Cortical Networks That Integrate Auditory Input And Speech Motor Output In Human Stutterers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
Stuttering is a chronic communication disorder that arises from problems in the brain processes that control speech. This research aims to use magnetoencephalography, a new and extremely fast method of brain imaging, to study the parts of the human brain that underlie speech production. By studying the brains of both child and adult stutterers the causes of stuttering will become more apparent. Ultimately, this research will lead to more effective treatments for stuttering.
Combined TMS-EEG For Early Diagnosis Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,767.00
Summary
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is key to more effective early intervention. Current biomarkers are expensive and are not suited for detecting the subtle changes in brain function that occur during the initial stages of the disease. Non-invasive brain stimulation is pain-free and inexpensive, and can directly probe brain function in conscious humans. This project will investigate whether these techniques might be used to identify markers of early brain dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease.
Investigating The ‘Silent Epidemic’ Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A TMS-EEG Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is common following an impact to the head. These injuries can affect brain function for many years after the initial incident, are associated with the development of serious conditions such as depression or Alzheimer’s disease, and increase the risk of suicide. This project will use cutting edge neurophysiological techniques to better understand how mTBI affects the brain, and to identify new strategies for restoring brain function following injury.
Selective Modulation Of Neural Network Activity Using Focal Brain Stimulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,496.00
Summary
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been touted as a viable treatment for a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, the extent to which localised TMS influences widespread brain networks remains unknown. To fill this gap, we will combine neuroimaging and TMS in healthy adults. The project will provide a scientific foundation for the use of brain stimulation as an effective tool for improving function in a range of clinical conditions.
Patients with schizophrenia differ widely in their symptoms, long-term outcome and response to medication. However, most patients are treated with the same medications and interventions. This study aims to better facilitate the targeting of novel treatments to groups of patients (biotypes) that are likely to benefit most from a treatment. Groups of patients that share distinct patterns of deficits in brain connectivity will be delineated using state-of-the-art white matter imaging techniques.
Psychiatric disorders are associated with considerable social and economic burden which could be reduced if we understood mental health outcomes in high risk populations. This fellowship will use advanced brain imaging to understand the development of mental health disorders in those at high risk of bipolar disorder and dementia.
Underlying Mechanims Of Thalamocortical Dysrhythmia In Chronic Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$393,817.00
Summary
Pain has a detrimental impact on ones quality of life and a significant financial impact on the community. It has recently been revealed that chronic pain is associated with altered electrical rhythms within the brain. Using human brain imaging, we aim to determine the underlying reason for this altered rhythm in humans with pain resulting from nervous system damage. Defining this mechanism will aid in the development of better treatment regimes.
Mental illness is the largest single cause of disability in Australia. While mental illness is increasingly recognised as a disorder of the brain, a patient’s diagnosis, treatment and prediction of course of outcome is seldom guided by the results of a biological test. My research aims to combine the power of modern brain imaging and cutting-edge bioinformatics to enable a biological approach to the problem of mental illness.