RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Biobank and Brain Health in Bordeaux.

The "Biobank and Brain Health in Bordeaux" study, also known as "B cube," is a research project designed to deeply understand how our brains age and what might lead to issues like memory problems or dementia. Researchers are looking at 2000 people aged 55 and over in the Bordeaux area of France. They're interested in how everyday factors, especially what we eat, might affect our brain health over time. By collecting various samples and information from participants, the study aims to create a detailed picture of brain aging. This will help scientists find better ways to prevent age-related brain conditions, offering hope for healthier aging. It's a key step in understanding brain health for future generations.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Bordeaux

Enrolment target

2,050

Start

22 Mar 2022

Estimated completion

22 Mar 2030

Brain Aging Cognitive Aging Immunosenescence Mental Processes Mental Disorders Neurocognitive Disorders Cognition Brain Diseases Dementia Alzheimer Disease Mental Health Behavioral Symptoms Depression Anxiety

What is this study about?

This important study, called "B cube," is all about understanding how our brains change as we get older. You might know that as people age, some start to have problems with their memory, thinking, and mental clarity. Conditions like Alzheimer's disease are a big worry for many families. The aim of this research is to find out why some people's brains age better than others and what factors might protect our brain health.

Researchers in Bordeaux, France, have been pioneers in studying aging for many years. Now, with "B cube," they are focusing on people just starting to reach their senior years. They want to look at a wide range of things that could affect our brains, from our genes to our lifestyles, especially our diet. By studying many different aspects of people's health, they hope to get a complete picture of brain aging. This will help them find new ways to keep our brains healthy as we grow older and prevent serious brain conditions.

The study involves looking at biological information from participants, like blood and urine samples, alongside lifestyle details gathered through questionnaires. This detailed approach allows scientists to explore complex connections between our bodies, our environment, and our brain health. The ultimate goal is to uncover clues that could lead to new ways to prevent common age-related brain problems, helping more people enjoy sharp minds throughout their lives.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand how brains age and prevent problems like dementia.
It involves people aged 55-80 living in the Bordeaux area of France.
Researchers will collect various samples (blood, saliva, urine) and information through questionnaires.
Diet and lifestyle factors are a special focus of the research.
The findings could lead to new ways to protect brain health in later life.

Who may be eligible?

To join the main part of this study, you need to live in the Bordeaux metropolitan area of France. You must be between 55 and 80 years old. The researchers are looking for people who represent the general population in terms of age and income levels, so they'll be inviting people based on a specific plan to make sure the study group is diverse. You also need to be covered by the French social security system and be willing to provide a blood sample for the study's collection of biological information.

There are also separate sub-studies you might be asked to join. For example, if you're between 55 and 75, you might be invited to have a special brain scan called an MRI, as long as you don't have any medical devices (like a pacemaker) or conditions that would prevent you from having one. Another sub-study focuses on your body's immune system and requires an additional blood sample; for this, you'd need to be 70 or older, or already taking part in the MRI sub-study.

However, some people cannot take part. If you have a legal guardian or are unable to give your consent to join the study, you won't be able to participate. Also, if you have certain medical conditions or devices that make an MRI scan unsafe, you wouldn't be able to join the MRI specific part of the study.

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.

Do I live in the Bordeaux metropolitan area, France?
Am I between 55 and 80 years old?
Am I covered by the French social security system?
Am I willing to provide a blood sample?
Am I able to give my full consent to participate (not under guardianship)?
If interested in an MRI sub-study, am I 55-75 and free of contraindications like a pacemaker?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the main study, you would visit the study center for a medical check-up. During this visit, you would fill out some questionnaires about your health and lifestyle. The research team would collect various samples from you, which might include blood, saliva, urine, and stool. They may also collect small samples of your hair and a toenail (or fingernail) and take a swab from your nose for further analysis.

In addition to these samples, some measurements of your body will be taken. There might also be opportunities to participate in optional sub-studies. For example, some participants might have a special brain scan called an MRI, or provide an extra blood sample for studies looking at the immune system. All these collections and assessments are part of a single visit, though the study aims to follow participants over time to see how things change.

There's no medication involved in this study. The total duration of your initial participation would be for that assessment visit, but the researchers plan to follow the group over many years to gather valuable information about brain aging. You would not be required to take any new medicines as part of this research.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any research study has both potential benefits and potential risks. There are no direct personal benefits for you by taking part in this specific study, but the information you provide will be incredibly valuable for advancing our understanding of brain health and aging. This could lead to better ways to prevent or treat conditions like dementia in the future, helping countless people. Potential risks are generally low, mainly related to the minor discomfort of blood draws or collection of other samples. All procedures are carried out by trained professionals. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital of Bordeaux
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to understand how our brains age and to find ways to prevent age-related memory and thinking problems like dementia.

Who can join the B cube study?

You need to be between 55 and 80 years old, live in the Bordeaux area of France, and meet certain other criteria related to your social security and willingness to provide samples.

What will I actually have to do if I join?

You'll have a medical check-up, fill out questionnaires, and provide various samples like blood, saliva, urine, and possibly hair or nail clippings. Some might also have an MRI scan.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It focuses on collecting information and samples.

What are the benefits for me if I take part?

While there are no direct personal benefits for you, your contribution will greatly help scientists learn more about brain aging, potentially leading to better prevention for future generations.

How to find out more

Cécilia SAMIERI, Dr

cecilia.samieri@u-bordeaux.fr 5 57 57 45 15 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.