Blood Proteins For Early Discrimination Of DEmentias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$498,412.00
Summary
bPRIDE aims to develop blood biomarkers for early and specific diagnosis of the main dementia types: Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies, and use these to develop diagnostic tests.
Progressive Aphasia And Amyloid Deposition: A Multidisciplinary Approach To Improving Dementia Diagnosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$528,245.00
Summary
We aim to understand the role of amyloid deposition in the genesis of symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. Patients presenting with progressive deterioration of language (aphasia) some of whom are known to have Alzheimer's disease will be studied using brain imaging techniques, including a PET method (PiB) that labels amyloid in vivo, and to compare imaging changes with a range of language assessments. This will improve the early diagnosis and management of patients with progressive aphasia.
Causes, Consequences And Costs Of Injury-related Hospitalisations For People With Dementia: Identifying Opportunities For Prevention And Enhanced Management
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
People with dementia have higher hospitalisation rates and poorer health outcomes than those of similar age without dementia. Injury is the most common cause of hospitalisation for people with dementia, however little is known about the hospitalisation experience for people with dementia who have an injury. This research will explore the influence of dementia on hospital admissions, clinical care, health outcomes and economic costs of older people with an injury to inform policy and practice.
Vascular Mechanisms Of Neurodegeneration: Drivers And Determinants Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,421,722.00
Summary
The evidence is compelling: vascular burden is the greatest determinant of late life cognition. The volume of evidence linking vascular risk and dementia is conclusive. All late-onset dementia syndromes, especially Alzheimer’s disease, are driven or exacerbated by vascular brain burden. We aim to examine how vascular burden causes dementia. Understanding the mechanisms means that we can prevent and treat the global epidemic of dementia.
Optimising The Management Of Comorbidities In Dementia: Reducing Disparaties And Improving Clinical Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,894.00
Summary
Many individuals with dementia also have other chronic medical conditions. This research will help us better understand the comorbidities experienced by people with dementia and the impact these have on clinical outcomes This can lead to the development of consumer-centred management strategies. By ensuring the appropriate, equitable and timely treatment of comorbidities in people with dementia, there is potential to optimise the quality of life and health of people with dementia.
Non-Alzheimer Dementia: Pathogenesis And Clinicopathological Correlations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,036.00
Summary
Dementia affects as many as 20% of people in their eighties. Although much of this is caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD), other types of dementia are also important. In this study we will look at two types of non-Alzheimer dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and small vessel cerebrovascular disease (SVD). The clinical symptoms of SVD closely resemble AD. Conversely, FTD results in degeneration of those parts of the brain which are responsible for personality, behaviour and language. We will ....Dementia affects as many as 20% of people in their eighties. Although much of this is caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD), other types of dementia are also important. In this study we will look at two types of non-Alzheimer dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and small vessel cerebrovascular disease (SVD). The clinical symptoms of SVD closely resemble AD. Conversely, FTD results in degeneration of those parts of the brain which are responsible for personality, behaviour and language. We will look at the brains of patients who have died with these diseases and determine the types of neurons which are damaged and their distribution in the brain. We will also investigate whether an individual's genetic make-up influences the development of SVD. In addition, in collaboration with neuropathologists across Australia, we will develop and standardise criteria for the pathological diagnosis of these diseases. Overall, this study will better characterise the pathology of two commonly encountered non-AD dementias and provide valuable insights into their causes.Read moreRead less
At the moment, people with dementia are not offered rehabilitation, even though this may help them communicate, function and live better. I will test and advocate for rehabilitation interventions immediately post-diagnosis and as part of home and residential care. As a leader in dementia research at the University of Sydney I will grow my research team and lead new cross-disciplinary collaborations. I will also continue to influence policy and services.
Speech Impairment In Frontotemporal Dementia And Primary Progressive Aphasia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$50,888.00
Summary
This research project aims to inform our understanding of the characteristics and trajectory of speech difficulties in frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia, two forms of younger onset dementia. Understanding the changes to speech that occur will assist with the early diagnosis of these disorders and improve measurement of disease progression. Findings will positively influence patient care through the identification of treatment targets and improved knowledge of prognosis.
Younger-onset Dementia: Improving Patient And Care Outcomes Through Advancements In Diagnosis And The Identificaiton Of Genetic And Environmental Factors Which Influence Outcomes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,261.00
Summary
This project aims to fully characterise symptoms of YOD and correlate these with existing and novel investigations. Carers' needs,including their psychiatric symptoms and burden will also be studied. Guidelines can be developed to assist primary care and other services to improve their ability to recognise early symptoms so they can refer patients for appropriate assessment in a timely manner, thus reducing diagnostic delay and ultimately benefiting patients and carers
Which Mental Activities And When For Dementia Prevention? The Four Nations Longitudinal Collaboration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$183,218.00
Summary
We will examine the link between lifetime participation in complex mental activities and long term dementia risk in a level of detail not previously possible. Four major studies of brain health from around the world will join forces for the first time to determine which mental activities are most closely linked to protection from dementia, and when during the lifespan these are most important. Mental activity will be assessed using our recently published Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire.