The Dementia Australia Research Foundation

Who we are

The Dementia Australia Research Foundation (previously known as the Alzheimer's Australia Dementia Research Foundation) is the research arm of Dementia Australia.

We fund researchers across all stages of their career but maintain a particular focus on supporting Australia’s talented new and early career dementia researchers. We believe science holds the key to ending dementia, so our annual Dementia Grants Program provides funding to support innovative Australian research to:

  • Better understand the causes of dementia
  • Develop strategies to reduce dementia risk and slow the progression of the disease
  • Provide accurate and timely diagnoses
  • Improve treatment and care options for people living with dementia
  • Find a cure

Our objectives

  • Supporting innovative Australian research to find an end to dementia
  • Connecting with people with dementia and their carers, family and friends to ensure that our research reflects their concerns
  • Keeping the public informed about the development and progress of dementia research

Why we invest in research

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and investment in research will help minimise its impact in the future.

There are more than 421,000 Australians living with all forms of dementia and more than 1.6 million Australians involved in their care.

Scientists are working hard to delay, prevent and ultimately find a cure for dementia. The major barriers to the development of new interventions and treatments in Australia are the lack of research capacity, funding and infrastructure.

To give our best and brightest scientists a fighting chance against dementia, we need to maintain a level of funding that allows them to carry out their work. To achieve this, we need your help.

How we do it

All funding for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation is donated by members of the public and by private and philanthropic organisations. Currently 85% of all funding received goes directly to the Dementia Grants Program, with the remainder used for the communication of research and for managing the grants program.

The Dementia Australia Research Foundation administers the Hazel Hawke Alzheimer’s Research and Care Fund, which supports research into the best care practices for people with dementia.

Our highly competitive Dementia Grants Program provides at least $1 million in funding for project grants, travel grants, postdoctoral fellowships and postgraduate scholarships each year. Please explore our site to find out who our researchers are and some of our success stories.

Donate to the Dementia Australia Research Foundation

For more information about our grants program, the research we support or to make a donation, please contact the Dementia Australia Research Foundation today.