AsianScientist (Aug. 11, 2014) – The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of the Australian Government has earmarked A$200 million (~US$185 million) for dementia research.
It includes the announcement of a new dementia research team grants scheme to support research into the causes of dementia, improved methods of prevention, new treatment options and improved patient care.
The scheme is modelled on NHMRC’s Centers of Research Excellence and is expected to fund five teams for up to A$6.5 million (~US$6 million) each over five years. The grants are just one part of the package which also includes a further A$62.5 million (~US$58 million) to support large scale research projects and A$50 million (~US$46 million) to coordinate dementia research through the new NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research.
“This new virtual institute will draw together Australia’s outstanding researchers in dementia research, to bring a broad, collaborative approach to the highest priority research and translation question in dementia,” CEO of the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research Professor Warwick Anderson said.
Since 2009, NHMRC has provided around A$25 million (~US$23 million) each year for funding into dementia research.
“A$200 million is a significant boost for into dementia research, and it reflects the enormity of the challenge ahead,” Prof. Anderson said.
“Although the common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, was first described in 1906, our understanding of dementia and our diagnostic tools are still in their infancy,” he said.
“In a recent forum with key stakeholders, we made a commitment to the Australian people to ensure that this significant research investment would make a lasting difference in the prevention, treatment and management of dementia. I believe that this work plan will achieve that.”
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Source: National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia; Photo: Image Editor/Flickr/CC.
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