SEARCHING FOR THE SECRETS TO LIFELONG HEALTH

Lifelong Health is SAHMRI's biggest theme and its many researchers aresearching for ways to prevent and treat a long list of chronic conditions, inlcuding heart disease, stroke, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic pain, as well as improving mental health and wellbeing.

treats now, and a better future for the untold numbers of Australians who face cardiovascular health challenges.

His research group investigates the build-up of cholesterol-rich, fatty plaques in arteries throughout a person's life. These plaques can lead to blockages that cause heart attacks and strokes, two of the leading causes of death and disability in Australia and worldwide. Researchers can develop more effective treatments to prevent their growth and the subsequent devastating health consequences by better understanding the reasons behind plaque formation and progression.

One standout discovery made by Peter's team includes the benefits of rapidly reducing a patient's LDL (or bad cholesterol levels) after a heart attack using novel drugs now available in Australia. Another significant contribution is the demonstration of the effectiveness of colchicine, an ancient gout medicine, in targeting inflammation and stabilising plaque growth.

The vision for Lifelong Health is to foster an increasingly collaborative research powerhouse, focusing on cohesive research questions across the theme. Although chronic diseases are often examined individually, they frequently co-exist in real-world situations, sharing common causes and risk factors. By capitalising on the expertise within the Lifelong Health Theme, researchers can combat chronic diseases, ultimately improving the quality of life and health outcomes for people as they age.