In an attempt to combat Australia's deadliest killer, the Federal Government has announced increased funding for dementia research.
The Australian Government is providing an additional AUD 22.9 million for research grants into the leading cause of death in Australia, dementia, and projects to achieve life-improving treatments for people as they age.
Delivered through the Medical Research Future Fund, eight grants up to five years have been approved in the latest round, as part of the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission.
An AUD 3 million grant has been awarded to an online project called Maintain Your Brain (MYB) aimed at improving the quality of life and delaying cognitive decline with ageing.
2026 Senior Australian of the Year Professor Henry Brodaty AO, from the University of New South Wales, is leading the research, which has already shown that online active coaching under MYB reduced dementia risk and improves cognition.
The research is aimed at further improving MYB, making it more accessible and addressing more dementia risk factors and quality of life. Called MYB+, researchers suggest it will be the “slip/slop/slap of brain health”, reaching 45 to 80-year-olds across the nation, with a focus on people in rural and remote areas.
An AUD 900,000 grant also goes to a project led by Dr Diana Karamacoska from Western Sydney University, to expand Dementia Friends Unite. This is a community-led dementia education and care program for culturally diverse older people and their families.
The Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission is investing AUD 185 million to support research that will enable older Australians to maintain their health and quality of life as they age, live independently for longer and access quality care when they need it.
Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, said dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia, which means action is more important than ever.
“Research is key. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing and up to 45 percent of cases globally can be avoided or delayed through 14 modifiable risk factors. Most risk factors present in mid-life. Timely diagnosis and early intervention can slow progression of disease,” said Butler.
“The funding for these projects will enable our best and brightest researchers in this field to make a real difference for people living with or at risk of dementia.”
Minister for Seniors and Aged Care, Sam Rae, said that every Australian deserves to age with dignity and in good health.
“The Albanese Government is investing in the crucial research needed to make a difference in the lives of older Australians at risk,” he said.
“This builds on our generational aged care reforms, including this Budget’s investment to deliver 20 new Specialist Dementia Care units and expand the Hospital to Aged Care Dementia Support Program.”
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