A leading social gerontologist working to prevent dementia in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Australians has joined La Trobe University.
Professor Bianca Brijnath will continue her important research in Health Communication as part of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUSS).
Most recently she has worked as Director of Social Gerontology at the National Ageing Research Institute in Melbourne.
Professor Brijnath has secured a $2.9 million grant from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) 2023 Dementia Ageing and Aged Care Mission for her latest project Mind Care Digital.
Mind Care Digital aims to improve access to preventative health interventions that delay the onset of dementia in CALD Australians.
“I am excited to be undertaking this research at La Trobe and address the gap that CALD communities face accessing support,” Professor Brijnath said.
“Mind Care Digital raises awareness of modifiable lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk of developing dementia and empowers individuals to take action to improve their health.”
By 2051, dementia prevalence will increase by 67 per cent in Australia's CALD communities, compared to 58 per cent in the Australian-born. Despite heightened risk, few culturally relevant dementia prevention programmes exist for CALD Australians.
Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at La Trobe University, Professor Nick Bisley, said Professor Brijnath was a welcome addition to the University.
“Bianca and her team, which includes Associate Professor Jo Antoniades, bring a wealth of experience working at the intersection of health policy, social sciences, communications and humanities scholarship,” Professor Bisley said.
“They will play a critical role supporting HUSS researchers and we are thrilled to have them on board.”
Professor Brijnath has authored over 150 publications and produced more than 70 multilingual films, comics and animations. In recognition of her research, she was inducted into the State Government of Victoria’s Multicultural Honour Roll in 2022.
