A new research project at the Menzies Research Institute will examine factors that may contribute to the risk of falls, loss of balance and dementia as people get older.

A new research project at the Menzies Research Institute will examine factors that may contribute to the risk of falls, loss of balance and dementia as people get older.

Chief Investigator Dr Velandai Srikanth says dementia and falls are among the most prevalent and expensive disorders affecting older Australians.

"Around $3 billion dollars is spent each year on dementia, and $24 million per year on falls.

"With Australia's rapidly ageing population, health care expenditure is set to increase. Tasmania is likely to become one of the oldest states in Australia, with approximately 24 per cent of people predicted to be aged over 65 years by the year 2021.

"Given this, it is extremely important to identify the factors underlying disorders such as falls and dementia in order to be able to prevent their future occurrence," Dr Srikanth said.

In this new project, researchers will examine the relationship between factors affecting vascular health and age-related changes in the brain structure and function. Previous research has suggested that such factors may be involved in causing changes in brain structure that are common with increasing age.

Dr Srikanth explained: "At present, there is a significant lack of understanding among researchers as to whether or not these structural changes affect brain functions.

"This may partly be due to the inability of previous researchers to accurately measure brain changes using older scanning technology. In this study, state-of-the-art techniques in brain scanning and analyses will be used to clarify the issue.

"We will use computerised analysis of gait to provide accurate estimates of walking ability. In addition, we will also look at how lifestyle factors (eg diet, physical activity) and other vascular risk factors (eg high blood pressure, cholesterol) correlate with structural and functional changes in the brain that occur with ageing," he said.

Study participants are randomly selected from the electoral roll and will be contacted via mail with an invitation to participate. Once included in the study, they will have blood pressure measurements and a range of blood tests to assess vascular risk factors.

Brain structure will be measured through use of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A range of tests will be conducted to measure physical activity levels, mobility, balance and cognitive ability.

Dr Srikanth says the project may guide efforts in identifying new risk factors for cognitive decline in older people.

"With new data there is the potential to identify new modifiable factors which may lead to early intervention treatments. We may also be able to better inform people regarding ways they can modify their lifestyle to avoid or delay decline in cognitive functions," he said.

The project has been funded by several grants including Perpetual Trustees, the Brain Foundation, University of Tasmania and ANZ Charitable Trustees.

Researchers at the Menzies Research Institute will work in collaboration with the Monash Medical Centre and Austin Health in Melbourne.

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