This study investigates how much an individual's genes and environment account for the wide variation in brain structure and function. Using brain imaging we examine in what way the connectivity of the brain of identical and non-identical twins is the same or different from that of their co-twin, and carry out analysis of their DNA to identify some of the genes involved. This will provide fundamental information on genetic mechanisms influencing variation in brain structure and function.
Detection And Management Of Depression In General Practice Patients With Chronic Manifestations Of Ischaemic Heart Disea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,797.00
Summary
This research will investigate the impact of ischemic heart disease on the prevalence and severity of patients with depression. This will be done via a 12 month general practice based program of 1) systematic screening for depression 2) informing general practitioners of best-practice guidelines for management of depression in these patients, and 3) providing the treating general practitioner with patient-specific, psychiatric advice.
A Prospective Study Of Language Impairment And Recovery Following Surgery For Brain Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$861,342.00
Summary
This multi-site project will investigate the incidence and nature of post-operative language difficulties (aphasia) in patients following surgery for left hemisphere primary brain tumours. It will provide comprehensive data concerning risk factors for post-surgical aphasia in Australian patients, in addition to important information about the brain lesions responsible for its various clinical presentations. This information will be used to generate recommendations for clinical practice.
Normal And Abnormal Development Of Brain Wiring And Its Impact On Brain Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,845.00
Summary
My laboratory is striving to understand how the patterns of neuronal connections form in the developing brain and how these underpin the functions of the brain throughout life. We use high-field magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain wiring and we investigate the genetic and environmental mechanisms causing developmental brain disorders that result in intellectual disability, autism, epilepsy and some mental illnesses.
Centre For Research Excellence In Prostate Cancer Survivorship (CRE-PCS)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,498,842.00
Summary
The Centre for Research Excellence in Prostate Cancer Survivorship will 1) develop, evaluate and translate responsive, equitable and accessible survivorship interventions for men with prostate cancer and their partners and families in high need areas 2) support evidence-based policy and practice in prostate cancer survivorship care 3) train and equip the workforce and its leaders to ensure translation and sustainably improve the underpinning health care and other relevant systems.
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.
Uncovering The Neural Mechanisms Of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Using Brain Modelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,628.00
Summary
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an incurable mental illness and current therapies only mitigate its symptoms for a portion of individuals. Thus, there is a need to identify the neural causes of OCD to develop personalised therapies. We will combine mathematical modelling, computer simulations, and clinical and neuroimaging data to develop the first model of OCD. Outcomes from this study will enable targeted OCD research and the discovery of brain mechanisms supporting treatment response.
Dopamine Neuron Ontogeny: Convergent Neurobiological Pathway For Risk Factors Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,214.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is associated with changes in dopamine (a signalling molecule in the brain). These changes are present prior to psychosis, suggesting they begin early in development. Our aims are to manipulate key factors in the development of brain dopamine systems to clarify their role in psychosis and schizophrenia. This work has the potential to identify early brain changes that lead to schizophrenia, which in turn may generate better diagnoses and outcomes for people with this disorder.
Centre For Research Excellence In Speech And Language Neurobiology (CRE-SLANG)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,491,340.00
Summary
Half a million Australian children have a speech/language disorder, tripling their changes of poor academic outcomes, limited employment options and social isolation. Current speech therapy is limited, focusing on symptoms and ignoring evidence on underlying aetiologies. By identifying and translating findings on new genes and brain pathways leading to speech and language disorders, we will transform detection, diagnosis, prognosis and genetic counselling of affected children and their families.