ASPREE- NEURO; Aspirin And Cerebral Microhaemorrhages
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$989,195.00
Summary
Cerebral Microhaemorrhages (CMH) are tiny areas of blood vessel breakdown commonly found on brain MRIs in the elderly. Their clinical significance is not clear- prior studies have linked them to use of blood thinning medications, cognitive decline and risk of stroke. This randomised controlled trial will determine whether low dose aspirin increases the number of CMH on brain MRI in the healthy elderly after 1 and 3 years, and whether the number and location of CMH affects cognitive function.
Epistatic Genetic Effects On Neuroanatomical Subtypes Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,141.00
Summary
Schizophrenia represents a number of clinically distinct syndromes, with a complex mode of inheritance. The delineation of biologically valid subtypes of schizophrenia is necessary to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of these syndromes. This project uses pattern classification techniques to determine subtypes of schizophrenia on the basis of structural brain abnormality across multiple regions, and will examine genetic interactions and differential gene expression associated with t ....Schizophrenia represents a number of clinically distinct syndromes, with a complex mode of inheritance. The delineation of biologically valid subtypes of schizophrenia is necessary to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of these syndromes. This project uses pattern classification techniques to determine subtypes of schizophrenia on the basis of structural brain abnormality across multiple regions, and will examine genetic interactions and differential gene expression associated with these biologically-derived subtypes.Read moreRead less
Optimum Thiamine Dose For Treatment And Prevention Of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS): A Randomised Controlled Trial Targeting Aboriginal People.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,293,716.00
Summary
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), once thought to be a rare condition, is now known to be common in people with nutritional deficiencies or alcohol dependence. WKS may lead to significant, long-term brain dysfunction with severe effects on work, personal and social function. Whilst effective treatment may greatly reduce severe disability and the human and social costs of this illness, almost no evidence exists on optimal dosing regimens. This project proposes to develop quality evidence for eff ....Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), once thought to be a rare condition, is now known to be common in people with nutritional deficiencies or alcohol dependence. WKS may lead to significant, long-term brain dysfunction with severe effects on work, personal and social function. Whilst effective treatment may greatly reduce severe disability and the human and social costs of this illness, almost no evidence exists on optimal dosing regimens. This project proposes to develop quality evidence for effective treatment of WKS in an Aboriginal setting.Read moreRead less
Identification And Quantification Of HIV Latency Biomarkers In The Central Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$814,618.00
Summary
One major obstacle in curing HIV is the brain’s role as a potential reservoir of HIV infection. It is unknown if “reawakening” of HIV may lead to uncontrollable brain damage given that current antiretroviral drugs vary in their ability to treat brain infection. Not all patients have HIV brain infection so eradication therapies in themselves may be safe. We aim to identify and quantify biomarkers of HIV latency in the brain to stratify patients into these two cohorts.
Risk Stratification Of Older People In Hospital: Validation And Influence On Clinical Decision Making
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$291,067.00
Summary
Older people in hospital are at high risk of adverse outcomes, a vulnerability commonly referred to as frailty. In community-dwelling older people, frailty status can be measured precisely with a Frailty Index score. This research aims to develop a Frailty Index from a standardised comprehensive geriatric assessment instrument used in the routine care of many patients in hospital. This would assist clinicians to identify vulnerable older inpatients, improving their care in the acute setting.
Air Pollution And Mortality And Morbidity In Adult Australians (APMMA Study): A Large Population Based Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,041,410.00
Summary
This study will investigate the link between respiratory and cardiovascular disease and mortality and exposure to long-term air pollution. We will use cutting edge methods to assign neighbourhood air pollution levels to a large cohort of NSW adults (n>265,000) previously recruited in the 45 and Up Study. The study results will be of utmost importance in setting outdoor air pollution standards and informing cost benefit analyses of air pollution control strategies.
Apathy In Dementia: Identifying Mechanisms For Targeted Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$514,404.00
Summary
One of the most common symptoms in dementia is apathy - a reduction in concern, motivation or interest. Apathy impacts on a person’s ability to engage in necessary daily activities (e.g., cooking, washing, visiting friends) and often leads to people being placed in aged care facilities. This project will investigate the mechanisms which give rise to apathy in dementia. Understanding these mechanisms is the first step in developing new interventions to treat this challenging symptom.
Central Aortic Blood Pressure In Children: Establishing A Gold Standard Non-invasive Assessment Of Cardiovascular Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,342.00
Summary
The best way of assessing early risk of cardiovascular disease involves measuring blood pressure near the heart (central pressure), but existing devices used in adults for this purpose are inaccurate in children. We will develop a children-specific method and apply it to study early cardiovascular risk in a comprehensive health study of 2000 children Australia-wide. We will also investigate why children with congenital heart disease frequently develop ‘older-adult’ heart disease at a young age.
Telehealth In Residential Aged Care Facilities: Improving Access To Specialist Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$972,606.00
Summary
People in long term residential care have complex and chronic care issues. The staff may be able to provide more focused care if they have the support of specialists for advice on the care of residents. This project considers the value of a geriatric specialist assessment for all new residents via video conferencing, directly to the residential care facility. This will be supplemented by access to a wide range of other specialists coordinated through a telehealth service model on an "as needs" b ....People in long term residential care have complex and chronic care issues. The staff may be able to provide more focused care if they have the support of specialists for advice on the care of residents. This project considers the value of a geriatric specialist assessment for all new residents via video conferencing, directly to the residential care facility. This will be supplemented by access to a wide range of other specialists coordinated through a telehealth service model on an "as needs" basis.Read moreRead less
Exposure To Diesel Exhaust And Lung Cancer Risk In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,519.00
Summary
Exposure to diesel exhaust increases the risk of lung cancer. One in five Australians is exposed to diesel exhaust in the workplace. This project will provide an exposure-response relation between diesel exhaust and lung cancer based on Australia-specific data. We will also estimate the number of lung cancer cases due to diesel exhaust exposure in Australia. We will do this by studying all miners in WA in the last 15 years, by linking several databases that are available in WA.