Comprehensive Clinical Tests Of Vestibular Function To Track Vestibular Compensation And Meniere’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,625.00
Summary
This Project will apply new, fast, safe, comprehensive, balance tests we have developed to measure the function of the balance receptors of the inner ear. We will track changes in balance function during disease and recovery in the many, and increasing, number of Australian patients with balance disorders. These tests will give us insight into changes in the inner ear associated with severe attacks of vertigo and why some patients recover so poorly after damage to inner ear balance receptors.
The Vestibulo-collic Reflex In Humans And Its Use In Diagnosis Of Vertigo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$278,691.00
Summary
This project will investigate the vestibulo-collic reflex (VCR): a head-stabilising reflex of the neck muscles. The VCR plays an important role in human balance, but is not well-understood. A form of the reflex is used to test vestibular (balance) function in patients with dizziness and vertigo, however the accuracy and interpretation of the test as it is currently used is not optimal. This project aims to improve the accuracy of the VCR in the diagnosis of balance disorders.
Studies On The Effects Of Endogenous And Exogenous Opioids In Modulating Exercise-induced Dyspnoea In People With Moderate / Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Two Double-blind Randomised, Placebo Controlled Trials.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$197,086.00
Summary
There is evidence that morphine-like chemicals made by the body itself help reduce breathlessness. It is not clear whether this response is because of the effects of these morphine-like chemicals on the brain, in the lung or both. This study will help understand where these chemicals act to reduce breathlessness in people with emphysema during exercise. Subsequently, it will also help to understand whether small, regular doses of morphine safely further reduce breathlessness during exercise.
An Olfactory 'stress Test' For The Early Detection Of Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,450.00
Summary
Early detection of Alzheimer's disease will be especially important when treatments become available that can slow or halt the progress of the disease. The sense of smell (olfaction) is affected early in the evolution of Alzheimer's disease. We have introduced a simple, inexpensive modification to standard testing of olfaction that we believe may help identify individuals with very early stage Alzheimer's disease. Our study is designed to assess this promising new approach.
NOVEL NON-INVASIVE METHODS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF PULMONARY VASCULAR DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,463.00
Summary
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, progressive disorder. Current non-invasive diagnostic modalities are insensitive for detecting early disease, thus preventing early intervention with therapy. We aim to develop novel and reproducible ways to assess the pulmonary circulation, which will ultimately allow for the early diagnosis of PAH and in turn facilitate early initiation of treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Evaluation Of Blood-based Screening Tests For Colorectal Neoplasia; From Biomarker Candidates To Accurate And Acceptable Tests
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$767,382.00
Summary
Current bowel cancer screening tests require people to collect a stool sample. While able to be done at home, this creates certain inconveniences and has other barriers to its use including being distasteful to some. Also, even though stool tests are useful they are not as accurate as we would like. We have discovered a molecule in the blood of patients with bowel cancer that could, if configured as a screening test, serve to be of even greater accuracy and also be more acceptable to people.
Identifying Undiagnosed HIV Infection Among Australian Gay Men: Delivering HIV Testing Through A National, Community-based Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$781,432.00
Summary
Gay men remain the group primarily affected by HIV in Australia. People with undiagnosed HIV infection contribute disproportionately to HIV transmission in Australia. This study will deliver HIV testing to gay men in community settings, provide test results to consenting participants and estimate the prevalence of HIV and undiagnosed HIV infection. It will contribute significantly to reducing the number of undiagnosed HIV infections in Australia by providing strategic knowledge to guide HIV prev ....Gay men remain the group primarily affected by HIV in Australia. People with undiagnosed HIV infection contribute disproportionately to HIV transmission in Australia. This study will deliver HIV testing to gay men in community settings, provide test results to consenting participants and estimate the prevalence of HIV and undiagnosed HIV infection. It will contribute significantly to reducing the number of undiagnosed HIV infections in Australia by providing strategic knowledge to guide HIV prevention programs.Read moreRead less
A Nanosecond Laser Based Surgical Treatment To Prevent Progression To Vision Loss In Early Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$813,481.00
Summary
We aim to conduct a trial of a new nano-laser based treatment for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) which, if successful in slowing progression of AMD, will lead to a dramatic reduction in vision loss in our community. AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people 50 years and older in Australia. The successful outcome will postpone vision loss, benefiting many thousands of Australians, and result in substantial healthcare savings.
The aim of my project grant is to develop a portable electrodiagnostic test to classify balance disorders by compiling a statistically validated database of eye movement patterns associated with specific balance disorders. What is unique about this electrodiagnostic balance disorder test, which distinguishes it from but also complement conventional balance function tests, is its ability not only to show an impairment of balance function, but it can differentiate between balance disorders.
Taking A Break For Brain Health: Interacting Effects Of Exercise Bouts With Breaks In Sitting Time On Cognitive And Cerebrovascular Function In Overweight Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$775,055.00
Summary
Whether people do or do not exercise or not, there are serious health consequences – including adult-onset diabetes and heart disease – arising from the 7 to 10 hours of sitting that most Australian adults do each day. Exercise helps to delay Alzheimer's disease and other declines in brain function with ageing. This study will test whether, among overweight adults, combining exercise with breaking up prolonged sitting time can improve markers of brain health and mental functioning.