BDR3 Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving the Clinical Characterisation of BDR (BDR3 Programme)
IRAS ID
237213
Contact name
Alan J. Thomas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle-upon-Tyne NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
The Brains for Dementia Research (BDR) Study has successfully recruited around 3,500 participants over a 10 year period. It is a national program supported by two leading dementia charities and involves a network of six research centres associated with five brain tissue banks. The research centres are located in Newcastle, London, Oxford, Bristol, Manchester and Cardiff, all of which (with the exception of Cardiff) have associated brain banks.
Each volunteer in the BDR program has previously undergone a series of assessments focusing on their medical history, memory and mood and many have also consented to donate samples of their blood. In addition, all participants have joined a register of brain tissue donors with the intention of donating their brain following their death. Brain tissue accompanied by detailed, standardised, clinical assessment data is an extremely valuable resource allowing researchers to compare symptoms which present during a person’s lifetime with brain pathology when examined at death; an essential comparison if we are to understand the causes and development of neurological disorders.
In this application, we are not seeking to make amendments to the procedures relating to the donation of brain tissue as these activities work successfully in their current form and continue to be covered by a valid, ethical opinion, (08/H0704/128+5). Similarly, as the remaining cohort size is substantial (approx. 2,500), we are not seeking to recruit new participants. Where we would like to make changes, is in the area of assessment. To maximise the utility of the tissue generously donated, we would like to gather more clinical data during a person’s lifetime to better capture the exact transformations taking place when a participant begins to decline cognitively. To this end we would like to carry out reviews and blood sampling more frequently and add assessments of vascular risk factors and frailty.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NE/0124
Date of REC Opinion
24 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion