CJCADR current projects
Research at CJCADR spans a breadth of science, to understand dementia from all angles. Here are some current projects across the Centre.
Fundamental research
Metabolic and mitochondrial DNA alterations in ageing and dementia
Led by Dr Steven Zuryn, in collaboration with Emeritus Professor Perry Bartlett and Professor Frédéric Meunier, this project aims to identify differences between brains with and without cognitive impairments, which may enable prediction of cognitive outcomes for individuals and could lead to novel preventative strategies.
Oxidative damage and neurodegeneration: study of a new molecule with a neuronal protective function
Professor Massimo Hilliard is collaborating with Professor Elizabeth Coulson on a project to explore a molecule that offers some protection against the oxidative damage that leads to brain cell decline during ageing, which has significant future therapeutic potential.
In-vivo Visualisation of Synaptic Protein Dynamics during Synaptic Plasticity, Neuronal Ensemble Formation and Learning
Bringing together strengths in molecular biology from Dr Victor Anggono, and cutting-edge microscopy, from Dr Patrizio Opazo, to track, in living cells, the movement of key molecules involved in communication between brain cells. They aim to understand the spatial and temporal mechanisms leading to the toxic accumulation of proteins found in Alzheimer’s disease.
Translational research
Ultrasound project
Despite several hundred clinical trials of potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, there is still no cure. The few therapies that are approved, offer only symptomatic relief. Hundreds of clinical trials of drug candidates that showed promise in laboratory studies have not resulted in any treatment that halts the disease.
Professor Götz and his team are developing a ground-breaking therapeutic ultrasound approach to target dementia. His studies led to the breakthrough discovery published in 2015 that ultrasound can clear the toxic amyloid-beta plaque build-ups that are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The team showed that repeated treatments with ultrasound in mice and sheep are effective in clearing toxic protein plaques from the brain and restoring memory function.
As with all medical science discoveries, considerable work is required to translate findings from laboratory studies into the clinic. This translation process is a journey of exploration, with many foreseen and unforeseen challenges to be overcome along the way. To tackle these challenges Professor Götz’s research team now includes biologists, engineers and medical device development specialists. The team is working on both understanding the biological processes involved and on the development of unique and specialised equipment needed to apply the treatment in the clinic.
The average timeframe from the point of discovery to a new treatment being available is around 15 years. The ultrasound team is making great progress, with prototype equipment currently in laboratory testing and treatment delivery algorithms in development. The next steps will be to trial the technology in people, to ensure safety and to gather vital data to inform further development.
Clinical research
CJCADR researchers are working to improve diagnostic tools for dementia and interventions to improve the health of people living with and those at risk of developing dementia.
Cognitive test development for dementia
Professor Peter Nestor is studying patients experiencing mild-cognitive impairment using advanced brain imaging technologies, with an aim to improve early detection of dementia and to improve diagnostic accuracy for different types of dementia. His research involves developing better tests of memory, language and thinking abilities.
In order to develop new tests and interpret performance of people with dementia, he also needs the help of healthy people. To volunteer to be part of Professor Nestor’s clinical studies and to find out more.
Improving diagnosis and clinical assessment
Professor Gail Robinson is a clinical neuropsychologist with current research programs focusing on both theoretical questions about brain-behaviour relationships such as the mechanisms for control of language, and clinical questions regarding cognitive assessment and management of conditions including dementia.
Developing interventions to improve wellbeing and cognition in older adults
Research led by Professor Perry Bartlett showed that exercise has a positive influence on cognitive function in older animals. Follow-on animal studies found that not all exercise regimes lead to cognitive benefits, but that with exercise of an optimal duration, mice learn more efficiently. The team showed that exercise led to the production of more newborn brain cells (neurons) and more connections within the brain, which is important for memory
The clinical trial, involving 300 healthy men and women aged 65–85 aims to translate findings from animal models, to identify the ‘sweet spot’ – the optimal duration and intensity of exercise – to improve memory functions in older adults. The research team anticipates this work will lead to development of public health and clinical guidelines aimed at improving the brain health of older Australians.