Hands of patient visiting the healthy brain ageing clinic

Healthy brain ageing clinic

Providing insight into age-related neurodegeneration

We work to assess, prevent and treat cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and depression in older adults.

About the clinic

The Healthy Brain Ageing Clinic works with older adults to assess, prevent and treat cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and depression. We offer all services free, as part of our research studies.

Our approach

There are currently no known cures for some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, a large body of research has demonstrated that there are some risk factors of cognitive decline and depression in later life, which can be controlled. These include:

  • vascular risks – high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol
  • lifestyle risks – diet, exercise, and cognitive activity
  • changes in mood and sleep.

Our researchers and clinicians are neurologists, geriatricians, clinical neuropsychologists, general physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, research assistants and students. Our research informs our practice, and we view our patients and their families as our research partners. Our studies aim to determine whether improving these risk factors can effectively reduce cognitive decline, depression and the underlying brain changes associated with dementia. 

We welcome your participation – together, we can work towards finding effective strategies to prevent cognitive decline and improve the wellbeing and quality of life for both people living with dementia and their carers. For more information about the Healthy Brain Ageing program, please visit the research section of our website or see our research studies listed below. 

Our services

Our Specialists provide a thorough assessment

If you have any concerns about your memory and/or mood, the Healthy Brain Ageing Clinic can provide you with a comprehensive assessment of your cognition. Over three hours, you will be seen by a neurologist or geriatrician, a research psychologist and a clinical neuropsychologist. Depending on your specific needs, our specialists may also recommend that you have an MRI scan, blood tests or they may refer you to a sleep study through the Woolcock Institute for Medical Research.

Comprehensive Care

Within two to three weeks, our neuropsychologist will send a comprehensive report detailing your assessment results to your referring physician to assist with your ongoing care.

Over the next 12-to-18 months, we will touch base with you for a follow-up assessment to monitor any changes in your thinking skills, memory and mood over time. We provide our services as part of clinical and public health services related studies; there are no out-of-pocket expenses for our participants. 

Currently Recruiting Trials

Be the first to experience cutting edge treatments that may improve dementia risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, sleep problems, diet, mental activity and physical exercise. Help us find the answers we need to prevent cognitive decline.

This study aims to improve mood, memory, sleep, metabolic health and quality of life as well as fitness, muscle strength and balance in older adults with early stage Alzheimer's disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Take part in a research study to see whether our online E-Health platform can accurately identify individuals who are at risk of developing dementia.

While CPAP machines are an effective treatment for sleep apnoea, we are now evaluating whether they can improve cognitive and daily functioning for people with mild cognitive impairment (that is, a decline in memory and thinking function that is more than expected for their age). To learn more, contact Professor Sharon Naismith or her team on (02) 9114 4002.

We are looking at whether oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone, can improve an individual’s ability to recognise emotions in people with Alzheimer’s disease and in turn, whether this has a positive impact on the wellbeing of carers. For more information, contact the trial manager on (02) 9351 0621.

This study aims to improve wellbeing, quality of life and other health outcomes in individuals aged 50 years old or over. The study involves oral health treatment as well as a combined physical activity and healthy brain ageing education program, and is taking place in the Central Coast and Hunter regions. For more information, contact Miss Bonnie Tran on 02 8627 7125 or bonnie.tran@sydney.edu.au.

Our team

Director, Healthy Brain Ageing Program

Prof Sharon Naismith

Clinic Coordinator & Project Manager

Kathleen Franklin


Healthy Brain Ageing Clinic

Fax
  • 9351 0551
Address
  • Level 2, 97 Church Street Camperdown