THE Dementia Australia Research Foundation is commemorating its 25th anniversary with the release of its report, More than a Cure: 25 Years of Impact.
The report highlighted over $31 million invested in pioneering research projects that have propelled the field forward, benefitting those living with dementia and their caregivers.
Over the past quarter-century, the Foundation has supported more than 380 projects, enhancing understanding of dementia from a cellular perspective and advancing care models that improve quality of life.
Prof Graeme Samuel AC, Chair of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation and its Patron, emphasised the transformative effect of these initiatives.
"Our focus has particularly been on nurturing Australia's new and early career researchers.
A recent survey shows that 75% of our grant recipients are still active in dementia research, with 97% mentoring newcomers to the field," Prof Samuel stated.
Among the researchers supported by the Foundation is Dr Rachel Buckley, who received a two-year Post-Doctoral Fellowship in 2014.
Now leading her laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard University teaching facility, Dr Buckley's team investigates gender-specific risks in dementia, discovering critical differences in how the disease affects men and women, particularly related to protein levels in the brain.
These advancements underscore the vital role of funding, entirely sourced from a variety of public and private donations.
Sal Navarra, CEO of Navarra Venues, has raised over $1 million for the Foundation since 2015.
In honour of his mother, the Sarina Navarra Project Grant was established, recently funding research into whether intermittent fasting could lessen the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
"Dementia Australia's efforts are instrumental in driving innovation and improving lives affected by dementia and we're proud to support such impactful work," Navarra commented.
Ita Buttrose AC OBE, former President of the Foundation and current Dementia Australia Patron, reflected on the progress made and the journey ahead.
"With nearly 800,000 Australians potentially living with dementia in the next 35 years, the continuous support from researchers and donors is crucial.
"We aim to be much closer to a breakthrough and, hopefully, a cure by then," Buttrose noted. JG
Pictured (L-R): Ita Buttrose, Sal Navarra and Prof Perminder Sachdev.
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