Scientia Professor Kaarin Anstey, from Neuroscience Research Australia and UNSW Science, has been awarded $1.99 million in the latest round of funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) for her project: ‘Chronic disease risk reduction in older adults with high dementia risk.’
“People experiencing problems or changes in their memory and thinking are at increased risk of dementia, yet lifestyle modification can reduce this risk,” Prof. Anstey said.
The lifestyle intervention trial called ‘CogCoach’ provides people with mild cognitive problems with education about dementia and brain health. It targets physical activity, diet, and cognitive activity with practical interventions using behaviour change strategies.
“Unfortunately access to lifestyle interventions is often difficult or limited for people with mild cognitive difficulties, and yet adopting a healthier lifestyle may in fact improve brain health as well as general health. CogCoach addresses this unmet need,” Prof. Anstey said.