IISc new study seeks elderly volunteers to decode dementia’s secrets

Bengaluru: Researchers at the Centre for Brain Research (CBR) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) are seeking elderly volunteers in Bengaluru for a pilot study exploring preventive measures against dementia.

Participants will undergo assessments — including clinical, cognitive, eye, ECG, gait and balance tests, hearing exams, blood work, and brain MRI — at the start of the study, with follow-ups at six and 12 months.

Residents of Bengaluru aged 55 and older are eligible. Participants will attend an orientation programme and receive guidance on cognitive exercises, physical activity, yoga, dietary recommendations, and managing cardiovascular risks.

This pilot project is part of the CBR-TATA Longitudinal Study of Aging (CBR-TLSA), funded by Tata Trusts, which investigates a multi-modal approach to dementia prevention, incorporating diet, physical activity, cognitive training, and vascular and metabolic health monitoring.

Led by Prof Thomas Gregor Isaac, the research team also plans to enlist young volunteers to help elderly participants combat loneliness, a known factor in the onset of dementia. Volunteers will receive a certificate from Tata Trusts for their community service after meeting a minimum participation requirement.

Research from Prof Isaac's group indicates early menopause (before age 45) may lower cognitive performance and brain volume, particularly affecting memory, and attention.

Additionally, over half of the elderly show insulin resistance, often linked to diabetes and cardiovascular issues.

Carnatic musicians among the elderly displayed stronger visuospatial skills and greater grey matter volume in brain regions associated with cognition. Reduced hippocampal volumes were observed in those with mild cognitive impairment, suggesting potential markers of cognitive decline.

Dr Sujas Bharadwaj, a CBR researcher, stated, “These findings underscore the need for multifaceted approaches in dementia prevention, highlighting how factors such as hormonal changes, lifestyle habits, and cognitive engagement affect brain health. Insights from this pilot study will be essential in developing multimodal interventions to support cognitive function as we age.”