CALD Dementia Research Action Plan launched

Despite people from CALD backgrounds comprising over one-third of Australia’s older population, they are under-represented in dementia research, which potentially translates into less than optimal care.

The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Dementia Research Action Plan, which was co-developed by the NHMRC National Institute of Dementia Research (NNIDR) and NARI, was launched on 1 June.

Its development follows a comprehensive 12-month consultation process, which involved 19 community consultations with 340 community members, two stakeholder workshops and two national surveys.

The Action Plan includes the research priorities and guiding principles identified to increase inclusion of CALD Australians in dementia research, and improve dementia health and care equity for all Australians.

Research and translation needs for immediate action include identifying effective ways to promote dementia risk reduction, and informing ways to improve timely help-seeking for dementia and CALD communities.

The Action Plan has been translated into a range of languages: Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Greek, Italian and Vietnamese.