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.
Interested in taking part?
Recruitment for the BrainHealth study is currently open. Through our online registration, you can provide your contact details and some information about your health and then select a date for one of our information sessions.
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Who can take part?
The study is open to adults aged 65 to 85 years. Participants must be independently mobile without walking aids and meet the medical and cognitive eligibility criteria for the study.
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 can you participate?
Participation begins with our online registration. There, you will provide your contact details, answer a few questions about your medical history and select a date for an information session.
During the information session, you will learn more about BrainHealth, the study procedures and the assessments involved. You will also have the opportunity to ask the study team any questions you may have.
The next step is to arrange individual assessment appointments. During these appointments, the study team will determine whether all requirements for participation are met. If you are eligible and decide to take part, the baseline assessments will be carried out, followed by allocation to one of the study groups.
Start your non-binding registration here.
Further Information
Participation begins with a screening phase, which takes place up to four weeks before the start of the study. During this phase, the study physician reviews the inclusion and exclusion criteria and assesses medical, physical and cognitive eligibility. Once eligibility has been confirmed and written informed consent has been provided, participants are enrolled in the study and allocated to one of the study groups.
At baseline, a range of assessments is carried out. These include cognitive tests, questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, assessment of body composition, tests of physical performance and muscle strength, as well as the collection of biological samples.
The main intervention phase lasts 18 weeks. During this period, participants receive the intervention corresponding to their study group. Depending on the group, this may include supplementation, resistance training or a combination of both.
After 18 weeks, the final assessment takes place. The same assessments carried out at the beginning of the study are repeated.
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
Following the online registration and information session, further assessment appointments will be arranged with you individually.
Throughout the study, you will be supported by the study team and can contact us at any time if you have questions.
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.
Do you have any questions?
Do you have a general question about the study or are you unsure whether BrainHealth might be suitable for you? Please feel free to use our contact form.
To register for the study, please use our online registration.