Novel Mechanisms And Diagnostic Applications For Iron In Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,644.00
Summary
My recent findings showed that measuring the iron content of the brain, by looking at the fluid surrounding the brain, was useful in predicting the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and predicting the severity of this disease. Here, I will investigate this in more depth, and in new patient groups. The project has the potential to characterise a new way of predicting Alzheimer’s disease, and also will help inform how Alzheimer’s disease develops.
Genetic Mechanisms That Moderate Effects Of Aβ Accumulation In Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,525.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and the number of people living with it will triple by 2050. There is currently no cure for AD, and the only means of slow the growing epidemic is to delay onset. We propose to understand the complex interplay between genetic, cognitive, neuroimaging and biological markers of AD in order to better understand the disease process, and in turn identify high-risk individuals for clinical trials and uncover disease-modifying strategies.
Targeting Inflammation As A Biomarker And Treatment For Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,920.00
Summary
We are undertaking the challenge of using and developing novel animal models in parallel with studies on affected human subjects to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms linking the changes in inflammation to amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and cognitive decline. Understanding these mechanisms will allow us to define the biological pathways involved in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Myelin Lipid Breakdown Affected By Apolipoprotein E Genotype: Implications For Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$534,644.00
Summary
This project pieces together two important questions about Alzheimer’s Disease: (1) Why a naturally occurring variant of a gene called “APOE“ is the primary genetic risk for Alzheimer’s. (2) Why Alzheimer’s preferentially affects brain regions that lose a fatty substance called myelin, the electrical insulation of the brain. In doing so, we will understand more about what makes people more susceptible to Alzheimer’s and whether therapies to restore myelin could be effective against Alzheimer’s.