HMRI Dementia Exchange
Dementia research in action
Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia
Dementia is Australia’s number one cause of death and it hits the Hunter New England region 22% harder than the national average.
With over 25,000 residents already living with dementia, two-thirds of them women, and an 80% increase projected by 2054, our community desperately needs solutions.
Right now families in our Hunter New England community are watching loved ones struggle with the effects of dementia while breakthrough treatments and care options remain out of reach. World-leading discoveries are being made here and around the world, yet they can take a long time to reach our local families who need these options now.
The HMRI Dementia Exchange is a solution that will bring these options to our communities faster than ever before.
What is the HMRI Dementia Exchange
The HMRI Dementia Exchange connects the latest dementia discoveries, treatments, and care practices directly with people, families, and clinicians in our region and beyond. We take complex research and turn it into simple tools people can use, delivering tangible results within months, not decades.
We're transforming dementia health through four pillars of impact
Awareness
We’re transforming community understanding of dementia through targeted campaigns, GP information programs, and digital tools. By reaching individuals and households, we’re building a dementia-friendly region that’s informed and prepared.
Outcomes
- Community campaigns to grow understanding and trial readiness
- Easy resources for GPs, pharmacies, and families
- Simple symptom checklists and a one-stop website for information
Screening
Technology-powered screening tools will be deployed directly into community settings where they are most needed. These simple, evidence-based tools give people the opportunity to detect dementia risk earlier and act sooner.
Outcomes
- Digital tools for hearing, cognition, and early checks
- Training and resources for local health professionals
- Community-based screening across our region
Intervention
A comprehensive range of national and international dementia clinical trials will be available locally. Thousands of people in our region will be able to participate in prevention and intervention studies, gaining access to life-changing interventions.
Outcomes
- Turning research breakthroughs into real treatment options
- Prevention and early intervention programs
- Local clinical trial infrastructure so families can access therapies close to home
Care
We’re reshaping how families live with dementia. From women-focused research to virtual monitoring and new supports, we’re creating tailored care solutions that reflect the real needs of our community.
Outcomes
- Virtual check-ins and monitoring tools for carers and families
- New models of care to provide supports for those affected by dementia
- Women-focused dementia research to reduce the higher risk faced by women, and provide appropriate supports
This investment means all four parts can happen at once. For the 25,532 people in our region living with dementia and their families, it brings quicker access to care, support, and trials usually only available in big cities, while making help and new treatments easier to reach.
Addressing Healthcare's Hidden Inequality
Women make up two-thirds of dementia cases, yet the reasons behind this remain unknown.
With your support, we can create tools, trials, and programs that reflect women’s unique dementia experiences, shaping better outcomes for generations of women in our region.
This is a chance to shape better outcomes for generations of women. Together, we can ensure research outcomes address their needs and delivers real impact for women in the Hunter New England region.
The transformation by 2028
- Our community will be dementia-friendly with greater understanding, awareness and practical support for families.
- Screening for early detection will be simple, accessible and part of everyday healthcare.
- Local families will join breakthrough prevention and treatment studies through expanded trial access.
- Innovative new models of care will be pioneered in our region and ready to be scaled nationally
Through a patient's eyes
Life before and after the HMRI Dementia Exchange
Today’s Reality
Imagine a 67-year-old grandmother from Muswellbrook, and what her dementia journey could look like.
Before the HMRI Dementia Exchange
When she notices her memory isn’t what it used to be, she struggles to remember her grandchildren’s names and feels confused during conversations. It’s difficult to organise an appointment with an appropriate specialist. After months of waiting, her diagnosis comes late, when treatment options are limited. There are limited clinical trials, and she and her family feel isolated.
Service fragmentation makes appointments difficult to arrange
Limited clinical trial access
Little support for her or her family
Late diagnosis with fewer options
Distress for her and her family while they wait in hope for new treatment and care options
With the HMRI Dementia Exchange
When she first notices memory changes, she uses a simple screening tool recommended by her regular GP in Muswellbrook. She is quickly connected to specialist support and enrolled in a local clinical trial. Her family accesses practical resources and connects with other families facing similar challenges. She receives early diagnosis when treatment is most effective.
- Local screening tools through community programs
- Access to more dementia clinical trials in the Hunter
- Practical resources and information for families and carers
- Support that strengthens daily life
What is Dementia?
Dementia refers to a group of neurodegenerative disorders affecting the brain. It’s not a normal part of ageing and it’s not one single disease, instead, it describes changes that affect a person’s memory, thinking, behaviour, and ability to carry out everyday activities.
There are many types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Symptoms can vary, but common changes include:
- Memory loss – especially recent events or names
- Confusion about time, place, or people
- Difficulty with thinking, planning, or problem-solving
- Changes in mood or behaviour, such as anxiety, depression, or withdrawal
- Challenges with everyday tasks – like cooking, paying bills, or travelling
Dementia can happen to anyone, but it is more common after the age of 65. While most cases are not inherited, having a close relative with dementia can increase risk for some types.
Help us transform dementia care
If you are interested in learning how you can invest in the future of dementia healthcare in our region, contact Dr Giavanna Angeli, HMRI’s Head of Philanthropy to start the conversation on how you can partner with us.
Partner with our experts
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