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.
Investigating Biometal Dyshomeostasis In Dementia With Lewy Bodies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$554,644.00
Summary
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease (AD). Very little is known about what causes DLB and there are currently no effective therapeutics. An imbalance in naturally occurring biological metals such as iron and copper have been implicated in AD and Parkinson’s disease so this project will investigate if metals are involved in DLB. The ultimate goal of this project is to identify if metals are a valid target for future drug development.
We need to think laterally to find effective treatments for people with dementia. Using relevant animal models and cutting-edge technology, my research investigates gene-environment interactions. In particular, my group is studying the pathophysiology of Huntington’s disease, a devastating progressive disorder with no current cure. By integrating my unique wide-ranging expertise and my extensive network of collaborators, I aim to explore mechanisms and to discover novel therapeutic strategies.
Investigating The Synergistic Role Of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) And Estradiol On Parvalbumin-mediated Cognitive Function: Relevance To Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,644.00
Summary
Estrogen-based therapy may improve cognitive functioning in dementia patients. However, more detailed knowledge is required to ensure safe and effective targeted treatment is provided. I propose to examine, in mouse models, the mechanistic functioning of estrogen signalling in key brain regions involved in cognition. Unravelling the way estrogen impart its beneficial effect can lead to the development of effective treatments for dementia and many other devastating neurological diseases.
BRIDGET: BRain Imaging, Cognition, Dementia And Next Generation GEnomics: A Transdisciplinary Approach To Search For Risk And Protective Factors Of Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,081,489.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) begins many years before diagnosis and yet its aetiology is still poorly understood. The BRIDGET consortium aims to identify genetic variants that are associated with structural brain ageing, cognitive performance, and dementia risk in richly phenotyped international and Australian population-based samples. This work aims to provide crucial information on the molecular pathways leading to AD, potentially leading to improved health outcomes for our ageing population.
Biomarkers To Aid Clinical Trials For Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$13,179,875.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease continue to affect more Australians every year, due to an ageing population and the lack of effective drugs currently available. Whilst these diseases present with different symptoms, we’ve discovered that they share a common underlying feature; the inability to clear certain metals and proteins from the brain. Our program aims to explore these clearance pathways in the brain and identify new targets to help us better diagnose and treat these diseases.
Genetic And Environmental Determinants Of Brain Networks In Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Is brain ageing genetically or environmentally determined, or an interaction of both? We will explore the influence of genes and the environment on brain connectivity during ageing by studying how the brain network relates to cognitive functions.
Sleep, Plasticity And Neurodegeneration: Targeting Sleep To Improve Cognition In Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$525,116.00
Summary
Older individuals with mild cognitive impairment commonly experience disturbed sleep and about 50% will convert to dementia. It is unclear whether sleep disturbance mediates cognitive decline and progression to dementia. Optimising sleep presents a novel strategy to slow disease progression. This new research program explores links between sleep and dementia to identify new biomarkers of disease progression and new targeted therapeutic approaches to improve quality of life for older Australians.
Predicting Perioperative Cognitive Disorders In The Elderly Based On Cardiovascular Risk, AD Risk And New Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,826.00
Summary
Anaesthesia and surgery are common in the elderly and are known to lead to memory and thinking problems. Why this happens is unclear. I plan to study confusion, memory and thinking problems before and after surgery and to determine if blood or cerebrospinal fluid tests or modifying cardiovascular disease can predict this happening. This work will lead to early identification of people who are at risk of cognitive problems following anaesthesia and surgery, and ways to prevent this happening.
The Role Of Intense Physical Activity In Protecting The Ageing Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,079.00
Summary
Previous research supports the notion that physical activity plays a role in maintaining brain health and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, the type of activity (i.e. intensity of physical activity) that is of greatest benefit to the brain is yet to be established. This project aims to identify the most beneficial exercise intensity, in terms of brain health, measured utilising brain imaging technology.