Cohort profile: the Resilient Minds national study of mental health and cognitive resilience in community dwelling adults aged 18 to 93.

PURPOSE: The Resilient Minds (ReMind) cohort was established to investigate cognitive and mental health resilience across the life course, addressing a gap in longitudinal evidence about resilience. The study collected data on traditional medical and lifestyle risk factors for chronic disease, genetics, and a range of mental health and cognitive outcomes. It also aimed to explore contemporary contextual influences on resilience, including internet use, social engagement, environmental exposures, and life course adversities such as perceived discrimination.

PARTICIPANTS

The cohort included 1,640 adults aged 18-93 years, recruited through social media and community groups, to participate in a fully remote, two-year health study. Participants completed online surveys, cognitive and sensory testing, and intensive "sprints" occurring approximately every three months, during which daily surveys and digital health data were collected. A brain-health substudy (BHS) is being conducted for participants aged 50 years and older (current n = 184/400 planned), involving to evaluate neuroimaging, blood and ocular biomarkers to assess resilience and cognitive decline.

FINDINGS TO DATE: Thirty percent of participants were born overseas, and the average years of education were 14.7, 15.0 and 14.1 for young, middle aged and older adults, respectively. Among adults aged 65 years and older, 41.9% reported hypertension, 39.1% high cholesterol, 7.1% diabetes, and 22.4% obesity. In the BHS, 18% met criteria for Subjective Cognitive Decline, and 15% met criteria for Mild Cognitive Impairment.

FUTURE PLANS: The initial study duration is 2 years, with plans to seek funding for extended follow-up to identify long-term predictors of cognitive and mental health resilience and the development of cognitive impairment in ageing.