| ISLAND Newsletter - July 2021 |
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Welcome to this edition of the ISLAND Project newsletter. We have exciting news! As ISLAND research participants, you will soon have an opportunity to take part in cognitive (thinking and memory) tests using your home computer. There are two different sets of cognitive tests: CANTAB, which has been established around the world as an accurate measure of thinking and memory, and TAS Test, a new type of cognitive test that is being developed by our research team at the University of Tasmania. Dr Jane Alty and Associate Professor Quan Bai are leading a team of researchers to develop TAS Test, which was recently featured in the Sunday Tasmanian (note article accessible to subscribers). Dr Edward Hill is leading the CANTAB study. Jane, Quan and Eddy, together with ISLAND research fellow, Dr Larissa Bartlett and the project team, will be hosting a free webinar to present these new tests to you - details to register are below.
We are very grateful to everyone taking part as, without you, we could not do this research. Jane, Eddy and Quan
|  | | New cognitive (memory and thinking) tests | 
CANTAB
One of the core components of the ISLAND project is the tracking of long-term changes in cognitive functions such as thinking speed, memory and spatial awareness. Cognitive functioning is a core focus of dementia research and technological advancements in the last decade have permitted cognitive testing in the research participant’s own home using their own computer. Over the next few years, we will offer ISLAND participants the option of completing brief cognitive assessments every 2 years using the CANTAB computer program. TAS Test
Did you know that hand movement patterns subtly change in the earliest stages of dementia, many years before cognitive decline? This means that if we can accurately measure hand movement changes, we may be able to predict cognitive changes much earlier than current tests. This is the concept behind TAS Test - a new type of computer test that analyses hand movements as well as thinking skills – that is being developed by researchers at the University of Tasmania. You may have seen the recent article about this in the Sunday Tasmanian? This project has recently received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council to undertake testing of TAS Test within Tasmania and NSW. Over the next few years, we will offer ISLAND participants the option of completing TAS Test at several time points so we can research how the tests change over time. Both cognitive tests will be accessed from your ISLAND Home Portal, and you will be able to complete the tests from the comfort of your own home, taking approximately 30 minutes each. Do not worry if you don’t have a home computer as you can arrange to use one of the Libraries Tasmania computers instead. Look out for the email at the end of July to let you know that both cognitive tests are ready for you to complete! |  | | Find out more about our new tests - Free Webinar | 
Join the ISLAND Project research team for a free webinar to learn more about CANTAB and TAS Test. Friday, 30th July 10am to 11am on ZOOM. We look forward to seeing you then! Register here
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Diabetes Tasmania magazine
Do you have diabetes and are you participating in the ISLAND Project research activities? Diabetes Tasmania would like to feature the ISLAND Project in an upcoming magazine talking about modifiable risk in general and specifically the association between diabetes and cognition. They would like to include a photo of an ISLAND participant who is diabetic as part of that article – they may also ask for some quotes about your experience in the ISLAND project. Would you be willing to feature in their magazine? If so please get in touch with our project team at island@dementia.utas.edu.au.
| | Free course - Enrol now | 
Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
The Understanding Dementia MOOC, developed by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, is a free, world-leading course designed for anyone interested in knowing more about the diseases that cause dementia, how the disease affects the person living with dementia and how we can provide the best quality care. The course opens on the 6th July and runs for 7 weeks. You can expect to spend about 3 hours per week completing the course activities. Some extra time will be given at the end of the course to catch up if needed or revisit the content. The modules will cover the brain, the diseases and the person. You will obtain a certificate at completion. Since 2013, the Understanding Dementia MOOC has had over 295,000 enrolments world-wide. Enrol today and increase your knowledge and understanding of dementia. Enrol now
| | ISLAND Project Partners |  | |
The University of Tasmania received funding from the Australian Government. Views and conclusions expressed in this publication are those of its authors, and may not be the same as those held by the Department of Health.
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