Adrienne Withall

Associate Professor Adrienne Withall is a mid-career researcher at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), serving as Co-Director of Research in the School of Psychology. She leads the Ageing at the Margins Lab, focusing on equity in cognitive assessment and brain health promotion for priority populations through digital innovation like serious games.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Older justice-involved individuals
• People with chronic alcohol and drug use

Her research bridges neuropsychology, dementia epidemiology, and health equity, particularly for marginalized groups. Recent work explores cognitive assessment tools in prison settings, frailty in Indigenous communities, and digital health interventions for aging populations.

She supervises PhD, Masters, and Honours students on topics spanning dementia, criminal justice, Aboriginal health, and cognitive screening. Current grants include NHMRC Ideas Grant funding for cognitive assessment tools in justice settings, NHMRC CRE for Aboriginal brain health, and MRFF grant analyzing mental health data from the COVID-19 era.

As an advocate for young-onset dementia, she co-chairs the Australian Young Onset Dementia Special Interest Group and contributes to policy via the NSW Minister's Advisory Council on Ageing. Her partnerships span the Black Dog Institute, Dementia Australia, and Corrective Services NSW, ensuring research translation into practice.