Mapping Brain Network Interactions In Neurodegenerative Disorders Of The Subcortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Friedreich ataxia are debilitating and progressive neurodegenerative disorders that result from cell death within different components of a common brain system. Using magnetic resonance imaging and advanced statistical techniques, I will investigate functional and structural changes within this system, providing a clearer picture of the brain network changes that underlie the expression of these disorders.
Vascular Risk Factors For Incident Dementia And Brain Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,389.00
Summary
Dementia is a debilitating disease associated with the progressive loss of brain volume, cognitive ability and independence. The proposed study aims to define vascular factors associated with the risk of dementia in a large cohort of adults from the Framingham Heart Study, USA. As vascular risk factors can be lowered with already available interventions, it is hoped that results may lead to improved primary prevention guidelines, ultimately reducing the global burden of dementia.
Role Of The Medial Amygdala In Developing Neurogenic Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
We aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms and pathways that regulate the activity of neurons located in the medial amgydala during stress that contribute long term to the development of hypertension. This study is highly relevant to people who inappropriately respond to typical daily stressors and we aim to provide direction for developing specific therapies to interrupt the adverse cardiovascular consequences of chronic stress.
Understanding Neurodevelopment In Preterm Children Utilising MRI
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
Children born very preterm are more likely to have movement, learning and behavioural difficulties resulting from abnormal brain development or injury around the time of birth. This project will help identify common brain alterations in preterm children using MRI, as well as the causes and consequences of such abnormalities. Ideally, this research will help health professionals to prevent abnormalities and injury, or to intervene early to reduce the adverse effects of prematurity.
The Role Of SPARC In Regeneration And Neurogenesis In The Central Nervous System.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,870.00
Summary
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the elderly. Although the brain has built-in mechanisms for repairing itself, these processes are slow and incomplete. We are investigating how these natural repair mechanisms work and how to stimulate them to improve recovery. Our initial results suggest that a protein called SPARC, which is involved in wound healing outside the nervous system, may be able to recruit new nerve cells and blood vessels to damaged brain tissue.