Long-Term Study of Neurodegeneration and Dementia in Adults Aged 50 to 90 Including Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and Other Cognitive Conditions Across Canada

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a long-term observational study involving individuals aged 50 to 90 with various types of dementia, mild cognitive impairments, and a comparison group without cognitive problems. The study includes people with conditions such as Alzheimers Disease, Parkinsons Disease Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and healthy elderly participants without cognitive complaints. The study started with over 1,000 participants across 30 centers in Canada to better understand these conditions and their progression. Participants undergo thorough initial evaluations including clinical and neuropsychological assessments, genomics, neuroimaging, and biological sample collection from blood, saliva, urine, feces, buccal cells, and cerebrospinal fluid. The study follows participants over time with annual check-ins to track changes in diagnosis and cognition. Additional follow-ups occur at two specific time points to observe longer-term changes, with recruitment continuing for certain non-dementia groups at later phases. During the study, participants will complete ongoing clinical and cognitive tests, brain scans, and provide biological samples. Researchers measure cognitive function using tools like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment MoCA over an 8-year period. The study also requires participants to have a study partner to provide additional information. Participation involves yearly re-evaluations to monitor health and cognitive status throughout the study duration, which extends up to several years.

Comprehensive Assessment of Neurodegeneration and Dementia