HIPTox

Outdoor and indoor pollutants have been linked to a variety of adverse health effects including increasing the risk of cardiac disease and lung diseases.  It is thought that air pollution may also cause problems with memory and the brain’s ability to process information.

This study will investigate the effect of common air pollutants on brain function in healthy participants who have family members with brain disorders such as dementia.

It is being carried out by a team based at The University of Manchester and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.

Criteria

  • Aged 50+
  • Family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease (parent or sibling)

 

Healthy volunteers must not be taking any regular medications or have any of the following:

  • Neurological or psychiatric disorder
  • Cardiac disease
  • Respiratory disease
  • Inflammatory disease

Location

  • NIHR Clinical Research Facility (based in the grounds of Manchester Royal Infirmary, M13 9WU)

Involves

  • Attending an initial screening appointment to assess suitability to take part.
  • Eligible participants will attend 14 further appointments over a 10-12 month period, where they will be exposed to a range of common pollutants, for example diesel fumes, wood smoke, and cleaning products to measure their effect on health and cognitive function.
  • Each visit will include a range of tests including blood samples, cognitive tasks, breathing tests, nasal washout as well as questions about your medical history.
  • Appointments last between 1 and 8 hours
  • Eligible participants will be paid for their time, up to a total of £980 for the whole study.

Recruiting until

  • 15 May 2023

Want to take part or learn more?