Changing Lives

At BGRF, our research is driven by commitment to making a real difference in the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to advancing medical science and providing compassionate care that improves quality of life. Our initiatives focus on translating research into practical solutions that address the needs of those affected by progressive neurological diseases and stroke, and those requiring palliative care.

Stroke treatment

Acute ischemic stroke is an emergency condition accounting for 80 per cent of all stroke cases.

This project successfully combined the separate positive effects of a recently developed clot-busting agent with young blood exosomes to create a superior stroke treatment agent. The new approach ‘hits two birds with the one stone’ by simultaneously restoring blood supply to the brain and actively preserving brain tissue. After extensive safety testing, this next generation agent could offer a more effective treatment option that could improve quality of life.

Gut bugs and Huntington’s disease

There is evidence that gut inflammation is a key player in the cognitive deficits observed in multiple brain disorders including Huntington’s disease. This project investigated a mouse model with the human HD gene mutation to understand how gut microbiota imbalance contributes to cognitive dysfunction in HD.

BGRF support enabled the research team to uncover a new approach to targeting abnormal gut microorganisms for potential translation to clinical treatments.

Motor Neuron Disease Clinical Database

Motor Neuron Disease remains a major challenge for medical research. It is a fatal disorder for which there is no treatment, lagging behind research into the other major fatal diseases. Diagnosis is accompanied by a sense of hopelessness.

In 1995, the Foundation funded the establishment of a clinical database as a first essential step for epidemiological studies, genetic studies and for all clinical research projects. The completion of the database in 2004 marked a very important forward step for Australian neuroscience research.

The use of videofluoroscopy in the assessment of the swallowing capacity of patients with Motor Neuron Disease.

Speech pathologist Amanda Scott received funding from the Foundation to complete a doctorate on swallowing difficulties in patients with MND. Dysphagia is a particularly distressing aspect of MND which results in a progressive reduction in quality of life and frequently contributes to the demise of the patient. Dr Scott’s work in this area has proved groundbreaking. The use of videofluoroscopy in the assessment of swallowing difficulties of patients with MND is now routine in the management of this condition in Australia and the United Kingdom.