Charity Funds Research into Alzheimer's Disease

The University of Western Australia's Centre for Health and Ageing Research will use a donation of $150,000 from the Theodore and Isabella Wearne Charitable Trust to help find better ways to treat depression in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Research Director and Head of Psychiatry for Older Adults, Winthrop Professor Osvaldo Almeida, said the research aimed to improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease and for their carers by offering a promising new treatment for those with depression.
“A number of antidepressant drugs have been tested in people with depression and Alzheimer’s disease but they have limited or no effect on the quality of life and mood of these patients,” Professor Almeida said.  “It is, therefore, necessary that we make it our priority to find alternative treatments.
“This research is especially important as people with Alzheimer’s tend to have a faster cognitive decline and live shorter lives, particularly if they also experience depression.”
The Theodore and Isabella Wearne Charitable Trust was established in 1960 by the Wearnes for the “relief of aged persons and the help and education of poor children in this State”.
Professor Almeida said philanthropic support for the Centre’s research programs was always important, but never more crucial than in today’s financial climate.
“We are extremely grateful to The Theodore and Isabella Wearne Charitable Trust for their generous support,” he said.  “It will have a huge impact on people’s lives.”