Theme 2

Management of Dementia

Theme 2 investigators have previously worked with older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to generate and translate new knowledge about the prevalence and management of dementia for 15 years. However, two key areas require further exploration: i) the impact of multi-morbidity on the trajectory of dementia (development and progression), and ii) how best to implement advance care planning and support culturally safe end-of-life care. With the numbers of people living with dementia predicted to increase, modelling for workforce and health care needs of this population is essential for planning, policy and better care.

Theme 2 of the OnTRACK Dementia program, aims to:

  1. Provide evidence on multi-morbidity and service utilisation patterns, and future modelling of dementia prevalence to inform dementia services, workforce planning and development.
  2. Develop an evidence-based culturally relevant approach to advance care planning and end-of-life care in dementia.

There are several research projects currently being run under Theme 2's banner, including:

THEME 2a
  • State and National-Based Dementia Prevalence Projections Studies
  • Strengths-Based Approaches to Frailty and Cognitive Impairment
  • Exploration of Multi-morbidity in Older People with Dementia and Cognitive Impairment
Theme 2b
  • River of Life: Developing Healthcare Journey Maps with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Living with Cognitive Impairment or Dementia
  • Exploring Key features of Culturally Secure Advance Care Planning with Indigenous peoples in Australia, Aeoteroa, Canada and the United States of America
  • Understanding Trends in Utilisation of Palliative Care among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with and without Dementia