David Foxe

Primary progressive aphasias (PPA) are rare, incurable, younger-onset dementias that primarily affect speech and language abilities. There are three main subtypes of PPA, each with distinct language profiles, patterns of brain atrophy (or shrinkage), brain pathologies, and prognoses. While most research has concentrated on the distinct language problems, the team have observed that individuals with PPA develop additional symptoms beyond the language disorder. Importantly, some individuals with PPA experience minor movement (motor) problems, such as slow or rigid movements. 

In certain cases, these movement issues can progress, resembling a Parkinson's plus syndrome (a syndrome clinically related to Parkinson’s disease). A lack of understanding of these changes makes it challenging for clinicians to provide patients with the right (or relevant) care services at the right time. This research aims to address these issues. It will utilise a novel event-based modelling technique to determine the prevalence and sequential development of motor symptoms across the PPA subtypes. 

This travel award provides a unique opportunity to travel to the UK, work closely with distinguished PPA experts at the University of Cambridge, access their extensive datasets, and gain proficiency in a novel statistical method (event-based modelling) to comprehensively understand the evolution of motor dysfunction in PPA.

Dr David Foxe works as a clinical researcher at the FRONTIER Research Group, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney.