Cohort Profile: The Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (CFAS)†

Abstract

Global ageing is a recent phenomenon. Its potential impact on social and economic aspects of more affluent countries highlighted ageing as a sufficiently important issue towards which to direct resources. Discussion between the Department of Health, Medical Research Council, and experts from the scientific and medical communities resulted in the decision that brain changes, most particularly cognitive decline, dementia, and their relation to disability were key topics requiring investigation at the population level. This prompted a decision to invest in research into this area and a working group was convened, which included those with epidemiological and biostatistical expertise relevant to such investigation. Out of this working group a successful bid for the study now known as the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study emerged.