Collaborators
The project is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and is led by researchers at the University of Newcastle, including Dr Megan Freund, Dr Jamie Bryant, Dr Christopher Oldmeadow and Professor Nola Ries. Other collaborators include Bob Davis and Steve Blunden (Durri Aboriginal Corp. Medial Service); Professor Gail Garvey and Jenny Brands (University of Queensland; Professor Alan Clough (James Cook University); Professor Michael Lowe (NT Health); Associate Professor Lisa Whop (Australian National University); and Professor Sandra Eades (University of Melbourne).
Partner organisations
We are working with 10 Aboriginal community-controlled health services on this project. They are Maari Ma, Durri, Armajun, Rekindling the Spirit, Coonamble, Dubbo, Pius X, TAMS, Biripi and Riverina.
Status/timing
The project started in 2019 but was put on hold during 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID pandemic. It has now recommenced and will be completed in 2025.
What does the Project focus on?
This project focuses on improving early diagnosis and provision of high-quality care to Aboriginal people living with dementia. It is hoped that this will reduce psychosocial stress and improve wellbeing for both people with dementia and their carers and family.
What type of project/study?
This is a trial of a co-designed comprehensive program using a multiple-baseline study design which will assess the effectiveness of the Memory program.
What do we expect to achieve with this project when complete?
This project will develop resources, processes and capacity of community-controlled services to care for patients with dementia. It is anticipated that it will inform further developments in the sector as well as national policy related to dementia care.
