Hengshui

Researchers are conducting the China Cognition and Aging Study (China COAST), a large national research project in China aiming to better understand dementia and its subtypes, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI), sporadic and familial Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and other dementias. The study seeks to clarify the epidemiology, genetic factors, disease characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment status of these conditions. It will also explore risk and protective factors, discover new genes related to dementia, study biomarkers, and evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments over an average of two years. The study involves collecting comprehensive data from community and hospital populations, including demographic information, clinical evaluations, neuropsychological tests, imaging, and biological samples such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Genetic analyses like exome sequencing and genome-wide association studies will be performed. Participants will undergo regular follow-ups every 2 to 3 years to update prevalence and incidence rates, assess disease progression, and evaluate lifestyle and non-drug interventions. Randomized controlled trials will be conducted to assess non-pharmacological treatments including exercise, diet, cognitive training, and risk factor control. Participants will be assessed using standardized neuropsychological scales and undergo imaging and laboratory tests to monitor cognitive function and disease progression. Researchers will collect data on genetic markers, biomarkers, and clinical symptoms to develop early diagnostic tools and prediction models. The study also includes education efforts to raise awareness about dementia and investigates stigma and discrimination affecting patients and caregivers. Overall participation may extend over several years with detailed evaluations and follow-up assessments.

Researchers are conducting a multi-center, nationwide study in China focused on familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). This study aims to build a research network and database to better understand the genetic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics of FAD in the Chinese population. The project also seeks to discover new genetic mutations, clarify disease development patterns, and establish models for early diagnosis and genetic counseling specific to China. The study includes cohorts of mutation carriers and noncarriers of known genes (PSEN1, PSEN2, APP), both pre-symptomatic and symptomatic, as well as those with unknown mutations. Participants provide biological samples such as blood, urine, and saliva, and undergo neuropsychological testing, imaging assessments including MRI and PET scans, and other evaluations. The study monitors changes from asymptomatic to symptomatic stages and examines lifestyle factors, cognitive training, and drug effects on disease progression. Participants are regularly followed for an average of 1 to 10 years to assess gene mutation prevalence and track genetic, biofluid, imaging, and neuropsychological markers over time. Data collected includes family demographics, biomarkers, and clinical diagnoses. The study focuses on safety, disease progression, and the development of tools for early diagnosis and clinical treatment improvement in familial Alzheimer's disease in China.