and discuss outcomes and the impact on the population of people living with neurocognitive degeneration and dementia in Tasmania. an update on our current investigation into how voluntary physical exercise mitigates the cognitive decline associated with ageing. to be one of the most potent stimulators of neurogenesis, the formation of new neurons, in the brain of both young and old animals. This indicates that the aged brain is more adaptable to change that previously thought. It is now accepted that the hippocampus of the adult brain, an area important for learning and memory, contains a population of dormant precursor cells that can be activated to produce more neurons. We have recently shown, for the first time, that physical exercise activates these cells in ageing mice. Interestingly, we have found that compared to young animals, those of very advanced age required a prolonged exercise regime to activate precursor cell number and increase neurogenesis. We are now investigating exercise-dependent activation of precursor cells and subsequent neurogenesis within these very aged animals. By identifying these mechanisms, it may be possible to design effective strategies to slow or even reverse the cognitive decline associated with normal ageing as well as disease states such as Alzheimer's disease. (PhD) Wintringham used to describe the physical injury to the brain sustained as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Having ARBI is not the same as having an aged related dementia. The behavioural profile and support needs of older people living with this condition are also markedly different. The degree of brain injury resulting from excessive alcohol consumption depends on many factors, including the amount and pattern of consumption, age, sex, nutrition and individual differences. ARBI may be mild, moderate, severe or very severe. ARBI is associated with changes in cognition (memory and thinking abilities), difficulties with balance and coordination and a range of medical and neurological disorders. of the recently completed Wicking Research Project in which a psychosocial model of long term residential care for older people living with Alcohol Related Brain Injury (ARBI) was developed, trialled and evaluated. The major aims of this 5-year project were to determine the most effective & appropriate residential care model for this population group; influence |