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A new way to understand Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
About
Professor Bryce Vissel, Dr Sandy Stayte and the team at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney in collaboration UNSW, are pioneering new approaches to understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, with a focus on protecting memory.
Their research investigates the molecular and cellular drivers of synapse loss, especially immune and inflammatory signals, and develops prototype treatments aimed at preserving cognitive function.
Through a preclinical research platform, they are testing initial treatments in 2026–2027 while continuing to explore new strategies to prevent synapse damage. The ultimate goal is to advance at least one well-validated, promising approach toward human studies by the end of 2032, contingent on research outcomes and regulatory approvals.
An important component of this project is supporting women in medical research, including dedicated funding for Dr Stayte’s role. She is one of Australia’s emerging leaders in Parkinson’s research, and her contribution strengthens both the scientific impact and the future leadership of the project.
Why
We fund this work because brain health condition is now Australia’s leading cause of death, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia remain devastating conditions with limited treatment options.
This research offers a novel, evidence-based approach to protecting memory and slowing cognitive decline. By supporting innovative exploration of the underlying mechanisms of synapse loss and the development of prototype treatments, we aim to accelerate the discovery of therapies that could meaningfully improve the lives of people affected by these diseases.
