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... continued from previous page 18 Headlines 1 Ma’u E, Cullum S, Yates S, Te Ao B, Cheung G, Burholt V, Dudley M, Krishnamurthi R, Kerse N. Dementia Economic Impact Report 2020. Auckland, New Zealand: University of Auckland; 2021 2 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/global-action-plan-on- the-public-health-response-to-dementia-2017-2025 “The exciting thing is that research into one type of dementia can have an impact on prevention, understanding and treatment of other neurodegenerative conditions.” Dr Sarah Schonberger “We welcome the current Government’s focus on the aged care sector, particularly its interest in supporting people with early onset conditions and its plans to provide additional funding for care and dementia beds.” The Neurological Foundation’s Head of Research, Dr Sarah Schonberger, says research is the best chance we have to prevent dementia, detect it early, and reduce its impact. The WHO Global Action Plan recommends that each country commits a minimum 1% of the societal cost of dementia to funding dementia research covering basic science, care improvements, prevention and risk reduction, drug development and public health 2 . In the last 10 years, the Neurological Foundation has invested more than $3m in dementia research. “The exciting thing is that research into one type of dementia can have an impact on prevention, understanding and treatment of other neurodegenerative conditions,” Sarah says. For instance, Dr Brigid Ryan from the Centre for Brain Research is working with a family that has genetic mutations known to cause frontotemporal dementia. The aim is to identify biomarkers of dementia in its earliest stages in the general population, so that early intervention is possible. Early detection is key in delaying progression and reducing symptoms of dementia. Professor Stephanie Hughes from the University of Otago in Dunedin is using a model of the genetic condition Batten disease, to investigate ‘superhero’ genes that protect against dementia. These superhero genes could lead to the development of treatments for different neurodegenerative disorders. Neurochemistry researcher Dr Erin Cawston, also from the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research, is investigating a simple blood test to predict progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. The blood test identifies the presence of the tau protein, which can also accumulate in other neurodegenerative diseases. The list goes on. In our next edition of Headlines we will delve into the promising advances being made by New Zealand’s dementia researchers. It is a condition that affects not just the individual, nor just their family. It affects all of society and we are not prepared. We cannot afford to delay any longer. Dementia Economic Impact Report, 2020.