Current Projects
• Examine whether identified genes predict decline in memory performance and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Automatic stratification of patients at risk of post-stroke cognitive impairment using machine learning
Findings: This work comprises a number of ongoing collaborative genetic and epigenetic projects, with a current focus on neuroimaging traits. Analyses being undertaken include seeking to identify genetic variants associated with a composite measure of brain ageing based on MRI imaging using whole genome sequencing. The relationship between DNA methylation and cerebrovascular disease, including white matter hyperintensities, is also being examined.
CHeBA staff: Perminder Sachdev, Jessica Lo. Other investigators: Nacim Betrouni, Régis Bordet, Thibaut Dondain, Renaud Lopes (University of Lille). Aim: Some stroke patients develop dementia, several months after their strokes, showing a common pathophysiology. It is therefore important to identify these patients as early as possible, even before the onset of the symptoms, particularly in order to be able to test pharmacological approaches on which the Lille pharmacology team has been working for a long time. An investigation conducted on the T1W MR images acquired with the 72 hours post-stroke and analysed using an original method based on the quantification of textural variations, allowed the construction of a model with 88% accuracy to predict cognitive decline at 6 months. The same approach applied on MRIs of a preclinical stroke rat model showed a correlation between these texture variations and neuronal density. The aim for this project is to replicate and to confirm these preliminary results on large data from different centres. The second aim is to build a powerful prediction system, using machine learning methods and combining the two markers (imaging and neuropsychological scores). This system can be used in clinical routine for the detection of patients who will be eligible for clinical trials. Findings: Dr Betrouni found that texture features from T1 MRI scans are early markers of post-stroke cognitive decline. Summary results were shared with CHeBA staff in early October 2021. Dr Betrouni is working on a first draft to be circulated with co-authors in 2022. Funding: Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation; NHMRC.
BRIDGET Consortium: Brain imaging, cognition, Dementia and next generation GEnomics: A transdisciplinary approach to search for risk and protective factors of neuro-degenerative disease CHeBA staff: Perminder Sachdev, Karen Mather, Wei Wen, Anbupalam Thalamuthu. Other investigators: Dr Nicola Armstrong (Curtin University) (CHeBA Hon. Research Fellow), Dr Rick Tankard (Postdoctoral Fellow), BRIDGET Consortium members. Aims:
Funding: NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research (NNIDR) (administered by CHeBA, UNSW), European Union Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Disease (not administered by CHeBA).
CogSCAN – Study of computeradministered neuropsychological tests in older adults CHeBA staff: Nicole Kochan, Perminder Sachdev, Henry Brodaty, Karen Croot, Matilda Rossie, Josephine Bigland, John Crawford, Ben Lam, Teresa Lee, Brian Draper. Other investigators: Julie Henry (University of Queensland), Jacqueline Close (NeuRA), David Bunce (Leeds University), Peter Gonski (UNSW). Aim: To systematically evaluate and compare four prominent computerised neuropsychological batteries in cognitively healthy older adults, and individuals living with Mild Cognitive Impairment and mild dementia. Findings: An older adult cohort rated their user-experience of undergoing traditional face-to-face assessment more favourably than computerised neuropsychological assessments (CNAs). Nonetheless, CNAs received more positive than negative ratings, and generally did not elicit more negative experiences than face-to-face assessments suggesting that CNAsbe an acceptable alternative. Recent mood, cognitive level, computer attitudes and computer experience influenced emotions during CNA testing and test acceptability [DOI: 10.1002/ alz.044730.]. Medicine Honours student, Michael Budiarto, working on the CogSCAN at Home Study, found that 23 older adult participants who self-administered computerized tests from 2 CNAs, in their homes, rated them as generally acceptable and gave high ratings of usability. They were satisfied with the help they received via telephone support by research assistants and favoured performing the tests at home over in-person CNA testing at the research centre. Funding: NHMRC Boosting Dementia Research grant, UNSW Medicine Interlude Grant.
• Identify rare and common genetic variants and DNA methylation loci influencing brain structure in older adults. • Explore the determinants of brain ageing from a lifecourse perspective, including genomic, epigenomic and environmental factors.
Projects | 61
