James Cook University researchers will trial a new way of caring for Torres Strait Islanders in an attempt to bring down high rates of dementia in the community.
JCU neuropsychologist Associate Professor Sarah Russell will be part of a team developing, piloting and evaluating a health service-based local model of care for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – a significant risk factor for dementia.
She said MCI and dementia rates in the Torres Strait are amongst the highest in the world.
"Our previous studies have identified high rates of MCI. This is a condition where there is evidence of objective cognitive impairment but minimal functional impact.
"Conversion rates from MCI to dementia are thought to be around 10-15% per year, which presents an ideal opportunity to target intervention programs for this at-risk group," said Dr Russell.
Another team member working on the project, Dr Rhiann Sue See, is a First Nations geriatrician who will be completing her PhD on this research.
Dr Sue See, who has done some previous risk factor modelling, has suggested that a substantial proportion of dementia and MCI in the region may be attributed to potentially modifiable factors, many of which can be addressed through lifestyle changes and education.
"We think MCI may currently impact more than one fifth of the Torres Strait population over 45-years-old. So, any intervention that can potentially delay or reduce the onset of dementia has significant health, social and financial benefits for individuals, communities and health services," said Dr Sue See.
With the help of a new $950,000 grant from the Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund the team will design programs incorporating cognitive training, healthy diet, regular physical exercise and maintaining good general health - all of which have been shown to maintain cognitive function, promote wellbeing and slow the decline towards dementia.
"As locally-led solutions are seen by the community as a priority, this co-designed and co-produced model will incorporate First Nations concepts of health and wellbeing," said Dr Sue See.
She said with high rates of MCI identified in other First Nations communities in Australia the model has the potential to be implemented around the country.
The pilot program will run until mid-2026.
