Nikki-Anne Wilson
Neuroscience Research Australia/University of New South Wales
Nikki-Anne Wilson recently commenced a Postdoctoral Fellowship with Prof Kaarin Anstey at Neuroscience Research Australia. She completed her PhD at the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney examining memory and social cognition in the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Nikki-Anne’s skills in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology align with her passion to support more positive ageing and reduce the risk of developing dementia. Nikki-Anne is passionate about science communication, a regular speaker at science outreach events, and is involved in several school mentoring programmes which encourage students to pursue science related careers.
Project: Improvisation Engagement and Dementia (ImprovED): A Theatre Programme to Enhance Quality of Life in Older Adults with Cognitive Decline
Award: $6,815
Project summary: An ageing population increases the need for programmes which assist older adults to live full and independent lives for as long as possible. Dementia presents a significant challenge to health and aged care in Australia, affecting almost 1 in 10 people aged 65 or over (AIHW, 2020). Despite best efforts, dementia treatments remain frustratingly sparse, particularly in relation to those targeting overall wellbeing and quality of life. The emergence of non-pharmacological interventions, such as theatre based activities, in improving quality of life in a range of clinical disorders has shown great promise in this area. This project aims to (i) conduct a scoping review of the benefits of theatre based programmes as a non-pharmacological intervention in clinical disorders; (ii) administer a 4-6 week pilot programme using improvisation exercises focusing on social connection, and emotional and physical expression in order to improve wellbeing in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage dementia. Results from this study will set the stage for future work potentially targeting more specific social and behavioural symptoms associated with dementia. Increasing wellbeing, reducing depression, and maintaining independence in older adults at risk for entering residential care is important to reduce both the economic and personal impact from dementia. Social engagement and cognitively stimulating activities are essential aspects of enhancing quality of life in older adulthood. This study provides the foundation for a novel intervention which offers a range of future clinical applications and can accommodate various levels of ability.