Use Of Analgesics To Reduce Agitation And Agression In Older Persons With Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,556.00
Summary
Understanding the causes of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) provides a potentially remedial target for interventions. The current study will undertake the first ever trial of analgesics to reduce the frequency of agitation/aggression and other BPSD. By completion we will have new insights into the relationship between pain and various sub-types of BPSD and robust evidence on the best class of analgesics to treat BPSD
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.
ASPREE is the largest clinical trial ever conducted in Australia and will determine whether daily low dose aspirin prevents disease in healthy older people. The study was well-funded initially but will require additional support to complete the vital final stage of data collection and analysis. This will enable the study to answer important questions about the benefits and risks of aspirin in this age group and its effect on disability free survival.
Organizational Change And Treatment Of Depression And Dementia In Aged Care Facilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,052.00
Summary
Mental health disorders are common in aged care settings. However, these problems are not well managed. This situation results in distress for residents and family members, as well as high levels of burnout and turnover among staff. This project will address the organizational barriers with the aim of better managing and treating depression and behavioural problems associated with dementia.
A Randomised Clinical Trial Of Physical Activity To Delay The Progression Of Cerebrovascular Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$654,613.00
Summary
The aim of this randomised clinical trial is to establish whether a 24 months physical activity (PA) program for older adults with memory problems can delay the progression of damage to the blood vessel system in the brain, measured on an MRI scan. It also will investigate whether cognition, mood, quality of life, functional level, fitness and biological markers will improve with the intervention. If successful this PA program could become part of clinical care for adults at risk of dementia.
Modifying The Trajectory Of Insidious Late Life Cognitive Decline Using Computerised Cognitive Training
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,152.00
Summary
Supervised, group-based computerised cognitive training (CCT) is a safe and effective intervention to maintain cognition in healthy older adults. This project will examine the extent to which CCT can attenuate or even reverse the rate of decline in older people with previously documented cognitive decline, as well as strategies to maintain CCT effects in the long term.