Cohort Study on Cognitive Decline in Elderly

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) prevention and control currently face severe challenges, with limited treatment options and effectiveness available. Once the disease progresses to the AD stage, it is essentially irreversible. Before the onset of AD, there is a prolonged asymptomatic period and a stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which represents a critical window for early screening, diagnosis, and intervention. Therefore, early screening, diagnosis, and intervention during the MCI stage are crucial for slowing or halting the rising trend of AD and alleviating its disease burden.

This study plans to enroll elderly individuals from communities around Peking University Third Hospital to establish a prospective cohort. Participants will undergo cognitive assessments and blood biomarker testing, followed by a three-year follow-up and management program. The study aims to obtain epidemiological data on MCI and AD in community populations, investigate the relationships between known risk factors, genetic factors, and blood biomarkers with disease progression, explore additional biomarkers, and develop predictive models. These efforts will contribute to promoting early diagnosis, early intervention, and improved prognosis.