Which Mental Activities And When For Dementia Prevention? The Four Nations Longitudinal Collaboration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$183,218.00
Summary
We will examine the link between lifetime participation in complex mental activities and long term dementia risk in a level of detail not previously possible. Four major studies of brain health from around the world will join forces for the first time to determine which mental activities are most closely linked to protection from dementia, and when during the lifespan these are most important. Mental activity will be assessed using our recently published Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire.
Comparative Analysis Of Novel Transgenic Mouse Models For Brain And Islet Amyloidoses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,119.00
Summary
We aim to understand what two highly prevalent diseases, the brain disorder Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the metabolic disorder Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (DM), have in common. Through understanding pathogenesis and the development of novel transgenic models our long-term research goal is to identify new drug targets, to develop screening assays and to patent new findings. Collectively, this hopefully leads to AD and DM drugs and reduces the socio-economic burden of both debilitating diseases.
Speech Impairment In Frontotemporal Dementia And Primary Progressive Aphasia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$50,888.00
Summary
This research project aims to inform our understanding of the characteristics and trajectory of speech difficulties in frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia, two forms of younger onset dementia. Understanding the changes to speech that occur will assist with the early diagnosis of these disorders and improve measurement of disease progression. Findings will positively influence patient care through the identification of treatment targets and improved knowledge of prognosis.
DUAL AND MULTIPLE PROTEINOPATHIES IN NEURODEGENERATIVE DEMENTIAS – RISK FACTORS, PROGNOSTIC INDICATORS AND CLINICAL RAMIFICATIONS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,644.00
Summary
Dementia is the umbrella term used to refer to a number of different clinical presentations,each associated with distinct histopathological signatures of protein aggregates and spread.However, converging evidence now suggests the common co-occurences of dual/multiple proteinopathies across dementia syndromes.The present study will identify the clinical ramifications and factors that are most predictive for such proteinopathies in a large cohort of longitudinally-studied patients with dementia.
In Vivo Tau Imaging In Alzheimer’s Disease And Other Dementias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$538,998.00
Summary
Alteration of the normal protein tau leads to its deposition inside the brain cells leading to their death. These deposits have been well characterized and they are associated with cognitive impairment. We propose to study tau deposits in vivo in humans using positron emission tomography (PET) and assess its association with cognition and other signs of neurodegeneration
Apathy In Dementia: Identifying Mechanisms For Targeted Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$514,404.00
Summary
One of the most common symptoms in dementia is apathy - a reduction in concern, motivation or interest. Apathy impacts on a person’s ability to engage in necessary daily activities (e.g., cooking, washing, visiting friends) and often leads to people being placed in aged care facilities. This project will investigate the mechanisms which give rise to apathy in dementia. Understanding these mechanisms is the first step in developing new interventions to treat this challenging symptom.
Lewy Bodies In Patients With Dementia – Determining Common And Unique Mechanisms In Relation To Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,644.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia but often has multiple mixed pathologies. For example, Alzheimer post mortem brains may have abnormal accumulation of Lewy bodies in certain parts of the brains, and could be diagnosed as Lewy body disease. This may represent a skewed representation of some dementia subtypes. This project will identify the biological determinants of dementia patients with Lewy body disease for better understanding and future therapeutic targeting.
Genetic Investigations For Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$719,374.00
Summary
The disease process in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) begins decades before a diagnosis is made. We urgently need to investigate this pre-symptomatic stage to learn how the disease process begins, and allow the development of treatments that work before the brain is irreparably damaged. I will use genetic risk factors for AD to predict who is most at risk of developing AD. I will look for early changes and easily accessible markers, including the use of state of the art brain imaging.
The Role Of Peripheral Blood MicroRNAs As Biomarkers Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,284.00
Summary
To investigate the role of microRNAs as biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) to allow for early diagnosis prior to the onset of clinically apparent memory decline. MicroRNA expression levels in blood samples from patients with AD, mild cognitive impairment and normal cognition will be assessed in order to determine potential biomarker candidates.
The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project: A Longitudinal Intervention Study To Reduce The Risk Of Ageing-related Cognitive Decline And Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,792.00
Summary
It has been proposed that engagement in purposeful complex mental stimulation provides protection against dementia. The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP) is a unique, large-scale prospective trial that examines whether university-level study in older adult population reduces ageing-related cognitive decline and risk of dementia. This project will also examine how an individual’s genetic profile may influence the potential benefits of complex mental stimulation as well as risk of dementia.