Interventions that delay the rate of progression of cognitive impairment in older persons would have major population health impacts. Use of these strategies particularly early in the illness course of any type of cognitive deterioration in old age, has the capacity to improve quality of life, delay illness progression and reduce the rate of subsequent institutional care.

In the case of Alzheimer's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 15 million people worldwide. There are estimates that by 2040, approximately 500,000 Australians will suffer from AD, with associated health costs of about 3% of the GDP.

The Brain & Mind Research Institute has a number of laboratories and clinical research programs investigating the mechanisms underlying dementia and translating this into clinical practice.