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.
Prospective Imaging Study Of Ageing: Genes, Brain & Behaviour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,465,047.00
Summary
While the burden of dementia in Australia occurs late in life, the underlying brain disease accumulates for decades prior to dementia onset. Disease modifying interventions have the greatest potential to avert later disease burden if introduced during this crucial window, well before the onset of clear cognitive decline. To reduce Australia's future dementia burden, it is thus imperative to identify those Australians at risk of dementia whilst they are still relatively young.
Mental illnesses are the largest single cause of disability and costs the economy $56.7 billion per year. Depression and anxiety in those with dementia lead to poorer outcomes with reduced quality of life, poor functional status and worsening cognition, despite under-treatment. I will develop an integrated network in Australia to maximise treatment outcomes for depression and anxiety in dementia.
Improving Health Outcomes In The Tropical North: A Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,997,916.00
Summary
Improving Health Outcomes in the Tropical North will strengthen partnerships with research institutions in the NT, Qld, WA, NSW, Vic and SA, by undertaking a research agenda that will help close the gap in Indigenous health disadvantage, protect the north from emerging infectious threats and engage regional neighbours. We will establish a northern Australian network that incorporates Indigenous engagement, mentoring and knowledge translation, and facilitates collaboration with southern partners.
Rolling It Out: Targeted Translation Intervention To Improve Driving Cessation Outcomes For People With Dementia Across Metropolitan And Regional Areas
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,644.00
Summary
This research addresses social, emotional and practical challenges that people with dementia face in dealing with stopping driving. A resource that provides practical and emotional support and education around stopping driving is required in primary care settings to improve quality of life of people with dementia and their carers, and support health professionals who monitor driving issues. This program will translate a research-based resource into GP clinics and community services in Australia.
Men, Women And Ageing: Predictors Of Ageing Well In The Australian Longitudinal Study On Womens Health And The Perth He
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,935,634.00
Summary
Maintaining health and independent living are high priorities for Australia’s rapidly expanding older population. This project capitalizes on two existing large-scale studies, to increase our scientific understanding of strategies for maintaining the health and wellbeing of older people living in the community. Two separate longitudinal research projects, the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health involving over 12,000 older women selected from every part of Australia, and the Health in ....Maintaining health and independent living are high priorities for Australia’s rapidly expanding older population. This project capitalizes on two existing large-scale studies, to increase our scientific understanding of strategies for maintaining the health and wellbeing of older people living in the community. Two separate longitudinal research projects, the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health involving over 12,000 older women selected from every part of Australia, and the Health in Men Study involving over 12,000 older men from Perth, Western Australia, have been following older Australians in order to determine what contributes to older people’s health and quality of life. The new project will combine data from these two studies. The two projects contain a breadth of data and can address the following questions: What health-related, personal, lifestyle and social factors predict survival and healthy non-disabled life in men and women aged 70-90 years? Do changes in lifestyle in older age (eg smoking cessation) affect length and quality of life? Who makes greatest use of health services, and who least, and how does this relate to health outcomes?How are health and lifestyle factors related to social connectedness and independent living in older age? What health and lifestyle factors predict positive mental health in older age? How are older men’s and women’s lifestyles and health status different, and how are they the same? Should health promotion programs in old age target men and women separately, or not?Read moreRead less