NARI and Dementia Australia team up to bolster research, advocacy

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) and Dementia Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly pursue research goals, provide expert leadership and promote excellence in the fields of dementia awareness, support programs and 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’s 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. The partnership will strengthen NARI's ability to translate the institute’s 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,” 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 families and carers.

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,” Dow said.