$25 million for dementia, aging and aged care research

The Australian Government will provide $25 million for dementia, aging and aged care research.

A total of 18 grants, provided through the Medical Research Future Fund, will go to Australia’s researchers.

“These research projects have the potential to provide real, on-the-ground benefits to our older Australians and usher in a new era of aged care,” said Anika Wells, Minister for Aged Care.

The research will look at new ways to extend older Australians’ healthy, active years of life while new approaches will reduce the stigma associated with aging and lead to better outcomes for older people, including those in vulnerable populations.

Consistency and quality of care for older Australians will be improved across all care settings and better data will be used to develop more effective evidence-based care for older Australians. This includes help for health providers to better recognise and respond to elder abuse.

The projects will view a range of ways to improve support for older Australians which includes developing an app for older people to recognise early signs of dementia, increasing dementia diagnosis and focusing on early treatments through primary care and awareness programs.

Researchers will look at reducing the risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease and falls through healthy lifestyle and diet changes, including a specific exercise and falls prevention program for older culturally and linguistically diverse Australians.

People’s fitness to drive when they have been diagnosed with dementia will be better assessed and managed.

Older people will be encouraged to communicate their aged care needs and provide their views on screening for age-related health conditions.

Researchers will also trial the use of metformin medication to treat blocked leg arteries and use informatics to improve medication management in nursing homes.

“It is crucial our best and brightest minds are helping advance the tools the aged care industry can use to provide better environments and resources for older Australians,” Wells said.

Image credit: iStock.com/Tashatuvango