The Rhineland Study in Bonn
The Rhineland Study is a large-scale health study in Bonn. The study investigates why some people develop chronic diseases rather early, while others progress to old age remaining mentally fit and healthy. These health differences can have various causes, such as genetics, environmental influences or our lifestyle habits. Only if we understand how and why our health changes over the course of a lifetime we can influence it ourselves. In order to find the way to a healthy life through to old age, the Rhineland Study conducts long-term studies with up to 20,000 participants. In this way, we want to help prevent diseases before they occur. In this way, we want to help prevent diseases before they occur by supporting the development of prevention strategies for neurodegenerative and other age-related diseases - especially dementia.
The Rhineland Study, for example, is looking for answers to the following questions:
- What factors influence our health?
- What does it mean to be “healthy”?
- Does being “healthy” mean being free of complaints, or is it the ability to consistently adapt to new social, physical and mental challenges?
- Are the foundations for healthy ageing set many years in advance?
Our mission
With our world-class research team and the use of the most innovative technologies, we aim to find the key factors for healthy ageing. We can only succeed in this together: the most important contribution, besides a highly motivated team, is made by the participants of the study. Only with your support we can make a difference to the health of present and future generations.
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I find the capabilities of the brain absolutely impressive. Therefore, I would like to make a small contribution to understanding it better and protecting it from disease.
[Rahel Hutgens]
I was convinced by the concept of the study. I understood that the study was designed to last the rest of my life, and I saw it as an opportunity to learn about my health at periodic intervals while contributing to science and society.
[Frank Wunderlich]
We think it is very important that the Rhineland Study is being conducted and we hope that perhaps by participating we can be a grain of salt in gaining knowledge for future generations.
[Engel und Peter Kretzschmar]
When the request came from the Rhineland Study, I didn't have to think twice. I participated with pride and joy for the research and also got an up-to-date status on my own health. The entire team was super nice and explained each examination to me well.
[Sebastian Falkenhagen]
I found the examinations at the Rhineland Study to be extremely good. Everything was meticulously organized and there were no waiting times. I was also impressed by the technical knowledge and understanding of the study assistance. This is my very personal, positive impression, which I am happy to pass on to others.
[Winfried Ehlert]
I am happy to participate in the Rhineland Study because I think it is for a good cause and one should support this. In the long run, hopefully many people will then benefit from the research and from the findings of the study.
[Hannah Mertens]
We are getting older and would all like to maintain our quality of life for as long as possible. In order for this to succeed, more and better research into ageing is needed. We would like to contribute to this and have learned valuable things for our health.
[Familie Abdel Karim]
It was perfect. Everything was very well organized - also in terms of time. You get very good information and the examinations are explained in a really understandable way. So, it doesn't get any better than that. My wife said the same thing. We were impressed!
[Dr. Eckart Roloff]
I was particularly motivated by the idea that I could make a contribution. After all, a study is not for me, but for research and for the community. And maybe in the future a drug, a method or a prevention can be developed.
[Vera Keck]
I have been regularly participating in studies of the DZNE on the Venusberg for several years. I have experienced cases of dementia in my personal environment and would like to support research on Alzheimer's and dementia and make a contribution to society with my participation in the Rhineland Study.
[Susanne D.]
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Examination Centres in Bonn
There are two study centres in Bonn: one in the district of Hardtberg and one in Beuel. People (age 30 and older) from these participation areas are welcome to take part in the Rhineland Study.
Both centres are open daily from Monday to Saturday. The examination programme, which lasts approximately five to six hours, can be completed in one go or in two separate appointments. The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) always takes place on a separate appointment. Late evening appointments are also possible.
Take a look at the examination centres here and find numerous explanations of the process:
Both centres are identical and equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology: In addition to around 15 examination rooms, they each have their own laboratory and a state of the art MRI scanner.