Public Wants Scanning for Alzheimer's Disease

September 16th, 2008 - Research Australia Media Statement

Research Australia's Public Opinion Poll 2008, conducted by Crosby|Textor, has found that two thirds of Australians would take a test for a disease such as Alzheimer's, even without a current treatment.

The poll, to be released later this year, found that 25 per cent of those surveyed were "extremely likely" to take such a test and 41 per cent were "somewhat likely". The finding has been reported in the first of Research Australia's Health research and you fact sheets, launched tomorrow in Perth.

"Alzheimer's disease is emerging as a serious concern for the Australian community," Research Australia CEO Rebecca James said today.

"People are concerned that our increased longevity sometimes means greater risk of suffering diseases associated with ageing."

The fact sheet on Alzheimer's disease will be launched at a free seminar hosted by the Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing (WACHA), based at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR). It was produced with the assistance of WACHA and Alzheimer's Australia.

'Put Your Best Foot Forward' – a holistic approach to ageing, with practical tips on nutrition, fall prevention and reducing health risks in older years – will be held at the QEII Medical Centre in Nedlands.

The Health research and you fact sheets outline the impact of major diseases on the community, leading-edge research being undertaken in Australia and the benefits of research for improving our lives.

"Research offers the promise of healthier ageing, through improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment," said Ms James.

"The community wants to know more about their risk factors. Scanning technology can give people the chance to come to terms with their illness, as well as being useful for early intervention as treatments improve."

The Alzheimer's fact sheet is available on Research Australia's website www.researchaustralia.org. To book your place at 'Put your Best Foot Forward', please call (08) 9224 2993.

About Research Australia

Research Australia is a unique national alliance of over 190 member and donor organisations with a common mission to make health and medical research a higher national priority. For more information on Research Australia visit www.researchaustralia.org.

For more information please contact:
Rebecca James, CEO
Mobile: 0408 120 241
Office: (03) 9650 3131