Web-based Application to Test for Long-term Cognitive Deficits in BioCog Patients
This study is checking on people who were part of the BioCog research study between 2014 and 2019 in Berlin. The main goal is to understand if there are any long-term changes in their thinking, memory, and daily functioning seven to ten years after they first joined the BioCog study. Researchers will do this by having participants complete online tests for memory and thinking, as well as questionnaires about their daily lives and how they feel about their memory. There will also be a medical check-up done over the phone or video. The study aims to identify if any long-term problems with thinking and memory have developed, or if there are any signs of conditions like mild cognitive impairment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research is a follow-up to an earlier study called BioCog, which collected information from people between 2014 and 2019. The main aim now is to check how these participants' thinking skills, memory, and everyday abilities have changed over a long period – specifically, seven to ten years after they first joined the BioCog study. Researchers want to see if there are any long-lasting problems with memory or thinking, often called cognitive deficits.
To do this, participants will have a medical chat over the phone or video. They will also be asked to complete several tests and questionnaires on a computer or tablet from their home. These online tools will help measure different aspects of their memory and thinking. They’ll also answer questions about how well they manage daily tasks and their general quality of life. The study wants to understand whether the difficulties people might experience fit into recognised categories for memory and thinking problems.
This study is important because it helps scientists understand the long-term changes in thinking and memory over many years. This could lead to a better understanding of these conditions and, in the future, help develop ways to support or treat them. By studying people over a long time, the results can provide valuable insights into how our brains change as we get older or after certain health events.
Key takeaways
- This study is a long-term follow-up of previous BioCog participants.
- It checks for changes in thinking, memory, and daily abilities years later.
- Participation involves online tests and questionnaires from home.
- A medical phone or video call will also be part of the study.
- The research aims to understand long-term cognitive health trends.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you were previously involved in the BioCog study in Berlin between 2014 and 2019. This means you would have completed thinking and memory tests (called CANTAB) at the start of the original BioCog study and provided blood samples at that time. It's important that we can get in touch with you to invite you to participate in this follow-up.
For some participants from the original BioCog study that we can no longer contact, their existing data and stored blood samples from the first study might still be used for this research. Another group of people who might be eligible are those who were part of the BioCog study's comparison group (meaning they didn't have surgery) and also completed the CANTAB tests at the start, provided we can contact them.
Essentially, if you were a participant in the BioCog study in Berlin during the specific period and can be contacted, you might be eligible. There are no other specific reasons that would stop you from taking part.
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.
- Were you part of the BioCog study in Berlin between 2014 and 2019?
- Did you complete thinking and memory tests (CANTAB) at the start of BioCog?
- Did you provide blood samples during the original BioCog study?
- Are you contactable by the research team?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will have a medical appointment by phone or video call. You will also be asked to complete a series of computer-based tests for your memory and thinking, as well as some questionnaires. These can be done online from your own home at a time that suits you. The questionnaires will ask about your daily activities, your memory, and your overall quality of life. The study aims to gather this information around 7 to 10 years after your initial involvement in the BioCog study. The total duration of your participation in this follow-up will likely involve this single set of online assessments and the phone/video call.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (CCM/CVK), Charité - University Medicine BerlinVerified postcodeBerlin, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'cognitive deficit'?
Cognitive deficit simply means experiencing difficulties with thinking, memory, concentration, or understanding information.
Do I have to visit a hospital for this study?
No, this study involves a phone or video call and completing online tests and questionnaires from your own home.
How long will my participation take?
Your participation will involve a single set of online assessments and a phone/video call, which aims to be collected 7 to 10 years after your original BioCog involvement.
What kind of tests will I do?
You'll do online computer-based tests that measure different aspects of your memory and thinking, along with questionnaires about your daily life and memory.
Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?
Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.
How to find out more
Claudia Spies, MD, Prof.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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