Long-term Physical Exercise Improves Cognitive Performance Through Neuroimmune Modulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$493,586.00
Summary
This research investigates for how long exercise needs to carried out in order to be beneficial for cognitive function. We choose an animal model which simulates chronic brain inflammation as seen during aging processes of humans and during many inflammatory diseases affecting brain function. This research will unravel the long-term immunomodulatory and protective effects of exercise on brain function as well as the short-term anti-inflammatory effects on brain function.
Exercise Reverses Cognitive Decline In Aged Animals By Growth Hormone Stimulation Of Neurogenesis In The Hippocampus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,409.00
Summary
The production of new neurons in the hippocampus plays a critical role in learning and memory. With increasing age, this production slows and is associated with cognitive decline. However the stem cells that make new neurons are still present, and we have discovered that exercise activates these cells, leading to renewed neuron production and reversal of cognitive decline. We will explore how this process is regulated in order to develop strategies to reduce cognitive decline in humans.
Optimising Exercise Prescription For Brain Health In Older Adults At Risk Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,123.00
Summary
To reduce dementia burdens in the community, cost effective and targeted early regenerative strategies are critical. Engaging in frequent aerobic exercise is one strategy that can delay the onset and slow the progression of dementia. However, prescription is limited by an incomplete understanding of how exercise positively influences brain health. Here I will investigate the influence of current exercise levels, intensity and exercise environment on brain health in adults at risk of dementia.
Strengthening Functional Connectivity In The Ageing Brain.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
Age-related deficits in the ability to perform meaningful, voluntary movements markedly increase the likelihood of experiencing falls, a major cause of injury among older adults. Using advanced neurophysiological techniques, this project will (1) define the role of functional connectivity decline in age-related movement deficits and (2) gain a mechanistic understanding of improvements in voluntary movement control through a promising intervention for reversing age-related functional decline.
Connectivity Of Regenerating Axons Following Spinal Cord Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,428.00
Summary
Our objective is to thoroughly investigate the connections made by regenerating nerve fibres in mice which are treated with specific compounds to inhibit scarring as well as with active exercise following spinal cord injury. This will provide evidence of the potential of these compounds as a therapeutic intervention. Understanding how the nervous system rewires following exercise intervention will provide insights as to how new connections can be shaped to ensure optimal recovery of function.
Cerebral Palsy is most common childhood physical disability. While the brain injury is static, disability can be progressive and lifelong. This fellowship aims to develop and test novel interventions to optimise neuroplasticity by improving early detection and physical, cognitive, psychological and health outcomes in children with CP. Earlier accurate detection of CP will ensure effective treatments utilise critical periods of brain development and are translated into evidence based guidelines.
Early Pharmacological Intervention In An Animal Model Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,857.00
Summary
The symptoms of schizophrenia do not appear until late adolescence/early adulthood. Some adolescents may be at “high risk” of progressing to clinical psychosis. There is now intense interest in using antipsychotic drugs (APDs) to delay symptoms in these patients. APD use in adolescents however is controversial. This project seeks to clarify the structural, neurochemical and functional implications of APD use in a well described animal model of schizophrenia, developmental vitamin D deficiency.
The Role Of Innate Immune Memory In The Transition From Acute To Chronic Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$331,440.00
Summary
Chronic pain costs Australians more than $34 billion annually and is the 3rd highest Australian disease burden. It has long been thought to be a disease of the wiring of the brain. This project aims to challenge this long held belief by examining the impact of the immune system in creating chronic pain. Such work promises to provide new and better ways to prevent chronic pain, which will improve & maintain good health for all Australians.
CRE In Traumatic Brain Injury Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Breaking Down Barriers For Social Reintegration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,678,530.00
Summary
Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) from motor vehicle accidents, assaults and accidents will surpass many diseases as the major cause of disability in the Western world by 2020. It causes cognitive and emotional disorders that result in unemployment, loss of relationships, social isolation and depression in adults and children. This CRE is a world first, tackling deficits in fatigue, mood, self-awareness and self-regulation and social competency, i.e. speech, social skills and communication.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100628
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
Promotion of NAD+ anabolism to promote lifespan. The project aims to identify mechanisms of ageing, the role of stress on the ageing brain and how NAD+ modulates these effects. NAD+ maintains cellular energy, repairs DNA and performs other essential cell functions. Intracellular NAD+ levels, the essential substrate for sirtuin activity including SIRT2, decline with age in humans and physiologically aged rats. This project will investigate the mechanisms by which pharmacological strategies design ....Promotion of NAD+ anabolism to promote lifespan. The project aims to identify mechanisms of ageing, the role of stress on the ageing brain and how NAD+ modulates these effects. NAD+ maintains cellular energy, repairs DNA and performs other essential cell functions. Intracellular NAD+ levels, the essential substrate for sirtuin activity including SIRT2, decline with age in humans and physiologically aged rats. This project will investigate the mechanisms by which pharmacological strategies designed to elevate intracellular NAD+ levels will maintain optimal SIRT2 function to extend lifespan and improve age-related cognitive decline in vivo. Potential outcomes include using NAD+ to improve brain health in advanced old age.Read moreRead less