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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
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Abbiategrasso Brain Bank Protocol for Collecting, Processing and Characterizing Aging Brains
Published on: June 3, 2020
The conselice study of brain ageing
Giovanni Ravaglia1, Paola Forti1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Ageing, and Nephrology, University of Bologna, University Hospital S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
Immunity & Ageing : I & A
|December 22, 2010
Summary
This study investigated dementia prevalence and incidence in older Italians, exploring the link between brain aging, cognitive status, and homocysteine levels. Findings offer insights into risk factors for cognitive decline in the elderly population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cognitive impairments like dementia are devastating age-related diseases with significant healthcare costs.
- Accurate data on the prevalence, incidence, and physiological basis of cognitive disorders in aging brains are lacking.
- Limited information exists regarding the interplay between aging, cognitive status, and nutritional factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence and incidence of dementia in the elderly Italian population.
- To investigate the potential role of baseline blood homocysteine levels as a risk factor for dementia.
- To examine the relationship between aging, cognitive status, and nutritional factors.
Main Methods:
- The Conselice Study of Brain Ageing is a longitudinal study conducted in Conselice, Italy.
- 1016 subjects aged 65 and over were enrolled at baseline.
- Cognitive status was assessed at a 4-year follow-up for 940 participants.
Main Results:
- Data were used to estimate dementia prevalence and incidence in the elderly Italian population.
- The study investigated the association between baseline homocysteine levels and dementia risk.
- The relationship between aging, cognitive status, and nutritional factors was explored.
Conclusions:
- The study provides crucial data on dementia prevalence and incidence in older Italians.
- Elevated homocysteine levels may be a significant risk factor for dementia development.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex relationship between aging, cognition, and nutrition.
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