Implications Of Retinal Neurodegeneration In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,213.00
Summary
Recent research has shown that “early signs” of Alzheimer ’s disease (AD) can be detected in the eyes. My research focus is to determine which particular changes in the retina are associated with AD. I will also investigate if blocking the production of beta amyloids (proteins produced in AD) in the eye will indeed help reduce their load in the brain and hence delay the onset of AD. Results from this research maybe used for early diagnosis and future medicinal studies that target the eye in AD.
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.
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.
Vascular Contributions To Dementia: Prevention In Those At High-risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,105.00
Summary
10,000 older adults undergo surgeries on their heart every year. These adults are at high risk for dementia, as the factors that bring them to cardiovascular surgery are the same as those that associate with dementia: hypertension, type II diabetes, etc. This population is in fact not only at increased risk of dementia due to vascular ill-health, but also because of undergoing the surgery itself. This project aims to prevent dementia in this vulnerable group.
Biomarkers For Risk And Outcomes Of Type 2 Diabetes: A Discovery And Validation Approach In Australian And Chinese Subjects
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,489.00
Summary
The aim is to make better outcomes for people with Type 2 diabetes in Australia and China, by exploring various tests to improve prediction of diabetes progression, complication risk and treatment response. The team has data and samples from the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes Trial and from the Shanghai Diabetes Study. This approach is very time and cost-effective. We will also study animal models to understand mechanisms of diabetes damage, and test new treatments.
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.
My research will explore the pathophysiological mechanisms that link disturbed sleep and circadian rhythm with cognitive impairment and dementia. I will explore how sleep and circadian disruption in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) impact on body and brain vascular function. I will also explore whether OSA treatment and light therapy in MCI patients can arrest or even improve brain vascular function through improved sleep/circadian function.
E-PREDICE Early Prevention Of Diabetes Complications In Europe
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$917,400.00
Summary
The e-PREDICE study will randomise 3000 people aged 45-74 with mild hyperglycaemia or early diabetes to treatment with intensive lifestyle modification alone, or plus metformin, or sitagliptin, or liraglutide, aiming to reduce diabetes eye, kidney and nerve damage. The Australian arm will be co-ordinated by the University of Sydney and other sites include Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Royal Melbourne Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital
Optimising Exercise Prescription For Brain Health In Older Adults At Risk Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,123.00
Summary
To reduce dementia burdens in the community, cost effective and targeted early regenerative strategies are critical. Engaging in frequent aerobic exercise is one strategy that can delay the onset and slow the progression of dementia. However, prescription is limited by an incomplete understanding of how exercise positively influences brain health. Here I will investigate the influence of current exercise levels, intensity and exercise environment on brain health in adults at risk of dementia.
Stand Up To Dementia: Reducing Prolonged Sitting To Improve Cognitive Function In Older Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,901.00
Summary
Australia has an ageing population, resulting in more people being diagnosed with dementia. Prolonged sitting - (a behaviour that is very common amongst older adults) may increase the risk of cognitive decline and thus developing dementia. This study aims to further explore the relationship of sitting with dementia and cognitive function by using objective measures of sitting and also to develop programs and resources to reduce prolonged sitting which are informed by consumers.