Promising advances in dementia research

While there is currently no cure for dementia, Dementia Australia Honorary Medical Advisor Professor Amy Brodtmann is hopeful that an effective treatment will be found through collaborative research. 

“I see it as similar to the early stages of the development of a treatment for AIDS,” Professor Brodtmann said. 

“It was a fatal condition that moved to one that was treatable. 

“This only happened by lots of collaborative research into different ways to target the disease.”

She said the wide range of current research into all aspects of dementia provided hope for the future.

“The mere fact that we’ve got agents that can remove amyloid from the brain which is having some effect – even though minor – is a major advance which is promising in the research space,” she said.

Reducing your risk of dementia

Professor Brodtmann said research into dementia prevention was also promising.

“Although at this stage dementia is incurable, family members can look at what they can do to prevent it through brain health optimisation,” she said.

The 2024 Lancet Commission identified 14 modifiable risk factors which, if addressed effectively, could reduce dementia incidence globally by 45 per cent.

These measures can also support people diagnosed with dementia to live as well as possible.

“I think we need to be doing more to understand brain health, including the importance of physical activity for the brain,” Professor Brodtmann said. 

“Exercise is good for everything and has such profound effects on the brain.”

There is more information about reducing your risk of dementia on Dementia Australia’s website.

What it’s like to be involved in dementia research

Dementia Advocate Mardi, who lives with younger onset Alzheimer's disease, has been actively involved in a number of research projects and said the experience had extended her knowledge of dementia.

Mardi was diagnosed five years ago at just 59 years old and believes that participating in research had helped her with critical decision making.

“My involvement has been a chance to use whatever analytical or creative insights I might possess to make a meaningful contribution,” she said. “It is also my desire to represent others with lived experience who do not have a voice in this arena.”

She described being involved in research as a validating, enlightening, meaningful and hopeful experience.

“I would encourage other advocates who are interested to consider contributing their thoughts, experience and voice to help shape the end results of some interesting and impactful studies,” she said. 

“The time commitment is not burdensome and there is always freedom to discontinue involvement without pressure being applied.”

How to get involved in dementia research

If you would like to get actively involved in research like Mardi and make meaningful contributions to how a research project is designed and conducted, join our Dementia Advocates Program.

You can also find out more about participating in dementia research and Australian researchers who are looking for participants to take part in dementia research on the Dementia Australia website.

Support

If you would like support, advice or information about any type of dementia-related issue, please contact the National Dementia Helpline. 

The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year on 1800 100 500 or via our live chat.

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