PROTECT Norge: Online assessment of cognition and dementia risk factors in 3000 Norwegian adults over 50 (Preprint)
Authors: Testad Ingelin , Aakre Jon Arild , Gjestsen Martha Therese , Ballard Clive , Corbett Anne , Aarsland Dag , Pickering Ellie , Ushakova Anastasia 
Published: January 2025

UNSTRUCTURED

Objective: With the growing number of older people in the Norwegian population and the associated rapid rise in dementia and cognitive impairment, novel and more efficient methodologies are needed to facilitate research, improve diagnostic triage and deliver effective brain health interventions in the community. Methods: PROTECT-Norge is an online, remote cohort study in adults aged 50 and over. At-home assessments of cognition are completed annually using validated computerized neuropsychological tests (including Paired Associate Learning, Self-Ordered Search, Digit Span and Verbal Reasoning). Demographic data (age, gender, ethnicity, education, height, weight), medical and lifestyle information are also collected. Results: The current article describes analysis of baseline data from the first 3000 participants recruited to PROTECT-Norge (74.5% female, mean age 64.1 sd 7.7). It demonstrates that established risk factors for dementia such as Body Mass Index > 30, hypertension, smoking, and hearing loss are associated with significant detriments on cognitive performance on the computerized neuropsychological test battery. The level of data capture was excellent, and 94% of participants agreed to be contacted for further research programmes. Conclusion: This data shows excellent feasibility of the PROTECT-Norge cohort, demonstrating high completion rates and accessibility for people with early cognitive impairment. PROTECT-Norge represents a tremendous opportunity for cost-efficient, large-scale brain health research and potentially for clinical digital cognitive health programmes.
At-home assessments of cognition are completed annually using validated computerized neuropsychological tests (including Paired Associate Learning, Self-Ordered Search, Digit Span and Verbal Reasoning). Demographic data (age, gender, ethnicity, education, height, weight), medical and lifestyle information are also collected. The current article describes analysis of data from the first 3000 participants recruited to PROTECT-Norge (74.5% female, mean age 64.1 sd 7.7). It demonstrates that established risk factors for dementia such as Body Mass Index > 30, hypertension, smoking, hearing loss and Mild Cognitive Impairment are associated with significant detriments on cognitive performance on the computerized neuropsychological test battery. The level of data capture was excellent, and 94% of participants agreed to be contacted for further research programmes. This data shows excellent feasibility of the PROTECT-Norge cohort, demonstrating high completion rates and accessibility for people with early cognitive impairment. PROTECT-Norge represents a tremendous opportunity for cost-efficient, large-scale brain health research and potentially for clinical digital cognitive health programmes.
Keywords: PROTECT Norge, cognitive function, dementia risk factors, online cohort study, healthy brain
Key Points:
- PROTECT Norge is an online cohort study focusing on cognitive assessment and dementia risk factors in a population of Norwegian adults aged 50 and over.
- The study utilizes validated computerized neuropsychological test battery for annual at-home assessments, in addition to capturing demographic, medical, and lifestyle data.
- Study findings indicate significant associations between established dementia risk factors (e.g., obesity, hypertension, smoking, hearing loss) and poorer cognitive performance, highlighting the potential for early intervention strategies.
- High participant engagement and willingness for further research involvement highlights PROTECT Norge's feasibility and potential for large-scale brain health initiatives and clinical trials, using its built-in clinical trials infrastructure.