Australia Invests $22.9 Million in Dementia and Ageing Research
The Australian Government has announced $22.9 million in funding for eight research projects under the 2025 Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care grant opportunity, part of the Medical Research Future Fund's (MRFF) Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission.
The funding aims to support research that enables older Australians to maintain health and quality of life, live independently for longer, and access quality care.
The projects were selected to focus on delaying cognitive decline and improving health outcomes for older adults, including specific populations such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, rural and remote areas, and culturally and linguistically diverse groups.
Funding Allocation and Project Details
The grants, which last up to five years, are part of the MRFF's broader $185 million investment in the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission.
Maintain Your Brain (MYB) Online Project
- Funding: $3 million
- Lead: Professor Henry Brodaty, University of New South Wales
- Aim: Improve quality of life and delay cognitive decline.
Previous research by Brodaty indicated that online active coaching under the MYB program was associated with reduced dementia risk and improved cognition.
Dementia Friends Unite Project
- Funding: $900,000
- Lead: Dr Diana Karamacoska, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University
- Aim: Expand a community-led dementia education and care program for culturally and linguistically diverse older people and their families.
Program: Dementia Friends Unite Expansion
The Dementia Friends Unite program is a community-based dementia education initiative designed specifically for individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The program's goals include improving quality of life for individuals with dementia by increasing knowledge and understanding of the condition, improving early access to support services, and equipping family caregivers.
The program was co-designed with dementia alliances and care providers.
Key Details of the Expansion
- Delivery Languages: The program will deliver education in eight languages: Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Hindi, Spanish, Macedonian, and English.
- Background: The funding builds on a pilot program in Canterbury-Bankstown that involved over 220 participants and multiple local organizations.
- Total Project Cost: $1.3 million, including in-kind support from Dementia Australia, the AASHA Australia Foundation, multiple councils, health districts, and service providers.
Context and Statements
Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler stated that research is key to addressing dementia, noting that up to 45% of dementia cases globally can be avoided or delayed through 14 modifiable risk factors. He added that timely diagnosis and early intervention can slow disease progression.
Dr Diana Karamacoska from NICM noted that among Australians with dementia, one in three are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She stated that "stigma, fear, language barriers, and misconceptions have created barriers to care."
"Non-English speaking families often feel isolated," said Daniela Montero, Founder of Dementia Action Groups. "This project provides a bridge to services."
Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim stated that despite culturally diverse communities being identified as a priority population in Australia's National Dementia Action Plan, they remain underrepresented in research and service design.