NARI and Dementia Australia have joined forces to enhance the research and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of people living with dementia. The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their capacity to collaborate on research projects, provide expert leadership, and promote excellence in the fields of dementia awareness, support programs, and care.
According to the latest statistics, more than 400,000 Australians are living with dementia in 2023, and the number is projected to double to over 800,000 by 2058 if a medical breakthrough is not found. As the second leading cause of death in Australia, dementia is one of the core fields of research at NARI, said NARI Director, Professor Briony Dow. Partnering with Dementia Australia, the national peak body will enhance NARI’s ability to translate its work into dementia policy, practice, education, and advocacy.
Both institutions are committed to prioritising people with dementia and their carers’ needs by putting them at the centre of research, program development, and care. The MoU recognizes a shared dedication to improving the lives of people living with dementia, their family, and carers, said Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM. Ms McCabe added that the collaboration would ensure that the voices of people affected by dementia remain central to the design of research projects, services, and policies.
Professor Dow said the partnership would foster dementia research and program development, promote the delivery of services to the highest quality, and facilitate and advocate for ongoing change in policy.
“This partnership is an important step towards ensuring people with dementia and their carers have access to the best possible support, and are able to live as well as possible,” Professor Dow said.
The collaboration between NARI and Dementia Australia is expected to have a significant impact on improving the quality of life for people living with dementia in Australia. By combining their expertise and resources, the two institutions will work towards achieving their shared vision of a world without dementia.
