Media: The Australian April 12

Childhood dementia research funding was featured on the front page of The Australian along with Renee Staska, mum to Hudson, Holly and Austin. Renee was kind enough to share the impacts of having three children with dementia. Her experience highlights the need for urgent action and the hope that new research gives. 

This research project was one of a number that were recently funded by the Australian Government. Associate Professor Anthony Cook from the Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre at the University of Tasmania will develop and test a new substrate reduction strategy to treat childhood dementia. In collaboration with researchers at Murdoch University in Perth they will investigate if this treatment approach can stop the build up of certain harmful substances in the brain. It will be tested in cell models of around 10 different types of childhood dementia. 

The article also covered our calls for children to be included in Australia's National Dementia Action Plan. Dementia affects people of all ages, including children. Meaningful inclusion of children with dementia in Australia's Action Plan is vital.