Holistic Approach in Primary care for PreventIng Memory Impairment aNd Dementia (HAPPI MIND)
Our practice is currently participating in a research project that is looking at ways to reduce potential risk factors for dementia in middle-aged adults (aged 45-65years). This research project is being conducted in collaboration with Monash University and other partners.
What does the research involve?
In 2020, there was an estimated 459,000 Australians living with dementia and this number is expected to increase to more than one million Australians by 2058. While there is currently no cure for dementia, there is evidence that some health conditions and lifestyles may increase the risk of developing dementia. Some of these risk factors for dementia can exist in mid-life, well before a person may start to show signs or symptoms of dementia. The aim of this research project is to evaluate a new approach for assessing dementia risk and reducing dementia risk factors in middle-aged adults in the primary care (e.g. general practice) setting.
The project requires four main sets of assessments (at the beginning of the study, and then yearly at 12 months, 24 months and 36 months after commencing the study). A brief questionnaire will also be conducted at 6 months. Measures will include questionnaires, interviews and clinical measurements (e.g. blood tests, weight measurement, blood pressure measurement)Each assessment will take approximately one hour, and can be broken into smaller time periods if desired. Questionnaires will be available online and can be completed either at home or at your General Practitioner’s clinic. Interviews will be organized in a private area at your General Practitioner’s clinic or a mutually convenient place. Clinical measurements will be conducted by a health professional at your General Practitioner’s clinic and/or pathology collection service. The intervention nurse may access your health records and laboratory data in order to complete the assessment and/or to assist in the delivery of the intervention.
During each assessment you will be asked to;
- Answer questions about you, your health, your lifestyle choices and your well-being
- Measure health parameters (e.g. height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure)
- Do a fasting blood test (10mLs or less of blood will be taken by a trained health professional, to check blood cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels and glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c])
Reimbursement
If you meet all the eligibility requirements, you will be reimbursed for your participation in this research study. For more information please refer to the consumer explanatory statement document.
Currently not taking new patients