The Australian government will be providing $25 million for dementia, ageing and aged care research. A total of 18 grants, provided through the Medical Research Future Fund, will go to Australia’s best and brightest researchers.

The projects will view a range of ways to improve support for older Australians. These include developing an app for older people to recognise early signs of dementia; and increasing dementia diagnosis and early treatments through primary care and awareness programmes.
 
Researchers will look at reducing the risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease and falls through healthy lifestyle and diet changes, including a specific exercise and falls prevention programme for older culturally and linguistically diverse Australians. 

Researchers will also trial the use of metformin medication to treat blocked leg arteries; and use informatics to improve medication management in nursing homes.
 
Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells said, "These research projects have the potential to provide real, on-the-ground, benefits to our older Australians, and usher in a new era of aged care. It is crucial our best and brightest minds are helping advance the tools the aged care industry can use to provide better environments and resources for older Australians.”