Freyung

Researchers are studying dementia and mild cognitive impairment in Bavaria, focusing on people living at home with these conditions and their family caregivers. This study aims to improve understanding of the complexity, progression, and care needs of dementia in both urban and rural areas. The research includes people with mild cognitive impairment and mild to moderate dementia as defined by ICD-10 codes and is conducted through a multicenter, prospective, longitudinal registry. Participants include those with mild cognitive impairment or dementia and their family caregivers. Before joining, cognitive tests such as the Mini Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment are used to assess suitability. Participants are interviewed face-to-face at the start, after 6 months, 12 months, and then annually. Recruitment is through various institutions involved in dementia care, including clinics, counseling centers, and outpatient and inpatient facilities across Bavaria. During the study, participants provide detailed information on demographics, health, social and care situations, cognitive assessments, and quality of life measures at multiple timepoints over several years. Researchers collect data on medical history, medication use, cognitive function, social support, internet use, mobility, caregiver burden, and more. This long-term observation helps track changes and care needs up to ten years, with regular follow-up interviews and assessments throughout the study.