A LEADING MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE SPECIALISING IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS
Alzheimer’s Research Australia
With Professor Vicky Vass, Chief Executive Officer
ORGANISATIONS IN MEDICAL RESEARCH
Filmed in Perth, Western Australia | November 2024
Professor Vicky Vass serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer’s Research Australia, which is based in Perth, Western Australia. Australian Health Journal met with Professor Vass to hear of the organisation’s mission to solve the mysteries surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, and focus on detection as the key to their efforts.
Founded in 1993, the organisation now comprises a large research team, a clinical trials division, and an administrative support team. Their aim is to make Alzheimer’s a distant memory through rigorous research.
Their philosophy revolves around operating as one cohesive team, which includes all these parts as well as the board, fostering effective collaboration. Leading this team is Professor Ralph Martins AO, as the Chief Inspector in their mission. He focuses on uncovering pathways for prevention, intervention, and the latest treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Among the key studies highlighted by Professor Vass is the blood biomarker study led by Professor Ralph Martins, which aims to develop a cost-effective method for detecting Alzheimer’s through a simple blood test. Currently, detection methods involve multiple scans and intense processes, but this initiative could transform the landscape by making detection more accessible and affordable.
Another study is run by Dr. Prashant Bharadwaj who heads the research on childhood dementia, focusing on providing hope to the youngest patients affected by these debilitating diseases. His work is dedicated to ensuring that children have a future filled with memories rather than loss, striving to find ways to detect and ultimately cure childhood dementia.
The board of Alzheimer’s Research Australia comprises a diverse group of individuals, including academics and those involved in commercial work and aged care. The common goal uniting them is to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Funding for the organisation primarily comes from donations and rely heavily on this support, as they do not receive significant government funding, although they do get some grants for research.
Professor Vass describes Alzheimer’s Research Australia as an incredible place to work, boasting a community akin to a family. Every role within the organisation is respected, contributing to a common goal of making Alzheimer’s a distant memory for future generations.
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LIVED EXPERIENCE: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Lachlan Thorpe has shared his experience of living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), highlighting the profound impact the condition had on his life and the difference medical technology has made to his recovery.
In an interview with the Australian Health Journal, Thorpe explained that his CRPS developed following an ankle injury sustained while playing rugby for Sydney University Rugby Club in late 2024. After undergoing surgery and rehabilitation for the injury, he began experiencing severe pain, swelling and sensitivity despite there being no further orthopaedic damage.
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Challenge advances health technologies and medical devices in the MedTech sector
In July IDE Group launched the 2027 Building Better Futures for Health (BBFH) Challenge, a program supporting early-stage MedTech innovators move from concept to commercialisation. Delivered with Medical Technology Association of Australia’s (MTAA) MedTech Compass, the 2027 program marks 10 years of impact.
Now in its 11th year, BBFH supports researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures tackling urgent healthcare needs. Selected teams will pitch to industry experts, gaining feedback to strengthen commercial potential.
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Sonia Marshall – South Western Sydney Local Health District
South Western Sydney Local Health District serves nearly 1 million people in a rapidly growing area of Sydney. Currently 250-300 families a week are moving into the region and with a growing population, the health district requires well executed strategy and delivery of healthcare to the population. Executive Director Sonia Marshall spoke with Australian Health Journal reporter Anne Dao at last week’s Australian Healthcare Week in Sydney, on supporting staff and the community. Sonia highlights the mission of delivering Safe Quality Healthcare at all times. In-time patient feedback is important and the SWSLHD has implemented a system called “My Experience Matters” to give near immediate response from patients on their level of care, whilst they are still on site at the hospital. The aim of the initiative is to quickly identify bad experiences that could be rectified.
