MSWA is proud to be Western Australia’s leading contributor to neurological research

Over the past 10 years, MSWA has funded over $20 million towards local, national and international research projects.

We believe that by doing so, we are one step closer to finding the cause, better treatments and hopefully one day a cure for neurological conditions.

Thanks to our investment into research, understanding of neurological conditions has significantly improved over the years. This investment would not be possible without Western Australians supporting our fundraising initiatives which allow MSWA funded researchers to continue their important work.

RESEARCH PARTNERS

CURRENT MSWA FUNDED RESEARCH

Demyelinating Diseases

The Perron Institute - Led by Group Director and Clinical Professor Allan Kermode

The most common type of demyelinating diseases is MS. The group at the Perron Institute are conducting a diverse range of studies that are scientifically related with topics strategically designed to interlink.

Subjects include biomarkers, the use of quantitative MRI assessment, the inter-related effects of environment and immunogenetics, effects of UVB phototherapy, the role of antibodies and B-cells in MS and T-cell immune targets in immediate post-mortem MS.

Other related work:

Neuroplasticity

The Perron Institute - Led by Associate Professor Jenny Rodger

This group is studying the ability of the brain to change and rewire, or modify damaged neural connections. A key component is the application of non-invasive brain stimulation and its impact.

Trajectories of Outcome in Neurological Conditions

The Perron Institute - led by Head of Genetic Epidemiology Research Professor Sulev Kōks

This study examines the factors that influence the quality of life for people living with a neurological condition from their perspective. It originated in the UK and is the largest study of its kind in the world.

Gut Microbiome

The Perron Institute and Murdoch University – This research is a collaboration between Dr Ryan Anderton and Dr Luke Whiley

This study investigates gut bacteria and how they disrupt the balance between the gastrointestinal system, the immune system and the brain for those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

The study explores short-chain fatty acids, a by-product of bacterial digestion of fibre in the colon, to understand key mechanisms and biomarkers associated with PD. This study may well be relevant for other neurological conditions.

Linking neurodegenerative conditions

Curtin University - Led by Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI) Professor John Mamo

This study is seeking potential treatments to help improve the outcomes for people living with neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

Dietary implications

Curtin University - Led by Senior Research Fellow Dr Lucinda Black

This work is examining various dietary factors, patterns of food and nutrients intake, and their link to the risk of MS and disease progression.

Dr Black has so far researched the effects of red meat, Omega 3s, Vitamin D and ultra-processed foods.

Translating research into practice

Edith Cowan University - Led by Executive Dean, Medical and Health Sciences, Professor Moira Sim

This group is studying a number of therapeutic interventions and who they will benefit.

So far research is being conducted on the benefit of light therapy glasses on fatigue and daytime sleepiness.

In addition ECU researchers are investigating the benefit of a virtual reality video game, with an exoskeleton apparatus, to improve upper limb mobility - more to come on this soon...

UVB treatment

Telethon Kids Institute – Led by Professor Prue Hart

This study looks into the effects of UVB treatment in delaying the development of MS in high-risk individuals. As an extension of this project, MSWA is funding further analysis on different components of the blood samples collected and stored in the biobank at the Telethon Institute.

Other related work:

CURRENT MSWA FUNDED RESEARCH THROUGH MSRA

MSRA selected projects

MSWA allocates significant funding to MSRA which is then allocated to various Australian MS research projects

Each year as part of our research financial allocation, MSWA allocates significant funding to MSRA.

This is then allocated to various Australian MS research projects with a nominated portion to support the International Progressive MS Alliance.

Some Australian MS projects we are currently funding through MSRA include an additional three years of funding for Professor Lucinda Black to continue her important work looking at dietary influences and MS.

Read more about the projects we fund through MSRA:

The International Progressive MS Alliance

MSWA is proud to fund the International Progressive MS Alliance through MSRA, working towards finding a greater understanding and better treatments for progressive MS

MSWA is proud to fund the International Progressive MS Alliance. This is an unprecedented global collaboration of MS organisations, researchers, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, and people with progressive MS, striving to create a better understanding of the progressive process and accelerate access to treatments for people living with progressive MS.

MSWA has allocated $1.7M (up to 2019/2020) to this Alliance and there will be an additional $1M this financial year.

Read more about the International Progressive Alliance here.

To find out more about MSWA's investment in research, or about our locally funded research programs, contact:

Libby Cassidy - MSWA Brand & Communications Manager
M 0424 136 560
E libby.cassidy@mswa.org.au