Older Tasmanians interested in enrolling at university are being encouraged to take part in a world-first study being launched by the University of Tasmania and the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre (Wicking Centre) today.

Older Tasmanians interested in enrolling at university are being encouraged to take part in a world-first study being launched by the University of Tasmania and the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre (Wicking Centre) today.

The Tasmanian Health Brain Project is investigating whether tertiary education later in life lessens the effects of ageing on memory and cognition and potentially protects from the onset of dementia. The study is hoping to become the largest non-pharmacological intervention trial for ageing-related cognitive decline and dementia ever attempted in the world

There are currently approximately 245,000 people in Australia with dementia, and this is estimated to rise to 591,000 in 2030 and over 1.1 million by 2050.  Alzheimer's Australia has estimated that delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease by just five months may save $13.5 billion in health care costs in Australia and $67.5 billion by 2040. 

Professor James Vickers, Co-Director of the Wicking Centre and one of the six chief investigators of the study, said the potential of the project is both exciting and significant.

"Due to an ageing population, this project will be critically important for Australia, and will have significant implications for population level preventative health strategies," he said.

Previous studies have shown tertiary education early in life protects the brain from dementia at later ages. It may be that further education strengthens the brain by enhancing the 'cognitive reserve' needed to withstand the effects of ageing related pathology in the brain.

University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Daryl Le Grew said today's launch aims to gauge expressions of interest from the Tasmanian public to participate in the study and to provide more information about the study goals and how cognitive reserves can be built later in life.

Marking the beginning of National Dementia Awareness Week, Professor Vickers said he is hopeful the study will attract a significant number of participants.

"The project is looking to recruit over 1000 Tasmanians over several years.  If this number is achieved it will make it the largest trial of its kind ever attempted," he said. 

"Participants can engage in undergraduate or postgraduate, part-time or full-time, study at any campus of the University of Tasmania."." 

"A small number of places can be offered on a HECS-exemption basis (no course fee payment) based on individual circumstances," Professor Vickers said.

To volunteer for the study, participants must be aged between 50 and 70 years, be in good health, and have no history of neurological disease or prior brain injury.  Participants will receive a yearly assessment of their cognitive and memory skills, for up to five years in the first instance and potentially for up to ten years. 

Those interested in registering for the study can ring toll-free on 1800 982 600 or register online at www.healthybrain.utas.edu.au

The Wicking Centre receives major funding from the JO & JR Wicking Trust (managed by ANZ Trustees), the Menzies Research Institute, UTAS (School of Nursing and Midwifery and central funding) and the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services.

Released by:

Fiona Horwood
Communications Manager
Menzies Research Institute
Telephone:(03) 6226 7751

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