Nathan D’Cunha
Advancing dementia rehabilitation: evaluation of a streamlined SPICE program’s effectiveness, impact and broader transferability
Award
Dementia Australia Research Foundation Project Grant
Status
In progress
Start Date
1 October 2025
About the project
What is the focus of the research?
Evaluating an updated version of the Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care and Engagement (SPICE) Program, a structured post-diagnostic support program for people living with dementia and their carer partners.
Why is this important?
After a dementia diagnosis, many people and their families struggle to find meaningful support beyond basic medical care. Although comprehensive programs like the SPICE program can improve quality of life, independence and care partner confidence, they are rarely available in everyday healthcare settings. Understanding how to deliver these programs in a cost-effective and scalable way is critical if more people across Australia are to benefit from timely, high-quality post-diagnostic care.
Associate Professor D’Cunha will determine whether a shorter, 10-week version of the SPICE program delivers the same benefits as the original 12-week program. The team will identify which parts of the program are essential to its success and explore how the SPICE program can be delivered effectively and affordably across various health services.
What will it mean for people living with dementia?
- Better access to practical, post-diagnostic support in local health services.
- Improved quality of life, independence and physical health.
- Care partners who are more confident and less stressed.
- Stronger social connections and peer support.
Where are they now?
Nathan D’Cunha is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Ageing Research and Translation at the University of Canberra.
