National Ageing Research Institute
Research Field: Mental Health, Culture
Timely diagnosis of depression and dementia can positively affect older people and their families, yet timely diagnosis of both conditions remains a challenge among older Australian migrants.
Dr Brijnath’s research has identified key barriers to getting timely diagnoses for these groups, including language barriers, stigma, issues of awareness, and cultural understanding of aging, mental illness and care. Her research currently focuses on increasing awareness and understanding around depression and dementia to improve mental health among older Australian migrants.
Bianca communicates her research findings and works on increasing awareness through regular media appearances on ABC News, Radio National, and SBS Radio, advising and training aged care and Dementia Australia service providers, as well as participation in Think Tanks on federal aged care policies. Dr Brijnath received her PhD from Monash University in 2010, and is currently the Director of Social Gerontology at the National Ageing Research Institute.