Physical and psychological characterisation of young onset dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Functional capacity, physical activity, cardiac and vascular function, respiratory function, physical performance, muscular health, and mental wellbeing in people with young onset dementia
IRAS ID
316964
Contact name
Lawrence Hayes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of Scotland
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study will compare people with young onset dementia (YoD) with a control group for several physiological and psychological outcomes. We will test for functional capacity, physical activity, cardiac and vascular function, respiratory function, physical performance, muscular health, and mental wellbeing.
For functional capacity, participants will undertake the five times sit to stand test, handgrip assessment, a 30 s balance test, and the timed up and go test. To assess physical activity, participants will wear an accelerometer on the wrist for 7 days. Then, we will process the data using relevant software. To examine cardiac function, participants will lie on their left side, with an ultrasound probe on their chest for ~15 min whilst we scan the chest with an ultrasound probe, recording video output. After laying supine for 10 min, participants will have their carotid artery (just behind the jaw) and brachial artery (upper arm) scanned using an ultrasound probe. Following 10 min supine rest, participants will have a cuff (like a blood pressure cuff) secured at the upper arm, with the arm resting on a cushion on a table. Ultrasound video will record for 1 min before inflating the cuff, which occludes blood flow to the lower arm. After 5 min, the cuff deflates, and artery width is recorded. In addition, blood pressure will be determined using an automated electronic blood pressure cuff whilst seated. To measure respiratory function, peak expiratory flow will be measured with a maximal expiration into a spirometer (much like a test for asthma). To test physical performance, participants will pedal on a stationary bike for 6 min to elicit a steady sub-maximal heart rate. For muscular health, we will scan participants' thigh with ultrasound, between the knee and hip. A series of questionnaires will examine anxiety, depression, quality of life, sleep, and cognitive function.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0687
Date of REC Opinion
31 Oct 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion