Overview

We are conducting research examining the impact of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) on long-term brain, cognitive, mental health, and functional outcomes. The Royal Children’s Hospital diabetes cohort study is the only prospective study of individuals with T1D from childhood diagnosis through adulthood, with four previous waves of data collection.

T1D may affect brain function, leading to significant personal and public health burdens. The CLARiFY study will describe adult outcomes of childhood-onset T1D in a cohort followed for 30 years from diagnosis and identify which aspects of the disease are most detrimental to the brain and functional outcomes.

This information will allow clinicians to offer optimal clinical management while protecting the developing brain and preserving cognitive function.

Information for participants

What’s involved?

In order to interpret our results, we need to compare the outcomes of our T1D cohort participants with a group of healthy individuals of a similar age. We are looking for adults who are happy to be part of this healthy control group! 

What will I be asked to do? 

• A short interview about your education, employment, physical and mental health and living circumstances 
• Complete a set of computer tasks used to measure skills such as attention and memory
• Complete a test assessing language skills and visual problem solving 
• Undergo a 45min brain MRI scan at Royal Children’s Hospital

We will reimburse you $100 for your time and to cover parking and lunch.

Get involved

Who can take part?

• adults aged between 28-45 years old
• willing to attend a one-off assessment appointment at Murdoch Children's (approximately 3.5-4 hours)

 You cannot take part if you have:

• a history of neurological illness 
• history of brain injury
• current chronic illness

 Complete your details to register your interest in the CLARiFY study.

Register your interest

Research team

Research Lead

• Professor Fergus Cameron, Group Leader / Honorary Fellow Manager, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
  
  

Team members

• Elisabeth Northam, Senior Research Fellow, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
• Dr Amy Brown, Research Psychologist, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
• Dr Richard Beare, Principal Research Fellow, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
• Stephanie Antonopoulos - Research Assistant, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
• Caroline Nicholas - Research Nurse
• Professor Eva Feldman, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Director, NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies
• Associate Professor Richard Beare, Imaging and Bioinformatics, Monash University
• Professor Velandai Srikanth, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Director, National Centre for Healthy Ageing
• Associate Professor Chris Moran, Department of Medicine, Monash University
• Dr Stacey Jacoby, Managing Director, NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan

Collaborators

Thanks to our key partners, funders, and supporters.

• The University of Michigan
• Monash University
• Royal Children’s Hospital Endocrinology, Medical Imaging and Cardiology departments
• National Institute of Health (USA)

Funding

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
• National Institute of Health
• Grant number 1R01DK129320-01

Publications

Cohort study key publications

Psychosocial well-being and functional outcomes in youth with type 1 diabetes 12 years after disease onset (2010).

Central Nervous System Function in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes 12 Years After Disease Onset (2009).

Neuropsychological Profiles of Children With Type 1 Diabetes 6 Years After Disease Onset  (2001).

Predictors of change in the neuropsychological profiles of children with type 1 diabetes 2 years after disease onset (1999).

Neuropsychological Complications of IDDM in Children 2 Years After Disease Onset (1998).

Psychosocial and Family Functioning in Children with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes at Diagnosis and One Year Later (1995).

Neuropsychological complications of insulin-dependent diabetes in children (1995).

Contact us

CLARiFY Study
Murdoch Children's Research Institute
The Royal Children's Hospital
50 Flemington Road
Parkville VIC 3052
Australia

Dr Amy Brown
Phone: show phone number
Email:  show email address