The Missing Link: MGluR5 As A Therapeutic Target For Cognitive Decline In Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,622.00
Summary
Cognitive decline is a core feature of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), yet there is no cure or treatment. Recent evidence suggests that a protein called mGluR5 could cause brain cells to lose function, leading to memory loss. This project will investigate whether disrupting mGluR5 function can improve cognition in mice with genetic AD. Memory will be assessed in mice using innovative touchscreen tests that closely mimic the tests used in humans.
Can Music Mend Minds? Investigating The Mechanisms Underlying The Beneficial Effects Of Music On Persons With Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$411,108.00
Summary
Music can have positive effects on persons with dementia. It be a powerful trigger of memories and emotions and provide a link to one's personal past and a form of communication with carers. Familiar songs can be recognised even in the late stages of dementia when verbal communication and memory for other things may be lost. There has been little scientific investigation of how and why music can help people with dementia and their carers. This research will address this issue.
Improving Quality Of Care For People With Dementia In The Acute Care Setting
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,859,855.00
Summary
People with dementia are often undetected in hospital. This can result in problems which impact their long-term health and wellbeing. An electronic nursing assessment system for people admitted to hospital which reduces nursing admission documentation time, increases identification of patients with cognitive impairment and risk of delirium on admission, supports care planning and increases time for direct clinical care will improve the quality of care for patients with dementia in hospital.
Cognition-oriented Treatments For Older Adults On The Spectrum From Cognitive Health To Dementia: Improving Methodologies And Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$716,620.00
Summary
Older adults, with and without memory problems, frequently seek ‘brain stimulating’ activities to reduce their dementia risk. Many such activities are available, but the evidence behind them is not clear and more research is needed to improve our understanding of these treatments. The proposed research programme aims to support older adults interested in these types of activities in their efforts to remain cognitively healthy and functionally independent irrespective of age and clinical status
Vascular Contributions To Dementia: Prevention In Those At High-risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,105.00
Summary
10,000 older adults undergo surgeries on their heart every year. These adults are at high risk for dementia, as the factors that bring them to cardiovascular surgery are the same as those that associate with dementia: hypertension, type II diabetes, etc. This population is in fact not only at increased risk of dementia due to vascular ill-health, but also because of undergoing the surgery itself. This project aims to prevent dementia in this vulnerable group.
An Investigation Into The Neural Substrates Of Cognitive Deficits In Mild Cognitive Impairment, And The Mechanisms Of Action Of A Novel Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$574,644.00
Summary
Furthering our understanding of the brain mechanisms that underlie the deficits in memory, executive function, and language that occur with Mild Cognitive Impairment is vital for conceptualising the underlying disease processes, and for the development of targeted treatments. Hence, this project will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the brain’s electrical and metabolic responses during specialised cognitive tasks, whilst simultaneously investigating a possible treatment.
Novel Assessment And Intervention For Dementia: An Inter-disciplinary Translational Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,021.00
Summary
This program of research focuses on i) a highly novel internationally competitive program of work focusing on the neural network correlates of sleep in dementia, sleep as a risk factor and the efficacy of sleep-wake interventions in reducing cognitive decline; ii) Innovative technologies for widespread screening of preclinical dementia and early intervention and iii) clinical trials focused on the testing of a of novel, highly translatable dementia risk reduction interventions.
Development And Validation Of The First Culturally Based Quality Of Life Tool For Aboriginal Australians Living With Dementia Or Cognitive Impairment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,435.00
Summary
Enhancing quality of life (QoL) is the central goal of care providers for clients with dementia. A QoL tool identifies areas of need, enabling strategies to be planned and evaluated accordingly. Dementia is highly prevalent in Aboriginal Australians. There is no QoL tool for Aboriginal Australians living with dementia. This project will develop and test a QoL tool with Aboriginal Australians living with dementia or other cognitive impairment. The factors affecting QoL will also be identified.
This Fellowship will develop novel diagnostic techniques in those patients who are at risk of developing Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. Participants will also be encouraged to enrol in a brain donation program allowing detailed information for future correlations between symptoms and brain changes. This work will lead to the creation of a diagnostic matrix (At Risk Index) that will provide clinicians and researchers with tools to inform better diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.