Dementia Related Deficits In Striatal Cholinergic Function And Decision-making
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$414,370.00
Summary
This proposal will provide essential new information on the role of deficits in decision-making associated with Parkinson’s disease dementia. We will use an innovative animal model to assess the influence of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation the consequent loss of function in the neuronal systems supporting the learning and memory processes that contribute to goal-directed action, particularly the way new learning interacts with existing memory to guide choice and decision-making.
Unveiling The Origin Of Munc18-1 And Alpha-synuclein Co-aggregation At Nanoscale
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,005.00
Summary
Our recent work on Munc18-1 mutations leading to a severe form of human early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE) led us to uncover a critical role for Munc18-1 in controlling the formation of toxic protein aggregates containing ?-Synuclein. Targeting the Munc18-1 ?-Synuclein interaction may have therapeutic values not only for EIEE but also for other neurological diseases characterised by protein aggregations.
VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS: MECHANISTIC BIOMARKERS AND NOVEL TREATMENTS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$464,793.00
Summary
This proposal will address an urgent need to develop novel treatment strategies for hallucinations. A critical starting point in this endeavour is to look at the pathophysiology underlying hallucinations because these mechanisms represent the targets that can be modulated by treatment. This proposal will provide strong evidence for two biomarkers of hallucinations 1. Behavioural and 2. Neural.
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
Apathy In Dementia: Identifying Mechanisms For Targeted Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$514,404.00
Summary
One of the most common symptoms in dementia is apathy - a reduction in concern, motivation or interest. Apathy impacts on a person’s ability to engage in necessary daily activities (e.g., cooking, washing, visiting friends) and often leads to people being placed in aged care facilities. This project will investigate the mechanisms which give rise to apathy in dementia. Understanding these mechanisms is the first step in developing new interventions to treat this challenging symptom.
Targeting Small Heat Shock Proteins In Diseases Associated With Alpha-synuclein Aggregation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
This research will provide fundamental insight into processes that control the onset and progression of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, and may lead to the development of novel drugs to treat these disorders. The work will increase Australia's international research standing and provide high-quality multi-disciplinary training to research students.
Improving Service Provision For Early Onset Dementia: The INSPIRED Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$736,652.00
Summary
Early onset dementia (an onset of symptoms under the age of 65) is unexpected, distressing and can have devastating consequences for the person, their partner and children. People with early onset dementia face very different issues to older persons with the condition and do not fit in well with existing aged care services. The INSPIRED study will improve service delivery for younger people with dementia by ascertaining their numbers, burden, service experiences and needs.
The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project: A Longitudinal Intervention Study To Reduce The Risk Of Ageing-related Cognitive Decline And Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,792.00
Summary
It has been proposed that engagement in purposeful complex mental stimulation provides protection against dementia. The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP) is a unique, large-scale prospective trial that examines whether university-level study in older adult population reduces ageing-related cognitive decline and risk of dementia. This project will also examine how an individual’s genetic profile may influence the potential benefits of complex mental stimulation as well as risk of dementia.
Functional Genomics Approach To Extend Lifespan While Preventing Age-related Cognitive Decline
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,600.00
Summary
In our ageing population, preventing age-related neurological decline is one of the central medical challenges of the 21st century. Here we use human population data obtained from people who reached 90 years of age free of any disease, or patients who suffer from dementia, combined with functional genomics studies in animals to pinpoint new genes that can be targeted to extend lifespan while preserving neurological function in these extended years of life.
Gene-environment Interactions Modulating Cognition And Dementia In Huntington’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,425.00
Summary
We are investigating mechanisms whereby cognitive symptoms, culminating in dementia, occur in a fatal brain disease, Huntington’s. We will explore how the ‘genetic stutter’ affects the brain at the level of molecules and cells, which will help identify targets for future treatment. We will also establish how environmental factors, including cognitive stimulation, physical activity and stress, modulate dementia. This will inform the development of treatments for this currently incurable disease.