Wednesday 22 March 2023

Media Release

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) and Dementia Australia have united to improve the lives of people living with dementia.

The institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), strengthening the capacity of both NARI and Dementia Australia to jointly pursue research goals, provide expert leadership, and promote excellence in the fields of dementia awareness, dementia support programs, and dementia care.

In 2023, there are more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase to more than 800,000 by 2058.

NARI Director, Professor Briony Dow, said as the second leading cause of death in Australia, dementia is one of the core fields of research at NARI. Partnering with the national peak body will strengthen NARI’s ability to translate our work into dementia policy, practice, education and advocacy.

“The priority for our organisations is to put people with dementia and their carers at the heart of research, program development and care. We will work closely to understand what is important to those people, what they need, what they expect, and what they want,” Professor Dow said.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said the MoU recognised a shared dedication to improving the lives of people living with dementia, their family and carers.

“We share a commitment to ensuring that the voices of people impacted by dementia are central to the design of research projects, services and policies,” Ms McCabe said.

Professor Dow said this agreement will help foster dementia research and program development, promote the delivery 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.

NARI Media Contact: Olivia Joyce – 0448 129 595
Dementia Australia Media Contact: David Gear – 0427 204 297

About NARI

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) is Australia’s only independent national research institute dedicated to ageing. NARI is committed to improving the life and health of older people through research and its translation into evidence-based practice. For more information, please visit nari.net.au

About Dementia Australia

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.5 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au