Grants awarded to multiple dementia research projects

One of the newly funded dementia study’s, receiving a $75,000 grant, will be investigating any correlations between alcohol use and dementia.

The study is one of 19 new projects to receive a share of the $1.5 million to undertake dementia research.

Dr Louise Mewton, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), received the Dementia Australia Research Foundation Pilot Grant and will use this funding to find out if low to moderate alcohol use has an impact on the risk of developing dementia.

“This world-first study combines innovative, state-of-the-art research methods to address two of the largest contributors to the global disease burden: dementia and alcohol use,” says Dr Mewton.

“To date, the relationships between these two key causes of death and disability have been under-researched and overlooked. It is critical that we have a better understanding of how alcohol use is related to age-related diseases such as dementia.

“This research will uncover innovative new avenues for dementia prevention through the development of age appropriate, evidence-based recommendations on the number of standard drinks per week associated with minimal dementia risk.”

Chair of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, Professor Graeme Samuel AC, says the grants provided to different dementia research projects support early and mid-career researchers with the opportunity to make a difference in the field of dementia.

“This next generation of talented researchers will be among those tackling some of the biggest challenges in this field. These grants provide vital insights into reducing dementia risk, improving accurate and timely diagnoses and establishing treatment and care options for people who live with dementia,” says Professor Samuel.

“With the number of people living with dementia expected to increase to almost 1.1 million by 2058, research into dementia is now more urgent than ever.

“Further, the broad range of projects supported, including nanotechnology, hip fracture prevention, enhancing cognition with exercise and personalising care through music, reflect the increased diversity and quality of research in the dementia space across Australia.”

To find out who the other recipients are that received part of the $1.5 million Dementia Australia Research Foundation Pilot Grant, click here.