Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) has awarded £298,133 to the University of Birmingham to carry out a research project to investigate how trauma – both physical and psychological – can result in accelerated ageing amongst ex-Service personnel. Working with a cohort of former Service personnel who deployed to Afghanistan, the research will determine the biological age of ex-Service personnel who experienced trauma during their deployment, and identify how the effects of trauma can be alleviated.

The University of Birmingham will work in conjunction with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre’s ADVANCE cohort on the 15-month project.

Ex-Service personnel who survive a major traumatic injury have an increased risk of early onset of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and dementia, which would typically be associated with old age. However, there is a lack of understanding of why these increased risks occur. The researchers will therefore seek to understand whether aging has been accelerated by physical or psychological trauma, and how best ex-Service personnel who share this experience can have their symptoms treated so that they can lead successful and fulfilling civilian lives.

Janet Lord, Emeritus Professor of Immune Cell Biology at the University of Birmingham, said

“Factors that affect how the body ages are varied and intertwined, and there is a growing understanding of how injury and trauma may affect our biological ageing trajectory.

“Through the generous funding from Forces in Mind Trust, this study is a hugely exciting opportunity to work with former service personnel. We hope that through the partnership with ADVANCE and Stamford Hall to get a better understanding of the role that trauma does play in ageing, and that if injury does lead to accelerated ageing we can develop new ways to improve health outcomes for all.”

Michelle Alston, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust, said

“This project gets to the core of the challenges faced by those ex-Service personnel who have experienced trauma. By understanding the driving factors behind accelerated ageing, which can lead to higher rates of dementia, cardiovascular disease and early mortality, we can alleviate the symptoms and improve health outcomes for those impacted. FiMT are delighted to be funding this project and its potential to make a real change to the lives of ex-Service personnel and families.”