Research grants to tackle dementia

The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has announced grants of more than $9 million to tackle dementia as part of the Government’s response to the growing challenge of dementia in Australia.

The 15 grants are federally funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Mrs Elliot said dementia affects more than 200,000 Australians, a figure that is expected to double within 20 years as Australia’s ageing population increases.

“Dementia can happen to anyone,” she said. “We must continue to take steps to ensure that people with dementia receive the treatment they need and deserve.

“The funding, administered through the NHMRC, will improve the quality of life for Australians living with dementia, and for those who care for them.”

The grants have been awarded to researchers in NSW (seven grants totalling $4.8 million), Queensland (four grants, $1.8 million), Victoria (two grants, $1.6 million) and Western Australia (two grants, $983,400).

Research projects include:
· Professor Dimity Pond, from the University of Newcastle, who will study the management of dementia in general practice
· Dr Marie Cooke, Griffith University, will look at the effects of music on behaviour
· Professor Len Gray, University of Queensland, who will study the clinical outcomes of hospitalisation of people with dementia
· Professor Maria A Fiatarone Singh, University of Sydney, who will study mental activity to improve brain function in identified at-risk individuals.

A full list of grant recipients and project descriptions is available at www.nhmrc.gov.au.