Dementia Australia welcomes the federal government's announcement to provide $21 million to 13 research projects that focus on risk reduction, prevention and tracking of dementia.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said it was inspiring to see the total investment under the National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) Boosting Dementia Research Grant scheme reach its $200 million allocation.
"We applaud the injection of funding into dementia research, that will lead to better outcomes for people of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers," Ms McCabe said.
"These research projects are crucial as we know that without a medical breakthrough, an estimated 1.1 million Australians will be living with dementia by 2058.
"Investment into research that focuses on risk reduction and prevention is fundamental if we are to reduce the sharply increasing prevalence of dementia. These projects will make real progress in understanding dementia and benefit generations of Australians to come."
The initiatives include a project at the National Centre for Healthy Ageing at Peninsula Health-Monash University that will be the first in Australia to use electronic record data to develop ways of monitoring the prevalence of dementia.
"Better data on dementia underpins targeted capacity building in the sector and will assist the long-term planning of dementia care in Australia," Ms McCabe said.
"Dementia is the chronic disease of the 21st century.
"It is paramount that dementia continues to be a focus through the National Institute of Dementia Research and the Medical Research Future Fund within the broad parameters of the health, ageing and aged care.
"Dementia Australia calls on the federal government to make dementia a priority, to create an inclusive future where all people impacted by dementia receive the care and support that they need and deserve."
The full list of research projects can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/21-million-for-dementia-research
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Dementia Australia is the national peak body and charity for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information. An estimated 438,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach almost 1.1 million by 2058. Dementia Australia is the new voice of Alzheimer's Australia. Dementia Australia's services are supported by the Australian Government.
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500
