NHMRC opened a Targeted Call for Research into Cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity in dementia research on 21 September 2022. Applications closed on 16 November 2022. This TCR was one of the topics submitted to the Community research priorities portal and selected by the NHMRC Targeted Calls for Research Prioritisation Committee.
The purpose of the TCR: Cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity in dementia research 2022 grant opportunity is to stimulate research that includes culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse individuals and is conducted in a culturally safe and appropriate manner. This will contribute to best practice approaches to dementia research conducted in Australia.
The objectives of the TCR are to:
- promote the inclusion and participation of, and data design/collection from, individuals from cultural, ethnic and linguistic diverse backgrounds in dementia research to ensure that future research outputs are representative of all members of the Australian community living with dementia
- understand the prevalence and aetiology of dementia in people from diverse cultural, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds and identify any unique characteristics, attitudes, barriers or risk factors, with a view to increasing participation in prevention and early intervention strategies
- develop dementia screening and assessment tools that are appropriate for people from all cultural, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds
- develop evidence-based models of dementia care that are culturally specific and accommodate the preferences and needs of patients, their families and carers, and inform health professionals and care staff on how culture influences engagement with the Australian health system.
The outcomes of the research will increase the quality and availability of evidence that is representative of all members of the Australian community with dementia. This research outcomes will better inform future research, policy, programs and health services and lead to the development of clinical pathways for the diagnosis, early intervention, treatment and management of dementia that are appropriate for people from diverse cultural, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, as well as providing support for their families and carers. It will also enhance the design and relevance of future dementia research by increased engagement and recruitment of people from cultural, ethnic and linguistic diverse backgrounds.
