Queensland is set to lead the way in dementia research, with the Newman Government investing $9 million to try and find a cure for the disease.

The Premier said the funding will extend over five years, will support work being done by the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CADR), part of the Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland.

The CADR is focusing on a new, research-driven approach to treating dementia and Alzheimer's, a type of dementia. The disease causes a progressive decline in a person's functioning, including loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social and physical skills.

The funding is a much-needed boost for the underfunded field of dementia research. Between 2002 and 2011, just 56 grants, scholarships and fellowships were awarded to dementia researchers, compared to researcher awards over the same period in cancer (706), cardiovascular disease (488), mental health (271) and diabetes (223).

“Scientists believe the human brain has a remarkable ability to heal itself under the right set of conditions, but given the complexity of the brain finding how we do that is extremely difficult,” Mr Newman said.

“If we can solve that indelible mystery – if we can find out how dementia and Alzheimer’s takes hold and then work to repair the damage they do - it will be a major triumph.”

In Queensland, at least 51,000 poeople are currently living with dementia, with more than 50 new cases diagnosed in the state every day, according to Alzheimer's Australia, the national peak body for people living with dementia and their families and carers.

News of the funding comes after the recent death of Hazel Hawke, an Alzheimer's sufferer and wife of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

The organisation reports over 321,600 Australians are living with dementia and without a medical breakthrough, that number is expected to jump to almost 900,000 by 2050.

More information:

National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 

Alzheimer's Australia national website www.alzheimers.org.au