Psychiatric disorders are associated with considerable social and economic burden which could be reduced if we understood mental health outcomes in high risk populations. This fellowship will use advanced brain imaging to understand the development of mental health disorders in those at high risk of bipolar disorder and dementia.
Novel Methods To Study Structural-functional Connectivity In Epilepsy And Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,605.00
Summary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive method that has revolutionised our understanding of clinical neuroscience. MRI provides not only high-contrast anatomical images, but also information on brain physiology and function. My primary goal is to develop and optimise novel MRI methods for a more accurate measure of brain structure and function. My research program will focus on the application of these methods to the investigation of epilepsy and schizophrenia.
Characterising Motor Network Connectivity To Improve Application Of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation In Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Stroke is a major health issue and leading cause of disability. Improvements to rehabilitation would be beneficial for both patients and hospital services. Brain stimulation has shown capacity to improve function after stroke. At the moment the effects are highly variable an unable to assist rehabilitation. Strength and pattern of remaining brain connections may explain variable responses to brain stimulation. Tailoring stimulation based on brain function will improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Pain has a detrimental impact on ones quality of life and a significant financial impact on the community. Although some of the pathways that code pain in the brain have been defined, it was recently proposed that there also exists a pain-specific pathway in humans. Using human brain imaging, we aim to determine if such a pathway exists and if it is altered in subjects with chronic pain. The existence of such a pathway would significantly aid in the development of better treatment regimes.
Combined TMS-EEG For Early Diagnosis Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,767.00
Summary
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is key to more effective early intervention. Current biomarkers are expensive and are not suited for detecting the subtle changes in brain function that occur during the initial stages of the disease. Non-invasive brain stimulation is pain-free and inexpensive, and can directly probe brain function in conscious humans. This project will investigate whether these techniques might be used to identify markers of early brain dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease.
Investigating The ‘Silent Epidemic’ Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A TMS-EEG Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is common following an impact to the head. These injuries can affect brain function for many years after the initial incident, are associated with the development of serious conditions such as depression or Alzheimer’s disease, and increase the risk of suicide. This project will use cutting edge neurophysiological techniques to better understand how mTBI affects the brain, and to identify new strategies for restoring brain function following injury.
Characterising And Modulating Corticostriatal Connectivity In Schizophrenia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is a devastating mental illness that affects approximately 0.5-1% of the population. Many of the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as problems with memory and motivation, remain untreatable. This project will explore the brain processes that underlie memory deficits in people with schizophrenia and investigate the use of non-invasive brain stimulation to improve these impairments. The results from this study will hopefully lead to new treatments for people with schizophrenia.