China Cognition and Aging Study A nationwide, long-term study to understand dementia and cognitive disorders in China

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting the China Cognition and Aging Study China COAST to understand dementia and its subtypes in China, including mild cognitive impairment MCI, sporadic and familial Alzheimers disease SAD and FAD, vascular dementia VaD, and other types. This large, national, multi-center, longitudinal observational study aims to build a comprehensive database to improve diagnosis, study the causes and genetic features, monitor disease progression, and evaluate prevention and treatment strategies, including non-drug interventions. The study also focuses on education, stigma, and management of dementia in the Chinese population. Participants include individuals with MCI, SAD, FAD, VaD, normal cognitive function, and other dementias recruited from both community and hospital populations. Researchers collect detailed demographic, clinical, genetic, imaging, and biological sample data. Study procedures include clinical evaluations, neuropsychological tests, imaging such as PETMR scans, and fluid biomarker analysis. The study follows participants through repeated assessments every 2 to 3 years, tracking changes from normal cognition to MCI and dementia, and exploring risk and protective factors. Participants engage in baseline and follow-up visits involving cognitive and mental health assessments using standardized scales like MMSE, MoCA, and CDR. Genetic analyses and biomarker measurements support diagnosis and disease understanding. The study also conducts randomized controlled trials of non-pharmacological treatments and education programs aimed at improving dementia awareness and care. Safety monitoring and informed consent are carefully managed, with ongoing follow-up to track disease progression and effects of interventions over time.

China Cognition and Aging Study