This study is looking at the prevention of dementia through environmental intervention, and is based at Imperial College London.

Aims of the Study

In recent years it has been recognised that dementia is probably a very late consequence of Alzheimer’s disease, or other neurodegenerative diseases, which may have been present in people for up to 20 or 30 years before symptoms show. The aim of the PREVENT programme, therefore, is to identify the very earliest signs of these diseases, so that meaningful interventions can be put in place to try and stop the disease progressing to the point where dementia develops.

Scientists know that prevention strategies to reduce the chances of developing dementia will work best in people who are at high risk, so the study also seeks to discover which features can define a high risk group.

How Does It Work?

The PREVENT study involves participants between the ages of 40 and 59 spending some time in the research unit at Imperial College London, getting blood tests, genetic tests and brain scans. There is also an optional part of the study which asks for a sample of spinal fluid. There’s an intensive assessment of cognition, and a detailed capturing of the various risk factors thought to be important for dementia.

Participants will be seen at an initial visit, then again two and five years later, so that any changes can be tracked and the researchers can analyse how they relate to each other.

Get Involved

If you live in the London area, are aged between 40 and 59, and do not have any symptoms of cognitive impairment, you could be eligible to take part in the PREVENT programme.  Why not sign up to ‘Join dementia research’ today to be considered for participation – and see other studies that you might be able to participate in!

Have you participated in a dementia research study? We’d love to hear from you!

Have you been involved in a study on the service? What did you learn? Any advice you would give to a first-timer?

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