My research will explore the pathophysiological mechanisms that link disturbed sleep and circadian rhythm with cognitive impairment and dementia. I will explore how sleep and circadian disruption in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) impact on body and brain vascular function. I will also explore whether OSA treatment and light therapy in MCI patients can arrest or even improve brain vascular function through improved sleep/circadian function.
Vascular Mechanisms Of Neurodegeneration: Drivers And Determinants Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,421,722.00
Summary
The evidence is compelling: vascular burden is the greatest determinant of late life cognition. The volume of evidence linking vascular risk and dementia is conclusive. All late-onset dementia syndromes, especially Alzheimer’s disease, are driven or exacerbated by vascular brain burden. We aim to examine how vascular burden causes dementia. Understanding the mechanisms means that we can prevent and treat the global epidemic of dementia.