Early Detection Of MCI And Dementia Using Multidimensional Analysis Of Structural MRI By Computational Methods
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,601.00
Summary
Dementia in elderly is a major public health problem, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), is even more common. We propose to use recent computational anatomy algorithms from our group to develop novel multidimensional imaging biomarkers for early detection of brain anatomical changes due to MCI-dementia. We aim at identifying early signatures of MCI-dementia, thus making early treatment possible. The completion of our research will provide clinicians with new methods for the early diagnosis.
An Extended Follow-up Of Stroke Patients For Cognitive Impairment And Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Sydney Stroke Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$321,800.00
Summary
Vascular Dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. In fact, it may be a preventable cause of dementia. Yet it has been relatively neglected by researchers until the last decade, which has seen an upsurge of interest in this disorder. There is no consensus on the criteria for dementia. The profile of early cognitive impairment due to vascular factors is still poorly understood, and the longitudinal course of VaD as defined by modern criteria has not bee ....Vascular Dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. In fact, it may be a preventable cause of dementia. Yet it has been relatively neglected by researchers until the last decade, which has seen an upsurge of interest in this disorder. There is no consensus on the criteria for dementia. The profile of early cognitive impairment due to vascular factors is still poorly understood, and the longitudinal course of VaD as defined by modern criteria has not been studied. There have been few studies of the progressive changes in MRI in patients with cerebrovascular disease. The overlap of VaD and Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a problem for taxonomists and clinicians. One approach to the study of VaD is to examine a high risk group of subjects longitudinally to determine the early features, the risk factors and progressive changes. With this in mind, we began studying a cohort of stroke patients who are at high risk of VaD, in 1997-1999, and are following them longitudinally. The follow-up is now in its third year, and three neuropsychological assessments and two MRI-MRS scans have been performed. We propose to extend the follow-up to 5 years, with repeat neuropsychiatric, neuropsychological and MRI-MRS investigations, and wherever possible to necropsy, to determine the nature of vascular pathology that underlies cognitive impairment. Our cohort of stroke patients is arguably the most comprehensively assessed such cohorts internationally, and presents an excellent opportunity for a long-term follow-up study.Read moreRead less
Memory, Synaptic Plasticity And Gene Networks In Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,142,138.00
Summary
Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population. Its typical progression over a lifetime leads to long-term impairment of cognition, reality distortion, and an impoverished quality of life. Most likely, multiple genes, interacting together or with environmental factors, are involved. Using a novel approach to its partition, WA researchers aim to unravel complex networks of genes affecting memory and brain function in a cognitive deficit subtype of schizophrenia they have identified recently.
Evaluation Of Cognitive-behaviour Therapy For Alcohol And Other Drug Problems Among People With A Psychotic Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$217,465.00
Summary
Abuse of alcohol and other drugs among people with a major psychiatric illness is a serious public health problem and cost-effective treatments need to be developed and assessed. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of a counselling intervention. 180 individuals with a psychotic illness and concurrent alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems will be randomly assigned to counselling or usual treatment and followed up for a period of 12 months. The indicators of interest include: ....Abuse of alcohol and other drugs among people with a major psychiatric illness is a serious public health problem and cost-effective treatments need to be developed and assessed. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of a counselling intervention. 180 individuals with a psychotic illness and concurrent alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems will be randomly assigned to counselling or usual treatment and followed up for a period of 12 months. The indicators of interest include: current drug use; psychiatric symptoms; self-harm; social functioning; and use of health services. Findings from the proposed study will assist in the selection of particular treatment strategies and will aid the overall development of services for people with both major mental illness and substance abuse.Read moreRead less
Psychosocial Predictors Of Developing Breast Cancer In Women From High Risk Breast Cancer Families
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,875.00
Summary
Over the past 20 years, studies have highlighted the possible roles of stressful life events and distress, possibly mediated by social support and personality, in causing or speeding up the development of breast cancer. This possibility is of strong concern to consumers. To date, there have been few well designed, prospective studies of this issue. Furthermore, no previous studies have specifically targeted women at increased risk because of their family history. Over the past 7 years, it has be ....Over the past 20 years, studies have highlighted the possible roles of stressful life events and distress, possibly mediated by social support and personality, in causing or speeding up the development of breast cancer. This possibility is of strong concern to consumers. To date, there have been few well designed, prospective studies of this issue. Furthermore, no previous studies have specifically targeted women at increased risk because of their family history. Over the past 7 years, it has become possible to identify 2 breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2). Female carriers of mutations in these genes with a strong family history have an estimated lifetime risk of between 35% and 85%. The Kathleen Cuningham Consortium for Research into Familial Breast Cancer (KConFab) was established 7 years ago to coordinate the collection of genetic, epidemiological and clinical data in Australian families with a dominantly inherited predisposition to breast cancer. Due to the high rate of breast cancer diagnoses in this group, and the systematic recruitment of large numbers of high risk women by KConFab, there is a unique and temporary opportunity to conduct a rigorous study to resolve this question, with sufficient numbers involved. The study is a world first, and will provide the best data to date in this area. If the study demonstrates a relationship between psychosocial factors and the development of breast cancer in women from high risk breast cancer families, subsequent identification of vulnerable individuals and the implementation of appropriate interventions may have a real impact on reducing morbidity and mortality in this population. Furthermore, the results may have implications for all women in reducing breast cancer incidence.Read moreRead less
A Controlled Study Of Bilateral Electroconvulsive Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,257.00
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for depression, used in Australia and throughout the world to treat severe depression that has not responded to other treatments. Despite clear evidence of its effectiveness as a treatment, the use of ECT is limited by concerns over memory side effects. This study evaluates a new approach to ECT that has the potential to preserve its effectiveness, while greatly reducing effects on memory.
Diabetes And Dementia: Studies With The Fremantle Diabetes Study Cohort.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$315,509.00
Summary
Dementia is an extremely serious condition which affects a large proportion of the older population. Recent evidence has shown that diabetes, which is another common condition in the elderly, doubles the risk of an older person developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Why this happens is unknown but insulin therapy has been highlighted as a possible cause. As many older people are on insulin for their diabetes, it is extremely important to confirm or refute this finding. It se ....Dementia is an extremely serious condition which affects a large proportion of the older population. Recent evidence has shown that diabetes, which is another common condition in the elderly, doubles the risk of an older person developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Why this happens is unknown but insulin therapy has been highlighted as a possible cause. As many older people are on insulin for their diabetes, it is extremely important to confirm or refute this finding. It seems possible that insulin may not be the direct cause but that some other associated factor such as poor diabetes control, recurrent hypoglycaemic attacks or cerebrovascular disease causes dementia. On theoretical grounds, Alzheimer's disease may have a vascular basis. If Alzheimer's disease was, in part, caused by vascular disease then there is the potential to prevent cases of dementia developing by paying attention to the known risk factors for vascular disease such as hypertension. The Fremantle Diabetes Study is an ideal group of community living diabetic individuals in which we can study whether some or all of these factors cause Alzheimer's disease or dementia and gain insights into the potential for prevention.Read moreRead less
A Randomised Trial Of The Augmentation Of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy With Fluoxetine For Anxious School Refusing Youth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$539,191.00
Summary
School refusing youth consistently suffer from anxiety and sometimes depression. They become severely emotionally distressed when taken to school and experience social and academic difficulties in the short and long term as well as psychiatric illness in adulthood. Our program investigates whether treatment can be improved by enhancing psychotherapy (cognitive behaviour therapy) which helps over half of anxious school refusing children, with antidepressant-anxiety medication compared to placebo.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Police Officers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$190,255.00
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant anxiety disorder that affects many serving police officers. Although cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice to treat PTSD, it has never been validated in police offcers. This project represents the first controlled trial of applying CBT to reduce PTSD in police officers.
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEMENTIA IN A STROKE COHORT
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,747.00
Summary
In a current NHMRC-funded study, we have examined 200 stroke patients (and 100 control subjects) at 3 months after a stroke and one year later, and identified those who have impairment in memory and other cognitive functions. We have also studied these subjects in detail from a psychiatric perspective and performed brain scans on them using magentic resonance imaging. We find that many stroke patients have problems with their cognitive functioning which has a major impact on their lives. A large ....In a current NHMRC-funded study, we have examined 200 stroke patients (and 100 control subjects) at 3 months after a stroke and one year later, and identified those who have impairment in memory and other cognitive functions. We have also studied these subjects in detail from a psychiatric perspective and performed brain scans on them using magentic resonance imaging. We find that many stroke patients have problems with their cognitive functioning which has a major impact on their lives. A large number also become depressed. These consequences of stroke are not given sufficient importance by clinicians. The fact that stroke is a common problem in the elderly, and our society is aging, makes this a problem of major public health significance. In the new proposal, we plan to study these subjects up to 3 years with repeat neuropsychiatric assessments and brain scans to investigate the natural history of stroke-related cognitive impairment. We will determine whether further new cases of dementia develop in the period 1-3 years, what happens to the brain lesions picked up on brain scans, and how these deficiencies affect the patients' living status and their longevity. We will be able to determine the factors that lead to a good outcome, and suggest strategies that may be applicable to improve the functioning of these individuals.Read moreRead less