Researcher biography

Dr. Theresa Scott, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Geropsychology and former NHMRC Dementia Research Development Fellow, specialises in researching functional outcomes for older people and people living, or caring for a person, with dementia in various settings. Her NHMRC fellowship focused on dementia-related driving issues, leading to the co-development of CarFreeMe, a driving cessation program delivering support to people with dementia, adapted for telehealth delivery through additional NHMRC funding.

Dr. Scott's recent NHMRC MRFF-funded project collaborates with stakeholders to create resources for driving safety assessment with persons with dementia in primary care settings, including an innovative video-based test. Her research spans qualitative and quantitative methods and emphasises participatory research, co-design, and the integration of lived experiences. Her work addresses ageism, dementia stigma, psychosocial interventions, and the mental health benefits of horticulture, significantly impacting dementia care and caregiver support.

Research interests:

  • Ageing
  • Aged care
  • Co-design
  • Dementia and quality of life
  • Driving cessation and driving safety assessment

Research Projects:

  • Video-based Medical Fitness to Drive assessment (MRFF) http://researchers.uq.edu.au/research-project/55955
  • Driving cessation intervention for persons with dementia (NHMRC) http://researchers.uq.edu.au/research-project/32115
  • Engaging the over 50s to ensure the sustainability of our blood supply (ARC) http://researchers.uq.edu.au/research-project/61705