Nadeeka Dissanayaka

Research: Professor Dissanayaka's research is delivering measurable improvements in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cognitive and emotional health conditions in older adults. Through nationally funded research programs, she is addressing critical gaps in the early detection of dementia in Parkinson's disease and expanding access to evidence-based psychological therapies through innovative digital and technology-assisted approaches.

Her research has led to the development of novel clinical tools, including the Parkinson's Disease-Specific Anxiety Inventory (PDSAI), which supports the identification and management of anxiety in Parkinson's disease. She has also developed and evaluated new psychotherapeutic interventions and technology-enabled models of care that improve mental wellbeing, independence, and quality of life for people living with dementia and Parkinson's disease.

By working closely with consumers, health services, aged care providers, and industry partners, Professor Dissanayaka ensures that research findings are translated into practical solutions that strengthen clinical practice, enhance aged care services, and support better outcomes for patients and families. Her programs have secured substantial competitive funding (including NHMRC and MRFF grants) and continue to drive innovation in digital health, virtual reality, telehealth, and mental health care for ageing populations. Her contributions have been recognised through numerous prestigious awards for research excellence, leadership, and research training.

Training: Professor Dissanayaka has made a significant contribution to research capacity building through the supervision and mentorship of students, trainees, and early and mid- career researchers across psychology, medicine, public health, pharmacy, and biomedical sciences. Through her commitment to interdisciplinary training and research excellence, she is helping to develop the next generation of clinician-scientists, healthcare professionals, and research leaders.

Community: As a strong advocate for research translation, Professor Dissanayaka's work has influenced the development of new diagnostic pathways, psychotherapeutic interventions, and technology-enabled models of care that support patients, families, clinicians, and aged care providers. Her research informs clinical practice, health service innovation, and policy development, contributing to better mental health, cognitive health, and quality of life for older people. Through strategic partnerships and research translation initiatives, Professor Dissanayaka is advancing evidence-based innovations that influence clinical practice, healthcare policy, and service delivery, generating meaningful benefits for ageing populations, healthcare systems, and communities worldwide.