Participate in the Project
BrainHealth invites older adults to take part in a research project on healthy ageing, brain health, nutrition, and physical activity. This page provides an overview of who can take part and how participation works.
Already taking part in the study? Please visit the page for participants.
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Who can take part?
The study recruits retired adults between 65 and 85 years of age. Participants must be independently mobile without aids and meet the study’s medical and cognitive eligibility criteria.
Both women and men can take part. Final eligibility is assessed by the study physician based on the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
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How participation works?
Participation begins with an initial expression of interest, either after an information event or by contacting the study team by phone or email. Interested individuals are then invited to a more detailed information session, where they can learn more about the study and ask questions.
After that, individual appointments are arranged with the study physician. During this step, the study team reviews the inclusion and exclusion criteria and assesses medical, physical, and cognitive suitability for participation. Written informed consent is required before enrolment.
If a person is eligible and agrees to participate, baseline testing is carried out. Participants are then randomly assigned to one of the study groups. The main study phase lasts 18 weeks and includes assessments at the beginning and at the end of the intervention.
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Get in touch
If you are interested in taking part in BrainHealth and would like to learn more about the study, please get in touch with the study team. They will provide further information about the participation process and next steps.
Further Information
Participation begins with a screening phase that takes place up to four weeks before the start of the study. During this stage, the study physician reviews the inclusion and exclusion criteria and assesses medical, physical, and cognitive suitability for participation. If eligibility is confirmed and written informed consent is provided, participants are enrolled and assigned to one of the study groups.
At T1, the baseline assessment is carried out.This includes cognitive testing, questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, body composition assessment, physical performance and strength testing, and the collection of biological samples.
The main intervention phase lasts 18 weeks. During this period, participants receive the intervention according to their group allocation. Depending on the group, this may include supplementation, resistance training, or a combination of both.
At T2, after 18 weeks, the final assessment is performed. The same examinations carried out at baseline are repeated at this time point.
Inclusion Criteria
Participants must:
- be between 65 and 85 years of age
- be independently mobile without aids, such as a walker or cane
Exclusion Criteria
For participant safety, individuals are excluded if safe participation in progressive resistance training cannot be ensured. This includes, in particular:
- severe cardiovascular diseases
- pulmonary limitations
- orthopaedic or musculoskeletal limitations
- unstable or progressive neurological diseases
- poorly controlled diabetes mellitus with relevant complications
- a Frailty Index of 3 or higher
- acute infectious diseases or fever
- general contraindications to physical exercise
Participants are also excluded if any of the following apply:
- oral anticoagulation or long term antiplatelet therapy
- known coagulation disorders
- a major planned operation within 3 months after study completion
- certain cardiovascular conditions associated with increased bleeding risk
- known allergy to fish, crustaceans, or fish oil preparations
- current use of omega 3 supplements
If you are interested in participating, the study team will guide you through the next steps. After your first contact, you will receive more detailed information about the study and have the opportunity to ask questions.
If participation is possible, an appointment with the study physician will be arranged to review eligibility and discuss the study process. Written informed consent is required before enrolment.
Throughout the study, participants are supported by the study team and can contact them whenever questions arise.
Before participation, you will receive detailed information about the study and have the opportunity to ask questions. You can only take part after providing written informed consent.
Your data will be handled confidentially and stored using a participant code rather than your name. According to the protocol, access is limited to the authorised study team. Biological samples and study records are stored only as long as necessary for analysis and publication, and for no longer than 10 years.
The study is conducted in line with legal and ethical requirements, including EU data protection rules.