Dissecting Brain Network Ageing Using Whole Brain Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$692,964.00
Summary
In this proposal, we will make the first attempt to map the whole brain activity change during ageing using a series of state-of-the-art techniques. We will also identify genetic and pharmacological interventions that improve brain network function during ageing. Outcomes from this research will provide an unprecedented understanding of functional ageing within the brain and identify therapeutic interventions to prevent this process.
An Investigation Of The Effects Of Higher Plasma Glucose In The Normal Range On Cerebral Health.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,524.00
Summary
Until recently it has been assumed that variation in blood sugar levels within the normal range in non-diabetics is innocuous. Recent findings from our team suggest that high normal sugar levels present risks to brain and cognitive health. This project will investigate in detail the extent to which higher sugar levels in healthy individuals living in the community are associated with brain changes over time, and whether these changes are associated with cognitive decline in middle- and old-age.
Development of normal brain function requires information transfer and integration from outside and within the brain. Normal brain wiring is guided by genetic and environmental cues, whose relative contributions remain controversial. This project investigates the physiological and behavioural consequences of abnormal brain wiring, and the potential for controlled environments and targeted interventions to overcome the deficits. Relevance includes neurotrauma as well as mental illnesses.
From Brain Maps To Mechanisms: Modelling The Pathophysiology Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,513.00
Summary
As the brain ages, the relationship between its structure and function also changes. In this study, I will use detailed computational modelling and extensive analyses of brain dynamics to improve interventional strategies by: 1. Characterising healthy and unhealthy brain dynamics during ageing; 2. Classifying the various subtypes of pathological dynamics; and 3. Predicting pathological neurodegeneration by identifying the earliest signs of perturbations in healthy ageing.
Genetic And Environmental Determinants Of Brain Networks In Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Is brain ageing genetically or environmentally determined, or an interaction of both? We will explore the influence of genes and the environment on brain connectivity during ageing by studying how the brain network relates to cognitive functions.
Suboptimal Sleep And Unhealthy Brain Ageing: Improving Outcomes Through Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,705.00
Summary
My research will address limitations in our understanding of the impact of sleep characteristics on memory and thinking abilities and biological markers of brain health in older adults, by; 1) exploring these relationships over time, and 2) enabling direct assessment of the effect of improved sleep on memory and thinking, and markers of brain health, following sleep-improvement therapy. My results will contribute to the development of strategies aimed at promoting healthy brain ageing.
The Role Of Central Haemodynamics In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-related Brain Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$899,704.00
Summary
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is associated with stiffening of major blood vessels which may allow the transmission of harmful pressure to the small vessels of the brain. This may in turn be responsible for damage to brain cells and a greater risk of dementia. This study will use state-of-the art techniques to test this theory. If true, it may open opportunities to reduce the risk of brain disease in diabetes by using therapies to reduce arterial stiffening.
A Population-based Cohort Study Of Brain Ageing - Rates Of Brain Structural Change, Functional Effects, And Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,323,361.00
Summary
This study will provide unique longitudinal Australian data on the effects and causes of brain aging in a population-based sample of older people. The results may assist in preventing dementia and falls, major public health problems in older Australians.
The Role Of Metabolic And Inflammatory Factors In Cognitive Decline And Cerebrovascular Pathology In The Elderly
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$945,987.00
Summary
Metabolic factors and measures of inflammation in the body have recently been shown to influence mental function and increase the risk of developing age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The influence metabolic factors and inflammation have on function of the ageing brain is likely to be determined by complex interplay between many factors, such as physical health, lifestyle, nutrition and our genes. By studying these factors and how they relate to one another in large groups of eld ....Metabolic factors and measures of inflammation in the body have recently been shown to influence mental function and increase the risk of developing age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The influence metabolic factors and inflammation have on function of the ageing brain is likely to be determined by complex interplay between many factors, such as physical health, lifestyle, nutrition and our genes. By studying these factors and how they relate to one another in large groups of elderly individuals, we will be able to determine the role these factors play in brain ageing. In addition we will be able to determine an ‘at risk’ profile for elderly individuals for accelerated ageing effects. Identification of this profile is important as it will allow the development of interventions which may prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline in late life. We plan to study the impact of metabolic and inflammatory factors on brain ageing and in two groups of elderly individuals both of which are currently being studied in detail by our research team. By using these existing groups we will minimize the costs associated with our research, but maximize the research benefit and the benefit to society. Our groups include a large community sample of elderly individuals aged 70-90 years and a large group of elderly twins aged over 65 years. Our use of twins for the study is particularly important as it will help us separate genetic and environmental influences on the measures. We will measure multiple metabolic and inflammatory factors in the body and determine their relationship to detailed tests of cognitive function and to cerebrovascular pathology on brain magnetic resonance imaging. We will look at how these factors relate to one another and which factors are most strongly associated with accelerated ageing. We will be able to follow subjects in each group over a 2 year interval to see which factors most strongly predict change in cognitive function and cerebrovascular pathology over time. Our research is unique in its inclusion of multiple factors which may affect brain ageing, its ability to look in detail at the contribution of genetic influences on metabolic and inflammatory factors, and in our planned follow-up of these individuals.Read moreRead less
The Effect Of Chronic Intermittent Alcohol Consumption On The Precipitation Of Dementia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,644.00
Summary
This proposal examines the relationship between chronic alcohol intake and alcohol-related dementia, and potential interventions for the treatment of alcohol related dementia.