Dopamine-2 Receptor Antibody In Movement And Psychiatric Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,783.00
Summary
Autoimmune movement and psychiatric disorders are a common cause of neurological disability young adults and adolescents. We have identified a subgroup of patients whose disease is associated with an autoimmune reaction. Our study will identify the earliest immune responses against the brain in children with autoimmune movement and psychiatric disorders. Identifying these early immune responses will allow early and directed treatments to prevent disability and death in the future.
The Australian Parkinson's Project - Uncovering Genetic Risk Factors For Sporadic PD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$768,546.00
Summary
Parkinson s disease (PD) is a progressively disabling movement disorder afflicting many elderly Australians. It is caused by the degeneration of specific nerve cells in the brain that produce certain chemicals and patients suffer from an inability to move fluently (or ultimately at all). At present we do not know what triggers this neurodegeneration, but it is believed that complex interactions between inherited (genetic) and environmental factors contribute significantly to the phenomenon. This ....Parkinson s disease (PD) is a progressively disabling movement disorder afflicting many elderly Australians. It is caused by the degeneration of specific nerve cells in the brain that produce certain chemicals and patients suffer from an inability to move fluently (or ultimately at all). At present we do not know what triggers this neurodegeneration, but it is believed that complex interactions between inherited (genetic) and environmental factors contribute significantly to the phenomenon. This project aims to learn more about these complex interactions and their association with PD. People with PD and unaffected individuals will be recruited from throughout Australia and we will look for specific combinations of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that either increase or decrease an individual's risk for PD. This research will identify the most common dominant genetic and environmental influences for PD in Australia, enabling scientists to focus on the most relevant biological pathways to target therapeutically.Read moreRead less
Tackling The Complex Pathogenesis Of Non-Alzheimer Dementias And Motor Neurodegenerative Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$948,684.00
Summary
I research dementia and motor syndromes as there are no mechanistic treatments for these disorders, and for many there are no treatments at all. Without being able to identify the same diseases and differentiate them from other diseases, no treatments will be successful. To develop more reliably detection methods for these diseases, I perform longitudinally studies where the participants agree to donate serial biological samples and their brain tissue at death.
Motor Functioning In Autism And Asperger's Disorder: Furthering Current Neurobehavioural And Clinical Definitions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,932.00
Summary
While it is well known that autism and Asperger's disorder are associated with social, communicative, and behavioural symptoms, it is less well known that affected individuals also have considerable movement and coordination difficulties. For example, these children often have problems with hand writing, walking, hopping, skipping, catching, and running. These skills are very important for success at school; for example, if children are unable to participate in school sports they often feel isol ....While it is well known that autism and Asperger's disorder are associated with social, communicative, and behavioural symptoms, it is less well known that affected individuals also have considerable movement and coordination difficulties. For example, these children often have problems with hand writing, walking, hopping, skipping, catching, and running. These skills are very important for success at school; for example, if children are unable to participate in school sports they often feel isolated and rejected from the peer group. Also, hand writing problems have a significant impact on children's academic performance. Our previous research has suggested that there may be particular patterns of motor problems that characterise individuals with autism and Asperger's disorder. Our proposed research aims to use the kinds of 3D motion analysis technology used in the movie industry to capture exactly how people affected by these conditions move and respond to the environment. This study will enable us to highlight particular parts of the brain-motor circuitry that are affected by these disorders and will also enable us to more clearly distinguish how autism is different from Asperger's disorder. Ultimately, it is hoped that our motor investigations will lead to improved assessment and interventions for these disorders.Read moreRead less
Advances In The Understanding Of Autoimmune Encephalitides And Associated Movement Disorders In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$68,832.00
Summary
Encephalitis in childhood can be devastating with long lasting effects and mortality. This research focuses on children who suffer from encephalitis due to an autoimmune process. In such cases many children present with involuntary abnormal body movements. This project will explore whether differences in the nature of these movements or in electroencephalography or brain imaging with MRI, can help early differentiation of different types of autoimmune encephalitis.
Development Of Novel Biomarkers For Closed Loop Deep Brain Stimulation In The Management Of Parkinson’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is established therapy in advanced Parkinson’s disease, when medications are less efficient. We aim to identify biomarkers that correlate with symptom state, allowing tailoring of DBS to individual patient’s needs. This will potentially improve symptom control, device efficiency and quality of life, increasing the pool of patients suitable for DBS. Novel DBS systems will build technical expertise and expand Australia’s role in the medical device industry.
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are characterised by pain and limited jaw movement and are a significant issue. Current management is influenced by the view of a simple association between pain and limited movement. This study will test a new theory that an individual's motor response to pain is influenced by the complexity of the jaw motor system as well as the individual's pain experience. This project will point towards individualised recommendations for effective management of TMD.
Sensory Cortex Processing Changes Underlying Brain And Behaviour Deficits Caused By Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,795.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) from physical head trauma causes behavior and cognitive deficits. The burden for victims, families and the community is enormous: total life-time expenses in moderate-to-severe TBI are estimated to be $8.6 billion in Australia. We aim to elucidate whether changes in how the brain processes sensory information could underlie TBI-induced deficits in complex behaviour and whether these changes will be ameliorated by the three currently-most-promising treatments for TBI.