Perth Elderly Cohort Study [ 2001 - 2003 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Konrad Jamrozik (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Paul Norman (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Graeme Hankey

Brief description This study will follow up over 12,000 men aged 65-83 years who have previously completed a questionnaire about their medical, social, family and occupational history and lifestyle and have undergone a simple physical examination (height, weight, waist, girth at the hips and blood pressure). The first aim is to determine which of these factors predicts serious ill-health from heart disease, stroke and certain cancers in old age. In addition, we will test the hypothesis that risk factors for heart disease also predict the development of dementia because it seems that part of dementia in some patients is explained by their having suffered multiple small strokes. Finally, we will examine the relationship between development of dementia and previous major surgery as there is growing evidence that major surgical operations in older patients can be followed by confusion and impairment of thinking that may never recover fully. The overall aim is to discover preventable factors for several of the leading causes of ill-health in old age.

Funding Amount $AUD 891,110.16

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant