Autumn 2013 News from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health A winning combination florey.edu.au Director’s message Dear friends of the Florey, Welcome to a new look Brain Matters and, to supporters of the former Mental Health Research Institute, a warm acknowledgement of your interest and commitment to brain and mind health. As the Florey grows, we thought it was time we called on friends to help us prepare for the future and to design a new look for our amalgamated institute. Sincere thanks to the team at Emery Design for their generous support of the Florey and the beautiful new logo that will represent us with a degree of gravitas for years to come. The cover of this edition says a lot about the Florey right now. Join us as we celebrate the career advancement of our young researchers who are so ably mentored by our senior neuroscientists. Awards provide a regular reminder of our place in the international world of neuroscience – as do the number of times our scientific publications are cited by colleagues around the globe. I am pleased to report to you, our supporters, that the Florey is now the third most cited neuroscience institute internationally, a stunning achievement given our geographical position and the constant struggle for funding. You may have seen some media recently when I joined with colleagues from the University of Melbourne (Prof Jim McCluskey) and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (Prof Doug Hilton) to call on the Federal Minister of Health, Tanya Plibersek, to release and commit to the Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research in Australia. At the time of going to press, we are still waiting for Simon McKeon’s 15-month review to be released. It was delivered to the Minister on February 28. Both sides of politics will need to embrace medical research as a key election issue and commit to Mr McKeon’s 10-year plan. We will keep reminding them that for every $1 invested in medical research, $2.17 is returned to the Australian economy in the form of drug discoveries, better long-term health and, as a result, less reliance on our overstretched healthcare system. Warm regards, Prof Geoffrey Donnan, AO Director, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health How’s your memory? A new research project in Melbourne focuses on a subject that is of concern to many of us – the worry that our memory seems to be getting worse as we age. While an increasing number of Australians are living with dementia, most people who worry about their memory don’t actually have the condition. A new study known as TREAD aims to detect people with very early signs of problems with memory, but no significant disability. The aim is to identify individuals who are suitable to participate in clinical trials of promising therapies to prevent progression to Alzheimer’s disease. The study involves answering some questions from home, via the internet, and then repeating this process on a monthly basis for a few months or for the duration of the study. Each round of questions should take about 15 minutes. The study tests memory and thinking and uses games that don’t require language skills. A person’s speed and accuracy is measured every month for six months followed by every three months for up to three years. If you are aged 50 or over this project could an opportunity to monitor cognitive changes in your memory and thinking. Anyone who is detected to have significant memory decline problems will be offered more detailed medical assessment in Melbourne or advised how to access it if they wish. Early detection and early treatment may one day prevent the development of significant memory and thinking deterioration and help reduce the burden of this terrible disease. The study investigators are Associate Professors David Darby and Amy Brodtmann of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health and the University of Melbourne. Other collaborators are Associate Professor Michael Woodward, director, Aged and Residential Care Services, Austin Health, CogState Ltd and Alzheimer’s Australia Vic. If you or someone you know might be interested, visit tread.florey.edu.au to find out more. A winning combination Florey neuroscientists are an enterprising bunch, spurred-on by a stimulating work environment and a desire to benefit humanity. Their careers are punctuated by moments of scientific discovery, community engagement and the occasional award for their commitment to brain research. As you will read, the recognition comes from around the world and helps position the Florey as a major international contributor to neuroscientific discovery. Meet some members of our team who have recently received awards for their achievements. The award crowned a number of achievements in Ben’s career. Earlier in 2012, Ben was also awarded the Australian Neuroscience Society’s AW Campbell Award for early career excellence. The Florey welcomed Ben back to Parkville following an NHMRC CJ Martin fellowship where he worked at Stanford University in the US. Ben identified the myelin-gene regulatory factor, which he has since shown is a master regulator of myelination within the central nervous system. This work was published in Cell and has led to a single author review in Science. Emma Burrows Each year, the Victorian Government celebrates excellence in science and innovation by awarding 12 Victoria Fellowships to early career researchers. The Florey’s own Dr Emma Burrows, a talented postdoctoral researcher specialising in models of brain disease, is about to fly to Cambridge University in England having won one of the coveted awards. Study missions offer the fellows the opportunity to broaden their experience, develop networks and better understand how their work rates internationally. The fellowship also provides an opportunity for recipients to develop commercial ideas. Emma hopes to bring home several new ways to measure cognition after three months abroad. Emma studies brain disorders such as dementia, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders and drug addiction, each of which can lead to major cognitive problems. Being able to measure changes in cognition is vital in the search for effective drug therapies. Ben Emery Multiple sclerosis researcher, Dr Ben Emery has a position with the Florey and the Centre for Neuroscience Research. He has received a prestigious Young Tall Poppy award, recognising his significant results and passion to engage with the community. Shawna Farquharson Florey radiographer, Shawna Farquharson is a key talent at the Florey’s Heidelberg campus where she produces and analyses MRI scans for patients who have a range of serious neurological disorders including stroke and epilepsy. In an international first, Shawna has, for the second time, won the President’s award for producing the best scientific paper offered to the Section Magnetic Resonance Technologists. The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine is the leading international forum for education and research in MRI for radiographers in the world. Importantly, this is the third time in the past five years the Florey has won this award. It recognises the high standard of imaging and diagnosis offered to Australians involved in neurological research at the Florey. Jee Hyun Kim Another talented Florey scientist is Dr Jee Hyun Kim received two awards in 2012. The Australian Psychological Society Early Career Research Award recognises excellence in scientific achievement in psychology among psychologists who are at early stages of their research careers in Australia. This national recognition was awarded to only two Australians in 2012, and Dr Kim will be presenting her body of work at APS conference 2013, her travel fully paid for by APS. Jee also won the American D. G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award for ‘best paper published’ in the journal, Behavioral Neuroscience. This international award is sponsored by the American Psychological Association. In the publication, Jee and her colleagues showed that a different neural circuitry underlies fear regulation early in life, and that the lack of prefrontal cortical involvement may reflect a less flexible emotional regulation system in infant animals. Jee holds an Australian Research Council ‘Discovery Early Career Research’ fellowship which is awarded to support and advance promising early career researchers and to enhance opportunities for diverse career pathways. The award is given to those working in high quality and supportive environments. Elizabeth Manning In 2012, the University of Melbourne’s Graduate Student Association awarded the inaugural Graduate Student of the Year Award to PhD candidate Lizzie Manning from the Florey. Lizzie researches the highly addictive drug known as ‘ice’ and its links to schizophrenia and psychosis. Lizzie is a founding member of the Students of Brain Research group which encourages collaborative links across scientific institutions, and in 2011 she was a student representative of the University of Melbourne Neuroscience Learning and Training Committee. She often volunteers her time to the community by presenting research in mental health disorders and the brain to VCE psychology students through the Florey’s Mindfields program. As well, in late 2012, Elizabeth was selected as a member of the Australian Academy of Science Early-Mid Career Researcher Forum where she discussed policy to encourage and develop scientific careers. To support one of these talented researchers, please call Ross Johnstone on 03 8344 1822. Autumn 2013 Brain Matters3 Keeping watch over Parkinson’s research There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease but Florey scientists are tackling it from several angles. This awful disease affects one in every 350 Australians. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive and degenerative condition that impairs movement and thinking. It is Australia’s second most common neurological disease and has grown by 17 per cent over the last six years. Its prevalence will increase as the population ages. Research is vital as the disease is more common than prostate, bowel and many other cancers. According to Parkinson’s Australia, the estimated burden of the disease for last financial year was $7.6 billion with 20 per cent of Parkinson’s sufferers of working age. The Florey’s research takes a wide-ranging approach. We are trying to find the causes of Parkinson’s and different ways to identify it before symptoms appear. Researchers are at the cutting edge – looking at the birth and development of a neuron through to stem cell investigations, new drug therapies and a novel wristwatch device to help better manage a patient’s medication regime. We also run the Australian Parkinson’s Disease Registry. Keeping watch… Senior researcher and neurologist, Professor Malcolm Horne, is the brains behind an Australian-first invention, a wristwatch-like device called the Kinetigraph system. It is now on the international market and is significantly improving the treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease. The watch and computer software allow patients and neurologists to accurately measure how the disease affects movements. The device is worn on the wrist and records data for a few weeks prior to a visit to the neurologist. A sensor records data about symptoms and a computer unit receives the data and analyses it. 4 Autumn 2013 Prof Home says the system is the first in the world to successfully provide Parkinson’s specialists with accurate information about the symptoms experienced by their patients. The device is particularly useful for patients at the intermediate stage of the disease, when the effectiveness of drugs that control the symptoms are beginning to wane. “There are about three stages in Parkinson’s,” he says. “The first major problems are to do with slower, restricted movements, and medication works well for about three and five years. At first it’s just three tablets a day, Stem cells are responsible for repair and regeneration of damaged and ageing tissues. Our scientists are very interested in whether they can harness the regenerative potential of stem cells to be able to grown new cells for treatments to replace diseased or damaged tissue in the body. Dr Clare Parish and Dr Lachlan Thompson are aiming to eventually implant embryonic stem cells into the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease, perhaps one day replacing medication as the best way to alleviate symptoms. The Florey’s research takes a wide-ranging approach. We are trying to find the causes of Parkinson’s and different ways to identify it before symptoms appear. but then the problem in the middle stage is that the dose of the medication doesn’t last as long any more – it wears off more quickly and becomes unreliable.” Until now, neurologists have relied on the patient to explain their symptoms and the neurologist has had to work out how to treat them, but the Kinetigraph system gives them a much clearer view, allowing medication use to be adjusted, based on more accurate information. The high-tech measuring device will also allow specialists to use major interventions like surgery in a more sensible and cost- effective way. Stem cell hopes Stem cell science is an extremely fast moving field of research with new breakthroughs being reported almost daily. This swiftly changing landscape has seen many different stem cell types and technologies capture the public’s imagination including embryonic stem cells, tissue stem cells, umbilical cord blood stem cells, and more recently, induced pluripotent stem cells. People with Parkinson’s gradually lose dopamine-producing neurons, affecting their motor skills and causing their limbs to shake. The team is working to reprogram embryonic stem cells so they can act as the dopamine neurons would normally. While the technique needs to be refined before clinical trials start, Dr Thompson hopes one day transplanted cells will help Parkinson’s patients. “There is still a lot of basic research to do to develop this technology to a point where it would be safe to proceed with trials in patients, however, there’s no reason to think that it couldn’t happen within the next five to 10 years with the proper funding,” Dr Thompson says. For enquiries about the Kinetigraph system, please contact: Andrew Maxwell at Global Kinetics 03 9605 0034 . Would you like to help fund the Florey’s Parkinson’s researchers? Please call Ross Johnstone to discuss how you might be able to contribute: 03 8344 1822. The Michael J. Fox Foundation The American actor, Michael J. Fox, 52, was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991. After going public in 1998, he committed himself to a campaign for increased Parkinson’s research. He set-up the Michael J. Fox Foundation and to date, it has provided $US313 million to medical research. Three Florey scientists are recent recipients of a $125,000 grant. Dr Scott Ayton, Assoc Prof David Finkelstein and Professor Ashley Bush will study alpha-synuclein, a key protein involved in Parkinson’s disease. Attempts have been made with drugs to lower the amount of this protein in the brain as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. However, neither the normal function of this protein nor the consequences of its reduction, by using drugs for example, are well understood. The Florey researchers aim to investigate pre-clinical models with no alpha-synuclein and models with half the amount of alpha synuclein to determine if they develop adverse symptoms. While many potential therapeutic strategies have been devised to lower the amount of alpha-synuclein in the body of patients with Parkinson’s disease, this project will investigate whether lowering alpha-synuclein is a safe approach as a therapeutic strategy for Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s lecture with Professor Mal Horne Topic: Cognitive and psychological issues in Parkinson’s Where: Auditorium, Melbourne Brain Centre, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville. When: April 11 at 6.30pm for one hour. Please note: for those unable to attend, we will put a video of the session on our website in the days following. Enquiries: Anna on 03 9035 7006. There is plenty of disabled parking under the building. Proudly supported by Parkinson’s Victoria. Professor Malcolm Horne wearing the Kinetigraph – a device he has been working on for 23 years. Autumn 2013 Brain Matters5 Do illicit drugs cause psychosis? A/Prof Maarten van den Buuse is studying the link between drug abuse and psychosis Associate Professor Maarten van den Buuse has been studying the link between drug abuse and psychosis for a long time. Recently, members of his team published a well-received review of the available research findings on the link between drug abuse (particularly cannabis and methamphetamine) and psychosis development. Their review is certainly timely given current drug policy debates. This brief summary, of course, oversimplifies the issue, and the review also highlights the complex and often conflicting nature of the evidence. For instance, the incidence or prevalence of psychosis has remained stable over the last two decades, despite significant increases in use of cannabis and stimulants. Nevertheless, multiple large-cohort studies have found that drug use remains a risk factor for psychosis, supporting a link between drugs and psychosis which may involve both direct causative effects and shared vulnerabilities. “Our overview showed increasing evidence that illicit drugs play a causal role in at least some individuals with psychosis and/or schizophrenia,” Maarten said. “Firstly, animal studies demonstrating the effects of cannabis or stimulant administration show that these effects are greatest when exposure to drugs occurs during critical developmental stages. There is also a “dose effect”, where a greater quantity of drug use is associated with more psychotic symptoms in experimental and clinical studies with recreational drug users. Among other findings, research also demonstrates that cannabis use may double the risk of schizophrenia development in vulnerable individuals – in fact, it has been estimated that from 7% to 25% of incident cases of schizophrenia may be attributable to cannabis.” The relationship between stimulants and psychosis is probably at least as strong as that for cannabis. Amphetamines effects are linked to dopamine in the brain, and unlike many other drugs, these effects sensitise rather than habituate with repeated use. However, because of their less frequent use and almost universal overlap with cannabis and other substances, they have been less systematically studied, underlining the particular need for further research on stimulants. In short, cannabis and stimulants do appear to play a causal role in psychosis. Evidence about the impact of drug use on psychosis is relevant to current debates on drug policy, and this review may help to inform some of the difficult trade-offs inherent in any position on this complex problem. Postcard from Gippsland Donor and Alumni Relations officer Hazel Westbury enjoyed a visit to several Gippsland-based friends of the Florey recently. Each had their own story to tell about how they came to be engaged with the Florey, but all agreed that the connection adds meaning and relevance to their lives. Gwen Webb OAM of Sale was the founding director of Sale Regional Art Gallery and is a true regional pioneer. She was inspired by Professor Fred Mendelsohn’s visit to the region several years ago, and was delighted that the Florey had sent a staff member all the way to see her. Jean Mathews, also from Sale, recently lost her husband Tom who suffered Parkinson’s for the last four years of his life. Evelyn Fawcett of Leongatha also remembers Prof Mendelsohn’s moving talk to the local Probus Club several years ago, and is further inspired to support the Florey because her grandson suffers from epilepsy. 6 Autumn 2013 Trafalgar-based Enid Telford’s late husband Kel died several years ago after a long decline into Alzheimer’s. To keep alive the memory of Kel’s love of photography, verse and their combined creative talents, Enid and her daughter Sue decided to make and sell cards to raise funds for research into Alzheimer’s. Enid’s home is now a cottage business where cards are conceived and assembled, ready for sale at local markets and fairs. This remarkable pair has raised more than $10,000 so far! Vitamin D’s role in multiple sclerosis Please turn my support into hope for Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, depression and other mental illnesses. A world first clinical trial in Australia and New Zealand will test the role of Vitamin D in those at risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Tasmania, with the highest incidence of MS in Australia, is playing a key role in the trial, with Florey researchers in Melbourne also involved. First name: Three out of four MS sufferers are women who are usually diagnosed in their 20s and 30s. Though the causes of MS are unknown, a deficiency of Vitamin D (which is primarily synthesized in the skin by exposure to UV light) is now thought to play a major role in some patients. Surname: Address: This trial will test whether using vitamin D supplements can prevent a diagnosis of MS following a person’s presentation with the first symptoms. It will also test appropriate dosage levels and safety, information that may in time lead to an effective prevention strategy for MS. Known as PrevANZ, the trial is being funded by MS Research Australia through the support of state-based MS societies, especially from Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania. Trial subjects will be recruited solely through neurologists. People already diagnosed with MS who are concerned about their vitamin D status should discuss this with their GP or neurologist. Helping our research to flourish State: Postcode: Email: I would like more information about remembering the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health in my will. I would like more information about making automatic reguar donations. Enclosed is my cheque money order. or debit my Mastercard Many of you will know about the organisation One in Five; they have been a great supporter of mental health research over many years, running a range of events to raise money. Since 2004 they have raised over $1.6 million. One in five Australians suffers from mental illness. On top of the misery it creates for sufferers and their families, mental illness comes at an enormous cost to the Australian economy: six million working days are lost and 30 million working days are affected by reduced productivity due to depression. One in Five is supporting research led by the Florey’s Associate Professor Suresh Sundram: “This last year has been replete with intriguing and complex findings that are both unexpected and somewhat serendipitous,” says Suresh. “We have proposed that a particular signalling system in the brain… may be disrupted in psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. An unusually effective (but toxic) medication, clozapine, may exert some of its beneficial effects through this system.” Amex Visa Diners Card number: Expiry date: Signature: Thank you for your valuable support. All donations are tax deductable. I would like to donate $ Call our freecall credit card donation line on 1800 063 693 Or fax your donation to us on (03) 9035 3107 Or send your donation to the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052 You can also donate online at www.florey.edu.au The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health records information about its supporters that includes address and donation details. This information is used solely by the Institute and is not sold, traded or passed on to any third parties. If you no longer wish to receive further information, please tick this box and return this coupon by mail. One in Five’s support and the many individuals who fundraise through team and individual events help to ensure Suresh’s research can continue. Many thanks from all at the Florey. If you would like to become involved, please visit: www.oneinfive.com.au Autumn 2013 Brain Matters7 News & events Funny neuroscience? The Florey is holding an event as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Several of our researchers have volunteered to deliver a stand-up routine when they will draw on their scientific careers to talk on the topic of “my first time”. Guest comedians Catherine Deveny and Ben McKenzie will support the motley crew. To book: comedyfestival.com.au/2013/season/shows/brains-collide-thinky-stuff The event will take place at 6pm on April 2 at the Melbourne Brain Centre, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville. Ketocooking – new cook book for sale Child neurologist, Professor Ingrid Scheffer has helped write a cookbook for children who are unable to tolerate conventional anti-epileptic drugs. A ketogenic diet is a medically managed, metabolic diet with proven benefits – some 50 per cent of children will experience some remission of their symptoms and 10 per cent will become seizure-free. The book explains the diet and offers simple and tasty recipes to help parents. All profits will go to the Florey. Order on-line at www.florey.edu.au , order by phone through (03) 9035 7012, or purchase your copy from the Florey’s Austin campus at 245 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, Victoria. English Channel Crossing for Mental Health Parkinson’s warriors on the move Mental health research supporter Matt Harry is preparing for his charity swim across the English Channel in August! You can help Matt to reach his goal and through his blog you can experience his “mind marathon” and raise vital funds for the Florey. Go Matt! Rob Sadler was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2004 and has been trialling the Florey’s Kinetigraph system (see page 4-5) with his neurologist Dr Kate Kotschek. Rob is planning to drive up the east coast of Australia with his teenage son, Linden, from September to November 2013. He is arranging events and speaking engagements along the way to raise funds for Parkinson’s research at the Florey. Read Matt’s blog here marathonforthemind. wordpress.com To support Matt visit everydayhero.com.au/ matt_harry For more information contact the Editor, Amanda Place: amanda.place@florey.edu.au or +61 411 204 526 Visited the Florey website lately? Go to florey.edu.au Find us on Facebook and Twitter at our website: florey.edu.au The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health is the amalgamation of the Howard Florey Institute, the Brain Research Institute, The Mental Health Research Institute and the National Stroke Research Institute. Articles and photographs that appear in this publication remain the property of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health and may not be reproduced without permission. Copyright © 2013. Another person heading for the road again (but in a different vehicle this time) is our Parkinson’s pedaller Kieran Donlon who has sold the family home and will soon take to the road with wife Julie to explore Australia. We hope Kieran, Julie and Rob meet-up along the way. Getting these solid gold Aussies together to talk about Parkinson’s from the perspectives of patient and carer would be an amazing experience! The Florey thanks our recent major donors: The William Angliss (Vic) Charitable Fund Australian Communities Foundation David Barkley Terence Bates Walter Beale Besen Family Foundation Jean Bowles Georgia Burns C M Carrigan Estate of the late Anne D Carroll Ce Soir Lingerie Christian College Highton John Collingwood Cotton On Foundation Pty Ltd Ernest F Dawes OBE FTS Disha David & Karen Dowdle Craig Drummond Andrew Erikson Equity Trustees Limited Fairlane Images The Marian & E H Flack Trust Foresters Friendly Society A K Fryday The Greatorex Foundation Pty Ltd The Grocer Joy Guerin Ronda Hall Professor Phillip Hamilton Geoff & Helen Handbury Foundation George R & J M James H & K Johnston Family Foundation J F Kearney A P Kelly Margaret Livermore Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation The Eirene Lucas Foundation Margarete Pty Ltd Joel Marsden Mrs Judith Moore S Baillieu Myer AC The Myer Foundation Dennis & Fairlie Nassau Mark & Louise Nelson One in five Association Inc Sue O’Neill & Enid Telford Judith Overbeek Parkinson’s Victoria Inc Perfect Events Reece Australia Ltd Ralph & Ruth Renard Joan Russell Scope Mark Simcocks P Smart Russell Stewart R E Swanson Dr Christine Sweeney Gregory & Wendy Taggart Robert C Thrower Trust Company Ltd UK Fund for Charities The Urquhart Charitable Fund David Vernon Wendy Wagstaff Mr Harrison Young Donations in memory of: Murray Black Sigrid Halasz Joan Margaret James Christopher Barr Mallen Thomas Hugh Matthews Brent Proctor Elizabeth Anne Smyth Michael (Mick) Wardlaw Gifts in celebration of: 50th wedding anniversary of Diana & Ed Cherry florey.edu.au