Brain Busters Project
- SJOG Research Foundation & SJOG Community Services, Dublin South East,
- Pillar: Better Futures
The Brain Busters Project is an innovative research initiative funded by the St John of God Research Foundation that aims to improve the future health and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome who are at a significantly increased risk of developing dementia as they age. Led by Dr Sharon Hardiman in partnership with Dr Flavia H. Santos of University College Dublin, the project is exploring how proactive interventions can help people maintain cognitive health, independence and quality of life for longer.
The research focused on evidence-based healthy ageing interventions, including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), designed to strengthen memory, communication and everyday living skills. Participants who took part in the adapted programme showed improvements in memory, adaptive behaviour, communication and daily living skills, demonstrating the potential of early intervention to support healthier ageing and reduce the impact of cognitive decline.
Beyond the research findings, the project is helping to shape a future where people with intellectual disabilities can access interventions specifically designed around their needs. By generating new evidence in an area that has been historically under-researched, Brain Busters is helping to inform clinical practice, influence future services and build a stronger understanding of how dementia risk can be addressed proactively rather than reactively.
The project’s success has already attracted national recognition and inspired further research. Building on the initial study, researchers are now exploring additional interventions, including resistance training programmes for adults with Down syndrome. This ongoing work is creating a foundation for future innovations that can improve health outcomes and support people with intellectual disabilities to lead longer, healthier and more independent lives.
“These are exciting results that SJOG Community Services, UCD and SJOG Research hope will inspire national initiatives in the future.” Dr Sharon Hardiman, Senior Clinical Psychologist”
The Brain Busters Project demonstrates the power of research to create lasting change. By investing in new knowledge today, the Research Foundation is helping to build a future where people with intellectual disabilities benefit from better prevention, earlier intervention and more opportunities to maintain their independence and wellbeing throughout their lives. The research also won a number of independent awards, including:
Best Overall Presentation – Dementia Research Network Ireland National Conference Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8; October 2023.
Best Presentation in Theme: Dementia Prevention and Reduction – Dementia Research Network Ireland National Conference. Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8; October 2023.