Dementia Australia and the Sax Institute have launched a research partnership providing scientists with direct access to the 45 and Up Study, a longitudinal dataset covering 250,000 Australians. This collaboration enables researchers to analyze two decades of health records, including Medicare and hospital data, to better understand dementia risk factors, disease progression, and healthcare service utilization at a population scale.
How the Dementia Research Platform changes data access
The new platform allows researchers funded by the Dementia Australia Research Foundation to bypass traditional data silos. By utilizing the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study, scientists can now cross-reference cognitive health outcomes with long-term data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and hospital records. According to Sax Institute CEO Dr. Martin McNamara, this provides an unprecedented opportunity to generate evidence that informs national health policy and clinical care standards.
The 45 and Up Study is the largest longitudinal study of ageing in the Southern Hemisphere, tracking the health of a quarter-million participants over 20 years.
What researchers can track across the life course
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan says the platform is designed to identify specific patterns in healthcare use before and after a diagnosis. Researchers can now investigate how dementia outcomes vary across different demographic groups. This granular view is essential, as the number of Australians living with the condition is projected to climb from 446,500 to over one million by 2065 without significant medical or policy interventions.
Why population-scale data matters for future policy
Access to large-scale, linked health data is a shift away from smaller, isolated clinical trials. By using the Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE), the platform maintains high privacy standards while allowing for complex, multi-variable analysis. This approach directly supports advocacy efforts by providing hard data on how patients interact with aged care services, which helps identify gaps in the current support system.
If you are a researcher, applications for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation’s 2026 grant round are currently open. You can now build the 45 and Up dataset directly into your project proposals to strengthen your evidence base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access the Dementia Research Platform?
Access is currently available to researchers who are funded through the Dementia Australia Research Foundation.
Is the patient data secure?
Yes. All data is managed within the Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE), a platform specifically engineered for privacy-protective health analysis.
What if I need support regarding dementia?
If you or a loved one are affected by dementia, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline at 1800 100 500. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides access to interpreter services.
How does this differ from previous research methods?
Previous studies often relied on smaller, self-contained cohorts. This partnership integrates 20 years of pre-existing, population-wide data, allowing for a more comprehensive look at how dementia develops over a lifetime.
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline at 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au.
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