Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairman Graeme Samuel addresses the launch

The $10 million Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle (AIBL) Flagship Study of Ageing, established by the CSIRO-led Preventative Health National Research Flagship, was launched in Melbourne on Tuesday, November 14.

A thousand volunteers aged 60 years and over will be needed for the study, with 600 participants sought in Victoria and 400 in Western Australia.

On launch day alone, more than 900 inquiries were received by Alzheimer's Australia in Victoria and Western Australia, CSIRO Enquiries, and the study website from people keen to be involved in the research. This pattern continued in the following days.

The AIBL study has brought together leading Australian researchers for a three-year study to improve our understanding of the causes and diagnosis of the disease, to examine lifestyle and diet factors that may influence the onset of Alzheimer's and to help develop preventative strategies.

The study involves Edith Cowan University, the University of Melbourne, Neurosciences Australia and the Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria.

Speaking at the launch, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairman Graeme Samuel gave an emotionally touching presentation when he spoke of his mother's recent death with Alzheimer's disease, and his pledge to be one of the participants of the study.

Preventative Health Flagship Director Dr Richard Head (centre) at the launch with AIBL study leader Professor David Ames (left) and ACCC Chairman Mr Graeme Samuel

Every week about 1000 Australians are diagnosed with dementia, a disease which costs Australia $6.6 billion annually. About 80 per cent of dementia is caused by Alzheimer's disease. According to research by Access Economics the number of Australians with dementia is rising and is expected to exceed 730,000 (2.8 per cent of the projected population) by 2050.

The AIBL study is one of seven collaborative research clusters established this year as part of the $97 million Flagship Collaboration Fund announced by the Australian Government as part of its support for the National Research Flagships program.

People interested in being involved in the study can go to the AIBL website: http://aibl.nnf.com.au or contact 1300 My Mind (1300 69 6463).

Study leader Professor David Ames from the University of Melbourne discusses a major study into Alzheimer's disease in a podcast available on the CSIRO.au website.

UPDATE home

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Preventative Health Presentations July 2006 to October 2006

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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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