The Australian Dementia Network (ADNet) will see memory clinics set up across the country to speed up the assessment of people with cognitive disorders and improve access to specialist care.
Funded by $18 million from the Federal Government and $20 million from universities, businesses, philanthropists, and state governments, ADNet will also establish a national register of every person diagnosed with dementia to track their care and outcomes.
Another 4,000 volunteers – with and without dementia symptoms – will be recruited to take part in clinical trials.
‘Big data’ key to a cure
It’s an important step. Dementia is the biggest killer of Australian women and kills around 13,000 Australians every year, but it can take years to diagnose and to find participants for clinical trials.
The Network will also research the causes of the disorder as well collect and compare data on new treatments here and overseas.
With 1,700 Australians a week joining the population living with dementia, it’s a good way for people with dementia to help expand knowledge of the condition – we’ll keep you posted on how you can take part.
