CrossAim of the studies

The Purpose of Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFAS I & CFAS II & CFAS Wales)

The CFAS are population based studies of individuals aged 65 years and over living the community, including institutions. The fieldwork for this study began in 1991.

 

The initial aims of CFAS were -

  • To find out how common dementia and associated conditions are in England and Wales (the prevalence of dementia) and also, how many new cases of dementia develop each year in England and Wales (the incidence of dementia).
  • To find out if dementia varies around the country.
  • To describe the service needs of dementia sufferers and the degree of disability suffered.
  • To find out which factors increase the risk of someone developing dementia.
  • To investigate the different diseases that cause dementia and how quickly dementia progresses. 

 

In addition to dementia, CFAS I has also been able to look at other areas – 

  • depression and depressive symptoms in the older population
  • physical disability in the older population
  • healthy active life expectancy

 

With the launch of CFAS II, the research areas have been augmented to:

  • Estimate the prevalence and incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia nearly 20 years after the first CFAS cohorts were established and to quantify differences seen between 1991-2 and 2008-2010.
  • Investigate whether the measures that characterize the intermediate stage (Mild Cognitive Impairment) best within original CFAS are stable across generations.
  • Measure population differences over time and to assess differences between urban and rural settings, and the new relationships between health, social factors and service receipt.
  • Compare healthy active life expectancy over time for the whole group and within social groups and assess whether over the last 20 years educational and occupational social groups have experienced differential change and whether there has been a trade off between physical and mental health expectancy.

 

Health and Society

CFA Studies

Aims of the CFA Studies
Design of the CFA Studies
Biological Samples

Summary of Findings

Prevalence of Dementia
Prevalence of Dementia in Institutional Care
Incidence of Dementia
Risk Factors for Dementia
Disability and Healthy Ageing
Costs of Dementia
Healthy Active Life Expectancy
Neuropathology

Supplementary Information From Publications

Operationalisation of Mild Cognitive Impairment