PROTECT: Platform for Research Online To Investigate Genetics and Cognition & Ageing
Overview
Aims
The PROTECT Study is an online-based study via a Platform for Research Online To Investigate Genetics and Cognition & Ageing. The study aims to improve understanding of the ageing brain and why some people develop dementia. Participants in PROTECT provide information such as demographics and lifestyle and complete online assessments of cognitive abilities. By repeating these assessments each year, the study team are able to monitor change over the study. Participants also provide a sample of their DNA through a simple at-home kit.
Institution
University of Exeter Medical School & Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London
Geographic coverage - Nations
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Geographic coverage - Regions
Nationwide
Start date
2014
Catalogue record last updated
23/09/2024
Sample
Sample type
Cohort study (ongoing recruitment)
Sample details
Recruitment commenced in November 2015. Inclusion criteria were adults over the age of 50 years, who live in the UK, have a good working understanding of English, and are able to use a computer with Internet access. Individuals with an established diagnosis of dementia were excluded. The study was widely publicized in the national media, in addition to recruitment via established cohorts of older adults. Recruitment is ongoing, with a change in the age eligibility to now include adults over the age of 40 years. Potential participants register via the online website and download the study information sheet.
Participants are followed up annually, with data collection taking place approximately yearly after baseline such that data is collected across the year. Minor updates are made to questionnaires approximately yearly, as detailed in the data collection timeline below.
Sample size at recruitment
14,000
Sample size at most recent sweep
25,000
Sex
All
Age at recruitment
40 years +
Cohort year of birth
1914-70
Data
Data access
Contact study team by emailing support.protect@exeter.ac.uk to express an interest in accessing the data
Genetic data collected
Linkage to administrative data
No
Additional information
Website
protectstudy.org.uk
Related themes
Covid-19 data collection,
Cognitive measures,
Diet and nutrition,
Ethnicity and race,
Sexuality and gender identity,
Loneliness and social isolation,
Neighbourhood,
Digital technology and social media,
Victimisation and life events,
Reproductive health,
Work and employment,
Sleep problems,
Social care - receipt,
Social care - provision,
Social care - need
Summary
The PROTECT Study aims to understand how brains age and dementias develop in people over 40. The study carries out yearly online assessments of the participants and their partners and/or carers. Participants complete the assessments through an online platform and provide DNA samples through a simple at-home kit.
Key Papers
Online assessment of risk factors for dementia and cognitive function in healthy adults.doi.org/10.1002/gps.4790
Funders
Mental health measures timeline
Sweep name:
Cohort member age:
Data collection period:
Notes:
Physical health measures: