Cognitive Function and Ageing Study Wales (CFAS Wales)
Overview
Aims
The Cognitive Function and Ageing Study Wales (CFAS Wales) is a longitudinal study looking at health and cognitive function in older people living in Wales. The study builds on the design and infrastructure of the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study collaboration (CFAS) exploring biomarkers and other early indications of risk of cognitive decline, such as imaging. It also investigates factors that may delay the onset of dementia, specifically focussing on the role of bilingualism and social networks and allow a more in-depth examination of rural-urban variations, which have been markedly unexplained in previous studies.
Institution
Bangor University; Swansea University; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge
Geographic coverage - Nations
Wales
Geographic coverage - Regions
Gwynedd; Ynys Mon; Swansea
Start date
2011
Catalogue record last updated
12/04/2024
Sample
Sample type
Cohort study
Sample details
A population based sample from each site, born before 1944 were drawn from general practice records, with 50% of the individuals being from each of the age groups 65-74 and 75 years and over. Individuals ascertained from GP records received a letter from the GP followed by personal approach by interviewers.
Sample size at recruitment
3,593
Sample size at most recent sweep
2,237 (2015 - Wave 2)
Sex
All
Age at recruitment
65 years +
Cohort year of birth
Before 1944
Data
Data access
Data request - see data access guidance
cfas.ac.uk/cfas-wales/cfaswales-data
Genetic data collected
Linkage to administrative data
Health data
Additional information
Website
cfas.ac.uk
cfaswales.bangor.ac.uk
Related themes
Covid-19 data collection,
Biomarkers,
Cognitive measures,
Cognitive decline,
Diet and nutrition,
Socioeconomic status and deprivation,
Language and literacy,
Loneliness and social isolation,
Physical health assessment,
Work and employment,
Sleep problems,
Social care - receipt,
Social care - provision,
Social care - need
Summary
CFAS Wales is a cohort study that was initiated to build upon MRC CFAS which aimed to explore dementia and associated conditions. CFAS Wales uses medical imaging to investigate factors that may delay dementia onset. The study also focuses on the role of bilingualism and social networks, and differences of rural to urban neighbourhoods.
Key Papers
Living alone and cognitive function in later life.doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2018.12.014
Funders
Mental health measures timeline
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Notes:
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