Funding bids to help delay dementia by five years

An investment of up to $15 million will help get Implementing Dementia Risk Reduction and Prevention Research Priority projects off the ground, with an additional $3 million to boost Australian dementia data and track prevalence and progress of the condition.

The two grant programs could play a vital role in helping delay the debilitating and often fatal condition that develops in 250 people, with its reach expected is set to triple by 2050.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, Hon Ken Wyatt AM says the funding will focus on winning the race against dementia before it begins.

“It cements our resolve to achieve the World Dementia Council’s international target of a five-year delay in average dementia onset by 2025 and reduce the burden of dementia within the community,” he says.

A research focus on preventative methods, which can be reflected through public health awareness campaigns, can help lower the incidence of dementia across future generations, reducing the social and financial implications for all Australians.

“We know modifiable lifestyle factors like reducing stress, stopping smoking, staying physically and mentally active, and keeping cholesterol and blood pressure low, offer real opportunities to drive back dementia,” Mr Wyatt says.

“But we need to understand to what extent in and what circumstances they produce positive results.

Since 2015 there has been an influx of insightful dementia research projects on-the-go, working to help find a cure, prevent and better manage the condition.

These include:

• NHMRC’s National Institute for Dementia Research (NNIDR)
• The Government’s National Framework for Action on Dementia
• Five year $200 million Boosting Dementia Research Initiative  
• The $38 million Australian Dementia Network (ADNet)

For more information on the Implementing Dementia Risk Reduction and Prevention Research Priority projects click here.