Professor Elizabeth Coulson, UQ : “Degeneration of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons from hypoxia – implications for dementia”
Speaker:
Professor Elizabeth Coulson
Head, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
Professor of Neuroscience, Queensland Brain Institute
University of Queensland
Title: “Degeneration of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons from hypoxia – implications for dementia”
Abstract:
Epidemiological studies indicate that sleep-disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnoea is a strong risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease but the mechanisms of the risk remain unclear. We developed a method of modelling sleep-disordered breathing in mice that replicates key features of the human condition: altered breathing during sleep, sleep disruption, moderate hypoxemia and cognitive impairment. Using this model we have discovered mechanisms underpinning neurodegeneration in the brain and found ways to inhibit these pathways in preclinical studies. In parallel we have established medical imaging methods for quantifying the consequences of the neurodegeneration providing insights into the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
About Neuroscience Seminars
Neuroscience seminars at the QBI play a major role in the advancement of neuroscience in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary goal of these seminars is to promote excellence in neuroscience through the exchange of ideas, establishing new collaborations and augmenting partnerships already in place.
Seminars in the QBI Auditorium are held on Wednesdays at 12-1pm, which are sometimes simulcast on Zoom (with approval from the speaker). We also occassionally hold seminars from international speakers via Zoom. The days and times of these seminars will vary depending on the time zone of the speaker. Please see each seminar listed below for details.
