Optimising long-term brain health: The Brain-Warrant of Fitness (Brain-WOF™) study

Category

Health and Environmental Sciences

Description of research project

This research study aims to address growing concerns about the long-term effects of head impacts and concussion. We want to better understand how past head impacts may affect brain health later in life, and whether early management of modifiable risk factors (health factors that can be changed) may reduce the risk of memory problems in the future. We are looking for volunteers with a history of head impacts who would like to learn more about their brain health.

The study takes place at AUT Millennium and involves one visit lasting about 2 hours. During this visit, you will complete brief cognitive (thinking and memory) tests, and we will assess your vision, hearing, and balance. We will also measure body composition using a DXA scan (a low-dose X-ray that measures bone density and muscle mass) and collect a small blood sample to assess your overall health. We will also collect information about you, your head impact exposure, medical history, activity levels, alcohol use, smoking and mood via a questionnaire.

You will receive a personalised summary report of your results, along with guidance and information about support services if appropriate.

Inclusion and/or exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria - This study is fit for people who:
1. Have experienced one or more head impacts through an accident, playing sports, experiencing violence, or serving in the military
2. Aged between 25 and 70 years
3. Currently reside in NZ

Exclusion Criteria - It is important for our study that you do not have any of the following conditions:
1. A severe (life threatening) or unstable medical condition (e.g., cancer, a psychiatric disorder, terminal illness, renal or end-stage organ failure)
2. You have not been diagnosed with a cognitive condition such as dementia, or Alzheimer's disease
3. You have never experienced a severe brain injury (e.g. requiring spending a few days in hospital or undergoing neurosurgery), seizure, epilepsy, stroke, or brain tumour
4. You have not been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or Motor Neurone Disease

Statement of ethics approval

Approved by the Health and Disability Ethics Committee on 2026-05-26 for 3 years.

HDEC approval number

2026 AM 24461

Contact person

Brain Health Hub at AUT Millenium, brain@aut.ac.nz

Participant information sheet