The project will evaluate the impact of transition care and service integration models on older people and their carers in three States, as well as the use of resources and costs of the services; evaluate the implementation and operation of transition care and service integration models by determining conditions that would assist-inhibit implementation from the viewpoint of older people, their carers and formal care givers; and develop and validate quality, cost and continuity of service integra ....The project will evaluate the impact of transition care and service integration models on older people and their carers in three States, as well as the use of resources and costs of the services; evaluate the implementation and operation of transition care and service integration models by determining conditions that would assist-inhibit implementation from the viewpoint of older people, their carers and formal care givers; and develop and validate quality, cost and continuity of service integration in different settings.Read moreRead less
The Associations Between Cognitive Decline And Genetic Polymorphisms, Hormones And Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Women.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,079.00
Summary
Dementia, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in ageing women, has been linked to hormonal changes and genes. If factors associated with impaired cognition and early Alzheimer's disease could be identified then early interventions could be offered to those at risk. In this study we determine the genetic, medical and lifestyle factors which may be associated with cognitive decline and early Alzheimer's disease in women from pre-menopause into their post-menopausal years.
There are many unresolved issues regarding nutrition in old age such as the obesity paradox, protein intake requirements, and dietary needs of obese and frail older people. We have developed a nutritional model, the Geometric Framework, which has the capacity to address complex questions about the relationship between nutrition and ageing and have an established cohort of older men that will allow us to investigate multiple factors involved in age-related changes in nutrition and obesity.
Reprogramming Macrophage Function In The Elderly To Rescue Impaired Inflammatory Responses To Muscle Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,983.00
Summary
Muscle injury in the elderly often takes longer to heal than in younger people, however the cells responsible for this delayed healing are not well understood. Key inflammatory cells required for muscle repair in young hosts are macrophages. However, during aging we have shown that macrophage function is altered, but the mechanism is unknown. This project aims to determine the mechanisms behind age-related changes to macrophages and whether they can be targeted to improve elderly muscle repair.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Deprescribing To Optimise Medical Therapy For Frail Older People: The Opti-Med Study.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,444,996.00
Summary
Many older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACF) are prescribed medications of uncertain benefit. The primary aim of the Opti-med study is to determine the safety and benefits of reducing the number of medications prescribed to frail older people in RACF. We will withdraw as many medications as possible from participants in the intervention group. Our study will provide randomised controlled data on the safety and efficacy of ceasing medications in frail older people.
COmBining Memantine And Cholinesterase Inhibitors In Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Trial (COBALT)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,218,120.00
Summary
Many people who have been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies or Parkinson’s disease dementia will be prescribed drugs known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) to help with their symptoms. This research trial, known as COBALT, is designed to find out whether there is any benefit from taking the drug memantine as well. Australian and UK researchers are collaborating on this trial which will recruit eligible participants from both countries.
Optimising EHealth Systems To Improve Medication Safety And Patient Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Electronic medication management systems are being implemented across the Australian health system. These systems have the potential to improve patient outcomes, but also have risks. This research will examine these benefits and risks in two vulnerable populations: children and the elderly. Novel research methods will be used to evaluate high risk medicine use and associated errors; and design interventions to improve their safety in two paediatric hospitals and 75 aged care facilities.
Optimising The Management Of Comorbidities In Dementia: Reducing Disparaties And Improving Clinical Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,894.00
Summary
Many individuals with dementia also have other chronic medical conditions. This research will help us better understand the comorbidities experienced by people with dementia and the impact these have on clinical outcomes This can lead to the development of consumer-centred management strategies. By ensuring the appropriate, equitable and timely treatment of comorbidities in people with dementia, there is potential to optimise the quality of life and health of people with dementia.
Understanding Frailty In Older People: An Epidemiological Insight
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
We need to find better and more efficient ways to identify older people at risk of poor outcomes. The measurement of frailty, a key concept in geriatric medicine, may provide this exact information. The proposed research will investigate frailty in large-scale population datasets across both community and hospital settings. Results can be used to guide patient management, influence public health policy and inform future intervention studies.
Evaluation Of The Effect Of Providing Individual Patient Education On Rates Of Falls In Older Hospital Patients In The Post Discharge Period - A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
Older people are at increased risk of falls and related injuries when they return home from hospital. There are numerous discharge programs that attempt to improve patient outcomes and prevent hospital re-admission but there is limited knowledge about falls after discharge and evidence for reducing falls during this period. This study will examine the effect of providing older people themselves with education about effective methods to reduce falls and recover safe function during this period.