A new national study led by Professor Kaarin Anstey is exploring how people maintain cognitive and mental health across adulthood, offering new insights into resilience and healthy ageing.
The Resilient Minds (ReMind) study brings together 1,640 Australians aged 18 to 93, capturing a wide range of health, lifestyle and environmental factors to better understand why some people remain cognitively and mentally well despite the presence of certain risk factors.
Unlike traditional studies that focus primarily on risk and decline, ReMind examines resilience - defined as better-than-expected functioning in the face of challenges and adversity such as chronic disease, life stressors and genetic risk. Participants complete surveys, cognitive tasks and regular short “sprints” that track daily experiences like mood, sleep and social interaction through a custom-built app.
Importantly, the research includes a brain health sub-study incorporating neuroimaging, blood biomarkers and detailed cognitive assessments, and will explore how social engagement, technology use, sensory health and life experiences shape brain health over time.
“Understanding resilience is key to improving how we support cognitive and mental health across the lifespan,” says Professor Anstey. “The ReMind study allows us to capture how everyday experiences, biology and environment interact to shape healthy ageing, and to identify practical opportunities for prevention and intervention.”
The findings are expected to inform more targeted, preventative approaches to ageing, helping individuals maintain independence and wellbeing for longer.