Neurological

What is a Neurological condition?

Neurological conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves and sensory systems that allow us to think, move, feel and connect with the world around us. They are among the most challenging health issues of our time, and as populations age and survival from injury and illness improves, their burden continues to grow. Understanding how the nervous system functions, fails and can be repaired has never been more important.

Neurological Research at Curtin MRI

At Curtin MRI, our researchers work across a broad spectrum of neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, hearing and ear disorders, and cerebrovascular health — covering stroke, cerebral blood flow and blood-brain barrier integrity. Our work spans molecular and cellular neuroscience, neuroimaging and biomarker discovery through to clinical studies, data science and lived-experience research.

Advancing Brain Health Through Research and Collaboration

By bringing together laboratory science, clinical insight and partnerships with hospitals, industry and other research institutions, our teams are translating fundamental discoveries into earlier diagnoses, better therapies and improved everyday function. Our shared goal is a future in which brain health is supported across the lifespan, and people living with neurological conditions can maintain their independence, wellbeing and connection to those around them.

Neurolgical Disorder Classifications:

Alzheimers Disease Research

At Curtin MRI Associate Professor Giuseppe Verdile and his team specialise in Alzheimers research.

His research

spans neuroscience and cell biology, with a particular emphasis on understanding the molecular causes of Alzheimer’s disease and identifying potential therapeutic targets. We investigate how key risk factors contribute to disease progression in order to inform the development of new treatments and improve current therapeutic strategies.

Research focus includes:

• Investigating the gamma secretase enzyme and its role in neuronal and glial pathways, with the aim of selectively targeting this enzyme for therapeutic benefit.
• Examining the impact of chronic stress in Alzheimer’s disease, including how genetic variation in cortisol receptors influences neurodegeneration and how modulation of these receptors may affect neuronal and glial responses.

Assoc. Prof Giueseppe Verdile

Neurotrauma & Brain Injury Research

At Curtin MRI Professor Melinda Fitzgerlad & Sarah Hellewell along with their team is

dedicated to understanding and preventing the loss of function that follows injury to the brain or spinal cord. The group employs innovative experimental and clinical approaches to uncover the biological processes that occur after neurotrauma and to design and test strategies aimed at minimising damage and promoting recovery.

Their work integrates laboratory research with clinically focused, nationally coordinated initiatives, including leadership of the AUS-mTBI Consortium, which investigates mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) across Australia. Together, these efforts aim to advance knowledge, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce the long-term impact of neurotrauma on individuals and communities.

Dr Hellewell’s research is stuructured around 3 key areas:

• Understanding Brain Injury Biology – Investigating the biological consequences of mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injury to determine what goes wrong, when it occurs, and why.
• Identifying Biomarkers of Recovery – Exploring factors that influence recovery outcomes to understand why some individuals recover while others do not, and developing early predictors of poor recovery.
• Improving Treatment Outcomes – Evaluating and personalising interventions for people with persistent post-concussion symptoms to determine how and why treatments are effective.

Prof. Melinda Fitzgerald

Dr Sarah Hellewell

Molecular Neurosciences Research

At Curtin MRI Associate Professor David Groth and his team specialise in molecular Neuroscience research.

This research focuses on the Alzheimer’s related gamma secretase complex, using advanced expression systems to better understand amyloid beta production, in collaboration with Ralph Martins.

It also examines how stress and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis influence the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting genetic factors linked to neuroinflammation.

Broader work spans population genetics, immunogenetics, and skin biology, including conservation genetics, sheep parasite resistance, and skin disease research such as Psoriasis. Ongoing studies of the sheep major histocompatibility complex using next generation sequencing provide insights into evolutionary genetics and host parasite interactions.

Assoc. Prof David Groth

Neuro-metallomics Research

At Curtin MRI Associate Professor Mark Hackett and his team specialise in Neuro-metallomics research.

This research

focuses on the development and refinement of advanced elemental and biomolecular imaging techniques to enhance understanding of brain function and disease. Spectroscopic methods employed include Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM), and X ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). In collaboration with neuroscientists, these approaches are applied to uncover the molecular and elemental mechanisms underlying both healthy and diseased brain states.

The analytical expertise also extends beyond Neuroscience to areas such as forensic science, plant science, and microbiology. A significant component of the work involves the use of synchrotron light sources, particularly the Australian Synchrotron, where there is frequent engagement. Leadership roles include serving as Chair of the X ray Fluorescence Microscopy Program Committee, alongside membership on two beamline advisory panels and the User Advisory Committee.

The research group places particular emphasis on developing innovative analytical and imaging protocols to investigate the role of key metal ions, including iron, copper, and zinc, in maintaining brain health and contributing to neurological disease.

Associate Professor Mark Hackett