Who we are
The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre is at the forefront of translational research and support for issues confronting people with dementia and their carers. More than 25 projects are being carried out in Tasmania and nationally, across dementia research fields including neuroscience, medicine, nursing, psychology and sociology, health, economics and policy.
The Wicking Centre, a flagship of the UTAS Faculty of Health Science, was established in 2008 and is core-funded by the JO & JR Wicking Trust (managed by ANZ Trustees) with significant contributions from the University of Tasmania.
What is Dementia
Dementia is a syndrome which covers a spectrum of degenerative disorders. It manifests as a progressive decline in functioning that affects memory, problem solving skills and social behaviour.
Dementia has a profound impact on individuals, families and communities.
The number of people with dementia in Australia increases every year as our population ages.
Our Mission
The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre (WDREC) is unique in Australia as an integrated dementia centre that combines neurosciences and social sciences in the translational research effort. Wicking research and education programs reflect a focus "From Care to Cure" to:
- Better understand the diseases affecting the brain that causes progressive decline in functioning affecting memory, problems solving skills, function and social behaviour;
- Develop evidence-based models of care provision for people with dementia and their carers;
- Explore the dementia trajectory and
- Provide educational programs to build knowledge and understanding of dementia within the community.
Message from the Co-Directors
We're looking forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners in research and education in the community. Our statewide flagship projects on the Tasmanian Healthy Brain and Teaching Aged Care Facilities will continue to expand over the coming months, producing data of great value towards a better understanding of the trajectory of dementia and improved care of people with dementia.