Vasoactive Nutrients To Promote Healthy Ageing In Postmenopausal Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,031.00
Summary
Poor circulatory function in the brain, associated with mood and cognitive disturbances, can be further exacerbated by ageing and estrogen deprivation at postmenopause. My research will determine whether phytoestrogen supplementation with either resveratrol or genistein for 2 years can counteract menopause-related impairments in mood and mental performance by enhancing cerebral vasodilator function and whether the magnitude of improvement differs between early and late menopausal years.
Pericyte Dysfunction Limiting Energy Supply In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$717,708.00
Summary
One possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could be narrowing of small blood vessels (capillaries) within the brain, limiting blood flow and energy supply. Pericytes, a cell only on capillaries, maintain blood flow throughout the brain. I believe that pericytes may die in AD leading to an energy deficit and memory problems. I will test using human brains and animal models whether pericyte loss causes AD and how this is happening. Pericytes could provide a new therapy option for AD.