Research Centre: Avondale University
Location: 582 Freemans Dr, Cooranbong NSW 2265, Australia
Lead Researchers: Professor Ross Grant and Dr. Jade Berg
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee

Dementia ranks among the top causes of death for both men and women in Australia. Surprisingly, nearly 1 in 10 people aged 65 and older wrestle with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the most widespread form of dementia. Projections indicate that without a medical breakthrough, this number could surpass 1 million by 2056. Unfortunately, current treatments offer only marginal relief for symptoms and have little impact on the disease’s progression.

This study aims to see if a personalised lifestyle intervention can alter the course of the disease . If an intervention could cut dementia rates by 5%, nearly 260,000 fewer Australians would have it by 2056. This would benefit individuals and families greatly while offering a ray of hope to those grappling with this challenging condition, providing the prospect of a better future and an improved quality of life.

• Participants may receive access to a program to help with memory, behaviour, and mood at no cost.
• It is hoped that participants experience improvements in their memory, behaviour, and mood (however these improvements may be temporary).
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those struggling with cognitive decline in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

• Men and women aged 65 – 85 years old who have memory complaints
• Must have a study partner who can accompany them on all study visits
• Must not be diagnosed with an unrecovered neurological (nervous system) disorder (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, etc.), other psychological disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Down syndrome), or an acute inflammatory bowel condition (e.g., severe IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or any other gastrointestinal conditions likely to impede food absorption)
• Must not have uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, hypo/hyperthyroidism, or sleep apnoea
• Must not be participating in another clinical study or health program
• Must not have any physical conditions that may prevent them from participating in age-appropriate exercise
• Must be willing to provide blood samples
• Must not be currently prescribed Warfarin
• Must not have tobacco, alcohol, or other substance use disorders
• Must be able to attend one study visit per fortnight at the research site for 6 months
• Must not be allergic/intolerant to Omega-3 supplements
• Must not be allergic/intolerant to common vitamins/minerals
• Must not be allergic/intolerant to cocoa, vanilla, Maltitol or soy lecithin

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants will be asked to engage in online surveys, interviews, cognitive assessments, blood pressure measurements, provide a fasting blood sample, as well as a medical certificate endorsing their capacity for age-appropriate exercise.
• Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Intervention or Control Group, with a ratio of two persons to the Intervention and one to the Control for every three persons entering the study.
• Those in the Control Group will complete the assessments only, at two intervals over 24 weeks. They’ll receive a copy of the assessment results and can choose to enter the Intervention thereafter.
• Intervention Group participants will engage in a 24-week Intervention divided into three phases. Phase 1 (Preparation, 14 days) aims to ease lifestyle adjustments, including dietary changes, increased physical activity, and ceasing non-prescribed supplements. Phase 2 (Immersive workshop 5 ½ days) focuses on adopting brain-healthy behaviors, requiring visits to specific locations or home visits by research staff. Phase 3 (Home Implementation) facilitates the continuation of learnt brain-healthy behaviors in the home.

Avondale University
Avondale University, a prominent non-profit education provider, offers diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational courses in a nurturing atmosphere. Established in 1897 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Avondale upholds values like excellence, spirituality, well-being, integrity, and service across its programs, activities, staff, and community relations. The purpose of the University is encapsulated in its motto; educating,”For a Greater Vision of World Needs”

Please note:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their and the study staff’s safety is of utmost importance.