Cognition In Motion: Characterization And Evolution Of Cognitive Dysfunction In Motor Neurodegeneration And Frontotemporal Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,106.00
Summary
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a fatal disease. Cognition may be unaffected or may be severely impaired to warrant a dementia diagnosis. The cognitive status at onset, its progression and the presence of co-morbid dementia of most MND patients is unknown. This research program will develop and validate a cognitive screener that diagnosis co-morbid dementia in the context of motor neurodegeneration in MND.
Developing Insight Into The Molecular Origins Of Familial And Sporadic Frontotemporal Dementia And Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,377,279.00
Summary
There is strong evidence that frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) represent a spectrum of neurodegenerative disease with common origins. A combined study of FTD/ALS patient cohorts will provide greater power to identify these shared molecular origins. We aim to discover gene variants that cause, predispose, or modify onset and progression of inherited and sporadic FTD/ALS, and validate and study our discoveries in new cell and animal models of these disorders.
Optimising Speech Assessment And Treatment In Frontotemporal Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$722,210.00
Summary
Frontotemporal dementia has a devastating impact on our ability to speak and understand others. This proposal aims to improve our understanding of how to best assess, diagnose and treat these debilitating impairments. By bringing together an international consortium of clinics, these findings will lead to significant advances in our understanding of disease progression and patient care.
Implications Of Retinal Neurodegeneration In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,213.00
Summary
Recent research has shown that “early signs” of Alzheimer ’s disease (AD) can be detected in the eyes. My research focus is to determine which particular changes in the retina are associated with AD. I will also investigate if blocking the production of beta amyloids (proteins produced in AD) in the eye will indeed help reduce their load in the brain and hence delay the onset of AD. Results from this research maybe used for early diagnosis and future medicinal studies that target the eye in AD.
BRAIN-MEND: Biological Resource Analysis To Identify New Mechanisms And Phenotypes In Neurodegenerative Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$861,866.00
Summary
Current classification of neurodegenerative diseases (ND) based on clinical phenotypes does not take into account underlying disease heterogeneity, or overlapping disease mechanisms, thus hindering therapy development. Segregation and re-classification of ND phenotypes is urgently needed. BRAIN-MEND will reclassify existing phenotypic classifications using using pathway and network analyses within and across complex NDs.