A brain affected by Alzheimers (left) compared to a healthy brain (right)

New research has revealed that the number of Australians with dementia is expected to exceed 730,000 (2.8 per cent of the projected population) by 2050, highlighting the importance of the Preventative Health National Research Flagship’s research efforts to tackle this disease.

Research released by Access Economics shows that about 1,000 Australians are diagnosed with dementia every week. The disease is expected to effect 200,000 people, about one per cent of the population, this year, costing Australia $6.6 billion in direct and indirect costs.

Access Economics estimates that if the onset of dementia were delayed by as little as five months, it would result in savings of $1.3 billion by 2020. 

This reaffirms the importance of the neurodegenerative diseases research now being carried out by the Preventative Health Flagship.

The Flagship is working with Neurosciences Australia, and the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) on several approaches to tackle the disease.

The Flagship partnership with Neurosciences Australia, a consortium of key Australian neuroscientists, is one of complementary capabilities and technologies. 

CSIRO brings structural biology and modelling around the protein thought to be responsible for Alzheimer’s dementia. Neurosciences Australia provides clinical insight and materials, neurobiological expertise and appropriate models of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Together, they are using structural biology to understand the steps involved in the Alzheimer’s-related misfolding of key brain proteins and the mechanism of neurotoxicity, with the aim of identifying new preventative approaches to neurodegenerative disorders.

As well, the Flagship and NARI are examining ways to prevent or delay cognitive decline in population groups at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Using hemoencephalography (HEG), or biofeedback, they are examining potential approaches to enhance brain function and slow mental decline.

Alzheimer’s Australia national executive director Glenn Rees said the Access Economics report has projected that delaying the onset of dementia by five years could halve the number of new cases by the middle of this century.

Flagship Director Dr Richard Head said this research has shown that returns to investment in this area are very high.

“There is a great deal of opportunity for discovery in this field, in the areas of prevention, early detection and early intervention,” Dr Head said.

“It’s also extremely important for our Flagship goal of improving the health and well-being of Australians through the prevention and early detection of common chronic diseases.”

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The Preventative Health Flagship is a CSIRO initiative and part of the National Research Flagships program that aims to deliver scientific solutions to advance Australia's most important national objectives. One of the largest scientific initiatives ever mounted in Australia, it aligns closely with the Federal Government's National Research Priorities. The initiative brings together our national research resources to deliver breakthroughs in fields ranging from healthcare to light metals and the environment.

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