life, cognition, behaviour, and function as we age. The study also investigates the unique stresses and health experiences of caregivers to people living with dementia. Together, these findings may help inform strategies that contribute to healthy brain aging for all individuals, while addressing the specific needs of both caregivers and individuals.
Anyone in Canada aged 18 or older can join and contribute to this brain aging research from the comfort of their own home. The study is entirely online and designed to fit into participants’ schedules, with a total time commitment of about three to seven hours per year. Each year, participants complete health and lifestyle questionnaires at their own pace— these can be paused and returned to at any time. Participants also complete a set of cognitive tests once per year, which are similar to brain-training games and must be done in one sitting. Caregivers for people with dementia will also be asked questions about caregiver stress and available supports.
Since launching in March 2023, over three thousand participants have registered for CAN-PROTECT. Findings from the study have contributed to numerous publications, including research on menopause symptom burden, traumatic brain injury, physical activity, cognition, behaviour, and quality of life.
CAN-PROTECT is led by a collaborative team of clinicians, researchers, and students based in Canada and the United Kingdom( UCalgary and University of Exeter) who work together to analyze data and publish findings.
By joining the CAN-PROTECT study, you can play a vital role in helping researchers develop better ways to protect brain health and support caregivers. To learn more or get involved, visit can-protect. ca or email us at can. protect @ ucalgary. ca
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