Forecasting Impairment and Neurodegenerative Disease risk following Traumatic Brain Injury (FIND-TBI)
About the study
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. However, it is more than a single, one-off event. Many people who have a TBI may experience long-lasting changes in their everyday function that can last for months, or even years, after the initial injury. TBI may also increase the risk of developing certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Despite this, scientists don’t yet understand the factors that predict who is at risk for long-term impairment or neurodegenerative disease development following a TBI.
This study seeks to understand whether we can use a combination of behavioural tests, brain scans and markers in the blood/saliva in order to predict this risk. If we can predict who is at risk of experiencing lasting difficulties following TBI, we may be able to better tailor care for individuals after receiving an injury.
What do participants have to do?
- Complete approximately 20-30 minutes of surveys online (or we can mail you a paper copy)
- Attend one 2.5-3 hour research session at our lab at Adelaide University City East Campus or our research assistants can come to your home.
- During each session you will complete a series of game-like cognitive tasks (memory, thinking, attention) on an iPad, as well as some simple movement assessments.
- Participate in an MRI scan (on a separate day), as well as provide a saliva sample and blood sample.
Eligibility requirements
- You must have experienced a medically diagnosed concussion or traumatic brain injury after age 10
- Be aged 18+
- A fluent English speaker
- Not suffering from uncorrected visual or hearing disorders (glasses and hearing aids are fine)
- Eligible for MRI scans (not suffering from claustrophobia, suspected to be pregnant, or have metal implants).
- Live in Adelaide and surrounds or able to travel to Adelaide.
Recruitment timeline
End recruitment: Friday 31 April 2026
Benefits
You will receive a $50 gift card after the lab session, and a $25 gift card after the MRI scan as a thank you for participating. You will also have contributed to research by providing valuable information to improve the diagnosis, treatment or care of people with traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease in the future. By understanding the factors that predict who is at risk of experiencing lasting difficulties following TBI, or who might go on to develop Parkinson’s disease or other neurodegenerative conditions, we may be able to better tailor care for individuals after receiving an injury.
