Online dementia project launched

Victorians aged 50 years and over with internet access are encouraged to participate in a series of online cognitive tests to detect the earliest possible signs of dementia in otherwise healthy people, as part of a project launched today.

A team of Melbourne researchers have set out to focus on the perception that memory declines with age. The Trajectory-Related Early Alzheimer’s Database (TREAD) Study is an internet based screening tool for people with memory problems.

Although there are an increasing number of people living with dementia across Australia, for most people with concerns about their memories dementia is not the issue.

This project aims to screen 10,000 community-dwelling, healthy volunteers by using internet delivered computerised cognitive tests.

“This new research project aims to detect the earliest possible signs of dementia in otherwise healthy people even before significant symptoms are noticed.

“The online element makes it a convenient way for volunteers to test themselves repeatedly in their own homes or familiar environments,” Associate Professor David Darby, behavioural neurologist at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, says.

Participants will be asked to perform online tests at regular intervals over several years.

These “user friendly”, simple tests include games like playing card tasks independent of language to measure a person’s speed and accuracy to compare the person’s own performances and detect whether there is a decline in memory over time.

“The project offers an opportunity to members of the community aged 50 years and over to monitor cognitive changes in their memory and thinking over a minimum period of three years,” Professor Darby says.

Participants will be retested every month for six months, and every three months thereafter.

Anyone who is detected as having significant memory decline will be offered more detailed medical assessment.

The study is open to volunteers in the vicinity of Melbourne since this is where, if necessary, further assessment and clinical trials would be conducted.

Participants are eligible if they:

• are at least 50 years of age;
• are able to access the internet and use a personal computer themselves;
• have no existing memory or thinking impairment;
• are willing to participate even if they are found to have decline in their memory, and if that occurs consider participation in further treatment trials;
• have a current GP, and are willing to test themselves regularly which may include monthly testing.

The study is a collaboration between the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, CogState, Austin Health and Alzheimer’s Australia Vic.
Participation will be conducted online without the need to attend a clinic or research facility.

Registrations of interest to participate in the project are now open. Visit the TREAD study website for more information.