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The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP): a prospective longitudinal examination of the effect of university-level education in older adults in preventing age-related cognitive decline and reducing the risk of dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 March 2013

Mathew J. Summers ,
Nichole L.J. Saunders ,
Michael J. Valenzuela ,
Jeffery J. Summers ,
Karen Ritchie ,
Andrew Robinson  and
James C. Vickers
Mathew J. Summers*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre (WDREC), University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
Nichole L.J. Saunders
Affiliation:
Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre (WDREC), University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
Michael J. Valenzuela
Affiliation:
Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Jeffery J. Summers
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
Karen Ritchie
Affiliation:
INSERM I1061, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France Imperial College, London, UK
Andrew Robinson
Affiliation:
Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre (WDREC), University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
James C. Vickers
Affiliation:
Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre (WDREC), University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr M.J. Summers, School of Psychology, Locked Bag 1342, Launceston 7250, Tasmania, Australia. Phone: +61 3 6324 3266; Fax: +61 3 6324 3168. Email: Mathew.Summers@utas.edu.au.
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Abstract

Background: Differences in the level of cognitive compromise between individuals following brain injury are thought to arise from underlying differences in cognitive reserve. The level of cognitive reserve attained by an individual is influenced by both genetic and life experience factors such as educational attainment and occupational history. The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP) is a world-first prospective study examining the capacity of university-level education to enhance cognitive reserve in older adults and subsequently reduce age-related cognitive decline and risk for neurodegenerative disease.

Methods: Up to 1,000 adults aged 50–79 years at the time of entry into the study will be recruited to participate in the THBP. All participants will be healthy and free of significant medical, psychological, or psychiatric illness. Of the participant sample, 90% will undertake a minimum of 12 months part-time university-level study as an intervention. The remaining 10% will act as a control reference group. Participants will complete an annual comprehensive assessment of neuropsychological function, medical health, socialization, and personal well-being. Premorbid estimates of past cognitive, education, occupational, and physical function will be used to account for the mediating influence of prior life experience on outcomes. Potential contributing genetic factors will also be explored.

Results: Participant results will be assessed annually. Participants displaying evidence of dementia on the comprehensive neuropsychological assessment will be referred to an independent psycho-geriatrician for screening and diagnosis.

Conclusions: The THBP commenced in 2011 and is expected to run for 10–20 years duration. To date, a total of 383 participants have been recruited into the THBP.

Keywords

dementiaeducationage-related cognitive decline
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 25 , Issue 7 , July 2013 , pp. 1145 - 1155
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2013 

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