The Role Of MTOR In The Ageing Liver: Implications For Paracetamol Hepatotoxicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,495.00
Summary
Nutritional interventions and a drug that mimics them, Rapamycin, are the only methods that have been shown to delay ageing and age-related diseases. A key protein in the liver called mTOR is the most likely target for the beneficial effects of these interventions. This study aims to characterize the effects of nutritional interventions and rapamycin on mTOR and markers of ageing in the liver. It also examines the effects of these interventions on the risk and mechanisms of developing paracetamo ....Nutritional interventions and a drug that mimics them, Rapamycin, are the only methods that have been shown to delay ageing and age-related diseases. A key protein in the liver called mTOR is the most likely target for the beneficial effects of these interventions. This study aims to characterize the effects of nutritional interventions and rapamycin on mTOR and markers of ageing in the liver. It also examines the effects of these interventions on the risk and mechanisms of developing paracetamol toxicity.Read moreRead less
Understanding Frailty In Older People: An Epidemiological Insight
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
We need to find better and more efficient ways to identify older people at risk of poor outcomes. The measurement of frailty, a key concept in geriatric medicine, may provide this exact information. The proposed research will investigate frailty in large-scale population datasets across both community and hospital settings. Results can be used to guide patient management, influence public health policy and inform future intervention studies.
Investigation Of Comorbid Anxiety And Depression In Older Adults (aged 60 Years And Above).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,874.00
Summary
This project is concerned with improving understanding of anxiety and depression in older adults. The project includes investigation into methods for better assessment and detection, and examination of the effectiveness of psychological treatments for these problems. The project also includes experiments to investigate the factors that cause and maintain anxiety and depression in older adults, and how anxiety and depression might present differently from younger adults.
Health, Wellbeing, Disability And Service Pathways In Older (80+) Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,792.00
Summary
Over the next 40 years there will be a rapid increase in the numbers of people aged 80 year and over. In this study we will examine the health status and service use needs and patterns of a sample of older Australian who form part of an existing 12 year longitudinal study on ageing and who are now moving intoold-old age. The study will provide inmportant insights for service planners and older people themselves about the health and community service needs for people in the study age group.
Mechanisms For Ageing Changes In The Hepatic Sinusoid
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,750.00
Summary
We recently discovered changes in the blood vessels of the liver that occur with old age that we have called pseudocapillarisation. These changes include thickening of the liver sinusoidal endothelium, deposition of basal lamina and collagen, and marked loss of specialized pores within the endothelium called fenestrations. These changes have profound effects on the transfer of many substrates including toxins, drugs, oxygen, hormones and lipids from the blood into the liver and thus may explain ....We recently discovered changes in the blood vessels of the liver that occur with old age that we have called pseudocapillarisation. These changes include thickening of the liver sinusoidal endothelium, deposition of basal lamina and collagen, and marked loss of specialized pores within the endothelium called fenestrations. These changes have profound effects on the transfer of many substrates including toxins, drugs, oxygen, hormones and lipids from the blood into the liver and thus may explain in part the fact that old age is the major risk factor for many diseases and adverse drug reactions. To further understand the mechanisms for these important ageing liver changes, we are proposing several studies. First, the effects of caloric restriction on the liver blood vessels will be studied because caloric restriction delays the primary ageing process. Second we will study the effects of ageing on F-actin, ATP, caveolin-1 and VEGF because these mechanisms have established roles in regulating the structure and function of the liver blood vessels and in particular their fenestrations. Finally we will determine whether VEGF can reverse the ageing changes in the liver blood vessels and stimulate the formation of new fenestrations within these blood vessels. Our research provides one mechanism for the inexorable association between old age and susceptibility to disease - based on primary ageing changes in the liver. As well as increasing our understanding of the cellular changes for ageing and the basic mechanisms involved in the regulation of the liver endothelial cells and their fenestrations, this proposed research will provide a foundation for the development of therapeutic interventions for the prevention and treatment of some age-related disorders.Read moreRead less
Outcomes Of Best Practice Diagnosis And Management Of Dementia In General Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$826,744.00
Summary
The outcome of this study will be new Australian data on what happens to people with dementia under the care of their GP, followed up for two years. In addition we will test the results for patients and carers of GP adherence to best practice for diagnosis and management of dementia. This is a 3-state randomised intervention trial in general practice which aims to add an extra year to an already funded study examining the outcomes for carers and patients of training GPs with extra skills in deme ....The outcome of this study will be new Australian data on what happens to people with dementia under the care of their GP, followed up for two years. In addition we will test the results for patients and carers of GP adherence to best practice for diagnosis and management of dementia. This is a 3-state randomised intervention trial in general practice which aims to add an extra year to an already funded study examining the outcomes for carers and patients of training GPs with extra skills in dementia screening and management guidelines. Outcomes for those GPs who adhere to the guidelines will be compared to outcomes for those GPs who do not. Patient and carer outcomes – include quality of life, depression, satisfaction with care and referral indicators, and patient pathways of care over the 24 month period will be recorded. In addition the study will examine barriers and enablers to GP best practice in dementia care.Read moreRead less
Development And Evaluation Of Health And Residential Care Service Delivery Models For Older Adults And People With Chronic Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
This fellowship will focus on developing and evaluating new models of health and residential care service provision to meet the impending demands of our ageing population. This research will encompass multi-state health services research in residential aged care, comparison of models of service provision in the hospital setting, and exploration of the intersection of physical and mental health amongst older adults.
Evaluating The Active Communication Education Program For Older People With Hearing Impairment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$240,550.00
Summary
Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent disabilities in older people and as the Australian population ages, the number of people with hearing loss will also increase. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression and has a profound effect on quality of life. Hearing aids are often seen as the panacea for hearing loss in older people but approximately 35% of people who have obtained a hearing aid use it infrequently or not at all. Even those who do use the hearing aid frequently may ....Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent disabilities in older people and as the Australian population ages, the number of people with hearing loss will also increase. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression and has a profound effect on quality of life. Hearing aids are often seen as the panacea for hearing loss in older people but approximately 35% of people who have obtained a hearing aid use it infrequently or not at all. Even those who do use the hearing aid frequently may still have difficulty hearing in everyday situations. In addition, there are many older people with a hearing impairment who do not want a hearing aid. Cost is often cited as a factor but reasons such as cosmetic appearance and attitude towards hearing loss are also major reasons for not using hearing aids. Hearing is just one element of successful communication. The ability to communicate despite the presence of a hearing impairment is the focus of a new intervention, the Active Communication Education (ACE) program. Participants develop problem-solving strategies to help with communication in everyday life. The program uses a positive approach aimed at enabling older people themselves to try new solutions to old problems. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of ACE for a range of older people with hearing impairment: those who are already using hearing aids, and those who have not sought a hearing aid. Some of the questions answered in this study are: Does the ACE program improve communication and quality of life for older people with hearing impairment? Do some people respond better to ACE , and if so, why? Are there long term effects of ACE? A simple low cost and effective program such as ACEwill have a major impact on the social and psychological health of older people.Read moreRead less