The World Health Organization defines brain health as “the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural and motor domains, allowing a person to realize their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders”. The University of Reading is home to Reading NeuroAge, a longitudinal study which promotes research into the relationship between cognitive, psychological, neuronal and lifestyle factors and brain health in later years. The overall aim of the study is to support quality research relevant to national health policy on protective and risk factors for the ageing brain and early dementia diagnosis
Reading NeuroAge focuses on three main goals: 1. To better understand determinants of healthy ageing and risk factors for poor brain health in later life. 2. Identify the earliest changes in clinical, cognitive and imaging markers that indicate transition from normal cognitive functioning to cognitive decline that may be associated with different causes, such as f dementia. 3. To cultivate and support collaboration between scientists to achieve these goals.
The Reading NeuroAge website is forthcoming, Summer 2024.