Translating Research into Better Diagnosis and Care.

Distinguishing between psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases remains one of the greatest challenges in clinical practice because these conditions can present with similar changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, and emotional functioning. This overlap can make diagnosis difficult, delaying access to the most appropriate treatment, support, and care. This research led by Cognitive Neurologist A/​Prof Emma Devenney aims to improve our understanding of these complex conditions and the biological and clinical changes that occur as they develop, ultimately helping people receive the right diagnosis at the right time.

By studying people with inherited forms of dementia alongside individuals living with psychiatric disorders, researchers hope to identify the earliest changes that occur in each condition and determine how they differ. Participants complete a range of assessments examining cognition, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, brain structure and function, and biological markers, helping researchers build a more complete picture of how these disorders evolve and identify the features that distinguish one condition from another.

The knowledge gained from this research has the potential to improve clinical care by informing new approaches to early detection, more accurate diagnosis, and personalised patient management. It may also contribute to the development of new diagnostic tools, biomarkers, and future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. By translating research discoveries into clinical practice, this work aims to reduce diagnostic uncertainty, improve outcomes for individuals and families, and accelerate progress towards more effective therapies.

Every participant makes an important contribution to advancing knowledge and helping shape the future of diagnosis, care, and treatment for people affected by psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions.

Participation in the Study

Who can participate?

We welcome a broad range of participants, including people who:

• Have an inherited form of dementia, including C9orf72, MAPT, PSEN1/2, APP, and other inherited neurodegenerative conditions

• Have a family history of dementia or other neurodegenerative diseases

• Are living with another neurodegenerative disorder

• Have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder

• Are healthy volunteers with no history of neurological or psychiatric illness

Participation involves

Depending on the study group and individual circumstances, participation may include:

• A clinical and medical history interview

• Cognitive testing

• Questionnaires completed at home

• A brain MRI scan

• Facial electromyography (EMG) to measure subtle facial muscle activity

• A blood sample for biomarker research

All assessments are conducted by experienced researchers and clinicians. Participants receive detailed information about each aspect of the study before deciding whether they would like to take part.

Questions and Enquiries

If you would like to learn more about the study or enquire about participation, please contact the research team using the details below.

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T | (02) 9399 1121