Dementia research

It is estimated that around 200,000 people currently have dementia, and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's Dementia in Australia: national data analysis and development report, released early 2007, estimated that this will increase to almost 465,000 in the next 25 years. Research into dementia is therefore critical.

There are a number of measures relating to dementia research, including drawing together existing research and making it more accessible:

• Dementia Research Mapping Project
• Dementia Research Grants Program
• Dementia Collaborative Research Centres
• National Dementia Research Forum
• National Dementia Network
• Dementia Outcomes Measurement Suite (DOMS) Project
• Dementia in Australia: national data analysis and development Report

Dementia has also become the focus of research by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO):

• Preventative Health National Research Flagship - Neurodegenerative diseases
• The Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle (AIBL) Flagship Study of Ageing

Links to resources that might be useful for those interested in more information on dementia can be found here.

Dementia Research Mapping Project

The final report of the Dementia Research Mapping Project provides a comprehensive summary and catalogue of the current body of national and international research regarding dementia. It also identifies gaps that currently exist in the knowledge base and outlines areas for future research. Download

If you do use the report, please take the time to complete the feedback form.

Dementia Research Grants Program

More information on the Dementia Research Grants Program can be found here.

Dementia Collaborative Research Centres

The Dementia Collaborative Research Centres are an Australian Government Initiative. Three centres have been established which aim to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers through research involving key Australian ageing and dementia researchers, service providers and consumers. Each centre focuses on a different area of dementia research:

• Assessment and Better Care Outcomes - based at the University of NSW (UNSW);
• Prevention, Early Intervention and Risk Reduction - based at the Australian National University (ANU); and
• Consumers, Carers, and Social Research - based at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

Information on the three Dementia Collaborative Research Centres can be found at www.dementia.unsw.edu.au.

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National Dementia Research Forum

The National Dementia Research Forum showcases the work of the Dementia Collaborative Research Centres, gives updates on the latest research in diagnosis, treatment and management, and provides a platform for new researchers to gain skills, develop their ideas and learn from each other and the experts. The 2009 Forum was held in Sydney on 24-25 September. Further information will be on the website.

National Dementia Research Forum website

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National Dementia Network

The National Dementia Network aims to ensure that stakeholders remain informed about current projects that are being implemented and keeps members informed of relevant upcoming events. The latest Network Update can be seen here. To join the Network, please send details to dementia@health.gov.au.

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Dementia Outcomes Measurement Suite (DOMS) Project: Final Report

In May 2006 the Department of Health and Ageing commissioned a research report from the University of Wollongong on dementia measurement instruments. The aim of the project was to develop a credible suite of standardised measurement tools, within the health outcomes framework, to allow for the examination of service delivery effectiveness; better screening and assessment of consumers; and the evaluation of an individual consumer's health-related quality of life.

The DOMS report identifies 36 instruments deemed suitable to be used by researchers and clinicians in the routine assessment, diagnosis, screening and outcomes monitoring of dementia conditions and the evaluation of treatments. Analysis was limited to tools available for use in routine care and therefore excluded detailed neuropsychological instruments that would require specialist training or interpretation. Standardisation of tools and terminologies is intended to advance research through the enhanced comparability of studies.

The Report raises implementation issues including the issue of any mandating of particular instruments and training programs for the use of recommended instruments in particular settings. These issues require extensive consultation and discussion by health professionals. The Minister for Ageing's Dementia Advisory Group has been briefed on the DOMS report. The Group supports further consultation on the research findings with health professionals concerned with dementia assessment.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this work are the views of its author(s) and not necessarily those of the Commonwealth of Australia. The reader needs to be aware that the information contained in this work is not necessarily endorsed, and its contents may not have been approved or reviewed, by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

Large file warning

The Final Report is 523 pages long (2.24MB) and the Appendices a further 412 pages (1.93MB).

Final Report

Appendices

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Dementia in Australia: national data analysis and development