Modifying Cognitive Trajectories Using Computerised Cognitive Training
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,768.00
Summary
The "Use it or lose it" principal is highly applicable in cognition functions, particularly with ageing. This project aims to use an intervention that promotes active brain processes and function to protect and preserve it from deterioration. The effect of this dementia-prevention strategy and results will help fill gaps in the current body of knowledge, and will allow the prescription of individualised treatment by showing the mechanisms by which this intervention works to improve cognition.
An Integrated EHealth Strategy To Optimise Outpatient Disease & Psychological Management In Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,533.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects many Australians. We will undertake a prospective study comparing standard IBD clinic outpatient management with a technology enabled self management (eHealth) platform for patients with mild to moderate IBD in relation to disease activity, medication status, psychological distress and quality of life. Patients in the eHealth intervention arm will be stratified according to risk and treated via algorithms according to standardised evidence-based medicine.
The Next Generation Of Impact In Cystic Fibrosis - Adolescent Mental Health And Beyond
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$76,365.00
Summary
My project studies adolescents with cystic fibrosis and explore how mental health issues influence and associate with important health outcomes relating to respiratory health, sleep quality, pain issues, family functioning, financial and social status and ability to manage treatment plans. I will recruit participants from the AREST CF (Australian Respiratory Early Surveillance Team for Cystic Fibrosis) project that studies children with CF from diagnosis.
Development Of A Transdiagnostic Intervention For Patients With Cancer Experiencing Anxiety In The Context Of Ongoing Uncertainty
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,768.00
Summary
Surprisingly little work has been done to explain how anxiety develops and persists in patients with cancer. A model was recently developed to explain how fears of cancer recurrence develop and persist, which led to a new intervention. This study proposes to extend that work for patients with ongoing cancer threat or poor prognosis. The proposed study will develop a model of cancer-related anxiety and develop and test an intervention for anxiety in cancer patients with ongoing uncertainty.
The Impact Of Early Experiences Of Stress And Depression On Cardiovascular Health: The Australian Lifestyle Of Our Kids (LOOK) Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,183.00
Summary
This study forms part of the LOOK study examining the link between lifestyle factors and children’s health. This research will investigate the impact of early experiences of stress and depression on cardiovascular health, whilst accounting for a set of potentially confounding variables (physical activity, fatness). The uniqueness of this study lies in the multidisciplinary approach and the breadth of measures collected. Poorer mental health is expected to predict poorer cardiovascular outcomes.
Cognition In First Episode Psychosis: Mapping Relationships Between Task Performance, Brain Changes And Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$79,734.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is a devastating illness. Medication can successfully treat the 'positive' symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. However, cognitive impairments have been identified as a greater burden. This project aims to better understand the brain basis of these cognitive impairments, by looking at the relationships between participants’ responses to cognitive tests, their brain activity during the testing, and their symptoms and general functioning over time.
Defining An Ethical And Evidence-based Approach To Clinical Research In Children And Adolescents With Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$84,800.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children and adolescents is a serious health condition, which impacts patients' academic abilities and achievement as well as their social wellbeing and their physical and mental health. This study will investigate the range of impacts that CKD has on patients and families, and explore the ways that these problems should best be addressed in future research from the perspective of patients and their families.
Modern Chemical Exposures In Utero And In Infancy, And Their Impact Upon Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes In The Barwon Infant Study, An Unselected Birth Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$138,353.00
Summary
I am a paediatric doctor interested in the effects of modern industrial chemicals on children’s development. Even in the womb babies are exposed to industrial chemicals and we know some, like lead, are harmful to developing brains. I am interested in other chemicals that are now suspected to affect development, including the polybrominated diphenyl esters (PBDEs), and I intend to investigate this as part of the Barwon Infant Study, which follows 1250 children from before birth to 3 years.
Altered Sense Of Identity In Dementia: Cognitive And Neurobiological Underpinnings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$108,902.00
Summary
People with dementia commonly experience changes in their sense of identity, causing significant distress for the individual and their families. This project will investigate these changes comprehensively, determining their contributing factors and how they relate to dementia’s effect on the brain. Outcomes from this project will improve understanding of the experience of the person with dementia, informing personalised care and enhancing the quality of patient-carer relationships.
The Impact Of Living Kidney Donation On Donor-recipient Relationships
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,684.00
Summary
The purpose of this study is to explore the expectations and experiences of the impact of living kidney donation on donor-recipient relationships. There is very little research on this topic. This study will use qualitative methodology (face-to-face interviews and diary entries) to inform the design of written-booklet support resources which will subsequently be evaluated. This can help to improve and protect donor and recipient outcomes in living kidney donation.