Clinics & services

Medical and Cognitive Research Unit

Medical and Cognitive Research Unit

We run clinical trials for conditions that are more common as people get older, including dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

About us

The Medical and Cognitive Research Unit (MCRU) is located at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital. 

Established in 1993, the MCRU is one of the largest and most experienced dementia research and clinical trials sites in the southern hemisphere.

MCRU has played a vital role in shaping key medical treatments available today. Through our longstanding involvement in international research and clinical trials, MCRU has been part of the process that brings new medications to Australia. These medications include donanemab and lecanemab, which target the underlying cause for Alzheimer’s disease and have been recently approved for use in Australia.

Our research

We conduct research in the following areas of medicine:

  • People at risk of dementia without memory problems
  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia including Alzheimer’s disease
  • Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
  • Frailty
  • Sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass)
  • Wound healing

MCRU is also involved in other areas of research, education and advocacy including:

  • Research support through fostering the development of research skills for medical students, physician trainees and physicians
  • Education for health care professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other allied health staff including rural and remote practitioners
  • Education for community members on dementia including symptoms, diagnosis and ways to lower dementia risk
  • Advocacy: Advice to government, industry and regulatory agencies to assist in implementation of dementia therapies including amyloid targeting therapy in the community

Who can participate in our clinical trials?

MCRU is conducting clinical trials to investigate the safety and effectiveness of medications to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Participants may qualify if they:

  • Have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
  • OR do not currently have memory problems, but DO have a family history of dementia
  • OR have concerns about their dementia risk

And:

  • Are aged 50 years or older
  • Can read and write in English well enough for the purposes of memory testing
  • Have access to a study partner. A study partner is someone who knows you well and sees you often. Your study partner will need to attend some appointments and provide accurate information about your everyday living requirements.

To register your interest in participating in a MCRU clinical trial, please complete our online form.

How can I refer my patient?

For doctors and health care providers

Please email a copy of your letter(s) and relevant investigations to MCRU.recruitment@austin.org.au

If you have queries regarding your patient’s suitability or to discuss which trials are open for recruitment, please contact:

Laura Margison

Phone: 0403 110 157

Email: MCRU.recruitment@austin.org.au

Contact us

Medical & Cognitive Research Unit

Phone: 0403 110 157 or 03 9496 2388

Fax: 03 9496 4233

Email: mcru.recruitment@austin.org.au

Open hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm

Location

Level 3
Centaur Wing
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
300 Waterdale Rd
Ivanhoe Victoria

View location map