Home |
People |
Research |
Events/News |
Publications |
About the Brain Health Research Centre
As the world's population grows older, there will be more people affected by neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and stroke. Neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Schizophrenia are also increasingly recognised as a major health and societal burden. The BHRC is actively investigating the prevention, cure and treatment of neurological disorders as well improving our understanding of what makes a healthy brain.
Based at the University of Otago, the Brain Health Research Centre encompasses over 40 different research groups and clinicians dedicated to producing cutting edge international research into the workings of the brain, brain disease, and developing new treatments for the neurological disorders.
The Centre's theme for 2013 is Alzheimer's disease. A number of our researchers are leading a remarkable project which aims to identify biomarker genes or proteins in the blood that are diagnostic of Alzheimer's disease. As well as this, we are also looking for new therapeutic strategies to attack the disease.
In 2011, the total financial cost of dementia in New Zealand was estimated at over $950 million, with numbers of cases set to triple by 2050. The ability to identify Alzheimer’s at its earliest stages could prevent or delay the onset of symptoms. By harnessing the power of protective molecules already found in the brain, it is hoped that the project will generate important leads toward finding a therapy.
Supporting Our Research: How You Can Help
Our team of researchers is committed to undertaking internationally excellent research to develop new treatments for neurological disorders. With your support, we can significantly enhance our research and ability to discover new treatments for brain diseases.
Click here to find out how you can donate.
Contact Us:
| Director Professor Cliff Abraham Department of Psychology, University of Otago |
Deputy Director Associate Professor John Reynolds Department of Anatomy, University of Otago |
| Contact us: | |
| Jane Reynolds, Administrative Assistant | |
| Department of Psychology , University of Otago | |
| PO Box 56 | |
| Dunedin 9054 New Zealand | |
| Telephone +64 3 479-4066 |
| Community Partners |
If your organisation would like to become a partner of the BHRC, please contact us. |