Maryam Ghahramani
A pilot study on younger onset dementia detection using machine learning and the impact of a 12-week home-based exercise program for enhancing motor function in younger onset dementia
Award
Dementia Australia Research Foundation Project Grant
Status
In progress
Start Date
1 May 2024
About the project
This study focuses on addressing the often-neglected condition of dementia in younger individuals. Existing tests and tools are usually used to understand and support older adults with dementia, often excluding people with younger onset dementia. The goal is to create a software application that can diagnose if a younger individual has dementia, and a new exercise regimen designed only for younger people with dementia. By recording brain and body data from both affected and unaffected individuals, Dr Ghahramani aims to understand the unique impact on younger demographics. The gathered insights will inform the development of a smart program to identify early signs of dementia in this age group. During the 12-week exercise program, the team will monitor and compare changes in brain and movement data between the exercising and non-exercising individuals with younger onset dementia.
Additionally, the team will collect feedback from participants and their carers to assess the broader impact of the exercise program on their lives. In summary, this study aims to help with detecting dementia in younger people and also providing them with a special exercise program designed for their needs. Dr Ghahramani believes this can improve the quality of life of this group of people and their families.
Where are they now?
Dr Maryam Ghahramani is a lecturer and an early career researcher at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra.
