Long-term Physical Exercise Improves Cognitive Performance Through Neuroimmune Modulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$493,586.00
Summary
This research investigates for how long exercise needs to carried out in order to be beneficial for cognitive function. We choose an animal model which simulates chronic brain inflammation as seen during aging processes of humans and during many inflammatory diseases affecting brain function. This research will unravel the long-term immunomodulatory and protective effects of exercise on brain function as well as the short-term anti-inflammatory effects on brain function.
Exercise Reverses Cognitive Decline In Aged Animals By Growth Hormone Stimulation Of Neurogenesis In The Hippocampus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,409.00
Summary
The production of new neurons in the hippocampus plays a critical role in learning and memory. With increasing age, this production slows and is associated with cognitive decline. However the stem cells that make new neurons are still present, and we have discovered that exercise activates these cells, leading to renewed neuron production and reversal of cognitive decline. We will explore how this process is regulated in order to develop strategies to reduce cognitive decline in humans.
Optimising Exercise Prescription For Brain Health In Older Adults At Risk Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,123.00
Summary
To reduce dementia burdens in the community, cost effective and targeted early regenerative strategies are critical. Engaging in frequent aerobic exercise is one strategy that can delay the onset and slow the progression of dementia. However, prescription is limited by an incomplete understanding of how exercise positively influences brain health. Here I will investigate the influence of current exercise levels, intensity and exercise environment on brain health in adults at risk of dementia.
Strengthening Functional Connectivity In The Ageing Brain.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
Age-related deficits in the ability to perform meaningful, voluntary movements markedly increase the likelihood of experiencing falls, a major cause of injury among older adults. Using advanced neurophysiological techniques, this project will (1) define the role of functional connectivity decline in age-related movement deficits and (2) gain a mechanistic understanding of improvements in voluntary movement control through a promising intervention for reversing age-related functional decline.
Connectivity Of Regenerating Axons Following Spinal Cord Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,428.00
Summary
Our objective is to thoroughly investigate the connections made by regenerating nerve fibres in mice which are treated with specific compounds to inhibit scarring as well as with active exercise following spinal cord injury. This will provide evidence of the potential of these compounds as a therapeutic intervention. Understanding how the nervous system rewires following exercise intervention will provide insights as to how new connections can be shaped to ensure optimal recovery of function.
Post-stroke Hyperglycaemia – Treatment With Exenatide In Acute Ischaemic Stroke (TEXAIS) Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,266,149.00
Summary
Raised blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) after a stroke is common. It reduces the efficacy of stroke treatments and results in worse outcomes. Insulin is not useful as a treatment for this as it causes frequent hypoglycaemia and does not improve clinical outcomes. Exenatide is a common diabetes drug that is simple to use and lowers blood glucose without hypoglycaemia. It will be tested in the Treatment with Exenatide in Acute Ischaemic Stroke (TEXAIS) trial.
Dementia In Type 2 Diabetes – Studying Causal Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$514,786.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is an important risk factor for dementia, and knowledge regarding the biological pathways linking the two disorders can provide great insight into the causes of dementia overall. I plan to study the links between T2D and dementia using analytical modelling to tease out causal pathways. My overall vision is to establish a sound knowledge base upon which effective interventions can be devised to prevent or delay dementia, using T2D-related dementia as a model.
The Role Of Brain Inflammation In Leptin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$730,123.00
Summary
Melanocortin neurons control body weight and are regulated by leptin. In obesity leptin cannot regulate the melanocortin system. We will test if leptin action on melanocortin neurons is limited by increased expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) in obese mice. As an alternative we will test if there are changes in the blood brain barrier, or an increased density of support and immune cells around melanocortin neurons of obese mice that might restrict inputs to these neurons.
Investigating Underlying Mechanisms Linking Type 2 Diabetes With Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$701,950.00
Summary
With type-2 diabetes representing a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms. This project will provide significant insight into how T2D impacts the brain with a focus on how deficiencies in brain inuslin signaling drives neurodegeneration. We will also evaluate novel inuslin like molecules at improving brain insulin siganling and preventing or slowing down the neurodegenerative process.
Use of an animal model to understand mechanisms underlying reductions in body weight associated with use of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. At least one in ten Australians is classified as morbidly obese and as such are eligible for bariatric surgery. Those undergoing the surgery will achieve an average excess weight loss of up to 60 per cent, they will have reduced or eliminated diabetes and will appreciably improve their prospects of survival. These experiments aimed at understandin ....Use of an animal model to understand mechanisms underlying reductions in body weight associated with use of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. At least one in ten Australians is classified as morbidly obese and as such are eligible for bariatric surgery. Those undergoing the surgery will achieve an average excess weight loss of up to 60 per cent, they will have reduced or eliminated diabetes and will appreciably improve their prospects of survival. These experiments aimed at understanding the mechanisms underpinning this success have the potential to further improve surgical approaches and outcomes and provide insights that will better enable weight loss therapies for all overweight and obese Australians.Read moreRead less