Western Australian research into the benefits of multivitamins, the side effects of medication and the long-term impact on the brain of congestive heart failure are among six ageing-related research grants to receive a $4.2 million funding boost from the Australian Government.
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott, last week announced more than $290 million in funding for National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grants of which $28.4 million will fund research in Western Australia.
The Federal Member for Curtin and Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, today welcomed the funding and congratulated the University of Western Australia where all six ageing-related research projects will be based.
"Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) is the major cause of stroke and heart attacks. Professor Graeme Hankey and his team will determine whether multivitamin therapy prevents recurrent stroke and heart attacks in patients who have suffered a recent stroke, " Ms Bishop said.
"Professor D'Arcy Holman will undertake two projects aimed at patients older than 65 years. The first will investigate how best to use GPs in treating a range of age-related conditions and the second will tackle the incidence of hospitalisation due to the side effects of medications.
"Associate Professor Paul Norman and his team will work to improve our understanding of healthy ageing in older men, particularly those who have had a heart attack or stroke, or who have dementia or heart failure, depression and isolation.
"Professor Osvaldo Almeida will investigate the long-term impact of congestive heart failure on brain function and structure with the aim of improving their understanding of associated disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
"Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of disability and death in those aged over 65 years. Professor Matthew Knuiman and his team will undertake a study that will lead to a better understanding of existing and new CVD risk factors in older persons and determine which preventive actions to implement," Ms Bishop said.
In 2004 the Australian Government, through the National Health and Medical Research Council, allocated almost $110 million, or 32 per cent of the NHMRC's total expenditure, on research in the priority area of Healthy Ageing.
Earlier this year, Minister Julie Bishop announced that the Australian Government would provide a further $10 million through the Ageing Well, Ageing Productively research program, a National Research Priority of the Australian Government.
Further information:
Murray Hansen, Minister Bishop's office on 0417 886 155
Anna Manzoney, NHMRC Communications on 0422 008 512