Mood Regulation Using Music: A Community Health Strategy For Improving Quality Of Life In People With Mild Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,540.00
Summary
This research aims to improve quality of life in people with dementia via community-based strategies for managing depression using music. The impetus comes from my prior research which shows that depression affects both the way people use music and its impact on the listener, a factor not considered in previous studies. Findings will lay the ground for development of an online tool for promoting effective self-regulation of mood with music for use by patients and caregivers in multiple settings.
The European Commission study - Models of Child Health Appraised (MOCHA) will examine the most effective model of primary health care (medical and non-medical) for children. We will complement this work through specific Australian studies on (1) experiences at the primary/secondary care interface, (2) development and testing of paediatric quality measures and (3) determining if and how primary care addresses inequity; ensuring all the results are translatable outside the European context.
ELders AT Ease Program (ELATE): A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Sustainable And Scalable Mental Health Service For Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$999,551.00
Summary
Elders living in residential facilities suffer significant levels of depression or anxiety. This study examines an innovative program to improve mental health of residents living in such facilities. The program involves counselling, staff training and family support. The study uses a cluster randomised controlled trial of facilities to evaluate the impact of ELATE: Elders at Ease Program” on residents’ psychological wellbeing, staff knowledge, family carer stress and, health care costs.
At the moment, people with dementia are not offered rehabilitation, even though this may help them communicate, function and live better. I will test and advocate for rehabilitation interventions immediately post-diagnosis and as part of home and residential care. As a leader in dementia research at the University of Sydney I will grow my research team and lead new cross-disciplinary collaborations. I will also continue to influence policy and services.
The Impact Of Befriending On Depression, Anxiety, Social Support And Loneliness In Older Adults Living In Residential Aged Care Facilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,872.00
Summary
About half of people living in residential aged care facilities may have significant depression symptoms. Many residents are socially isolated in RACFs even though they are in communal living, and social isolation is a contributor to depression. We propose a trial of befriending which is emotional and social support from trained volunteers. Volunteers will be trained using Beyondblue resources and a manual developed by the investigators.
Music Therapy Interventions For Dementia: Cluster Randomised Control Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,014,430.00
Summary
Music therapy interventions are increasingly used in aged care facilities across Australia, however Australian-based research that tests its effectiveness is scarce. In this study, we track the impact of group music therapy and group singing on levels of depression, cognitive function, quality of life, and other symptoms of dementia. By providing music therapy programs across sites in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, we will also evaluate the cost effectiveness of the intervention.
Optimising Medication Use To Maintain Or Improve Quality Of Life In Aged Care Facility Residents With And Without Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,627.00
Summary
This research aims to explore and understand how medications impact on the quality of life of aged care facility residents with and without dementia. The outcomes of this research will guide health professionals as they improve how medications are used in this population, with the aim of maintaining or improving quality of life. This research will also explore how these outcomes can be successfully included in regular practice and widely used nationally and internationally.
Promoting Independence Through Quality Dementia Care At Home (PITCH)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,541,611.00
Summary
Many people with dementia live at home with support from both paid and unpaid carers. There are currently limited opportunities for carers of people with dementia to receive education and training in how to communicate, manage symptoms and deliver person-centred care. This project will develop and trial a education and training program for front-line home care workers that aims to improve quality of care and quality of life for people with dementia and their carers.
Eating Disorder Prevention In Young-adult Women At Risk: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Two Online Programs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$264,434.00
Summary
Disordered eating is experienced by 23% of young Australian women leading to a range of serious consequences. An online nation-wide study will evaluate the effectiveness of two promising prevention programs with women at high-risk of developing an eating disorder. This research will identify which program is of most benefit and inform whether that program can reduce the need for participants to access mental and physical health services.
Improving The Management Of Diabetes In Pregnancy In Remote Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,117,449.00
Summary
This study aims to optimise the management of diabetes in pregnancy (both gestational diabetes and pre-existing type 2 diabetes) and post-partum follow-up of these high risk women in order to reduce the risk of future chronic disease among women and their children. The proposal involves scale-up of successful initiatives that we have developed as part of the NT DIP Partnership, scale-up within the Northern Territory (NT) and to Far North Queensland (FNQ).