The Rotterdam Study: 2018 update on objectives, design and main results

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Gerontology
• Public Health

Background:

• The Rotterdam Study is a prospective, population-based cohort study initiated in 1990 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
• It focuses on a wide range of age-related diseases, including cardiovascular, neurological, and ophthalmological conditions.
• The cohort initially included individuals aged 45 and over, with expansion to include those aged 40 and over since 2016.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the etiology, incidence, and progression of various age-related diseases.
• To identify risk factors and protective factors for common diseases in older adults.
• To provide a comprehensive understanding of health and aging in a large, well-characterized population.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort design with ongoing data collection.
• Inclusion of a large cohort (over 14,926 subjects as of 2008, expanded since 2016).
• Multidisciplinary approach targeting a broad spectrum of diseases.

Main Results:

• Over 1500 research articles and reports published, contributing significantly to medical knowledge.
• Extensive findings on the epidemiology and determinants of numerous chronic diseases.
• Longitudinal data enabling detailed analysis of disease trajectories and aging processes.

Conclusions:

• The Rotterdam Study is a vital resource for understanding aging and age-related diseases.
• Its comprehensive data has led to significant advancements in public health and clinical research.
• The study continues to provide valuable insights into maintaining health and preventing disease in aging populations.