FAQs

To develop, validate, and implement a new, computerised diagnostic tool to assess functional ability in older people with and without dementia​.

You will be eligible for the C-STAM study if you are:

• Aged 60 years or above 
• Living in Sydney 
• ​Able to understand, read and write in English without an interpreter 
• Have a family member or close friend who will also participate in this study

Please complete the online form by clicking on the button below:

No. After signing up on the website, the researcher will check your eligibility. The researcher will contact you if you match the criteria. Detailed information will then be provided about the study through email, and you will have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like. Only if you agree to participate in the study, you will further answer screening questions, and then participate in the main research program. You can stop taking part at any time.

There is no cost to sign up and participate in the study. ​

Participants will receive a $50 Coles/Myer voucher upon completion of the C-STAM study as a small token of our thanks. Most importantly, we hope to use information we get from this research study to benefit others who may be at risk for developing dementia or cognitive decline. Additionally, we can provide written feedback to your General Practitioner if you wish.

One of our researchers will be in contact with you to complete a brief eligibility screening over the phone. If you are eligible for the study, we will send you questionnaires to complete and book in your two in-person assessments according to your availability. The questionnaires include questions about you, your medical history, memory, social contacts, sleep and exercise, and your views on – and frequency of - computer use. The in-person assessment sessions are at the University of New South Wales in Kensington, although we can do home visits if needed.

The first in-person assessment session takes 1.5 to 2 hours, including breaks, and can be shortened based on your ability. The second session involves questions about recent changes in your health, collecting your waist and hip circumference measurements, a brief cognitive task, the C-STAM computer tool which measures instrumental activities of daily living, and another task looking at how you manage daily activities. There will also be a couple of surveys about your mood and feedback on the C-STAM. The second in-person assessment session is approximately 8 weeks after the first assessment session and takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, including breaks. It will involve the C-STAM again and questions about your mood and recent changes in your health.

The informant will be asked to complete a brief eligibility screening over the phone. If they are eligible, the informant will be asked to complete questionnaires about their demographics as well as about the participant’s health and ability to complete daily tasks. The informant should be someone who knows the participant well enough to comment on these areas.