Ageing Well
As we age and our priorities shift it is still imperative we maintain good brain health.
Adults over the age of 65 years are more vulnerable to the impact of cognitive ageing due to degenerative disease, brain injury or the natural decline that comes with age. Whilst dementia is the single most pervasive cause of later adult disability, at the Turner Institute we have a focus on targeting treatments for a range of neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. We also know that with increasing age comes a much greater risk of acquiring a brain injury or stroke that can have a debilitating impact of life and can further exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
Maintaining brain health in our older population so they can continue to thrive within their communities is one of the most pressing challenges of the twenty-first century. We want to be part of the solution.
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“Each year, the lives of thousands of Australians are changed when they are diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition such as Huntington’s disease. HD is different to other conditions because it is also genetic, meaning those who are caring for someone with HD, could themselves share a similar fate. We are therefore excited by the vision of the Turner Institute to bring together a collaborative effort between academic leaders, industry and community organisations to develop tools to improve the level of care provided to those living with HD as well as therapies that may delay the onset or slow the progression of dementia-causing diseases.”
- TAMMY GARDNER, CEO HUNTINGTON’S VICTORIA
Our areas of research expertise:
- Understanding normal cognitive and brain functioning as we age and how neurodegenerative diseases deviate from the typical aging trajectory
- Understanding how impairments in memory and motivation can impact quality of life and daily functioning as we age
- Development of novel interventions and virtual assistance to promote cognitive functions after stroke and brain injury
- Increasing access to rehabilitation through remote assessment, diagnosis and treatment so that all older Australians, no matter where they live, can receive the best care