The CHARIOT Register: a primary care-based recruitment register for research into dementia and healthy ageing

Background The Cognitive Health in Ageing Register: Investigational, Observational and Trial studies (CHARIOT) is a primary care-based register for research studies involving the prevention of dementia and other age-related diseases. The Register was developed in 2012 in collaboration between London GP surgeries and researchers at the School of Public Health at Imperial College London. It was designed to offer opportunities for volunteers to participate in research studies.

Aim The aim is to build a register of individuals aged 50–85 years who are cognitively intact and are willing to be contacted about research studies on dementia prevention and healthy ageing.

Method Potential participants are recruited through London-based GP surgeries. On consenting to join the register, basic demographic and contact details are then extracted from their GP surgery and securely uploaded to the Imperial College database. Based on the data collected, Register members are then approached to participate in new research studies.

Results To date, 164 GP surgeries have collaborated to invite over 170 000 individuals to join the CHARIOT Register, resulting in the recruitment of 33 911 participants. From those who have joined the Register, 8419 have consented to take part in ageing-related studies, giving a response rate of 24%.

Conclusion The CHARIOT Register facilitates research for the prevention of dementia and ageing-related diseases. It has been shown that this approach to easily access and recruit keen participants onto research studies has been effective, allowing for the development of new strategies to grow the Register.