Word finding difficulties are the most common type of language impairment following stroke, causing considerable frustration and distress for the individual and their family and friends. Current available language therapies are not always effective. This project aims to (1) develop and test new language treatments for stroke sufferers, and (2) find out how language therapy works in the brain. Outcomes will include improved treatment of communication disorders after stroke.
Development And Plasticity Of The Visual Cortex: An Anatomical And Functional Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
Much of the human brain is devoted to vision, which requires the integrated activity of many interconnected areas of the cerebral cortex. Damage to these areas is a relatively common complication of preterm delivery and- or perinatal conditions including trauma and infection. The aim of this project is to investigate the way in which the multiple visual areas of the brain develop and become 'wired' together, and determine how the brain can successfully compensate for damage to these areas.
An Integrated, Multi-system Approach To Understanding Persistent Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Musculoskeletal pain is a major health problem in Australia, with an economic burden second only to cancer. Despite the scale of the problem, there are few effective treatments. This project examines a range of biological mechanisms that could explain why some people get better over time while others experiencing pain do not. The findings of this research will contribute to the development of new treatments that can be targeted to each individual to improve pain and disability.
We stand without falling by using silent senses from muscles and the balance organs of the inner ear to unconsciously detect and control our movements. Since the leg muscles provide both the force and the sense, and critically rely on good circulation, they are vitally important. I propose to study how these sensory and muscle functions are used to control balance, posture and stepping reflexes, making it easier to identify older people who will fall and design new preventative strategies.