My aim is to use advanced Neuroimaging to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of brain disorders, in particular Epilepsy, but also Sleep disorders, Schizophrenia, the Dementias. In the case of my main research interest (Epilepsy) it is to red
A Device For Simultaneous Continuous Acquisition Of EEG And MRI
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$179,401.00
Summary
We aim to further develop a world-leading method we invented that facilitates the simultaneous, continuous acquisition of the electroencephalogram (EEG - electrical brain waves measured at the scalp) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI - images the location of brain activity throughout the brain). Combining the two permits non-invasive imaging of human brain function with the exquisite temporal resolution of EEG and the high spatial resolution and brain coverage afforded by fMRI.
Low-Dose Tenecteplase Vs Standard-Dose Alteplase For Acute Ischaemic Stroke: An Imaging Based Safety And Efficacy Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,281.00
Summary
This study compares standard dose alteplase (a proven stroke thrombolytic) with a low dose of the new medication tenecteplase for stroke treatment. We propose that the clot-dissolving activity of low-dose tenecteplase will be superior to alteplase, with a lower risk of brain bleeding. MRI scanning is the most effective way of assessing outcomes and will be used to measure how well the medication restores blood flow, the amount of permanent brain damage, and whether any brain bleeding occurs.
Abeta Amyloid Imaging In Neurodegenerative Disorders With A Novel 18F Radiotracer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,084,266.00
Summary
Alzheimer's disease is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease, and the most common cause of dementia. It is estimated that 212,000 Australians suffer from dementia and this will rise to approximately 730,000 by 2050. Currently there are no definitive diagnostic methods for AD. The research proposed in this application describes the evaluation of a new imaging radiotracer that would be suitable for widespread non-invasive diagnosis of AD.
Cognition In Cerebellar Degeneration: Correlations With Lateral Neocerebellar Dysfunction And Atrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$205,500.00
Summary
Diseases of the main brain coordination centre (the cerebellum) were once thought to impair only movement skills. However, effects on thinking, and especially on mental flexibility and rational planning, are increasingly being reported. These cognitive difficulties may hinder rehabilitation. They also often cause tension within the sufferers' families if other family members are not aware that such difficulties are part of the disease and beyond the sufferers' control. We will test how common su ....Diseases of the main brain coordination centre (the cerebellum) were once thought to impair only movement skills. However, effects on thinking, and especially on mental flexibility and rational planning, are increasingly being reported. These cognitive difficulties may hinder rehabilitation. They also often cause tension within the sufferers' families if other family members are not aware that such difficulties are part of the disease and beyond the sufferers' control. We will test how common such thinking difficulties are in patients with different inherited forms of incoordination, and determine what aspects of thinking are particularly affected. We will see whether the severity of movement incoordination predicts the extent of thinking disruption, as different but neighbouring parts of the cerebellum seem to be involved in each. We will also use magnetic brain scans (MRI's) to check that the thinking problems are not caused by shrinkage of other parts of the brain in these diseases.Read moreRead less
Structural And Functional Consequences Of A Human Nicotinic Receptor Mutation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$112,809.00
Summary
Identification of the defective gene underlying a particular form of inherited epilepsy in man, autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE), now provides the first opportunity to study the basic mechanisms of an inherited epilepsy in man. The responsible mutations affect a subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In this research project, quantitative methods of imaging the brain will be used bridge the gap in understanding which lies between the molecular defect and the ....Identification of the defective gene underlying a particular form of inherited epilepsy in man, autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE), now provides the first opportunity to study the basic mechanisms of an inherited epilepsy in man. The responsible mutations affect a subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In this research project, quantitative methods of imaging the brain will be used bridge the gap in understanding which lies between the molecular defect and the clinical manifestations of ADNFLE. Involvement of a system of nerve pathways, the mesocortical dopaminergic system, is postulated to explain the preferential susceptibility of the frontal lobe to seizures in ADNFLE. Positron emission tomography will be used to examine changes in neurotransmitter release in the frontal lobe. The molecular defect in ADNFLE also provides a unique opportunity to examine the role of the nicotinic receptor in the development of the human brain and in important aspects of human cognition. Statistical mapping of anatomical variability and high resolution magnetic resonance scans will be used to detect alterations in the anatomical structure of the mesial frontal lobe. Evidence of deficient nicotinic receptor-mediated cognitive effects in ADNFLE will be sought using a battery of psychological tests shown to be sensitive to the effects of nicotine.Read moreRead less
Prediction of tissue fate and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke with advanced imaging analysis - experimental validation and translational studies. Stroke is predominantly a disease of ageing and the commonest cause of adult disability. In Australia, 55,000 people have a stroke each year (>80% are over age 65). The total number of strokes per year worldwide will rise 60% within the next two decades as the proportion of elderly in our population increases. This research will improve bra ....Prediction of tissue fate and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke with advanced imaging analysis - experimental validation and translational studies. Stroke is predominantly a disease of ageing and the commonest cause of adult disability. In Australia, 55,000 people have a stroke each year (>80% are over age 65). The total number of strokes per year worldwide will rise 60% within the next two decades as the proportion of elderly in our population increases. This research will improve brain imaging selection for acute stroke therapies in clinical trials and practice. Better acute stroke therapies limit the size of brain damage from stroke and reduce long-term disability. Thus, this research will directly translate into allowing our population to 'age well and productively'.Read moreRead less
Hemispheric asymmetry of motor and language representation: Effects of hand preference and mirror movements. The neuroscience community has recently exploited advances in brain imaging to understand cerebral representation of many cognitive functions. The proposed study will expand our knowledge of brain-behaviour relationships, another key area of cognitive neuroscience research. Its successful funding and completion will increase Australia's standing as a major contributor to world research ou ....Hemispheric asymmetry of motor and language representation: Effects of hand preference and mirror movements. The neuroscience community has recently exploited advances in brain imaging to understand cerebral representation of many cognitive functions. The proposed study will expand our knowledge of brain-behaviour relationships, another key area of cognitive neuroscience research. Its successful funding and completion will increase Australia's standing as a major contributor to world research outcomes in this innovative and important field, and place Australia at its forefront. The investigator's access to advanced brain imaging and to the unique population of individuals with mirror movements, combined with expertise and experience in neuropsychology and brain imaging, places the research in an internationally competitive position.Read moreRead less
What Factors Affect Lesion Distribution In Multiple Sclerosis And Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$56,797.00
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease which affects about 10,000 people in Australia. In MS, a persons own immune system starts to attack specific parts of their brain and spinal cord, causing lesions that prevent nerve impulses from passing from the brain to other parts of the body. The symptoms that people with MS develop can vary from one person to another, depending on where in the brain or spinal cord the lesions occur. Some parts of the brain and spinal cord seem to be m ....Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease which affects about 10,000 people in Australia. In MS, a persons own immune system starts to attack specific parts of their brain and spinal cord, causing lesions that prevent nerve impulses from passing from the brain to other parts of the body. The symptoms that people with MS develop can vary from one person to another, depending on where in the brain or spinal cord the lesions occur. Some parts of the brain and spinal cord seem to be much more susceptible to this attack than others, and the question that this study will address is why do lesions occur where they do in MS? Some preliminary results strongly suggest that there is a link between carrying particular genes that control immune responses, having immune cells that can attack one particular protein in the nervous system called PLP, and developing lesions in parts of the brain that control balance. This will be investigated further, and we will also look for other links between immune cells that can attack other proteins and development of lesions in particular areas. If such links can be identified, they would be very important for improved diagnosis of MS and it would enable more specific treatments for MS to be developed. We will also use experimental models of MS to investigate the exact components within the nervous system and within the immune system that play a role in directing the attack to particular sites.Read moreRead less