Improving Human FMRI Through Modeling And Imaging Microvascular Dynamics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,144.00
Summary
In this project we aim to establish a reliable vascular baseline to improve mapping of both small-scale functional architecture and large-scale brain networks in functional human brain mapping using MRI. By mapping the grey matter vasculature with high detail in both humans and animals, and by computing and matching of these atlases across species we will be able to validate this approach in vivo to confirm the better spatial specificity of the newly developed approach.
Identifying Novel Markers To Differentiate Frontotemporal Dementia From Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,912.00
Summary
In people under 65 years of age, frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease are equally common. Distinguishing between these different types of dementia is extremely challenging. Patients can present with similar symptoms, even when the underlying dementia cause (i.e., brain pathology) is different. Inaccurate diagnosis means patients cannot access appropriate treatments, as these become available. I will develop novel tests of social function to improve the diagnosis of dementia syndromes.
Genetic Investigations For Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$719,374.00
Summary
The disease process in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) begins decades before a diagnosis is made. We urgently need to investigate this pre-symptomatic stage to learn how the disease process begins, and allow the development of treatments that work before the brain is irreparably damaged. I will use genetic risk factors for AD to predict who is most at risk of developing AD. I will look for early changes and easily accessible markers, including the use of state of the art brain imaging.
Disentangling Aphasic Syndromes In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,936.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease, the main cause of disability in older Australians, can present with diverse and complex manifestations. Language disturbances are not entirely characterised and raises diagnostic difficulties. By development of novel clinical tools and cutting-edge structural brain imaging, this project aims to refine the spectrum of language disturbances, analyse the pattern of brain atrophy and investigate susceptibility factors across Alzheimer's presentations.
Prospective Imaging Study Of Ageing: Genes, Brain & Behaviour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,465,047.00
Summary
While the burden of dementia in Australia occurs late in life, the underlying brain disease accumulates for decades prior to dementia onset. Disease modifying interventions have the greatest potential to avert later disease burden if introduced during this crucial window, well before the onset of clear cognitive decline. To reduce Australia's future dementia burden, it is thus imperative to identify those Australians at risk of dementia whilst they are still relatively young.
Spatial Learning And Memory In Huntington's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,969.00
Summary
This project will develop a spatial learning and memory test battery sensitive to dementia in Huntington’s disease, relate the task to atrophy in key brain regions, and then apply the test in a clinical trial aimed at developing a regeneration of damaged brain regions in Huntington’s disease. The overarching goal is to develop a cognitive test that is closely aligned to brain pathology in dementia as a tool for more precise, mechanism-based investigations in the dementia clinical trial setting.
PSYSCAN— Translating Neuroimaging Findings From Research Into Clinical Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,285.00
Summary
Our ability to predict the onset and outcome of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders remains limited. This restricts the implementation of effective preventative and early interventions. This project will rectify this by developing a tool of significant clinical utility. The project has 2 aims: 1. To develop and validate a neuroimaging-based tool for use in early psychosis to assist with early diagnosis, outcome, and disease progression. 2. To apply the tool in clinical practice.
Sleep, Plasticity And Neurodegeneration: Targeting Sleep To Improve Cognition In Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$525,116.00
Summary
Older individuals with mild cognitive impairment commonly experience disturbed sleep and about 50% will convert to dementia. It is unclear whether sleep disturbance mediates cognitive decline and progression to dementia. Optimising sleep presents a novel strategy to slow disease progression. This new research program explores links between sleep and dementia to identify new biomarkers of disease progression and new targeted therapeutic approaches to improve quality of life for older Australians.
Personalised Prognostic Tools For Early Psychosis Management (PRONIA)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,739.00
Summary
Psychosis can be a devastating illness with harmful long-term consequences, such as chronic schizophrenia. To avoid distress, deterioration, and potential disability, we need more accurate tools to personalise treatment for individuals by understanding their prognosis. The PRONIA project will help to improve methods of predicting outcomes by working with our European colleagues to create a cybernetic prognostic system for psychosis that uses brain imaging, genetics, cognition, and clinical marke ....Psychosis can be a devastating illness with harmful long-term consequences, such as chronic schizophrenia. To avoid distress, deterioration, and potential disability, we need more accurate tools to personalise treatment for individuals by understanding their prognosis. The PRONIA project will help to improve methods of predicting outcomes by working with our European colleagues to create a cybernetic prognostic system for psychosis that uses brain imaging, genetics, cognition, and clinical markers.Read moreRead less
A Telehealth Intervention To Delay Functional Decline In Community-dwelling People With Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,399.00
Summary
Telehealth programs are becoming increasingly popular as a way to increase the accessibility of services and reduce the costs associated with health professionals travelling to the client's home. This project will examine whether an evidence based intervention that delays functional decline can be delivered via videoconferencing and whether this method of delivery is as effective.