ISLANDproject

03/09/2026

🌏 The ISLAND Project has been featured in an international review of dementia prevention programs from around the world.

The review highlighted our research showing that combining personalised dementia risk information with structured education can help people make positive lifestyle changes to support brain health.

This recognition reflects the contribution of our participants. The knowledge generated through ISLAND is helping inform global conversations about dementia prevention.

Thanks to all of you for being part of the journey 💙🧠

You can read the full paper here:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42379207/

25/08/2026

Can keeping your mind active help protect against dementia? Hear a snippet from the latest Brain Matters episode, where we dive into the science of brain training and what it means for lifelong brain health.

Listen to the full episode: https://island.mooc.utas.edu.au/page/1743/Brain-Matters-Podcast

18/08/2026

What does the science say about coffee, tea and dementia risk? Hear a highlight from the latest Brain Matters episode, where we dive into the evidence behind the headlines and discuss what it means for brain health.
Listen here: https://island.mooc.utas.edu.au/page/1743/Brain-Matters-Podcast

14/08/2026

🧠 ISLAND Seminar Series: Is risk factor education a cover-all for dementia prevention?

Many people want to know what they can do to reduce their dementia risk - but how effective is dementia risk education in improving knowledge and supporting behaviour change? And does it work equally well for people from different socioeconomic backgrounds?

Join Dr Hannah Fair as she explores these questions, and discusses what this means for equitable dementia prevention.

📅 Tuesday 1 September
⏰ 12.00–1.00pm
📍 St Lukes Hub, Hobart

🎟️ Book your place: https://www.stlukes.com.au/events/island-seminar-series-is-risk-factor-education-a-cover-all-for-dementia-prevention

05/08/2026

Could looking after your hearing also support brain health?

Hearing loss is a known modifiable risk factor for dementia, and new research from the ISLAND Project suggests it may be linked to other factors that influence dementia risk too.

Researchers analysed data from more than 8,000 ISLAND participants and found that people with satisfactorily corrected hearing loss were less likely to be in higher-risk categories for alcohol use, diabetes and cholesterol management than some other groups.

While the study can't tell us whether hearing correction directly causes these differences, it highlights the important role hearing health may play in healthy ageing and long-term brain health.

If you've noticed changes in your hearing, consider speaking with your GP or an audiologist about a hearing assessment. 👂💙

Read more:

Objective This study examined the associations between hearing loss (HL) and other modifiable dementia risk factors in adults aged 50 years or older living in Tasmania and explored the effects of co...

04/08/2026

🚶‍♀️ Walk your way to better brain health! 🧠

We're excited to introduce ISLAND Walking Groups through the Heart Foundation Walking program. Walking is a great way to stay active, support brain health, and connect with others in your community.

✅ Join our first group, the ISLAND City Strollers in Hobart C*D
✅ See what is already available, or help start a walking group in your own community. You only need a couple of people to get started, and everyone is welcome!

Whether you'd like to walk, connect, or lead, we'd love to hear from you.

👟 Learn more about the walking groups here: https://island.mooc.utas.edu.au/index.php?AP=news&ACT=view_news&news_id=1768

It's never too late to start 💙🧠🚶‍♂️

31/07/2026

☕🧠 New Brain Matters Podcast episode!

Can your daily coffee or tea help protect your brain? In our latest episode, we unpack a large long-term study linking caffeinated drinks with lower dementia risk and explore what the findings really mean beyond the headlines.

🎧 Listen on the ISLAND webpage or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://island.mooc.utas.edu.au/page/1743/Brain-Matters-Podcast

29/07/2026

🎉 Big news for TAS Test! 🎉

TAS Test has been named one of just three finalists for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research in the prestigious Australian Eureka Science Prizes, recognising the team's innovative approach to dementia diagnosis. 🏆

We're also excited to share that the project has secured $2.5 million in funding to support the next phase of research and expand access to these promising diagnostic tools.

A huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in and supported this research – these achievements would not have been possible without you. 💙

20/07/2026

You're invited to our Hobart ISLAND Research Seminar!

Join us to hear the latest findings from the ISLAND Project, with presentations from Distinguished Professor Emeritus James Vickers, Dr Eddy Roccati and Dr Duncan Sinclair. We'll also hear the consumer perspective from Community Advisory Group member Colleen Davidson.

📅 Thursday 30 July
⏰ 3.00–4.30pm
📍 Medical Sciences Precinct, Hobart

Stay afterwards for refreshments and a chance to connect with researchers and fellow community members.

🎟️ Bookings essential: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-island-seminar-hobart

The ISLAND project team would like to invite you to attend our upcoming Hobart seminar hosted by expert researchers.

02/07/2026

🧠 Have you completed TAS Test yet?

TAS Test is one of the innovative tools helping researchers investigate how subtle changes in brain health might be detected earlier. Regular participation is important because it allows researchers to track changes over time and better understand what is normal ageing and what may signal a need for further investigation.

✅ Takes just 10 minutes to complete the short version
✅ Can be done from home on your desktop or laptop
✅ Helps contribute to important brain health research
✅ Repeat completions are especially valuable

If you have been invited to participate, you can log in to your ISLAND portal and complete the test today.

Every assessment helps strengthen the research and brings us one step closer to improving early detection and prevention of dementia. The map image attached summarises a recent TAS Test publication showing how easy TAS Test was to use and that most people were able to complete it at home.

Thank you for being part of the ISLAND Project and helping advance brain health research.