Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Dortmund Vital Study: Impact of Biological and Lifestyle Factors on Cognitive Performace and Work Ability

The Dortmund Vital Study in Germany is exploring how a mix of things like getting older, your job, your genes, stress levels, how your body works, and your heart and immune system might affect how well your brain performs and your ability to work throughout your life. They are especially interested in healthy adults who are still working. This study brings together experts from different fields, like those who study how people work, the immune system, the brain, and harmful substances, to understand why some people's thinking skills stay sharp with age while others decline. They are collecting a lot of information, from brain scans and blood tests to lifestyle habits, to find out what helps us age well and what might increase the risk of memory issues or conditions like dementia.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Technical University of Dortmund

Enrolment target

627

Start

01 Apr 2016

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2037

Age-related Cognitive Decline

What is this study about?

The Dortmund Vital Study is a research project taking place in Germany. It aims to understand how various parts of our lives and bodies affect our brain's performance and our ability to work as we get older. Think of it like a big puzzle where scientists are trying to fit together pieces like our age, our working conditions, our unique genetic makeup, how we handle stress, how our body processes food (metabolism), our heart health, and our immune system.

This study is particularly interested in healthy adults who are still working. The goal is to see what contributes to a healthy brain and mind as we age, and also what might put us at risk for memory problems or conditions like dementia. By looking at all these different factors, researchers hope to discover why some people's thinking and memory stay strong as they get older, while others might experience a decline.

To do this, a large team of experts from different areas like brain science, immune system research, and how people interact with their work environment are working together. They're gathering a wide range of information, from detailed brain scans and electrical activity recordings of the brain, to blood tests, information about people's lifestyles, and even things like vision and hearing. They'll follow participants over many years to see how these factors change over time and what impact they have on our brain health and ability to work.

Key takeaways

Understanding healthy brain ageing: The study aims to find out what helps our brains stay sharp as we get older.
Impact of many factors: It looks at how age, work, genes, stress, and lifestyle all play a part.
Long-term commitment: Participants are followed over many years with repeat assessments.
Potential for future benefits: The findings could help future generations age more healthily.
Focus on healthy working adults: It specifically studies people who are still working.
Interdisciplinary approach: Many types of experts are working together on this research.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women between the ages of 20 and 70. To be considered, you should have normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing (for example, with glasses or hearing aids), and be able to understand the study information in German.

You would not be able to join if you have certain health conditions like dementia, Parkinson's disease, or if you've had a stroke. People with severe heart conditions, bleeding disorders, certain types of cancer, or specific mental health conditions like schizophrenia or severe depression cannot take part. Also, if you've had serious head injuries, head surgery, have metal implants in your head, or certain eye diseases like cataracts or glaucoma, you won't be eligible.

Finally, if you regularly take certain medications like those for mental health conditions (psychotropic drugs or neuroleptics), you wouldn't be able to participate. However, if you are taking common medications like blood thinners, hormones, blood pressure medication, or cholesterol-lowering drugs, you might still be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 20 and 70 years old?
Do you have normal vision and hearing (with glasses/hearing aids if needed)?
Are you able to speak and understand German adequately?
Do you have no history of dementia, stroke, or severe heart problems?
Do you not have any metal implants in your head?
Are you not currently taking strong medications for mental health conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'd be one of about 600 people. When you first join, you'll have a series of tests and assessments. These can include detailed brain scans (MRI) and recordings of your brain's electrical activity (EEG), as well as blood tests to check various things like your genes, metabolism, and immune system. You'll also likely answer questions about your lifestyle, health, and daily activities.

The initial assessments for this study took place between 2016 and 2021. The researchers plan to repeat these assessments every five years. This means they will check in with you and repeat many of the tests three more times until the year 2035. So, taking part in this study involves a commitment over a long period, with several visits spaced out over many years.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research studies like this can help doctors and scientists learn more about how our brains work and what keeps us healthy as we age. While there isn't a direct personal benefit like a new treatment offered, your contribution could help many people in the future by improving our understanding of healthy ageing, memory, and conditions like dementia. As with any study involving tests like MRI scans or blood samples, there are minimal and generally well-understood risks, such as feeling unwell during a scan or a small bruise from a blood draw. You will be fully informed of all procedures and can ask any questions. Remember, joining is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Technical University of Dortmund, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors
Verified postcode
Dortmund, Germany

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to understand how different factors like age, work, and lifestyle affect how our brains work and our ability to do tasks as we get older, focusing on healthy adults.

Where is this study taking place?

This study, called the Dortmund Vital Study, is happening in Dortmund, Germany.

What kind of tests will I have?

You might have brain scans (MRI), tests for brain activity (EEG), blood tests, and answer questions about your health and lifestyle.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you join, the study involves follow-up visits and tests every five years until 2035, so it's a long-term commitment.

Can I still join if I take medicines for blood pressure or cholesterol?

Yes, taking common medications like blood thinners, hormones, blood pressure, or cholesterol reducers might still allow you to participate.