Madeleine Healy
Improving dementia diagnosis in Down syndrome
Award
Dementia Australia Research Foundation Clinical Practice Post-graduate Stipend
Status
In progress
Start Date
1 March 2026
About the project
What is the focus of the research?
Establishing a specialised memory clinic for people with Down syndrome to assess and monitor cognitive changes and dementia. The clinic will provide personalised brain health plans, early diagnosis where needed and referrals to post-diagnostic services.
Why is it important?
More than 95 per cent of people with Down syndrome will develop Alzheimer’s disease, at a much younger age than the general population. It is estimated that 13,000-15,000 Australians have Down syndrome. Unfortunately, there are no specialist services to assess dementia in this group, meaning diagnoses are often late. Late diagnosis can prevent timely support, treatment and planning, and can reduce quality of life. By piloting a specialised memory clinic and evaluating its feasibility and accessibility, Dr Healy’s project will address a major gap in care and knowledge, providing evidence for the value of specialised memory services.
What could it mean for people with Down syndrome?
- Earlier and more accurate detection of cognitive changes and dementia.
- Access to personalised brain health plans and post-diagnostic supports.
- Improved education, awareness and engagement for people, families and healthcare providers.
- A stronger foundation for long-term services and research.
Where are they now?
Dr Healy is a geriatrician and lead of the Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service at Monash Health. She also works for Dementia Support Australia and in clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease. In 2026 Madeleine is running a pilot memory service for people with Down syndrome at Monash Health.
