University of Western Sydney
University of Western Sydney
09/26/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2022 23:53
Western Sydney University experts offer comment for Dementia Awareness Month
The theme of this year's Dementia Awareness Month is Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer's placing an emphasis on diagnosis, the warning signs and the continued effect of COVID-19 on the global dementia community.
During Dementia Awareness month, a range of experts from Western Sydney University are available for media commentary.
Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim, NICM Health Research Institute
Associate Professor Steiner-Lim (opens in a new window) is an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow and Clinical Research Platform Lead at the NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University. Her cognitive neuroscience research spans the early detection, prevention, and treatment of cognitive decline in older people with the aim of reducing dementia risk and improving quality of life. A/Prof Steiner-Lim's current focus is on testing novel therapeutics that can provide early intervention for those at high risk of dementia, including a world-first medicinal cannabis trial for those with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
"My vision is to enable older people to stay independent, stay functioning, and diminish disability and deterioration from dementia. To achieve this, my team focuses on improving early diagnosis and testing new interventions for older people at high risk of dementia. Our research offers hope for a future where we can stave off dementia and older people are empowered to live their everyday lives to the fullest potential."
Dr Diana Karamacoska, NICM Health Research Institute
Dr Karamacoska (opens in a new window) is a cognitive neuroscientist, brain health advocate, and early career researcher addressing dementia disparities and inequities in research and service provision. She uses mixed methods research to co-create, implement, and evaluate brain health initiatives that promote awareness, diversity, and inclusion practices.
"People affected by dementia, especially those from diverse backgrounds, experience significant social isolation, stigma, and health inequities. Our team's pandemic recovery efforts include community-based events to connect people with diagnostic and support services to promote early intervention and delay deterioration."
Dr Joyce Siette, Research Theme Fellow Health and Wellbeing, MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development
Dr Siette (opens in a new window) is a health services researcher looking at new initiatives that support dementia literacy and improvements in brain health for seniors. Dr Siette is currently leading a research program to identify how digital health could be applied to healthy ageing, dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic care to support individual wellbeing.
"Public health initiatives that enable every senior to make small and sustainable changes to achieve better brain health is key. My research program has supported healthy ageing in seniors through our provision of educational resources, physical prompts and personalised brain health profiles."
To arrange an interview, please email [email protected].
ENDS
26 September 2022
Photo credit: Eduardo Barrios via Unsplash