A pilot project by the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) will be aimed at earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The pilot will include digital cognitive tests and blood tests.
Those showing signs of, or being at risk of, Alzheimer’s Disease in the pilot will be directed to Brain Health Clinics or conventional specialist memory clinics for expert diagnosis and early treatment.
The federal government will fund the pilot at a cost of $6 million over five years.
ADNeT Director, Professor Christopher Rowe said that cost would be small compared to the positive effects of the pilot.
“It has the potential to save the Australian Government billions of dollars in healthcare costs,” Professor Rowe said.
“This would have transformative benefits for our society with earlier diagnosis and intervention leading to people at risk of or with early onset Alzheimer’s leading happier, more productive and fulfilling lives.”
More than 400,000 Australians live with dementia and it is estimated to cost Australia about $18.7 billion in 2025.
It is the leading cause of death in Australia and about three quarters of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.
