There are many challenges to the management of sleep disorders. There is mounting evidence that sleep problems promote impaired memory and thinking and ultimately dementia. My research will focus on improving detection and management of sleep disorders using cutting edge technologies in different patient groups with the aim of maximising brain health. This will be achieved by a range of new treatments including clinical trials, digital health approaches and new ways of improving deep sleep.
Suboptimal Sleep And Unhealthy Brain Ageing: Improving Outcomes Through Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,705.00
Summary
My research will address limitations in our understanding of the impact of sleep characteristics on memory and thinking abilities and biological markers of brain health in older adults, by; 1) exploring these relationships over time, and 2) enabling direct assessment of the effect of improved sleep on memory and thinking, and markers of brain health, following sleep-improvement therapy. My results will contribute to the development of strategies aimed at promoting healthy brain ageing.
Active Lifestyle Programs For Healthy Ageing (ALPHA)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,305,160.00
Summary
The growing healthcare and service needs of our ageing society warrant our urgent attention. My research program will identify critical gaps in our current understanding on how to make healthy ageing more equitable and evaluate the effectiveness of novel self-managed lifestyle interventions. Ultimately, this will reduce falls and falls injuries, improve healthy ageing and reduce the associated healthcare expenditure on acute care, rehabilitation and home care services.
Developing Novel Preclinical Models For Neurodevelopmental Disorders - From Bedside To Bench
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,714,215.00
Summary
I will use the knowledge gained from our studies of progressive brain structural and cognitive changes in neuropsychiatric disorders (esp. psychosis and schizophrenia), to develop novel animal models of brain development, identify the impact of insults (e.g. viral infection) at different stages of development, and identify new treatments and optimal timing of interventions to prevent or ameliorate brain changes and cognitive deficits.
Age Related Macular Degeneration: Novel Ways To Reduce Vision Loss Through Understanding A High-risk Phenotype And Validating A New Early Intervention.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,156,372.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older individuals. AMD eyes with reticular pseudo drusen (RPD) are now recognised as at high-risk of faster progression to vision loss. Identifying the underlying mechanisms driving RPD is crucial for to identify specifically targeted therapeutic options. Validating our subthreshold laser trial, and our early endpoint will offer the first proven intervention to slow AMD progression to vision loss.
A Network Approach To Mapping And Modifying Brain Changes In Psychosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,163,245.00
Summary
Psychosis fundamentally alters a person’s relationship with reality. Brain scans can map which parts of the brain are affected by psychosis, but they cannot reveal the actual disease processes that cause these changes. I will address this gap by integrating brain imaging with genetics and mathematical modelling to identify the brain circuits and molecules that impact risk for psychosis, and to develop targeted therapies that modify risk-related brain dysfunction.
Innovation For Health Service Provision And Clinical Management Of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,338,220.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally and had a steep rise in burden in low- and middle income countries. A greater focus on a preventative model of care is needed. Frugal innovation is the concept of creating small, low-cost solutions to big problems. My goal is to discover and robustly evaluate in real-world setting low-cost interventions that can be scaled and implemented to reduce the burden of CVD globally.
LIFESPAN-CHD – Leading Innovation By Finding And Eliminating Gaps In Research, SPecialist Care ANd Mental Health Services For People With CHD.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,644.00
Summary
Keeping patients and families engaged in congenital heart disease (CHD) care is vital for improving health outcomes for Australians living with CHD. This collaboration will position Australia at the forefront of CHD care and research by delivering healthcare innovations including a national CHD health services dataset, a digital health tool that maximises engagement in CHD care and new models of care co-designed with CHD patients and families to meet their cardiac and mental health needs.
Generating Evidence For A Strong Foundation: Using Population Health Data For Translational Child Health, Healthcare And Policy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,500,000.00
Summary
Professor Natasha Nassar’s research program uses advanced research methods to address new challenges in child population health. She will investigate the role and impact of early life factors, paediatric healthcare practices and long-term morbidity and survivorship on child health and development. Identification of at-risk children and involvement of clinicians and policy-makers in research will ensure improved child population health and development and healthy start to life for all children.
Transforming Approaches To Chronic Disease Prevention In Community Settings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,738,220.00
Summary
Chronic disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. Research has identified a number of interventions to prevent chronic disease. However, most of these are impractical, difficult to implement and so have little impact in improving community health. In this research program I will generate evidence that is relevant for policy makers and practitioners, identifying effective interventions that can feasibly be delivered, and effective approaches to implement them in community settings.