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The Role Of Metals In Healthy Brain Aging: Identification Of Novel Compounds To Prevent Age-related Cognitive Decline
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$789,733.00
Summary
This grant will explore the basic mechanisms that underlie normal learning and memory. Specifically, we are focussing on how the modulation of metal levels may occur with age, and how this may cause or at least contribute to age-related cognitive impairment. We are also examining a novel therapeutic compound for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction. This work will have implications for both normal and pathological ageing.
Targeting Central Inflammation To Combat Obesity And Obesity-related Cognitive Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
The current obesity epidemic means many of us will suffer from overweight or obesity for at least some of our lives. My findings show obesity can cause inflammation throughout the brain including in regions related to learning and memory. Here I hypothesize that obesity induces long-term changes in the brain’s immune cells, that this can explain why we see susceptibility to cognitive decline in obese individuals, and that we can reverse these negative effects by targeting these immune cells.
Psychiatric disorders are associated with considerable social and economic burden which could be reduced if we understood mental health outcomes in high risk populations. This fellowship will use advanced brain imaging to understand the development of mental health disorders in those at high risk of bipolar disorder and dementia.
Defining The Role Of Inflammation In Depression During Aging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$736,820.00
Summary
This proposed research investigates the bidirectional relationship between inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) and depression during normal aging processes. It is assumed that inflammatory processes in the CNS will induce the development of depression and vice versa, that depression will lead to increased inflammation in the body. In addition, the research will study the genetic background and gene expression of inflammation contributing to both aging processes and the onset of depr ....This proposed research investigates the bidirectional relationship between inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) and depression during normal aging processes. It is assumed that inflammatory processes in the CNS will induce the development of depression and vice versa, that depression will lead to increased inflammation in the body. In addition, the research will study the genetic background and gene expression of inflammation contributing to both aging processes and the onset of depression during aging.Read moreRead less
Dementia In Type 2 Diabetes – Studying Causal Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$514,786.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is an important risk factor for dementia, and knowledge regarding the biological pathways linking the two disorders can provide great insight into the causes of dementia overall. I plan to study the links between T2D and dementia using analytical modelling to tease out causal pathways. My overall vision is to establish a sound knowledge base upon which effective interventions can be devised to prevent or delay dementia, using T2D-related dementia as a model.
Cortical Plasticity And Fine Motor Skills In Older Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$244,255.00
Summary
Even in healthy individuals, the ageing process is usually associated with a progressive reduction in the performance of various motor skills, such as writing, placing keys in keyholes and fastening buttons. These deficits in manual performance may be due to an age-related decline in the ability of the brain to modify its connections (plasticity) when learning new motor skills. This brain plasticity is a fundamental property of the nervous system, where it is critical for learning and memory, bu ....Even in healthy individuals, the ageing process is usually associated with a progressive reduction in the performance of various motor skills, such as writing, placing keys in keyholes and fastening buttons. These deficits in manual performance may be due to an age-related decline in the ability of the brain to modify its connections (plasticity) when learning new motor skills. This brain plasticity is a fundamental property of the nervous system, where it is critical for learning and memory, but is also important for recovery from brain injury. The goal of the proposed studies is to examine the extent of brain plasticity when performing fine motor skills in older adults, and relate this to motor performance and learning in the elderly. We will use three complementary approaches that will employ novel techniques of magnetic brain stimulation to achieve this goal. These studies will be the first to ascertain a link between deficits in brain plasticity and impaired manual performance in older adults. Furthermore, these studies will be the first to examine interventions designed to promote brain plasticity and motor performance in older adults. Because the majority of patients requiring neurological rehabilitation are in an older age group, it is important to understand the extent of brain plasticity in the elderly. This new information may ultimately lead to innovative therapeutic or rehabilitation strategies to retain or improve fine motor skills in the elderly and promote functional recovery from brain injury.Read moreRead less
Volitional And Non-volitional Control Of Human Balance: Normal Physiology And Changes With Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$383,066.00
Summary
How does the brain control balance when we stand? Our research shows that two very distinct processes operate to produce distinct postural, perceptual and cardiovascular outcomes. These experiments investigate the neurophysiology that coordinates these systems and what happens with age. The results will fundamentally change views on balance control. Balance problems are common in neurological disorders and old age. Knowing how balance works will improve diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
In Vivo Tau Imaging In Alzheimer’s Disease And Other Dementias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$538,998.00
Summary
Alteration of the normal protein tau leads to its deposition inside the brain cells leading to their death. These deposits have been well characterized and they are associated with cognitive impairment. We propose to study tau deposits in vivo in humans using positron emission tomography (PET) and assess its association with cognition and other signs of neurodegeneration
The role of P2X7 and P2X4 receptor mediated innate phagocytosis in pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This project will identify how inherited variation in two proteins of the brain can accelerate the removal of neurones and predispose to a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Knowledge of the biological basis of this finding will allow a search for new compounds which will slow and protect against this form of neurodegeneration.
Physiology of tau protein: a novel role in scaffolding and intracellular distribution. Understanding brain function remains a challenge. This project will study the normal role of the Alzheimer's disease-related protein tau in brain function during ageing. This will significantly enhance current understanding of brain function.