Characterising Post Stroke Neuroplasticity In Humans – Identifying A Critical Window For Rehabilitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,419.00
Summary
Despite major investment in care for stroke patients, almost all have persisting disability. Stroke causes loss of brain cells that cannot be replaced. Some recovery is possible through compensatory mechanisms. In addition, intact cells around the stroke undergo growth that is critical for recovery. Animal studies suggest these changes take place in a “critical window” after stroke. Applying therapies in this window should improve outcomes. We will use novel approaches to define the “critical wi ....Despite major investment in care for stroke patients, almost all have persisting disability. Stroke causes loss of brain cells that cannot be replaced. Some recovery is possible through compensatory mechanisms. In addition, intact cells around the stroke undergo growth that is critical for recovery. Animal studies suggest these changes take place in a “critical window” after stroke. Applying therapies in this window should improve outcomes. We will use novel approaches to define the “critical window” in patients after strokeRead moreRead less
Mechanisms Underlying Impaired Neuroplasticity In Adolescents Born Preterm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$528,449.00
Summary
Preterm birth can lead to learning and motor deficits. We have preliminary evidence that these deficits last into adolescence and are due to a limited ability of the brain to reorganise (plasticity). We will confirm and characterise the learning/motor deficits seen in adolescents born preterm and explore if impaired plasticity is responsible. This project will provide vital information for the development of novel interventions to help children born prematurely to achieve best outcomes.
Mimicking Slow Wave Sleep To Enhance Plasticity In The Elderly Human Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,461.00
Summary
Cognitive and motor impairments associated with ageing have a major social and economic impact. This project will address a major driver of this decline. Brain functional decline is causally linked to poor sleep. Using non-invasive brain stimulation aspects of sleep important for maintaining cognitive and motor function will be mimicked, without the need for people to sleep. This will provide a new means to boost plasticity, and will assist in improving brain health throughout life.
Selective Modulation Of Corticostriatal Functional Circuitry Using TMS-fMRI
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$757,546.00
Summary
This project will validate a novel brain imaging-based method for targeted and non-invasive stimulation of specific brain circuits that play an important role in diverse cognitive, emotional and motor functions. The ability to selectively up-regulate or down-regulate activity in these circuits will have far-reaching treatment implications for a wide range of brain disorders.