Back pain reduces Australia�s GDP by $3.2 Billion per annum with over $1 billion being spent each year on low back pain treatments. While it makes sense to devote resources to prevention, unfortunately most prevention strategies do not work.We need a new approach based upon a better understanding of what triggers an episode of back pain. By studying risk factors that occur immediately prior to an episode of low back pain this project will increase understanding of what triggers an episode and op ....Back pain reduces Australia�s GDP by $3.2 Billion per annum with over $1 billion being spent each year on low back pain treatments. While it makes sense to devote resources to prevention, unfortunately most prevention strategies do not work.We need a new approach based upon a better understanding of what triggers an episode of back pain. By studying risk factors that occur immediately prior to an episode of low back pain this project will increase understanding of what triggers an episode and open the way for new, effective prevention programs.Read moreRead less
Risk Factors, Early Diagnosis, And Effective Interventions For Neurocognitive Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,013,299.00
Summary
This program will focus on early detection of dementia, identification of novel risk factors, and development of new treatments, to help the burden of dementia in our community. It will build on three longitudinal studies – Memory and Ageing Study, Older Australian Twins Study and Sydney Centenarian Study, and three international consortia – COSMIC, STROKOG and ICC-Dementia, that the investigators have developed to achieve these aims. A prevention trial for post-stroke dementia is planned
The Older Australian Twins Study (OATS) Of Healthy Brain Ageing And Age-related Neurocognitive Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$940,960.00
Summary
Ageing is associated with cognitive decline and dementia. It is still not completely understood what relative contributions genes and environment play in these. This project is an extension of the Older Australian Twins Study to examine genetic and environmental factors associated with late life brain changes and dementia, and will establish an internationally significant cohort for novel discovery.
Evaluation Of The Obesity Paradox In Diabetes: A Longitudinal Case-Control Study Of Half A Million Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,721.00
Summary
Obesity is a risk factor for developing diabetes. However, recent studies reported increased mortality risk associated with normal body weight in people with incident diabetes compared to overweight or obese patients. This “obesity paradox”, where being overweight appears to be protective, is new in diabetes. The mechanism behind this is not known. Using 20 years of follow-up data on 500,000 diabetes and control patients, this study proposes to find possible explanations behind obesity paradox.
A Study Of Statins For Reducing Events In The Elderly
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,372,965.00
Summary
Statins prevent heart attacks and strokes in people who have already experienced one or are at high risk. Statins are thought to do this by lowering cholesterol levels and improving the function of blood vessels. It is not known whether people 75 years or over should receive this therapy, as past studies have not included older people because they are more likely to suffer from drug side effects. This study will investigate the benefits versus risks of statins in healthy elderly people.
Better Outcomes Through Innovations In Clinical Trials: From Personalised Medicine To Population Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$12,215,475.00
Summary
This program aims to develop better health care though advances in clinical trials research and better methods for integrating trial evidence. The team comprises clinician researchers and trialists, biostatisticians, health economists and collaborative networks of clinical investigators. It aims to tackle major health care questions in priority health areas, in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, where advances will have substantial impact on reducing death and serious disability.