An Investigation Of The Role Of The Pre-frontal Cortex In Cognitive Ageing And Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$291,629.00
Summary
This project will investigate the role of the pre-frontal cortex in cognitive ageing and dementia. New neuroimaging techniques will be used to precisely measure this cerebral structure in a large ageing cohort The new brain measures will be used to identify risk and protective factors of cognitive ageing and dementia. This project is highly significant because it will contribute to the identification of at risk individuals and guide future intervention and clinical studies.
Effects Of Parvalbumin Up-regulation On Ca2+ Handling And Contractile Properties In Skeletal Muscle From Aged Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,321.00
Summary
Ageing is accompanied by a loss of muscle function that may be due to an ageing-related impairment of calcium regulation. This project aims to improve calcium regulation in muscles of aged animals by enhancing the calcium buffering capacity via gene transfer. Whether this improves muscle function and muscle regeneration following injury in the aged will be assessed. Information from this project could lead to development of novel strategies to combat the loss of muscle function with ageing.
Are Dietary Carbohydrates The Key To A Long, Healthy Life? Determining The Impact Of Dietary Carbohydrate Composition On Lifespan And Late-life Health.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The disease burden associated with old age constitutes a major health challenge and the impact of nutrition on ageing is well established. It has recently been shown that a diet high in carbohydrates and low in proteins leads to increased lifespan and improved metabolic health. The aim of this project is to determine if these advantages are dependent on the type of carbohydrates consumed. This study will reveal the composition of diets that lead to longer and healthier life.
Is Reducing Protein Intake The Key To Health And Longevity?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Diet has profound impacts on health and ageing. The reduction of total calorie intake (caloric restriction, CR) by 30-50% improves health and delays the onset of ageing and age-associated diseases. However, CR is unsustainable for the vast majority of humans. Recent studies have shown that manipulating dietary protein content can deliver similar health and longevity benefits as CR, without a reduction in total calories. The role of dietary protein in health and longevity will be investigated.
Brain Ageing – Understanding The Relationships Between Brain Structure, Gait, Cognition And Falls
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$184,768.00
Summary
This fellowship will support novel population-based research directed at understanding how the ageing brain is associated with cognition and the control of gait in older people, and whether early gait changes are able to predict serious adverse outcomes such as future dementia and falls. A better understanding of the relationship between the brain, cognition and mobility is crucial in the step towards successful ageing of older Australians.