
Overview
Background
Dr Nancy A. Pachana is a clinical geropsychologist, neuropsychologist and Professor of Clinical Geropsychology in the School of Psychology at The University of Queensland. She is Program Lead of the Age Friendly University Initiative at UQ. She is also co-director of the UQ Ageing Mind Initiative, providing a focal point for clinical, translational ageing-related research at UQ. She has an international reputation in the area of geriatric mental health, particularly with her research on late-life anxiety disorders. She is co-developer of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, a published brief self-report inventory in wide clinical and research use globally, translated into over two dozen languages. She has published over 350 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and books on various topics in the field of ageing, and has been awarded more than $25 million in competitive research funding, primarily in the areas of dementia and mental health in later life. Her research is well-cited cited and she maintains a clear international focus in her collaborations and research interests, which include anxiety in later life, psychological interventions for those with Parkinson’s Disease, nursing home interventions, use of assistance animals in later life, older adults and environmental sustainability, strategies for healthy ageing and healthy retirement, driving safety and dementia, teaching and learning in psychogeriatrics and mental health policy and ageing.
Her edited book, Casebook of Clinical Geropsychology (Oxford University Press, 2010), has proven a popular text for clinical geropsychology training in North America. Her edited book, the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Geropsychology (Oxford University Press, 2014), brings together an international perspective on a wide range of current and emerging topics in the field. Her Encyclopedia of Geropsychology (Springer, 2016) contains nearly 350 entries by international experts. Her text Ageing, A Very Short Introduction (2016), part of the popular Oxford University Press VERY SHORT INTRODUCTION series; this work has recently been translated into Chinese and Vietnamese. Most recently, she has edited Anxiety in older people: Clinical and research perspectives (Cambridge University Press, 2021) with longstanding colleague Professor Gerard Byrne (UQ Psychiatry).
Nancy was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia in 2014. She is also a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society, and is the recipient of numerous prizes and awards, including an Australian Davos Connection Future Summit Leadership Award, for leadership on ageing issues in Australia. In 2020 she was named the recipient of the M. Powell Lawton Lifetime Acievement Award, from the American Psychological Association’s Society of Clinical Geropsychology, acknowledging considerable and sustained efforts, in scholarship, publishing, and service, to promote geropsychology in general and the well-being of persons living with dementia in particular.
She serves on the editorial boards of several journals, including Psychology and Aging (Q1). Originally from the United States, Nancy was awarded her AB from Princeton University in 1987, her PhD from Case Western Reserve University in 1992, and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA, Los Angeles, and the Palo Alto Veterans Medical Center, Palo Alto, California. She is an avid bird watcher and photographer and an intrepid traveller.
Availability
- Professor Nancy Pachana is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Fellow, Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia
- Fellow, Australian Psychological Society, Australian Psychological Society
- Board Member, Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
Research interests
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Current Research Interests
Ageing; assessment and cognitive-behavioral treatment of late-life anxiety; early detection of dementia; driving and dementia; retirement processes and planning; assessment and treatment of anxiety in Parkinson's Disease; psychosocial interventions in long-term care environments; therapeutic gardening and animal-assisted therapy, older adults and environmental sustainability, curriculum and teaching issues in psychology and interdisciplinary mental health training; attitudes to ageing; longitudinal research; healthy ageing; and mental health policy and ageing.
Research impacts
Research Impact: Professor Pachana co-developed the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI), a published brief self-report inventory in wide clinical and research use globally, translated into two dozen+ languages, available commercially at http://www.gai.net.au/ and in commercial use in the US Department of Veteran’s Affairs nationwide.
Translation into Policy and Practice: Pachana contributes regularly to government and non-government programs relating to ageing research and health care for older persons. She is a current member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Consortium on Metrics and Evidence for Healthy Ageing (2021-present) and past member of the WHO Consultation Group on the Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders in Older Adults (2012-17), which reported to the International Advisory Group for the Revision of ICD-10 Mental and Behavioural Disorders. She is a current member of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry Taskforce on Brain Health (2023-present).
From 2009-2011 she was the only international member of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Dementia Assessment Guidelines, which serve as the US national guidelines for assessment of dementia and related conditions for the next 10 years. In 2006 she led a team publishing guidelines for the provision of psychological services for older adults, adopted as part of the Australian Psychological Society national ethical codes of practice for psychologists in Australia. She has co-authored several major reports to government from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, most recently on ageing.
Works
Search Professor Nancy Pachana’s works on UQ eSpace
2002
Book Chapter
Designing therapeutic environments for residential care facilities
Pachana, N. A. (2002). Designing therapeutic environments for residential care facilities. Geriatric Residential Care. (pp. 209-226) edited by R. D. Hill, B. L. Thorn, J. Bowling and A. Morrison. USA: Lawrence Erlbaum.
2002
Conference Publication
Use of a test of everyday memory on a New Zealand population of mid-aged women
Pachana, N. A., Bristow, V., Stephens, C.V. and Hamilton, Y. (2002). Use of a test of everyday memory on a New Zealand population of mid-aged women. Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research, Queenstown, NZ, 24-26 August 2000. UK: Taylor & Francis.
2001
Journal Article
Use of the Facts on Aging Quiz in New Zealand: Validation of questions, performance of a student sample, and effects of a don't know option
Pennington, Helen R., Pachana, Nancy A. and Coyle, Sarah L. (2001). Use of the Facts on Aging Quiz in New Zealand: Validation of questions, performance of a student sample, and effects of a don't know option. Educational Gerontology, 27 (5), 409-416. doi: 10.1080/03601270152053438
2001
Conference Publication
The behavioural and psychological status of people with dementia on referral to geropsychiatry inpatient or outpatient settings: Preliminary data
Bullock, J. J., Pachana, N. A., Simons, B. and Bourke, J. (2001). The behavioural and psychological status of people with dementia on referral to geropsychiatry inpatient or outpatient settings: Preliminary data. Treatment, Care, and Outcomes in Psychogeriatrics, Lorne, Australia, 5 February, 2001. Northfield, IL: International Psychogeriatric Association.
2001
Conference Publication
Cognitive decline, hearing impairment and hearing handicap in a veteran sample
Alpass, F. M., Pachana, N. A., Long, N. and Blakey, J. (2001). Cognitive decline, hearing impairment and hearing handicap in a veteran sample. Partnerships in Dementia Care: Alzheimers Disease International 17th International Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand, 25-27 October 2001. London, England: Alzheimer's Disease International.
2001
Journal Article
Assessing competence
Pachana, N. A. (2001). Assessing competence. University of Queensland Family Centre Newsletter, 2
2001
Conference Publication
The assessment of medical fitness in older drivers
Ciesionik, A., Pachana, N. A. and Alpass, F. M. (2001). The assessment of medical fitness in older drivers. Partnerships in Dementia Care:Alzheimers Disease International 17th International Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand, 25-27 October 2001. London, England: Alzheimers Disease International.
2001
Conference Publication
Hormone replacement therapy and everyday memory in mid-aged New Zealand women: Pilot data
Pachana, N. A., Hamilton, Y. and Stephens, C. (2001). Hormone replacement therapy and everyday memory in mid-aged New Zealand women: Pilot data. 7th National Conference of the APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists, Sheraton Towers, Southgate, Vic, 4-6 October, 2001. Basingstoke, U.K.: Taylor and Francis.
2001
Conference Publication
Neuropsychological assessment of an eighty-nine year old man
Babbage, D. and Pachana, N. A. (2001). Neuropsychological assessment of an eighty-nine year old man. Eighteenth International Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research, Queenstown, New Zealand, 24-26 August, 2000. UK: Taylor & Francis. doi: 10.3109/00207450108986534
2001
Conference Publication
Knowledge and attitudes of hearing professionals towards older adults and their potential effects on treatment options
Seville, E., Alpass, F.M. and Pachana, N. A. (2001). Knowledge and attitudes of hearing professionals towards older adults and their potential effects on treatment options. Australasian Human Development Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 2 July 2001.
2001
Conference Publication
Prescribed psychotropic medications and dementia: Prospective case studies
Bullock, J. J., Pachana, N. A., Simons, B. and Alpass, F. M. (2001). Prescribed psychotropic medications and dementia: Prospective case studies. Partnerships in Dementia Care : Alzheimers Disease International 17th International Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand, 25-27 October 2001. London, England: Alzheimers Disease International.
2001
Journal Article
Salivary cortisol analysis: Practical and theoretical issues for assessing stressful situations
Pachana, N. A. (2001). Salivary cortisol analysis: Practical and theoretical issues for assessing stressful situations. Bulletin of The New Zealand Psychological Society, 99, 38-42.
2001
Conference Publication
Comparison of cognitive screening tasks in an elderly veteran population
Pachana, N. A., Alpass, F.M. and Blakey, J. (2001). Comparison of cognitive screening tasks in an elderly veteran population. 18th Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research, Queenstown, New Zealand, 24-26 August, 2000. London: Taylor & Francis Health Sciences, part of the Taylor & Francis Group. doi: 10.3109/00207450108986534
2001
Conference Publication
Color confusion on the Stroop in an older diabetic sample
Pachana, N. A., Simmons, A., Coon, D. and Thompson, L. (2001). Color confusion on the Stroop in an older diabetic sample. Treatment, Care, and Outcomes in Psychogeriatrics, Lorne, Australia, 4-7 February 2001. Northfield, IL: International Psychogeriatric Association.
2001
Conference Publication
Comparison of Palmore's Facts of Aging Quiz with and without a Dont't Know option
Pachana, N. A., Pennington, H.R., Coyle, S.L. and Gudgeon, S. (2001). Comparison of Palmore's Facts of Aging Quiz with and without a Dont't Know option. Australasian Human Development Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 2-3 July 2001.
2001
Journal Article
Correlates of hearing handicap in a veteran sample
Alpass, F.M., Long, N, Pachana, N. A. and Blakey, J. (2001). Correlates of hearing handicap in a veteran sample. Australian Journal of Rehabilitation Counselling Research, 7 (2), 38-42. doi: 10.1017/S1323892200000831
2001
Conference Publication
Increasing age and dementia: The effect on perception and reaction time in older drivers
Ciesionik, A., Pachana, N. A., Long, N., Jones, H. and Alpass, F. M. (2001). Increasing age and dementia: The effect on perception and reaction time in older drivers. Partnerships in Dementia Care : Alzheimers Disease International 17th International Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand, 25-27 October 2001. London, England: Alzheimer's Disease International.
2001
Conference Publication
Speed and accuracy of road sign perception in older adults with and without early Alzheimer's disease
Pachana, N. A. (2001). Speed and accuracy of road sign perception in older adults with and without early Alzheimer's disease. Hormone replacement therapy and everyday memory in mid-aged New Zealand women: Pilot data, Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, SA, 20-24 September 2001. Basingstoke, U.K.: Taylor and Francis.
2001
Journal Article
(Book review) Neuropsychotherapy and Community Integration: Brain Illness, Emotions, and Behavior. T. Judd. 1999. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers
Pachana, N. A. (2001). (Book review) Neuropsychotherapy and Community Integration: Brain Illness, Emotions, and Behavior. T. Judd. 1999. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 7 (6) S1355617701236157, 780-781. doi: 10.1017/s1355617701236157
2000
Journal Article
Performance of older head-injured adults on the California Older Adult Stroop Test - Abstract of a paper presented at the Twenty-Eighth Annual International Neuropsychological Society Conference, February 9-12, 2000, Denver, Colorado
Pachana, N. A., Leathem, J., Thompson, L., Marcopulos, B. and Yoash-Gantz, R. (2000). Performance of older head-injured adults on the California Older Adult Stroop Test - Abstract of a paper presented at the Twenty-Eighth Annual International Neuropsychological Society Conference, February 9-12, 2000, Denver, Colorado. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 6 (2), 184-184.
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Nancy Pachana is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Age Friendly University - measuring attitudes and environments
This project looks at the age-friendliness of universities for students, employees, external stakeholders and visitors of all ages, from a psychosocial and environmental perspective.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Two steps forward, one step back - the benefits and challenges of service dogs
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martie-Louise Verreynne, Professor Paul Harpur
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Doctor Philosophy
The not-so-perfect match: Investigating the motivational and decision-making factors behind return rates for dogs adopted from RSPCA Queensland shelters.
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
The not-so-perfect match: Investigating the motivational and decision-making factors behind return rates for dogs adopted from RSPCA Queensland shelters.
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Optimising workforce utilisation and models of care in residential aged care.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lisa Nissen
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Doctor Philosophy
The Australian home care study: prevalence, recognition and treatment of hearing, vision and dementia among vulnerable older Australians
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Piers Dawes
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Doctor Philosophy
Integrating community with family care: A comparative study of older Indonesian ageing in Indonesia and Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Shuang Liu
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Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Wisdom for Older Adults in an Australian COVID-19 Context
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Leander Mitchell
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Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Wisdom for Older Adults in an Australian COVID-19 Context
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Leander Mitchell
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Assistance Dog Ownership for Older Adults: Exploring the Benefits and Barriers to Acquisition, Potential Aged Care Policy Reforms, and Planning for the Future
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Harpur
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Twillight or dimlight? Attitudes towards residential aged care and implementation of an learning integrated intervention designed to shift attitudes.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Theresa Scott, Professor Nadeeka Dissanayaka
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
An Exploration of Wisdom in Mid- to Older-Aged Adults: An Australian Context
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Bernadette Watson
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
The meaning and potential of active ageing: A mixed-methods analysis in a sample of Australian and Portuguese older adults
Principal Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Conceptualizing Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Later Life
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gerard Byrne
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Examining the therapeutic effect of gardens and gardening activities for older adults residing in the community and in aged-care facilities
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Barbara Masser
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Depression, Anxiety, and Diabetes in Older Adults
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Christina Lee
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Health and lifestyle factors in predicting cognitive trajectory in ageing women
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gerard Byrne
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Systemic breast cancer treatment: exploration of potential psychosocial and endocrine-related mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction
Principal Advisor
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
The Impact of Psychological and Physiological Variables on Memory Functioning in Mid-life Women
Principal Advisor
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
AGEING AND EPILEPSY: PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS
Principal Advisor
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
A Life Lived in the Shadows: Social and Emotional Functioning in Older Autistic Adults and the Potential for Successful Ageing
Associate Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Human-dog interaction: improving the partnership and canine welfare
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Leander Mitchell
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Optimising hearing services for adults living with dementia and hearing impairment in residential aged care facilities.
Associate Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Chronic and treatment-resistant depression
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gerard Byrne
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2013
Master Philosophy
Human-animal interaction: Exploring the contribution of animals to families of male children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Associate Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
The Development and Evaluation of a Parenting Program for Grandparents: Grandparent Triple P
Associate Advisor
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Generalized anxiety disorder in older adults: Prevalence, associated factors, and treatment outcomes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gerard Byrne
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Determining the characteristics of effective veterinary-client communication using the client's perspective, the human-animal bond, and communication accommodation theory
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Bernadette Watson
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
An investigation into the emotional reactivity of Australian older adults: Are there age-related differences in the processing of affective stimuli?
Associate Advisor
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
Careers or Babies? What Young Australian Women Want
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Christina Lee
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Exploitation in Older Adults: Personal Competence Factors and Social Vulnerability
Associate Advisor
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Coping with miscarriage: Australian women's experiences
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Christina Lee
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Correlates of Episodic Memory Functioning in Older and Younger Adults
Associate Advisor
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Biopsychosocial Correlates of Women's Mental Health: A Longitudinal Analysis of Self-Reported Mental Health Across Three Generations of Australian women
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Annette Dobson
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
DEVELOPING TASKS OF RELATIONAL REASONING TO ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF COGNITIVE AGEING
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Nancy Pachana directly for media enquiries about:
- Ageing - brain/changes in cognition
- Ageing - pet therapy
- Ageing - psychology
- Ageing - therapeutic gardening
- Ageing and driving
- Dementia - treatment
- Dementia and driving
- Depression - older people
- Driving - older people
- Gardening - as therapy for ageing
- Geriatrics - psychology
- Memory and ageing
- nursing homes
- Pet therapy - older people
- Psychology and ageing
- retirement
- Sustainability and older adults
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