The Medical and Cognitive Research Unit in Austin Health, Australia

Abstract

AbstractThe Medical and Cognitive Research Unit (MRCU), Austin Health and University of Melbourne, is sited in Heidelberg, Australia at Austin Health, a large University Teaching Hospital. Part of the Aged and Continuing Care Department, it is headed by geriatrician Associate Professor Michael Woodward.MCRU employs 25 staff‐ nurse coordinators, psychologists, medical doctors, scientists and administrative. Some 10 research affiliates each year complete projects in collaboration with the department, but the main focus is sponsored clinical trials. Research areas include Investigational Products for AD, with over 200 Phase 1‐4 trials completed over the last 30 years. Other research foci include wound healing, immunization and frailty.AD research is accelerated when the skills to recruit into and conduct trials are developed and maintained in this centre of excellence. Close affiliation with clinical cognitive practice, including the Austin Health Memory Clinic and private practices of doctors working in MCRU attracts patients to such services, providing a pipeline of patients suitable for studies. These patients also contribute to large data bases, including the Alzheimer’s Disease Network (ADNet) and the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study (AIBL), and inturn these studies identify patients suitable for clinical trials in MCRU. The Head is one of 3 Medical Advisors to Dementia Australia, and as a member of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation funds dementia research throughout Australia. Numerous media exposures involve MCRU staff, raising national awareness of AD and related disorders‐ eg a recent National TV Documentary on mAbs for AD.International AD research looks to large sites to conduct trials, and inturn these site develop research protocols and contribute to national and international meetings. MCRU has recently contributed to protocols involving several small molecules to treat AD.International collaboration is a hallmark of a successful AD Research Centre‐ MCRU through AIBL and ADNet, and the affiliated Florey, have collaborated with ADNI and the World Wide FINGERS initiatives to better understand and prevent AD and related disorders.