This research investigates the molecular indices of blood-brain barrier alterations in the brains of people with schizophrenia compared to healthy adults. These changes are also considered in the context of elevated inflammation, which has been found in a subset of people with schizophrenia.
Prof Stephen Lord, Dr Jasmine Menant
Walking is not automatic and requires attention and brain processing to maintain balance and prevent falling over. Brain structure and function deteriorate with ageing and neurodegenerative disorders, in turn impacting both cognitive and motor functions.
This series of studies will investigate:
Approach
The experiments involve experimental paradigms that challenge cognitive functions of interest (eg.visuo-spatial working memory, inhibitory function). I use functional near-infrared spectroscopy to study activation in superficial cortical regions of interest (eg. prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor area…). The studies involve young and older people as well as clinical groups (eg.Parkinson’s disease).
Studies
This research will greatly improve our understanding of the interactions between brain capacity, functions and balance control across ageing and diseases, psychological, physiological and medical factors, allows to identify targets for rehabilitation.
It will also help identifying whether exercise-based interventions improve neural efficiency for enhanced balance control.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales and NeuRA are looking for your input to help identify in-vehicle measures that show us when driving performance is decreasing in the cognitively declining population.
The MemTech study aims to identify cost-effective and non-intrusive methods of monitoring driving safety for drivers as they age, or experience neurodegenerative conditions. Current approaches to managing road safety for drivers experiencing cognitive decline are reliant on regular reviews and expensive and stressful road tests. An in-car device that can accurately measure changes in safety during a person’s everyday driving trips, could help drivers and health professionals better manage independence as well as safety. In this study, we will look at measures obtained by devices like dashboard cameras and GPS data loggers, and examine their sensitivity to changes in driving behaviours over a 6-month period.
Volunteers need to be 60 years or older, hold a current drivers licence and drive a minimum of 1 hour a week.
If you would like to take part in this research study, please contact
Ms Abirami Raveendran
9399 113*
Researchers at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and University of New South Wales (UNSW) are inviting people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) to participate in a voluntary online research trial aiming to reduce the risk of dementia.
What is the MyCOACH Trial about?
This research aims to test the effectiveness of an e-learning and behaviour change course designed to support healthy brain ageing and reduce risk of dementia. The course is tailored for people reporting cognitive difficulties or changes. The trial runs for 12 weeks, with a follow up at 1 and 2 years afterwards.
What is involved in this research trial?
Interested volunteers will be asked to complete some eligibility checks to confirm this study is a good match. If you decide to take part you would:
MyCOACH e-learning group (“Intervention”): Volunteers in this group participate in the 12 week online MyCOACH program. This includes 6 e-learning chapters, as well as three phone consultations with a dietician and/or exercise physiologist, and a 3-month subscription to a brain training app.
Control Education group (“Control”): Volunteers in this group will receive information about cognitive health and risk factors for dementia. This group is important to be able to measure the effectiveness of the research. At the end of the study, volunteers in this “control” group can access the full MyCOACH e-learning course.
You may be eligible to participate in the MyCOACH Trial if you:
Expressions of interest
Contact
If you are interested or know someone who might be, please contact us for more information:
Dinaz Parekh
Email: mycoach@neura.edu.au
Phone: (02) 9399 1815