New Nanoparticle Strategies For Efficient Delivery And Controlled Release Into The Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,633.00
Summary
A key challenge for treating neurodegenerative diseases is delivery of drugs across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). This project will develop advanced BBB “nanoshuttles” based upon systematic investigation of BBB penetration mechanisms and near-infrared drug controlled release strategy. These delivery systems may facilitate diagnosis of brain diseases and on-demand release of drug cargos to diseased cells in the brain, offering the potential of a brand new localised therapy for brain diseases.
Translating Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions For Older Adults With Depression And Anxiety Into Public And Private Mental Health Settings Using A Stepped Care Framework
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,037,209.00
Summary
This project aims to evaluate the feasibility of implementing evidence based psychological interventions to treat geriatric depression and anxiety in real world (public and private) mental health settings. The outcomes of this research will provide important information about how to effectively translate evidence-based low intensity and moderate intensity interventions into routine care, and the cost benefits associated with such a model.
Investigation Of Zinc Dyshomeostasis Associated With Aging And Dementia-related Disorders Using Novel Nanodiamond-based Markers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,644.00
Summary
This project will illuminate the fundamental brain changes that lead to age-related cognitive decline by means of newly developed biamarker based on fluorescent nanodiamonds. The expected outcome of this work will be a unique approach to elucidate the source of cognitive decline that will fill a significant unmet need within the community.
ImpleMentAll: Towards Evidence-based Tailored Implementation Strategies For EHealth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,914.00
Summary
Internet-based programs to treat depression and anxiety (“iCBT” programs) are highly effective. However, there are barriers to increased public use of these programs. This project will test ways to improve the implementation of iCBT in clinical services, with a focus on GP practices. Specifically, two Australian-led subprojects will: (i) trial implementation of stepped care, tailoring care to individual needs, and (ii) compare implementation of iCBT in GP practices, pharmacies and online.
Novel Antivirals For The Treatment Of Hendravirus Infection.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$199,227.00
Summary
Hendravirus outbreaks have become frequent and 7 human cases have been reported, this has resulted in 4 deaths. Currently we have no treatment options. Researchers at Griffith University and the CSIRO have developed a new treatment that attacks the virus by turning off the viral genes at the site of infection. The plan is to treat patients soon after infection to slow or stop the virus and allow patients to recover naturally from this highly lethal disease.
ELders AT Ease Program (ELATE): A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Sustainable And Scalable Mental Health Service For Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$999,551.00
Summary
Elders living in residential facilities suffer significant levels of depression or anxiety. This study examines an innovative program to improve mental health of residents living in such facilities. The program involves counselling, staff training and family support. The study uses a cluster randomised controlled trial of facilities to evaluate the impact of ELATE: Elders at Ease Program” on residents’ psychological wellbeing, staff knowledge, family carer stress and, health care costs.
Novel Targeted Degradable Multifunctional Poly(vinyl-co-ester) Nanoparticles For Alzheimer’s Disease Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,940.00
Summary
Novel biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles for efficient and targeted delivery of Alzheimer related agents to the brain will be developed. The nanocarriers will be fabricated from biocompatible multifunctional compounds and possess the capability to co-deliver diagnostic and therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier. These systems are expected to become a new efficient class of brain delivery systems.
Increasing Rates Of Advance Care Planning For Individuals With Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$574,421.00
Summary
Advanced care planning improves care provided to individuals with dementia at the end of life, and lessens the burden on surviving carers and relatives.However, more than half of all people with dementia do not have an advance care plan. This study will test the effectiveness of a strategy to increase use of a website that has been developed by Alzheimer's Australia to assist people with dementia to document an advance care plan.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of An Online Peer Support Intervention For Reducing Symptoms Of Depression Among Community-dwelling Older Adults Living In Rural Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$503,180.00
Summary
Maintaining social connections as an individual ages is important to mental health. Older Australians living in rural areas are particularly at risk of social isolation, which may increase their likelihood of experiencing depression. The aim of this study is to develop and test the effectiveness of an online community in reducing depression among older Australians living in regional and rural adults. If effective, this study will provide a useful platform to combat social isolation.
Prevention Of Depression Using E Health Technologies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,750,000.00
Summary
The number of people experiencing depression in Australia could be reduced radically if we do two things: Provide prevention programs to young people AND reduce the stigma people feel if they seek help. This research aims to develop effective, personalised school prevention programs, and deliver them to every school student in Australia. It also aims to determine how we can lower stigma across Australia by using social media.