have genetic signs of the disease).
Who can take part
Participants must:
- Be aged from 40 to 65 (inclusive)
- Have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease
- Be living in Australia (but do not need to be an Australian resident or citizen)
- Be willing and able to complete surveys and computerised memory tasks online
- Be willing and able to provide saliva sample
What's involved
- Yearly online assessment of cognitive function and surveys pertaining to psychological health, lifestyle, medical health and family history over 5 years
- Saliva sample (sampling kit will be mailed to participants)
Ethics
All research in Australia involving human participants is reviewed by an independent group called a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). The ethical aspects of this research study have been approved by the Royal Melbourne Hospital HREC.
This study is being carried out according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). This statement protects the interests of people who agree to participate in human research studies.
The Clinical Trials Centre (CTC) is a dedicated, purpose-built space where we conduct clinical trials.
The CTC is located on Level 2 South. When you arrive, if you are unsure where to go, talk to one of our friendly volunteers or the information desk staff.