Christchurch Dementia Prevention Research Clinic

Christchurch is part of a national network of Dementia Prevention Research Clinics investigating a wide range of factors that influence the development and progression of memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease in New Zealanders.

Finding out what factors influence the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease means that we can develop and test interventions to delay the disease or prevent its onset. We are looking for participants with memory problems or who have Mild Cognitive Impairment.

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition that affects memory and thinking abilities (e.g. planning, word-finding, organising). Everyday tasks are not affected (e.g. work-related tasks, household tasks, driving). MCI is not in itself a disease. Some people with MCI go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease (a type of dementia), but not all people with MCI do. We want to find out why.

Participant requirements

You may be eligible to participate if:

• You are aged over 55;
• You or others have noticed memory problems;
• You are fluent in English; and
• You are not living in long-term care

Unfortunately you will NOT be eligible to participate if you have:

• Been diagnosed with dementia
• A history of significant alcohol and/or substance use
• Experienced a moderate to severe brain injury
• A pacemaker
• A significant neurological condition (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, brain tumour)

Participation in our Dementia Prevention Research Clinics is voluntary and for research purposes only. Participation is also free, and will not affect your usual medical care.

The Christchurch Dementia Prevention Research Clinic is hosted by the New Zealand Brain Research Institute, 66 Stewart St.  The Principal Investigators of the Christchurch Clinic are Professor Tim Anderson and Professor John Dalrymple-Alford.

If you are interested in finding out more about participating in the Clinic please contact Marie Goulden; marie.goulden@nzbri.org or Phone: 03 928 1331

Additional information is available via the Brain Research New Zealand website http://www.brnz.ac.nz/clinics