Functional Genomics Approach To Extend Lifespan While Preventing Age-related Cognitive Decline
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,600.00
Summary
In our ageing population, preventing age-related neurological decline is one of the central medical challenges of the 21st century. Here we use human population data obtained from people who reached 90 years of age free of any disease, or patients who suffer from dementia, combined with functional genomics studies in animals to pinpoint new genes that can be targeted to extend lifespan while preserving neurological function in these extended years of life.
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.
The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project: A Longitudinal Intervention Study To Reduce The Risk Of Ageing-related Cognitive Decline And Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,792.00
Summary
It has been proposed that engagement in purposeful complex mental stimulation provides protection against dementia. The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP) is a unique, large-scale prospective trial that examines whether university-level study in older adult population reduces ageing-related cognitive decline and risk of dementia. This project will also examine how an individual’s genetic profile may influence the potential benefits of complex mental stimulation as well as risk of dementia.
What Can Tau Deposition Tell Us About The Appearance Of Subjective And Objective Cognitive Decline In Older Adults?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,077.00
Summary
Subjective memory concerns are common in older adults, but it is uncertain how they relate to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers. Novel neuroimaging techniques have been developed for measuring tau deposition, a hallmark feature of AD. Using this technique, I aim to determine whether tau is sensitive to certain types of subjective concerns. My findings will reveal which concerns are indicative of AD risk, and which arise from unrelated factors, such as inattention or stress.
Gene-environment Interactions Modulating Cognition And Dementia In Huntington’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,425.00
Summary
We are investigating mechanisms whereby cognitive symptoms, culminating in dementia, occur in a fatal brain disease, Huntington’s. We will explore how the ‘genetic stutter’ affects the brain at the level of molecules and cells, which will help identify targets for future treatment. We will also establish how environmental factors, including cognitive stimulation, physical activity and stress, modulate dementia. This will inform the development of treatments for this currently incurable disease.
We need to think laterally to find effective treatments for people with dementia. Using relevant animal models and cutting-edge technology, my research investigates gene-environment interactions. In particular, my group is studying the pathophysiology of Huntington’s disease, a devastating progressive disorder with no current cure. By integrating my unique wide-ranging expertise and my extensive network of collaborators, I aim to explore mechanisms and to discover novel therapeutic strategies.
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.
Interaction Of Amyloid-beta And Tau Pathology In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,592.00
Summary
Currently, over 200,000 Australians are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related forms of dementia, causing a huge socio-economic damage. To overcome the lack of effective treatments, we need to understand the underlying causes and translate them into therapy. Using state-of-the-art cell culture and genetic mouse models, I will reveal fundamental processes in AD and related dementias, and develop tailored treatments to battle these devastating disorders.
Sleep, Plasticity And Neurodegeneration: Targeting Sleep To Improve Cognition In Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$525,116.00
Summary
Older individuals with mild cognitive impairment commonly experience disturbed sleep and about 50% will convert to dementia. It is unclear whether sleep disturbance mediates cognitive decline and progression to dementia. Optimising sleep presents a novel strategy to slow disease progression. This new research program explores links between sleep and dementia to identify new biomarkers of disease progression and new targeted therapeutic approaches to improve quality of life for older Australians.
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.