Managing Depression Within Low Vision Rehabilitation Services: The Effectiveness Of Integrating An Evidence-based Therapy ‘Problem-Solving Therapy For Primary Care’ On Depression, Quality Of Life And Service Utilisation In Those With Low Vision
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,785.00
Summary
This research will evaluate the integration of an evidence-based treatment for depression into low vision rehabilitation services. It is anticipated that this new program will lead to sustained improvements in participants’ quality of life and mental health. This is the first time a system to manage depression has been implemented into low vision services worldwide and if successful this intervention could be suitable for application to other chronic health conditions.
There is strong evidence of an increased falls risk associated with cataract, a primary cause of vision impairment in older Australians. This research will determine factors contributing to increases in falls risk in people aged 70 years and older with cataract before surgery, between first and second eye surgery, and after second eye surgery. The findings can inform the optimal management of older people with cataract and limit negative health impacts of cataract-related injury and falls.
Growth factors are essential molecules for normal brain development. Variations in the amount of the different growth factors have been implicated in such diseases as AlzheimerÍs and ParkinsonÍs disease. This project will study the precursor of a growth factor known as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and what specific roles the precursor might play in brain development.