A Multi-national Trial To Predict Treatment Response In Subtypes Of Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Treatment of MDD using trial and error can have serious consequences. It can prolong the patient’s suffering (depression is associated with substantial morbidity, and mortality), prolong their absence from work and other productive activity and increase the burden on their family-carers. This multi-national study will collect genetics, brain function and behavioural data from a large number of participants, allowing for sensitive predictors of response to be determined.
Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound: Safety, Knowledge And Practice Of Prolonged Or Repeated Exposure To Acoustic Waves
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$255,055.00
Summary
Ultrasound is routinely used for diagnosis of brain lesions amongst newborns. Animal studies have shown that ultrasound can sometimes be harmful to the brain. We currently have very little information on the characteristics of neonatal cranial scans. This project will investigate current knowledge of safety and training via a nationwide survey, analyse the elements of 'typical' scans and measure brain surface heating after ultrasound amongst neonates.
This study investigates how much an individual's genes and environment account for the wide variation in brain structure and function. Using brain imaging we examine in what way the connectivity of the brain of identical and non-identical twins is the same or different from that of their co-twin, and carry out analysis of their DNA to identify some of the genes involved. This will provide fundamental information on genetic mechanisms influencing variation in brain structure and function.
Psychiatric research to date has predominantly focused on understanding mental illness and ways to treat it. This research program instead aims to understand the characteristics of those people who are 'resilient' and able to bounce back from trauma and adversity and thrive. For the first time, it will establish the biological brain markers that define resilience, and the impact of genetics and environment in these pathways. This study will also validate personalised solutions to e-health cognit ....Psychiatric research to date has predominantly focused on understanding mental illness and ways to treat it. This research program instead aims to understand the characteristics of those people who are 'resilient' and able to bounce back from trauma and adversity and thrive. For the first time, it will establish the biological brain markers that define resilience, and the impact of genetics and environment in these pathways. This study will also validate personalised solutions to e-health cognitive training tools that aim to boost resilience.Read moreRead less
Cognition In Cerebellar Degeneration: Correlations With Lateral Neocerebellar Dysfunction And Atrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$205,500.00
Summary
Diseases of the main brain coordination centre (the cerebellum) were once thought to impair only movement skills. However, effects on thinking, and especially on mental flexibility and rational planning, are increasingly being reported. These cognitive difficulties may hinder rehabilitation. They also often cause tension within the sufferers' families if other family members are not aware that such difficulties are part of the disease and beyond the sufferers' control. We will test how common su ....Diseases of the main brain coordination centre (the cerebellum) were once thought to impair only movement skills. However, effects on thinking, and especially on mental flexibility and rational planning, are increasingly being reported. These cognitive difficulties may hinder rehabilitation. They also often cause tension within the sufferers' families if other family members are not aware that such difficulties are part of the disease and beyond the sufferers' control. We will test how common such thinking difficulties are in patients with different inherited forms of incoordination, and determine what aspects of thinking are particularly affected. We will see whether the severity of movement incoordination predicts the extent of thinking disruption, as different but neighbouring parts of the cerebellum seem to be involved in each. We will also use magnetic brain scans (MRI's) to check that the thinking problems are not caused by shrinkage of other parts of the brain in these diseases.Read moreRead less
Cognitive Decline In Type 2 Diabetes: Investigating The Contribution Of Neurodegeneration And Cerebrovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$608,520.00
Summary
Dementia occurs more commonly than expected in diabetes but the reasons are unknown. There could be a build up of deposits of the toxic protein in the brain that causes Alzheimer's disease. A new technique, using Positron Emmission Tomography (PET scans), will be used to answer this question in combination with MRI scans and serial cognitive testing in patients considered to be at-risk for dementia. The study will help direct research efforts aimed at dementia prevention and treatment.
Cognition In First Episode Psychosis: Mapping Relationships Between Task Performance, Brain Changes And Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$79,734.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is a devastating illness. Medication can successfully treat the 'positive' symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. However, cognitive impairments have been identified as a greater burden. This project aims to better understand the brain basis of these cognitive impairments, by looking at the relationships between participants’ responses to cognitive tests, their brain activity during the testing, and their symptoms and general functioning over time.
Novel Approaches To Improve Cognitive Recovery Following Stroke And Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,724.00
Summary
Stroke and traumatic brain injury costs the Australian economy over $13 billion, annually. Both disorders result in impaired cognition that impedes individuals’ return to the community. Current rehabilitation strategies, however, fail to adequately rehabilitate cognitive deficits following these disorders. My fellowship will develop new strategies to improve rehabilitation of cognitive functions by using cutting-edge neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques.
Mapping And Restoring Brain Networks Underpinning Psychiatric Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
My research investigates how networks of brain regions dynamically communicate to support human behavior. I am interested in how brain network activity deviates from the norm to give rise to psychiatric symptoms. Results from my work will facilitate targeted research and interventions aimed at treating symptoms of psychiatric disorders.