Alzheimer’s Australia welcomes the announcement of $43 million in new funding to be shared among seventy-six new researchers for dementia research.

The Minister for Health, The Hon Sussan Ley said this commitment will support bold and innovative research ideas to tackle the huge impact of dementia and find ways of preventing and curing the disease that is currently the second leading cause of death in Australia.

Alzheimer’s Australia National President, Professor Graeme Samuel said “we are delighted to see such a significant investment into dementia research. With cost of dementia set to outstrip that of any other health condition by 2060, it is evident the pressing issue is to build capacity in dementia research, to ultimately reduce the burden of disease on the health system.”

This $43 million is part of the Australian Government’s $200 million commitment to boost dementia research. The NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research will support the research fellows to ensure Australian dementia research remains at the forefront of international efforts to tackle this chronic disease and better support people living with dementia and their carers and families.

Professor Samuel continued, “this news offers over 342,000 Australians, whose lives are affected by dementia, new hope. We look forward to seeing this crucial contribution into dementia research translated into results to create a healthier Australia.”

This media release was directly sourced from the Alzheimer's Australia website here. 

For further information please contact: Bianca Armytage, 0407 019 430, bianca.armytage@alzheirmers.org.au