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Centre for Education and Research on Ageing Research

The Centre for Education and Research on Ageing (CERA) and its members undertake basic science, epidemiological and clinical research.

CERA is part of the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Concord Hospital. CERA is a multidisciplinary hub to foster collaboration between clinical and academic health professionals and facilitate the translation of research findings into clinical practice. The research objectives of CERA are:

  • To improve the health and productivity of older people through research into the ageing process
  • To improve the well-being and quality of life of older people, especially those with frailty or dementia, through research into health care
  • To provide leadership in the education and training of people involved in the care of older people and those involved in ageing research.

Our current research programs include:

  • Oral Health
  • Ageing liver and nanomedicines
  • Novel mechanisms for dementia
  • Surgical liaison and older people in hospital
  • Advanced care directives
  • Polypharmacy and deprescribing
  • Identification and management of delirium in older inpatients
  • Falls prevention in hospital
  • Geriatric Medicine Services in Australia and New Zealand
  • Emergency Hospital in the Home
  • Enhanced Education of Junior Doctors to Improve the Care and Outcomes of Hospitalised Older Adults.

Our Key Achievements

The Biogerontology group continues to explore the targeted use of medicines and other therapeutics. The group is collaborating with the Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques in Barcelona in the use of our nanotechnology for microRNA delivery for the prevention of liver failure.
Treating diabetes with nano insulin: positive mouse and primate studies now completed. Commercialisation with an Australian Biotech company underway in preparation for first in human clinical trials.
Preventing diabetes in an immune model of diabetes with nano insulin: mouse studies currently underway.
Amyloid- beta clearance in the liver, a novel target for preventing Alzheimer's Disease: currently underway by PhD candidate Glen Lockwood.
Targeted nanodelivery of gene therapy: currently underway by PhD candidate Lara Westwood.
Effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and implementation of Emergency Hospital in the Home (EHITH) model of care for older people: In 2022 a new model of care, EHITH, was launched within SLHD.
Collaboration with SLHD AHCC&R Disability Inclusion & Advice Service (DIAS) on development of their project, 'COVID-19 outbreaks in disability group homes within Sydney Local Health District (SLHD)'.

Professor David Le Couteur has a long-term collaboration with Professor of Geriatric Pharmacology, Sarah Hilmer, at the Kolling Institute Royal North Shore Hospital. CERA research pharmacist Sarita Lo is also a member of Professor Hilmer's research team. Their research collaborations include:

  • Optimising quality use of medicines in hospital to improve outcomes in older people (current)
  • 'TO HOME' research project (Towards Optimising Hospitalised Older adults' MEdications) (recently completed and in publication phase)
  • Evaluation of an Intervention Bundle to Reduce Inappropriate Polypharmacy in Older Inpatients: A Pilot Study (recently completed /and in publication phase)
  • Designing decision support to reduce inappropriate polypharmacy in older inpatients - Understanding user perceptions and workflows (completed).
Professor David Le Couteur is a member of the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre (CPC). The CPC is a multidisciplinary research centre committed to improving global health. The projects examine the impact of nutrition on longevity and later life health.
Professor David Le Couteur received the 2023 Ruthven Blackburn Medal.
Understanding and reducing falls in the inpatient hospital setting. Charlotte McLennan (PhD). Lead Supervisor Professor Cathie Sherrington (Institute of Musculoskeletal Health). Professor Vasi Naganathan is in the supervisory team.
The TOP UP Trial - A physiotherapy led telehealth and exercise intervention to improve mobility in older people receiving aged care services: an effectiveness and implementation randomised controlled trial. Rik Dawson (PhD) Lead Supervisor Professor Cathie Sherrington (Institute of Musculoskeletal Health), Vasi Naganathan (investigator).
Investigating a psychological strategy to support older adults in making informed cancer screening decisions. Jenna Smith (PhD). Primary Supervisor Professor Kirsten McCaffery, School of Public Health The University of Sydney. Professor Vasi Naganathan on supervisor team.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Protocols Influenza Pandemics Public's view. Dr Winston Cheung (PhD). Professor Vasi Naganathan (Lead Supervisor).
Professors Victoria Cogger, David Le Couteur and Dr Nick Hunt winner of the Health Research Award for ‘Oral Insulin’ at the NSW Health Awards 2024.
Dr Janani Thillainadesan received the 2024 ANZAHPE Clinical Education Award.
Professors Victoria Cogger, David Le Couteur and Dr Nick Hunt received the Health Research and Innovation Award from the Sydney Local Health District in November 2023.
Professor David Le Couteur, awarded Fellowship of ASCEPT 2023.
Mr George Wells, 2023 Tony Broe Prize for best NSW AT presentation (Lead Supervisor Janani Thillainadesan).
Dr Janani Thillainadesan, 2023 Sydney Health Partners Award for Using Research to Change Health Practice.
Mr George Wells Sydney Health Partners Geriatric Medicine Clinical Academic Group Early-Mid Career Researcher Award 2022.
Eleni Azarias, 2022 Tony Broe Prize for best NSW AT presentation (Lead Supervisor Vasi Naganathan, Supervisor B Janani Thillainadesan).
Amyloid- beta clearance in the liver, a novel target for preventing Alzheimer's Disease: currently underway by PhD candidate Glen Lockwood.

Our Research Team

CERA Co-Directors

 
Professor Vasi Naganathan Professor of Geriatric Medicine, University of Sydney and Consultant Geriatrician, Concord Hospital
Professor Victoria Cogger Director, ANZAC Research Institute
Co-Leader Biogerontology laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute

Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Hospital

 
Professor Vasi Naganathan Consultant Geriatrician
Professor David Le Couteur Senior Staff Specialist in Geriatric Medicine and Professor of Geriatric Medicine, The University of Sydney

Clinical Associate Professor John Cullen

 

Stream Director Sydney Local Health District Aged Health Care, Rehabilitation, General Medicine, Chronic Care, Disability, Endocrinology, Andrology and Ambulatory Care

Clinical Associate Professor, Concord Clinical School, The University of Sydney

Clinical Associate Professor Louise Waite Senior Staff Specialist Geriatrician. Head of Department of Geriatric Medicine. Clinical Associate Professor, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney
Dr Janani Thillainadesan Staff Specialist Geriatrician, Concord Hospital and Centre for Education and Research on Ageing

Conjoint Senior Lecturer, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney

NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow (EL1), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
Clinical Associate Professor Deborah Cockrell Lead for Oral Health, CERA and Clinical Associate Professor, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney
Dr Natasha Spalding Staff Specialist Geriatrician and Director of RACF Outreach Service
Dr Cameron Korb-Wells Staff Specialist Geriatrician, Aged Health & Rehabilitation, Concord Hospital 

Medical Director, National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare, Concord Hospital

Clinical Senior Lecturer (Concord Clinical School), University of Sydney 
Steven Chu Oral Health PhD student

Biogerontology Lab, ANZAC Research Institute

 
Professor Victoria Cogger Co-leader Biogerontology laboratory
Professor David Le Couteur Co-leader Biogerontology laboratory
Dr Nicholas Hunt Post-doctoral researcher
Dr Amanda Brandon Post-doctoral researcher
Dr Sophie Kang Postdoctoral Researcher
Dr Jarrod Kennedy Postdoctoral Researcher
Associate Professor Meng Ngu Senior Research Fellow
Professor Peter McCourt Visiting Scientist
Glen Lockwood Laboratory Manager
Harrison Ross Research Assistant
Lara Westwood PhD Candidate

CERA Research Support Staff

 
Leanne Kearney CERA Research Project Officer
Sarita Lo CERA Research Pharmacist
Danielle Hutchinson CERA Research Project Officer
Linda Koria EHITH Project Officer
Donna Bonnici Support Manager

Higher Degree Students

   
Steven Chu PhD Student Primary Supervisor: Clinical A/Professor Deborah Cockrell
Auxiliary Supervisor: Professor Vasi Naganathan
Glen Lockwood PhD Student Primary Supervisor: Professor Victoria Cogger
Auxiliary Supervisor: Professor David Le Couteur
Charlotte McLennan PhD Student Auxiliary Supervisor: Professor Vasi Naganathan
Bonnie Liu PhD Student Auxiliary Supervisor: Dr Janani Thillainadesan
Eleni Azarias Masters (MPhil) Student Primary Supervisor: Professor Vasi Naganathan
Auxiliary Supervisor: Dr Janani Thillainadesan
Joshua Makary Masters (MPhil) Student Auxiliary Supervisor: Professor Vasi Naganathan
Ganeshwaran Shivapathasundram Masters (MPhil) Student Auxiliary Supervisor: Professor Vasi Naganathan
Bethany Stavert Masters (MPhil) Student Primary Supervisor: Professor Vasi Naganathan
Atul Wagh Masters (MPhil) Student Primary Supervisor: Professor Vasi Naganathan

Honour Students 

 
Lina Okati Primary Supervisor: Dr Janani Thillainadesan 

Advanced Trainee Projects 

 
Dr Carol Hunter Primary Supervisor: Dr Janani Thillainadesan 
Dr Minna Li Primary Supervisor: Dr Janani Thillainadesan 
Dr Susan Li Primary Supervisor: Dr Janani Thillainadesan 

Selected Grants

Amount awarded Project and investigator details
$4857 Australia & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAHPE) Research Grant for Research in Health Professional Education
Carers’ experiences with medical doctors, insights on training, and perspectives on carer involvement in the education of health professionals to improve the care of hospitalised older patients.
Primary Investigator: Thillainadesan J
$2,949,625 NHMRC/MRFF – Dementia Ageing and Aged Care Mission
DigiHab: Home-Based Rehabilitation Program for Enhancing Older Australians’ Health and Independence.
Associate Investigator: Naganathan V
$674,000 NHMRC Investigator Grant, 2024-2026
Nanocarriers for Oral Biologic Delivery.
Chief Investigator: Hunt N
$100,000 The University of Sydney NanoPitch Health 2024 – Best Pitch
Inverse Nano-Vaccination for Prevention of Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes.
Chief Investigator: Hunt N
$497,224 NHMRC Investigator Grant, 2024
Microlearning-Enhanced Education of Junior Doctors to Improve the Care and Outcomes of Hospitalised Older Adults.
Investigator: Thillainadesan J
$2,953,040 NHMRC Investigator Grant, 2024-2028
Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Hepatotropic Silver Sulfide Quantum Dot Nanomedicines for Ageing and Age-Related Diseases.
Investigator: Le Couteur D.
$468,879 HCF Research Foundation, 2022-2024
Effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and implementation of Emergency Hospital in the Home model of care for older people
Investigators: Naganathan V, Cullen J, Blyth F, Cunich M.
$2,800,000 MRFF, 2022-2025
Reshaping low back pain management in the emergency department.
Investigators: Maher C (CIA), Naganathan V (CIJ).
$2,500,000 Norway Research Council, 2021-2025
Pack a pill in a PACA: PACA nanomedicines for targeting age-related changes in liver endothelium to prevent age-related disease.
Investigators: McCourt P, Le Couteur D, Cogger V, Citrichs, Ravan, Sorenson, Snistad, Aslund, van Gurnsven.
$2,500,000 NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence Scheme, 2020-2024
NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Prevention of Fall-related Injuries
Associate Investigator: Naganathan V.
$1,520,260 NHMRC Targeted Call for Research: Cultural Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity in Dementia Research, 2023-2028
A Community Based Participatory Approach to Decreasing Dementia Stigma and Increasing Help-Seeking.
Investigators: Low LF, Phillipson L, Ji M, Brodaty H, Jeon Y, Naismith S, Naganathan V, Gresham M, Taibi M.

Our Publications

2024

Hunt NJ, Lockwood GP, Heffernan SJ, Daymond J, Ngu M, Narayanan RK, Westwood LJ, Mohanty B, Esser L, Williams CC, Kuncic Z, McCourt PAG, Le Couteur DG, Cogger VC. Oral nanotherapeutic formulation of insulin with reduced episodes of hypoglycaemia. Nat Nanotechnol 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41565-023-01565-2
Stanceski K, Zhong S, Zhang X, Khadra S, Tracy M, Koria L, Lo S, Naganathan V, Kim J, Dunn AG, Ayre J. The quality and safety of using generative AI to produce patient-centred discharge instructions. NPJ Digit Med 2024; 7(1): 329; doi: 10.1038/s41746-024-01336-w
Yap KK, Schroder J, Gerrand YW, Dobric A, Kong AM, Fox AM, Knowles B, Banting SW, Elefanty AG, Stanley EG, Yeoh GC, Lockwood GP, Cogger VC, Morrison WA, Polo JM, Mitchell GM. Liver specification of human iPSC-derived endothelial cells transplanted into mouse liver. JHEP Rep 2024; 6(5): 101023; doi: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101023
Lockwood GP, Hunt NJ, Kockx M, Kang SWS, Le Couteur DG, Cogger VC. Understanding the Liver’s Role in the Clearance of Aβ40. Livers 2024; 4(2): 253-267; 
Wizgier D, Meng Y, Das A, Naganathan V, Blyth F, Le Couteur DG, Handelsman DJ, Waite LM, Ribeiro RV, Shivappa N, Hebert JR, Hirani V. The association of dietary antioxidants and the inflammatory potential of the diet with poor physical function and disability in older Australian men: the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project. Br J Nutr 2024; 131(9): 1528-1539; doi: 10.1017/S0007114524000126
Weng V, Wiles N, Jenkins D, Amanatidis S, Kidd JC, Walsh JA, Baillie AJ, Naganathan V. The effectiveness of a home-based dietetic intervention for community-dwelling older adults. Australas J Ageing 2024; 43(2): 297-305; doi: 10.1111/ajag.13264
Tran MH, van Zwieten A, Kiely KM, Blyth FM, Naganathan V, Le Couteur DG, Handelsman DJ, Seibel MJ, Waite LM, Cumming RG, Khalatbari-Soltani S. Intra-generational social mobility and mortality among older men in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project: A cohort study. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25: 101581; doi: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101581
Smith J, Cvejic E, Houssami N, Schonberg MA, Vincent W, Naganathan V, Jansen J, Dodd RH, Wallis K, McCaffery KJ. Randomized Trial of Information for Older Women About Cessation of Breast Cancer Screening Invitations. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39(8): 1332-1341; doi: 10.1007/s11606-024-08656-3
Pinheiro MB, Naganathan V. Appraisal of Clinical Practice Guideline: Clinical practice guideline for management of osteoporosis and fracture prevention in Canada: 2023 update. J Physiother 2024; 70(3): 241; doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2024.05.002
Okafor CE, Keramat SA, Comans T, Page AT, Potter K, Hilmer SN, Lindley RI, Mangin D, Naganathan V, Etherton-Beer C. Cost-Consequence Analysis of Deprescribing to Optimize Health Outcomes for Frail Older People: A Within-Trial Analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25(3): 539-544 e532; doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.12.016
Nguyen TX, Nguyen AHP, Nguyen HTT, Nguyen TTH, Nguyen HL, Goldberg RJ, Thillainadesan J, Naganathan V, Vu HTT, Tran LV, Nguyen AT. Health-Related Quality of Life among Older Adults with Dementia Living in Vietnamese Nursing Homes. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2024; 21(2); doi: 10.3390/ijerph21020135
Narayan SW, Naganathan V, Vizza L, Underwood M, Ivers R, McLachlan AJ, Zhou L, Singh R, Tao S, Xi X, Abdel Shaheed C. Efficacy and safety of antidepressants for pain in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024; doi: 10.1111/bcp.16234
Marshall KH, Riddiford-Harland DL, Meller AE, Kruger V, Kirsebom M, Tran M, Caplan GA, Naganathan V, Cullen J, Gonski P, Zwar N, O'Keeffe JA, Krysinska K, Rhee JJ. Feasibility and acceptability of facilitated advance care planning in outpatient clinics: A qualitative study of health-care professionals experience. Australas J Ageing 2024; 43(2): 314-322; doi: 10.1111/ajag.13272
Marshall KH, Riddiford-Harland DL, Meller AE, Caplan GA, Naganathan V, Cullen J, Gonski P, Zwar NA, O'Keeffe JA, Krysinska K, Rhee JJ. Feasibility and Acceptability of Facilitated Advance Care Planning in Outpatient Clinics: A Qualitative Study of Patient and Caregivers Experiences. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43(4): 339-348; doi: 10.1177/07334648231206742
Luong R, Ribeiro R, Naganathan V, Blyth F, Waite LM, Handelsman DJ, Le Couteur DG, Seibel MJ, Hirani V. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between empirically derived dietary patterns and frailty among older men: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project. J Nutr Health Aging 2024; 28(1): 100021; doi: 10.1016/j.jnha.2023.100021
Luong R, Ribeiro R, Naganathan V, Blyth F, Waite LM, Handelsman DJ, Le Couteur DG, Seibel MJ, Hirani V. Empirically derived dietary patterns are associated with major adverse cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality, and congestive cardiac failure in older men: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project. J Nutr Health Aging 2024; 28(2): 100020; doi: 10.1016/j.jnha.2023.100020
Chu KY, Wright FAC, Naganathan V, Stanaway F, Tran J, Cockrell D. Provision of domiciliary dental service to residential aged care facilities: A 3-year descriptive summary. Spec Care Dentist 2024; 44(3): 787-796; doi: 10.1111/scd.12912
Azarias E, Thillainadesan J, Hanger C, Scott J, Boudville A, Moran C, O'Sullivan R, Maddison J, Eagar K, Harvey G, King A, Kearney L, Naganathan V. Hospital and out-of-hospital services provided by public geriatric medicine departments in Australia and New Zealand. Australas J Ageing 2024; doi: 10.1111/ajag.13331
Aitken SJ, James S, Lawrence A, Glover A, Pleass H, Thillianadesan J, Monaro S, Hitos K, Naganathan V, collaborators SHPPC. Codesign of health technology interventions to support best-practice perioperative care and surgical waitlist management. BMJ Health Care Inform 2024; 31(1); doi: 10.1136/bmjhci-2023-100928

Our Presentations

2024

Koria L. Emergency Hospital In The Home (EHITH) for People Living with Dementia Australian Dementia Research Forum 2024 Sydney, Australia November 2024.
Thillainadesan J. Enhancing Geriatrics Care and Medical Education through Microlearning Australian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators Adelaide, Australia July 2024.
Koria L. Emergency Hospital In The Home (EHITH) for People Living with Dementia Australian Dementia Research Forum 2024 Gold Coast, Australia June 2024.
Naganathan V. Research Career Pathways for Geriatricians and Advanced Trainees The Australian and New Zealand Society of Geriatric Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting 2024 Christchurch, New Zealand May 2024.
Cogger V. International Women’s Day Centenary Institute Sydney, Australia May 2024.
Cogger V. Targeted Drug Delivery EU Horizon Meeting Sommeroya, Norway April 2024.
Naganathan V. Examples of Research that have the potential to influence every day clinical practice Concord Connects Sydney, Australia February 2024.
Cogger V. Needle-free insulin Concord Connects Sydney, Australia February 2024.