Additional $22.9m in research grants for nation's biggest killer

For projects to achieve life-improving treatments for people as they age, the Australian Government has announced an additional $22.9m in research grants into dementia, the leading cause of death in Australia.

As part of the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission and delivered through the Medical Research Future Fund, eight grants up to five years have been approved in the latest round.

For an online project called Maintain Your Brain (MYB), aimed at improving quality of life and delaying cognitive decline with aging, a $3 million grant has been awarded; leading the research is 2026 Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Henry Brodaty AO from the University of New South Wales. Already Brodaty research has shown that online active coaching under MYB reduced dementia risk and improves cognition.

Also awarded has been a $900,000 grant for a project led by Dr Diana Karamacoska from Western Sydney University. The grant will support the expansion of Dementia Friends Unite, a community-led dementia education and care program for culturally diverse older people and their families.

“Research is key,” Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler said. “Dementia is not a normal part of aging and up to 45% of cases globally can be avoided or delayed through 14 modifiable risk factors. Most risk factors present in mid-life. ​Timely diagnosis and early intervention can slow progression of disease.

“The funding for these projects will enable our best and brightest researchers in this field to make a real difference for people living with or at risk of dementia.”

To support research that will enable older Australians to maintain their health and quality of life as they age, live independently for longer and access quality care when they need it, $185 million is being invested by the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission. You can find other research projects awarded in the latest round of funding here.

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