Published Wednesday, 18 June, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
QUEENSLAND FUNDS CRITICAL ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH
SAN DIEGO: Premier Anna Bligh today announced a $808,168 Smart State Innovation Project Fund grant to the University of Queensland to develop novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) biomarkers to aid accurate and early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
MRI is a procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create pictures of areas inside the body. It’s non-invasive, so causes less stress on a patient.
A biomarker is a specific physical trait used to measure or indicate the effects or progress of a disease.
The University will use MRI to monitor the accumulation of a specific type of molecule, called an oligomer, that is seen as a precursor to the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.
“If we can accurately and non-invasively diagnose the early development of the disease, then doctors can provide treatments early in its course, making life a lot easier for patients and their families,” Ms Bligh said.
“This is something that’s urgently required given the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s Disease on our community.”
The socioeconomic burden of Alzheimer’s Disease in Australia is estimated at more than $3.6 billion and it affects one in every 25 Australians aged over 60.
Ms Bligh said the University of Queensland was working in collaboration with the Medical University of South Carolina and that this partnership was one of the outcomes of a biotechnology agreement between South Carolina and Queensland signed in 2005.
The Innovation Projects Fund is part of the Queensland Government’s $300 million Smart State Innovation Funding program, which aims to build world-class research facilities, attract top-quality scientists to Queensland and stimulate cutting-edge research projects.
“The Queensland Government has invested more than $3 billion in innovation, science and research since 1998. I think this demonstrates our deep and ongoing commitment to maintaining Queensland’s reputation as the Smart State,” Ms Bligh said.
Ms Bligh is currently in San Diego leading a Queensland biotechnology delegation to BIO 2008, the world’s largest biotechnology convention.
BIO 2008 runs from 17-20 June and attracts about 20,000 international delegates.
17 June 2008
Media contact: (07) 3224 4500
Contact for UQ: Prof Maree Smith, 07-3365 2554
MRI is a procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create pictures of areas inside the body. It’s non-invasive, so causes less stress on a patient.
A biomarker is a specific physical trait used to measure or indicate the effects or progress of a disease.
The University will use MRI to monitor the accumulation of a specific type of molecule, called an oligomer, that is seen as a precursor to the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.
“If we can accurately and non-invasively diagnose the early development of the disease, then doctors can provide treatments early in its course, making life a lot easier for patients and their families,” Ms Bligh said.
“This is something that’s urgently required given the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s Disease on our community.”
The socioeconomic burden of Alzheimer’s Disease in Australia is estimated at more than $3.6 billion and it affects one in every 25 Australians aged over 60.
Ms Bligh said the University of Queensland was working in collaboration with the Medical University of South Carolina and that this partnership was one of the outcomes of a biotechnology agreement between South Carolina and Queensland signed in 2005.
The Innovation Projects Fund is part of the Queensland Government’s $300 million Smart State Innovation Funding program, which aims to build world-class research facilities, attract top-quality scientists to Queensland and stimulate cutting-edge research projects.
“The Queensland Government has invested more than $3 billion in innovation, science and research since 1998. I think this demonstrates our deep and ongoing commitment to maintaining Queensland’s reputation as the Smart State,” Ms Bligh said.
Ms Bligh is currently in San Diego leading a Queensland biotechnology delegation to BIO 2008, the world’s largest biotechnology convention.
BIO 2008 runs from 17-20 June and attracts about 20,000 international delegates.
17 June 2008
Media contact: (07) 3224 4500
Contact for UQ: Prof Maree Smith, 07-3365 2554