Cognitive Ageing and Resilience Lab

Big news! 📢 Claire O'Connor and the team have published research showing the positive impact of #Arts on Prescription at Home (AoP@Home) for people with dementia and their carers. 🎨✨ Results? Improved wellbeing, more accessible care, and sustainable delivery—all from the comfort of home! This program proves art can be a powerful part of dementia care. Check out the full study here: https://lnkd.in/g-9sUptv #DementiaCare #ArtsInHealth #InnovationInCare #DementiaResearch

🧠 New findings highlight a rise in dementia cases are tied to preventable factors. Our very own Professor Kaarin Anstey, from NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia) and the UNSW Ageing Futures Institute, emphasizes the importance of proactive health measures. Managing risk factors like cholesterol and vision can play a significant role in reducing the risk of developing dementia. Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference for brain health! #DementiaPrevention #HealthyAgeing #DementiaResearch

📢 New Research Published! Excited to share our study by Dr Brooke Brady, Lidan Zheng, Ranmalee Eramudugolla, and Kaarin Anstey from UNSW, introducing the Perceived Interpersonal Relevancy Scales (PIRS)! This tool explores how people perceive themselves in social interactions—as opportunities, threats, or socially invisible—and its impact across different ages. Learn more about this breakthrough in understanding social connection and aging: https://lnkd.in/gnpMA6UH #SocialCognition #AgeingResearch #Research

👀 New research alert! Our team, including Kaarin Anstey, have published a review that highlights the strong link between visual impairments (like contrast sensitivity and colour vision) and cognitive decline, including dementia. Early signs in visual function could be key to detecting cognitive risks sooner! 👀 🔗 Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/gWNJYHe9 #DementiaResearch #VisualHealth #CognitiveDecline #EarlyDetection

Child representation therapy can provide comfort for some people living with dementia. But what is it and does the science support its use? How can we increase awareness of this sensitive topic without increasing stigma? ⬇ Read my latest piece in The Conversation Australia + NZ to find out. NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia) Ageing Futures Cognitive Ageing and Resilience Lab UNSW Dementia Australia #dementia #dementiacare #dementiastigma

Researchers at UNSW Sydney and NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia) have launched a new website that will help older drivers navigate licensing rules that differ from state to state while providing advice on how to keep driving longer. Scientia Professor Kaarin Anstey, who led on the project, is an expert in cognitive ageing and has been involved in several projects researching older driver safety. Her team also recently completed a randomised controlled trial of older drivers to see whether driving skills can be improved despite the physical and cognitive challenges of old age, with results expected next year. “The idea is that we need to put some effort into improving our driving and maintaining our skills, and it shouldn't be stigmatised at all,” says Prof. Anstey. “It could be something like, when you turn 50 you're invited to have an extra driving lesson just to check in on your driving. At the moment you’d only get that if you had something wrong with your driving. It’d be better to make it a normal part of life.” Read more about older driver safety, here: https://lnkd.in/gJEpBdDN     

🚶♂️🏞️ New research reveals how urban environments impact cognitive health in older adults. Dense, destination-rich areas support global cognition and processing speed, while pollution negatively affects cognitive function. Explore key findings and practical implications for designing age-friendly, healthy neighbourhoods. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gHa_P_25 👏 Congrats to the team: Hamidul Huque, Kaarin Anstey, Yvonne Leung #HealthyAgeing #CognitiveHealth #UrbanDesign

In October, members of our team came together at the UNSW Ageing Futures Institute 2024 Annual Research Symposium to tackle the theme Responding to Societal Challenges in Ageing. The day was filled with impactful discussions on aged care, AI, and supporting culturally diverse ageing communities, showcasing UNSW's dedication to advancing research in ageing. 🌟 Some highlights included talks by our team members: • Dr. Claire O'Connor O’Connor on whether current reablement programs for community-dwelling people living with dementia align with evidence. • Dr. Yvonne Leung on estimating gender differences in the association between cognitive resilience and MCI incidence over 12 years. This event emphasized the vital role of ageing research in creating innovative solutions for a changing society! 

🤗 🤗 🤗 Such an honour to be invited to present the 2025 year in review for sex and gender differences in #Alzheimer’s disease, by the #AdSexGenPIA ISTAART Alzheimer's Association Rachel Buckley The panel is chockfull of superstars who do amazing work, and I’m honestly a little shook to be in their company. I’m also beyond excited that I can use this opportunity to platform health inequalities experienced by #trans people, as well as structural drivers of gender differences in AD. The process of developing this YIR is going to be very collaborative, so keep an eye out for more details and please join the conversation if you can! Cognitive Ageing and Resilience Lab

🚨 UNSW just released a media article about our new website launch! 🚨 Our site, Ageing Well on the Road, is now live, providing essential resources for older drivers and clinicians across Australia. This platform will help older drivers navigate licensing rules, stay safe on the road, and keep driving longer! 🔗 Check out the article to learn more about the site and our ongoing research on older driver safety and fitness to drive: https://lnkd.in/ghqRewDk #AgeingWell #OlderDriverSafety #UNSW #NeuRA #RoadSafety #BetterDrive Kaarin Anstey Lachlan Gilbert