Which Mental Activities And When For Dementia Prevention? The Four Nations Longitudinal Collaboration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$183,218.00
Summary
We will examine the link between lifetime participation in complex mental activities and long term dementia risk in a level of detail not previously possible. Four major studies of brain health from around the world will join forces for the first time to determine which mental activities are most closely linked to protection from dementia, and when during the lifespan these are most important. Mental activity will be assessed using our recently published Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire.
The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project: A Longitudinal Intervention Study To Reduce The Risk Of Ageing-related Cognitive Decline And Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,792.00
Summary
It has been proposed that engagement in purposeful complex mental stimulation provides protection against dementia. The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP) is a unique, large-scale prospective trial that examines whether university-level study in older adult population reduces ageing-related cognitive decline and risk of dementia. This project will also examine how an individual’s genetic profile may influence the potential benefits of complex mental stimulation as well as risk of dementia.
Partnership Centre: Dealing With Cognitive And Related Functional Decline In Older People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$12,500,000.00
Summary
The focus of this Partnership Centre is how to better apply our existing knowledge and how to create new knowledge that will directly improve support to those elderly suffering from cognitive decline, their carer’s (formal and informal) and the various agencies delivering services for them. This Partnership Centre’s Investigator Team will engage in a range of activities to improve aged care service planning (including continuity of care and risk assessments of community care); develop and implem ....The focus of this Partnership Centre is how to better apply our existing knowledge and how to create new knowledge that will directly improve support to those elderly suffering from cognitive decline, their carer’s (formal and informal) and the various agencies delivering services for them. This Partnership Centre’s Investigator Team will engage in a range of activities to improve aged care service planning (including continuity of care and risk assessments of community care); develop and implement new approaches to support informal carer’s; reduce stigma around cognitive decline in both the health care and community context; improve the size and quality of the aged care workforce; assist with decision making, rights, citizenship and related ethics through education; improve aged care regulation; promote responsible medication management; develop and disseminate up-to-date clinical guidelines; and implement proven models of care.Read moreRead less
Validation Of Cognitive Assessments Using Telecommunication
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$257,261.00
Summary
This project will assess the use of video conferencing to enable geriatricians to assess and diagnose memory problems including dementia. Establishing the reliability of diagnosis and other related assessments, and identifying which functions can confidently be carried out via video conferencing, is one step towards extending the availability of this service to rural and remote communities. Access to accurate diagnosis and assessment of cognitive impairment is an important step in the management ....This project will assess the use of video conferencing to enable geriatricians to assess and diagnose memory problems including dementia. Establishing the reliability of diagnosis and other related assessments, and identifying which functions can confidently be carried out via video conferencing, is one step towards extending the availability of this service to rural and remote communities. Access to accurate diagnosis and assessment of cognitive impairment is an important step in the management of dementia, Alzheimer's disease and other associated disorders. High level expertise, such as that offered by a specialist Memory Disorder Clinic, is particularly important if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, or if the prescription of cholinesterase inhibitors and associated medications are being considered. It was estimated that in 2005 there were 52,000 people diagnosed with dementia in Australia and by 2050 there will be an additional 175,000 cases each year. For the vast number of people who will be affected by dementia, early detection and intervention will play an important role in their healthy ageing experience. Access to accurate diagnosis and advice as a function of detection and intervention is often not as freely available to people in rural areas. The experience of travelling long distances for assessment can be detrimental to the emotional well being of people who may have dementia. Access to geriatrician services in a local rural area is an important element to maintaining their sense of well being. Geriatricians are not commonly available in rural areas which means current access to specialist diagnosis and assessment is either a missed opportunity or involves extensive travel. Internationally, there are many individuals living in remote regions with no access to geriatrician services, or reliable cognitive assessment. This study will inform similar experiments in other cultural settings.Read moreRead less
Genetic Investigations For Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$719,374.00
Summary
The disease process in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) begins decades before a diagnosis is made. We urgently need to investigate this pre-symptomatic stage to learn how the disease process begins, and allow the development of treatments that work before the brain is irreparably damaged. I will use genetic risk factors for AD to predict who is most at risk of developing AD. I will look for early changes and easily accessible markers, including the use of state of the art brain imaging.
Supporting Older Adults With Dementia With Driving Cessation And Mobility: An Innovative Telehealth Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,868,907.00
Summary
This program addresses dementia and driving cessation, a significant life event for people with dementia and challenge in primary care. We will translate an evidence-based driving cessation intervention into a telehealth model and implement it in a national cRCT. Expectations are that drivers with dementia will make independent decisions about stopping driving, however interventions are urgently needed to support people with dementia, their families and GPs to manage the challenges.
A Cluster RCT Of A Novel Psychological Intervention To Reduce Depression Among At-risk Older Adults Transitioning To Residential Aged Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$893,152.00
Summary
Depression is common in aged care facilities, with many older adults finding the transition extremely difficult. We have developed a simple intervention to help new residents, including those with dementia, to adjust to life in aged care. This program focuses on key aspects of psychological wellbeing, and is designed for widespread use in aged care. We will evaluate the intervention to determine if it is superior to current care approaches in reducing depression and improving quality of life.
Improving Quality Of Care For People With Dementia In The Acute Care Setting
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,859,855.00
Summary
People with dementia are often undetected in hospital. This can result in problems which impact their long-term health and wellbeing. An electronic nursing assessment system for people admitted to hospital which reduces nursing admission documentation time, increases identification of patients with cognitive impairment and risk of delirium on admission, supports care planning and increases time for direct clinical care will improve the quality of care for patients with dementia in hospital.
Prevalence Of Dementia In The Torres Strait And Common Health Issues Of Later Life In The Torres Strait
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,000.00
Summary
The aim of the project is to assess the prevalence of dementia in people aged 45 years and over living in Torres Strait Islander communities and identify potential risk and protective factors associated with dementia risk. An additional aim is to revalidate a culturally appropriate cognitive assessment tool, the Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (KICA) for use in the Torres Strait.
Mental illnesses are the largest single cause of disability and costs the economy $56.7 billion per year. Depression and anxiety in those with dementia lead to poorer outcomes with reduced quality of life, poor functional status and worsening cognition, despite under-treatment. I will develop an integrated network in Australia to maximise treatment outcomes for depression and anxiety in dementia.