Improving Human FMRI Through Modeling And Imaging Microvascular Dynamics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,144.00
Summary
In this project we aim to establish a reliable vascular baseline to improve mapping of both small-scale functional architecture and large-scale brain networks in functional human brain mapping using MRI. By mapping the grey matter vasculature with high detail in both humans and animals, and by computing and matching of these atlases across species we will be able to validate this approach in vivo to confirm the better spatial specificity of the newly developed approach.
What Is The Effect Of Alzheimer’s Disease On Eye And Can Ocular Changes Be Used As Biomarker For Alzheimer’s Disease?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,002.00
Summary
Visual symptoms are frequent early complaints in Alzheimer’s (AD) patients. Examining eyes can be a simple, specific and inexpensive way to assess and diagnose AD and fill in an urgent need for a viable biomarker. Retina is unique part of central nervous system that can be imaged non-invasively and thus serves as a ‘window to the brain”. Monitoring the eyes will also help prevent negative effects of AD on vision by way of timely intervention, in addition to providing mechanistic insights in AD.
Vascular Cognitive Risk Score: Quantifying The Vascular Burden In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,180.00
Summary
What causes dementia in a patient presenting to a clinic is often uncertain. While there are exciting potential treatments in the pipeline, we need to understand the cause of the disease in a specific patient to make correct treatment decisions. Stroke and other vascular diseases of the brain cause a significant proportion of dementia in the community. Using MRI scanning technology, this project will quantify this burden in a given patient by developing a ‘vascular cognitive risk' (VCR) score.
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.
What Can Tau Deposition Tell Us About The Appearance Of Subjective And Objective Cognitive Decline In Older Adults?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,077.00
Summary
Subjective memory concerns are common in older adults, but it is uncertain how they relate to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers. Novel neuroimaging techniques have been developed for measuring tau deposition, a hallmark feature of AD. Using this technique, I aim to determine whether tau is sensitive to certain types of subjective concerns. My findings will reveal which concerns are indicative of AD risk, and which arise from unrelated factors, such as inattention or stress.
In Vivo Assessment Of The Role Of Aggregated Tau In Preclinical And Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,269.00
Summary
Subtle changes in the brain precede an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis by 20-30 years. These changes provide an incredible opportunity to diagnose and treat AD; however, our understanding of them, remains limited. We aim to use new imaging technologies to investigate these subtle changes in the preclinical AD brain. This will give us a greater understanding of how these early changes effect AD progression and whether we can use this information to improve the diagnosis and treatment of AD.
Neuroimaging Insights Into Sleep-wake Dysfunction In Older Adults 'at Risk' Of Developing Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$548,235.00
Summary
This program of research aims to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying the relationship between sleep dysfunction and dementia. I aim to apply my magnetic resonance imaging expertise and experience working with individuals ‘at risk’ of dementia and further develop my emerging skills in sleep research, to improve our understanding of this fundamental relationship and investigate the effect of targeted interventions and longitudinal clinical outcomes in ‘at risk’ older adults.
OzENTER-TBI_Australia-Europe NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research In TBI Collaboration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,823.00
Summary
The OzENTER-TBI project will advance the care of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Researchers will collaborate with the European CENTER-TBI project to characterise and classify TBI. They will contribute to large data sets which will explore the differences between sites and countries on TBI outcomes. They will also investigate emerging technologies in TBI. It will have a profound impact on treatment, health care costs and ultimately quality of life for TBI patients worldwide.