About Us

The SABRE (Southall and Brent REvisited) study started over 30 years ago between 1988 and 1991.  The study was set up at University College London (UCL) to study  health in mid-life in a group of nearly 5000 people of European, South Asian and African or African Caribbean origins. Study participants were selected at random from the GP practices and workplaces  in the London boroughs of Brent and Southall.

The focus of the study is on health in ageing, including health of the heart and cardiovascular system, physical and brain function, metabolic health (for example diabetes).  The study examines how mid-life health, lifestyle and social factors affect health in older age and aims to improve understanding of the reasons underlying ethnic group differences in health.

Participants, now in their 70s, 80s and 90s, have been studied 4 times since they were first selected. When the study began (1988-1991), participants completed questionnaires and attended clinics at Ealing Hospital and Wembley Stadium for investigations. Since then, participants have completed multiple questionnaires about their health and lifestyles. Many have also attended our clinics at St Mary’s Hospital and most recently at University College London where they underwent some very detailed health tests, including MRI scans of the brain, ultrasound of the heart and blood vessels and tests of cognitive function. In the 2014 – 19 follow-up visit (Wave 3), participants’ partners were also invited to join, along with some new people of African or African Caribbean origin. Most recently participants have completed questionnaires related to COVID.

Over its life the study has been funded by several registered charities including the  British Heart Foundation  Diabetes UK, the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust.  The study team is led by Professor Nish Chaturvedi and Professor Alun Hughes. The team is based at the MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL.

Video title: Investigating Trends in Disease. Video contains Closed Captions.