30/11/22 - Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and mild traumatic brain injury are among the research areas supported in the inaugural round of grants from the Bryant Stokes Neurological Research Fund.
The fund, made possible by the generosity of the philanthropic Sarich family, was established in recognition of distinguished neurosurgeon, Emeritus Professor Bryant Stokes AO for his contribution to the Perron Institute and advancement of neurosciences research.
The funding opportunities are for scientific research projects aimed at improving the lives of people affected by neurological conditions and supporting Western Australian researchers.
One of two Parkinson’s projects supported concerns the development of a novel RNA-based treatment for early onset forms of the disease. The other is looking to see whether non-invasive brain stimulation can strengthen connectivity in the motor cortex (responsible for voluntary movement) and reduce tremor in people with Parkinson’s.
Understanding why immune cell changes occur in people developing multiple sclerosis is one of the studies relating to this neurodegenerative disorder. Another is investigating the potential for preventing damage to and restoring the insulating layer of myelin that forms around nerves.
Investigating the potential for gene patching therapy to improve cognitive ability in childhood intellectual disorders such as Down syndrome is another project among eight selected for funding.
Research on whether neurofeedback from non-invasive measurement of brain wave activity can help induce positive brain changes in people with persisting post-concussive symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury is receiving support.
A grant was awarded to research into achieving better understanding of how brain stimulation via repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) achieves therapeutic outcomes.
A project to decipher why the effects of rTMS varies significantly between patients has been jointly supported by the Bryant Stokes Neurological Research Fund, the Perron Institute and the WA Department of Health.
The total allocated in this first round of funding was over $700,000.
A full list of projects and investigators can be found here.
Photo: Emeritus Professor Bryant Stokes AO and Perron Institute CEO Steve Arnott in the Perron Institute lab
Media contact:
Tennille Kroemer, Communications Manager, Perron Institute
Mobile: 0426 044 223
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