Research
The Dementia and Cognitive Ageing Research Group leads several ongoing initiatives, including a community-based cohort study (the Healthy Brain Project), a clinical trial (BetterBrains), and a consortium (Sleep & Dementia Consortium).
Our work is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (GNT1162645; GNT1158384, GNT1147465, GNT1111603, GNT1105576, GNT1104273, GNT1158384, GNT1171816), the Alzheimer’s Association (AARG-17-591424, AARG-18-591358, AARG-19-643133), the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, the National Heart Foundation of Australia (102052), and the National Institute on Aging (R01AG062531).
Our studies are described below:
The Healthy Brain Project
Characterizing the earliest demonstrable cognitive decline in middle-aged adults at risk of Alzheimer's disease will allow for the better understanding of the early disease trajectory, and the provision of therapies before clinical symptom onset. We developed an online platform to recruit, assess, and monitor at-risk middle-aged adults. Participants complete annual assessments of medical history, demographics, cognition, lifestyle, mood, and diet. Participants also provide a saliva sample to permit genetic characterization. We have enrolled 7000+ participants. We have excellent representation of participants across Australia, including in remote and regional areas (approximately 25%). To learn more, please visit our website www.healthybrainproject.org.au or email healthybrainproject@monash.edu.
In-Person Clinical Sub-Studies (Biomarker, Sleep, Microbiome, Retinal Imaging)
A subset of participants enrolled in the Healthy Brain Project (target n = 400) are invited to attend in-person clinical studies. This involves in-depth neuropsychological assessments, a brain MRI, blood draw, lumbar puncture, stool samples, actigraphy assessments, in-home polysomnography and retinal imaging. These assessments are conducted at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Centre for Eye Research Australia. Our primary aim is to determine the earliest biological abnormality in individuals at-risk of developing dementia, and the genetic and lifestyle determinants of that risk. For more information, please email us at healthybrainproject@monash.edu.
Novel cognitive markers of disease
One of our group’s primary research aims is to develop and validate novel cognitive tests that can detect the earliest signs of cognitive abnormality and Alzheimer’s Disease. We are engaged in developing novel tests (e.g., using socially relevant paradigms to assess learning in the Online Repeated Cognitive Assessment, ORCA, model), using novel testing protocols (e.g., high-frequency cognitive testing using the Ambulatory Research in Cognition smartphone app), and validating computerised cognitive tests for use in unsupervised, remote assessments (e.g., Cogstate Brief Battery, CANTAB). These tests are used across a range of experimental and cohort studies that we are involved in. For more information, please email us at healthybrainproject@monash.edu.
BetterBrains Trial
BetterBrains is a 24-month, single-blind, person-centred, multi-domain, prevention randomized controlled trial (RCT) to delay cognitive decline in adults aged 40-70 years. Participants randomised to the intervention group will receive personalised behavioural modification recommendations and telephone coaching based on their risk factor profile. The intervention consists of four modules targeting sleep, vascular health, mood, and cognitive engagement. 1500 participants will be randomised to receive the 12-month intervention or access to educational health material (control). To learn more, please visit www.betterbrains.org.au or email betterbrains@monash.edu.