Improving Detection And Management Of DEmentia In Older Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islanders Attending Primary Care (IDEA-PC)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,172,422.00
Summary
This project will co-design, implement and evaluate a nationwide culturally responsive model of care for primary care professionals to optimise the detection and management of dementia and cognitive impairment in older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Rates of dementia are triple those of other communities and this research aims to optimise the well- being for older people with dementia, their families and communities throughout their journey of care.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Personalised Goal-directed Activity To Treat Agitation In Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$310,077.00
Summary
We will test by means of a randomised controlled trial the effectiveness of personalised, goal-directed activities in reducing agitated behaviour in aged care residents with dementia. Evidence suggests that treatments work best when adapted to people's interest, skills and backgrounds. Our activities require no special equipment and there is no need to exclude people with limited language skills. The study will be controlled to ensure that benefits are not due just to social interaction.
Evaluation Of An Instrument For Management Of Behavioural And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,468.00
Summary
Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) distress the patient and others. The behaviours, and not the underlying causes, are often treated with antipsychotics, despite side effects and low efficacy. An assessment instrument for care staff to determine and address causes of BPSD will be implemented. We predict training will reduce inappropriate prescribing and other reasons for distress. Where medication is required, detailed information will assist more targeted prescribing.
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.
Risk Stratification Of Older People In Hospital: Validation And Influence On Clinical Decision Making
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$291,067.00
Summary
Older people in hospital are at high risk of adverse outcomes, a vulnerability commonly referred to as frailty. In community-dwelling older people, frailty status can be measured precisely with a Frailty Index score. This research aims to develop a Frailty Index from a standardised comprehensive geriatric assessment instrument used in the routine care of many patients in hospital. This would assist clinicians to identify vulnerable older inpatients, improving their care in the acute setting.
Deprescribing In Frail Older People: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$269,235.00
Summary
Frail older people are often prescribed unnecessary medications. We will test whether stopping some of their medication improves longevity, sleep quality and independence and reduces confusion and falls. We will stop medication that does not provide any overall benefit or is thought to be harmful in older people. We will monitor our volunteers frequently for adverse effects and re-start their medicines if necessary. We hope to show that it is safe to stop many medications in frail older people.
Frailty Trans-Disciplinary Research To Achieve Healthy Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,301,169.00
Summary
Frailty may lead to a loss of independence which is more common with ageing but not inevitable. This centre of research excellence brings together a national team of clinician and academic researchers and forges strong links to three international centres of excellence in frailty research. Whilst providing new opportunities for the next generation of frailty clinicians and researchers, new research evidence to support the prevention and treatment of this hidden health issue will be developed.
Is Integrated Geriatric Care Effective In Older Adults With Metastatic Cancer Receiving First Line Chemotherapy?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$119,538.00
Summary
INTEGERATE looks at a coordinated program called integrated geriatric care to better support older people who are having chemotherapy for cancer which has spread (metastatic cancer). Doctors often treat metastatic cancer with chemotherapy. But older people are more vulnerable to problems from chemotherapy and cancer due to other health problems, trouble with doing things and their social circumstances. The researchers want to learn whether integrated geriatric care helps older people having chem ....INTEGERATE looks at a coordinated program called integrated geriatric care to better support older people who are having chemotherapy for cancer which has spread (metastatic cancer). Doctors often treat metastatic cancer with chemotherapy. But older people are more vulnerable to problems from chemotherapy and cancer due to other health problems, trouble with doing things and their social circumstances. The researchers want to learn whether integrated geriatric care helps older people having chemotherapy for metastatic cancer.Read moreRead less
Promoting Activity For Frail Aged In Post-acute Hospital Settings: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Accelerometry
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,119.00
Summary
Keeping older people in hospital actively mobile is a vital objective of high quality aged care. Using accelerometers, the Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Queensland, and its partner, the CSIRO e-health Research Centre, are trialing a method of promoting activity in older rehabilitation patients. Potentially, a system of _activity management� could solve an age old problem in hospital care of older people.
IStoppFalls: ICT Based System To Predict & Prevent Falls
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$579,018.00
Summary
Technology-based solutions have potential to increase effectiveness of individualized quality healthcare while reducing costs and using scarce human resources to maximum effect. Fall prediction and prevention is a research field where technology can be used to facilitate healthy ageing, well-being and independent living. The primary aim of the iStoppFalls project is to develop and evaluate innovative home-based technologies for continuous monitoring and prevention of falls risk in older adults.