Rhys Mantell
ASCAPE at the margins: user evaluation of a game-based cognitive assessment for older marginalised Australians
Award
AAG Research Trust - Dementia Australia Research Foundation RM Gibson Grant
Status
In progress
Start Date
1 December 2025
About the project
What is the focus of the research?
Validating a new, easy-to-use digital tool that checks memory and thinking skills in marginalised older Australians, such as those experiencing homelessness, substance use, or mental health challenges.
Why is it important?
Cognitive decline and dementia are often undiagnosed in disadvantaged older Australians. Existing screening tools are hard to access, not culturally appropriate, or unsuitable to their life circumstances. Without early identification, people miss out on support, care and planning. As an extension to his PhD work, Dr Mantell will test a table-based gaming tool that assesses cognition in an engaging and accessible way. He will focus on older people who are ageing at the margins of society, to determine whether the tool could be a viable, more inclusive and culturally safe screening approach that works in real-world community settings.
What will it mean for disadvantaged older Australians?
- Earlier identification of cognitive decline, leading to better support and care.
- More accessible and respectful screening.
- Fairer access to cognitive health services, reducing health inequities.
Where are they now?
Dr Mantell is a post-doctoral researcher within the Justice Health Research Program at the School of Population Health, University of New South Wales. His work explores how innovative digital technologies can improve cognitive screening and health outcomes for Australians ageing at the margins.
