The researchers want to investigate causes and risk factors for the most important widespread diseases: cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia, depression and infectious diseases. Over a period of 20 years 200,000 people aged from 20 to 69 will be medically examined in study centres throughout Germany and questioned with regard to their lifestyles and social environments.

Tests to determine vascular diseases, glucose metabolism, lung function, mental concentration and memory will be conducted, along with a range of laboratory tests. The participants were randomly selected from the register of residents and invited to participate.

For more information: http://www.nationale-kohorte.de