A Study Addressing Motor, Cognitive And Attentional Deficits In Presymptomatic Gene Carriers For Huntington's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,330.00
Summary
Since the discovery of the Huntington's disease (HD) gene mutation there has been much controversy in the literature relating to whether there are any preclinical deficits in individuals who are gene positive for HD but who have not yet been clinically diagnosed with the disease. Our aim is to examine, over a three year period, the cognitive, attentional and motor performance of presymptomatic gene-positive, and negative, individuals on a wide variety of computerized experimental procedures, whi ....Since the discovery of the Huntington's disease (HD) gene mutation there has been much controversy in the literature relating to whether there are any preclinical deficits in individuals who are gene positive for HD but who have not yet been clinically diagnosed with the disease. Our aim is to examine, over a three year period, the cognitive, attentional and motor performance of presymptomatic gene-positive, and negative, individuals on a wide variety of computerized experimental procedures, which we have previously shown to be sensitive to deficits in individuals who have already been diagnosed with HD. If progressive behavioural changes in gene-positive individuals can be reliably documented to occur before the clinical symptoms of HD are evident, this would be of profound significance as it would allow a set of criteria to be established to assist in early detection of clinical onset of symptoms, and possibly permit use of newly-emerging therapies.Read moreRead less
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea As A Risk Factor For Atrial Fibrillation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,631.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and obstructive sleep apnoea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder. It has recently been suggested that OSA increases the risk of developing AF . The aim, therefore of this study, is to determine the incidence of sleep apnoea in our population of highly symtomatic patients with atrial fibrillation and to assess the outcome on arrhythmia burden of treatment with continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP).
Optimising Non-invasive Ventilation At Birth For Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,912.00
Summary
Infants born very premature require respiratory support at birth to make the transition to newborn life. As these infants are very immature and prone to injury, modern respiratory care strategies utilise the least invasive approaches mainly applied using a facemask. However, we have discovered that the larynx is closed at birth and thereby prevents air from entering the lung. This application is focussed on optimising the efficiency of facemask ventilation at birth and stimulating breathing.
A Prospective Multicentre Randomized Study To Evaluate The Impact Of OSA Treatment With CPAP On Atrial Electrical And Structural Substrate And On Long Term Maintenance Of Sinus Rhythm Following Catheter Ablation Of Atrial Fibrillation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the commonest heart rhythm disorder causing stroke, heart failure and increased mortality. Similarly, obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) is increasingly recognised as a modern epidemic. Epidemiological data have demonstrated an independent association between the two conditions. We will conduct a prospective multicenter randomized study to evaluate the impact of OSA treatment on: (i)maintenance of sinus rhythm after catheter ablation of AF, (ii)atrial structure and function
Treating Insomnia In Patients With Co-existing Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$260,046.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia commonly coexist in the same patient, and can affect how patients adhere to treatment for their OSA. Insomnia can be effectively treated by a clinical psychologist using a technique known as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), but it is currently unclear whether this is effective in patients who also have OSA. This research project will investigate whether treatment of insomnia using CBT in patients who have OSA will improve health outcomes.