Understanding impaired cognition in Neuro-degenerative diseases

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Understanding cognitive and sensory impairment in patients with Neuro-degenerative diseases

  • IRAS ID

    279309

  • Contact name

    Qadeer Arshad

  • Contact email

    qa15@leicester.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Leicester

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    https://osf.io/hbxvk/, OSF Pre-registration link

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    4 years, 0 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    This study aims to investigate how sensory and cognitive function is impaired in different neuro-degenerative diseases such as dementia, map this function in different neuro-degenerative diseases, and explore possible mechanisms. The rationale is provided by previous research which shows some cognitive and sensory functions (such as reading, sensitivity to contrast and motion) are impaired in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (Arnaoutoglou et al, 2017; Glosser et al, 2002; Salobrar-Garcia et al, 2015; Velarde et al, 2012) and Posterior Cortical Atrophy (See Caine, 2004 for a review). The proposed study aims to understand:
    i) Which sensory and cognitive functions are affected in different neurodegenerative diseases,
    ii) How (i.e. possible mechanisms) these deficits may occur, and
    iii) How this may differ from normal ageing in people with neurodegenerative diseases.
    It is hoped this research will improve understanding of cognitive and sensory function in patients with different neurodegenerative diseases, which may assist diagnoses and help improve quality of life (Lawrence et al, 2009). The proposed study is a cross-sectional observational study that will recruit patients with neurodegenerative disorders from memory, balance and neurology clinics at NHS hospitals, and by advertising the study on Join Dementia Research and at community support groups. Participants will complete cognitive and sensory function tests including computerised experiments, and clinical tests. Funding is from Alzheimer’s Society Dunhill Trust, ESRC and Leverhulme Trust.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    21/EM/0017

  • Date of REC Opinion

    8 Feb 2021

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion