CQUniversity Australia has been given a financial boost to spur on much needed research in the field of geriatric health and well-being.

For the second consecutive year, Gwen Simpson, President of Alzheimer's Australia Central Queensland, has dedicated $1000 of her precious funds toward research being carried out at the Rockhampton Campus.

Gwen Simpson discusses the research effort with Professor Scott Bowman and Dr Joella Storey

This $1000 cheque was the result of a private donation to CQ Alzheimer's by Greg Lee, Chair of Biloela Rotary and owner of Lee Crane Hire in Biloela.  Mr Lee was very pleased to see his donation forwarded to the University for research.

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman welcomed the opportunity to continue the community partnership with CQ Alzheimer's.

 "CQUniversity has a commitment to excellence in research and innovation with a particular emphasis on issues that affect the region. It achieves relevance in its research goals through linkages with industry, business, government and the community and through collaboration with national and international researchers and research networks," Professor Bowman said.

"This money and the manner in which it has been directed to the University by people with a passion for increasing understanding of dementia, is a perfect example of a true community partnership," he said.

Mrs Simpson said she was excited to continue the research partnership with the University.

"I am hopeful that this will be the beginning of a long partnership with researchers at our local University.  It's nice to think that any beneficial outcomes could impact on the lives of the very people who have driven the desire for more information."

Gwen Simpson signs the cheque

The CQ Alzheimer's group has been working closely with CQUniversity's Dr Joella Storey, a lecturer in Psychology & Sociology at the University, whose research focuses on the cognitive health and well-being of older people.

Dr Storey said she was particularly interested in conducting research that was driven by community needs.

"My recent research work in Rockhampton has focussed on exploring the carer's ability to cope, after the placement of a loved one with dementia in a nursing home.

 "Carers are a vital ingredient in the on-going care of people with dementia, even after nursing home placement, and if their coping mechanisms fail, the outcomes are worse for residents, nursing home staff and carers.

 "The dedication and focus shown by the local Alzheimer's group to the residents of Central Queensland is greatly admired by local health care workers, all the more because of the lack of local geriatric specialist services."

Dr Storey applauded the foresight of CQ Alzheimer's in directing funds to research because much more needs to be understood about the vast array of differing dementias which affect a quarter of all people by age 85."