Florey Brain Matters Winter - The Florey Institute

BRAIN
MATTERS
;
News from the Florey Institute
of Neuroscience & Mental Health
AN EPILEPSY
SUCCESS STORY
The oice of
an angel
V
WINTER 2013

2 BRAIN MATTERS WINTER 2013
THE FLOREY INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCE & MENTAL HEALTH
3
DIRECTORS REPORT
;
Dear friends of the Florey,
Recently many of our supporters joined us for our
Annual General Meeting when we held a very special
event, acknowledging Victorian legends of neuroscience.
Thirteen scientists and clinicians were celebrated for
their contribution to the wellbeing of thousands of people
around the world. A story about these extraordinary
contributors is to the right. It was an inspiring evening for
our up and coming neuroscientists.
Speaking of our scientists, the Florey is now home to
154 students studying for their honours, masters or PhD.
Together with our more experienced researchers, we
have 504 magnificent brains at work across our three
campuses. When we include our support staff, the Florey
is home to nearly 600 people making us one of the most
productive brain research facilities in the world. We
collaborate with scientists from 34 countries.
Following our amalgamation with the Mental Health
Research Institute late last year, staff have settled into
a truly collaborative environment. Work continues into
mental health, neurodegeneration and other diseases
common to our newly merged research teams. Once again
I welcome our new readers to Brain Matters.
You may have seen some media coverage involving our
talented neurologists who are working in the field of
epilepsy. Both Professors Ingrid Scheffer and Graeme
Jackson have hit the headlines with inspiring stories
demonstrating how our research affects real lives. You can
read more on these remarkable professionals, here in this
edition of Brain Matters.
For those who would like more information about the
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health,
please feel free to visit our website to read the new Annual
Report or call us for a copy on (03) 8344 6942.
Warm regards,
Prof Geoffrey Donnan, AO
Director, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience
& Mental Health
Acknowledging the legends
The trailblazers of brain research were recently acknowledged
at a special function hosted by the Florey and the University
of Melbourne.
Some eight living legends of Melbourne’s neuroscience community
attended, as well as families and colleagues of those who had
passed away. Representatives accepted gifts in a ceremony before
an audience of young neuroscientists who recognised the lifechanging
contributions the ‘legends’ had made.
Notably, Florey founder Emeritus Professor Derek Denton attended
on the eve of his 89th birthday. Our much admired former director
Professor Fred Mendelsohn was recognised for his scientific
achievements and leadership.
Victorian neuroscience legends, colleagues and Mr Harold Mitchell AC, celebrate their
recognition on the glass walls of our foyer.
Those who were honoured had either retired or had made an
historic impact or discovery, ensuring those who are still working
in the field of neuroscience continue to strive for excellence!
There was an interesting mix of neurologists, psychiatrists and
fundamental scientists honoured.
Professor David Copolov and the late John Cade, Eric Cunningham
Dax and Sydney Sunderland were remembered for their research
and advocacy of those living with mental illnesses while Marelyn
Wintour-Coghlan, John Coghlan and Geoff Tregear were
acknowledged for ground-breaking lab-bench science at the Florey.
Vice Chancellor of Monash University, Prof Ed Byrne, Austin
neurologist Peter Bladin and the late Leonard B Cox and E Graeme
Robertson were also recognised for their enormous contribution.
Their images and achievements are displayed in the foyers of
both the Florey’s campuses – in Parkville and Heidelberg. We have
ensured there is plenty of room to extend the honour roll as our
scientists break new ground and, perhaps, go down in history.
OUR COVER
;
Sally Watt is a singer with the Canterbury Fellowship. She is
photographed here in Trinity Chapel with Florey neurologist,
Professor Graeme Jackson, who has helped Sally regain
her beautiful voice after brain surgery to end her epilepsy.
See page five for more.
Genes, genes and more genes
surgery for epilepsy
;
Professor Scheffer talks to Vicki, 25, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at age five. According to Vicky: “I didn’t even contemplate having children because I don’t want them to
have (epilepsy) but this allows the opportunity because I could eliminate the gene from any possible children that I have”. Photo credit Joe Castro AAP.
Professor Ingrid Scheffer and her collaborators have enjoyed a high
profile couple of months, announcing the identification of three new
genes responsible for common and devastating forms of epilepsy.
In the first of two announcements through the journal Nature Genetics,
Professor Scheffer has published the discovery of a new gene that
causes some cases of the most common form of epilepsy.
Focal epilepsy accounts for 60 per cent of all cases.
According to Prof Scheffer, a senior principal research fellow at the
Florey, focal seizures come from one part of the brain and are generally
considered to be due to a structural abnormality such as a brain
injury or tumour. All seizures are caused by electrical disturbances
in the brain but “partial” or focal seizures occur when this electrical
activity originates in a specific area of the brain. A small proportion
of people with abnormalities of this newly discovered gene also have
intellectual disability, psychiatric or autism spectrum disorders.
Prof Scheffer, who is also an internationally renowned paediatric
neurologist, says the discovery of the gene will lead to improved
clinical care as:
• a genetic test will be conducted, reducing the need for other tests
• accurate genetic counselling will be offered
• in future, specific therapeutic drugs will be developed.
A large collaborative research team worked on the discovery,
including The Florey, The University of Melbourne and University
of South Australia, the Belgian Free University of Brussels and
Leiden University Medical Center in The Netherlands. Clinical
collaborators worked together from across Australia, Europe and
Canada. The results are published in the journal Nature Genetics.
And in further news, Prof Scheffer has discovered two new genes
causing severe seizure disorders that begin in babies and early
childhood. The finding will also lead to new tests to diagnose these
conditions, and promises to lead to improved outcomes.
Epileptic encephalopathies are severe seizure disorders occurring in
infants and children. Those affected experience slow development and
intellectual problems.
“These children have devastating disorders. Finding the cause is the
first step in developing targeted treatments. Overall, our findings
have important implications for making a diagnosis in patients,
optimising therapy and genetic counseling for families,” she said.
In the study, researchers analysed the genes of 500 children who
have epileptic encephalopathies.
“This is a very exciting breakthrough which could lead to dramatic
benefits in the lives of the children who suffer this condition.”
A genetic test will now become a diagnostic tool for children with
severe epilepsies and enable genetic counseling in their families.
Collaborators on this second study included geneticists from the
University of Washington, US and paediatric neurologists from
around Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and Israel. The study
was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council,
Australia and the National Institutes of Health, US.
FAST FACT
;
Professor Ingrid Scheffer has been awarded the Peter Emil
Becker Prize while visiting Austria. The prize is for outstanding
contribution to paediatric neurology and was awarded at the
39th Annual Meeting of the Society of Neuropaediatrics.
Congratulations Ingrid!
Improving lives through brain research
Donate to the Florey at www.florey.edu.au

4 BRAIN MATTERS WINTER 2013
THE FLOREY INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCE & MENTAL HEALTH
5
Time-critical stroke care for
country patients
;
Singer’s voice saved after
surgery for epilepsy
;
The imaging study has also revealed secrets of the way some of us
sing and how trained singers use different pathways, according to
Prof Jackson.
“Mug singers sing with their language systems, which is why it
doesn’t sound so good,” he says.
“Intermediate singers swap and use language-like areas on the other
side of their brain. Expert singers rearrange it yet again. The epileptic
process meant Sally had learned to sing in a way no one else had.”
Prof Jackson said findings from the research project, spurred by Sally’s
case and involving the Florey, Austin and Royal Melbourne hospitals,
had unlocked the secrets of brain plasticity and how singers “find
their voice”. Associate Professor Sarah Wilson, a research fellow at
the Florey and a behavioural neuroscientist with the University of
Melbourne has been a vital contributor to the ongoing research.
We’ve reached this amazing period
where we can see the brain thinking.
Country patients suffering a suspected stroke can now receive
expert neurological opinion from Melbourne – without leaving
their hospital bed.
The Florey is pioneering the use of innovative technology - highcapacity
broadband - to improve patient care. City neurologists
can now offer time-critical advice to rural and regional doctors
treating emergency stroke patients.
Following successful testing of the program with Bendigo Health,
the service is set to expand into the Loddon Mallee region over the
next two years and to other parts of Victoria by 2018.
The neurologists can see vital data, including brain imaging, through
high quality audio-visual equipment to ensure fast and effective
remote consultations. As a result, a greater number of treatment
options are available for patients. Fast and appropriate treatment
results in the best chance for a successful outcome.
According to Professor Geoff Donnan, Director of the Florey:
“The Florey has links with a network of Melbourne-based
neurologists to ensure time-critical care is offered to patients
24-hours a day.”
“The service is vital for patients because the sooner treatment is
offered, the better the outcome for the person involved – it could
prevent years of rehabilitation or disability.”
FAST FACT #1
;
In Australia, over 50,000 people suffer a stroke each year
and approximately 250,000 Australians are living with the
consequences of stroke. It is the leading cause of long-term
adult disability with about 50 per cent of survivors dependent
on others to help them with everyday living.
FAST FACT #2
;
There have been significant advances in both drug and
physical treatments for patients with acute stroke that have
improved survival and reduced disability. Rapid diagnosis
provides the best opportunity for clinicians to intervene early.
Florey researchers have found that patients experience fewer
disabilities and an improvement in their quality of life when
appropriate treatment and rehabilitation is delivered early.
The program is supported by investment from partners including
the Commonwealth’s Department of Health – Victorian Stroke
Clinical Network, Monash University, Polycom, Telstra, Loddon
Mallee Rural Health Alliance, Ambulance Victoria, National Stroke
Foundation, the Stroke Society of Australia, Bendigo Health,
Mildura Base Hospital, Swan Hill District Hospital and Echuca
Regional Health.
The program is expanding through $400,000 of state funding into
the Loddon-Mallee region over the next two years and is set to
roll out to 16 Victorian regional and rural hospitals over five years
thanks to funding from the federal government of $7.2 million.
It is the brainchild of Florey stars, neurologist and program
director Professor Chris Bladin and epidemiologist and head
of our Stroke Division’s Public Health unit, Associate Professor
Dominique Cadilhac.
“We’ve seen some significant improvements to treatment
statistics at Bendigo Health,” says Prof Cadilhac. “The number of
stroke patients treated has increased by eight per cent since we
started a pilot three years ago and there has been a 40 per cent
improvement in the time it takes to treat a stroke patient once they
arrive in the country hospital’s emergency department,” she says.
Professor Graeme Jackson and singer, Sally Watt, in Trinity Chapel where Sally sings
music from the 15th century with the Canterbury Fellowship.
The Florey’s imaging team has used state-of-the-art imaging to save a
young woman’s ability to sing. Sally Watt was a talented professional
singer who was seriously incapacitated by epileptic seizures. When
medication failed to control the disease, Sally reluctantly agreed to
have surgery to remove part of her brain. What happened next is quite
remarkable and has provided rich fodder for our researchers who are
gaining new insights into the processes of language and song.
Since having a portion of her right temporal lobe removed to stop
the epileptic seizures, Sally Watt’s brain has rewired itself. Sally,
35, had a 3cm-wide portion of brain surgically removed in a right
anterior temporal lobectomy.
She can now sing pitch-perfect and play the piano from memory.
“When I found out the part of my brain where the seizures were
happening also controlled musicality, I freaked out,” she said.
“Music was the only thing I was good at, so there was no way I was
going to lose that.”
Prof Jackson led a team of 10 researchers to isolate the parts of
Sally’s brain involved in singing, to decide if neurosurgeons could
avoid removing that part of the brain.
The Florey was perfectly positioned to conduct such a study with
sophisticated imaging equipment, physicists, neurologists and
radiographers able to analyse the scanned brain.
The tests involved Sally imagining she was singing while she
was inside an MRI machine. This revealed the singing pathways
travelling around the brain.
“We can now look at the brain of someone in the scanner and tell
how good their pitch is going to be by what patterns they use when
they imagine singing.
“And we can probably tell how good a singer they are.”
In Sally’s case, the decoupling of the language and singing networks,
through major brain surgery, led to the brain reorganising itself.
Sally reports that the surgery has controlled the seizures and
allowed her to continue pursuing music.
“The surgery totally rearranged my thinking, but it’s better. I can
play pieces on the piano from memory just by singing the piece in
my head. It’s so weird, but wonderful.”
While struggling to describe what happens, Sally looks back
and compares it to pre-surgery when she says she took a very
intellectual approach to music, visualising the keyboard of a piano
to find notes and to follow music. It is now instinctive.
Sally sings at The University of Melbourne’s Trinity College in the
Canterbury Fellowship, singing music from the Renaissance and
other periods.
Professor Graeme Jackson.
It is
increasingly
recognised that
epilepsy is a
disease of brain
networks and that
seizures travel
along pathways,
selectively
disrupting
particular
functions.
Improving lives through brain research
Donate to the Florey at www.florey.edu.au

6 BRAIN MATTERS WINTER 2013
THE FLOREY INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCE & MENTAL HEALTH
7
A survivor sets a
superb example
;
Since our last visit to Leongatha, Florey bequestor Mrs
Evelyn Fawcett has been continuing to pump iron twice
weekly at her local gym and now has bone density to rival
that of her children...and perhaps even her grandchildren!
Budding scientists learn
about mental illness and
neuroscience careers
Please turn my support into
hope for Alzheimer’s disease,
stroke, Parkinson’s disease,
depression and other
mental illnesses.
;
A survivor of breast and bowel cancer, Evelyn keeps a
close eye on her family’s health – a big job, considering
that she has three sons, seven grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren!
From Perth to the Pilbara and across to
Gippsland, Evelyn is challenged to provide a good example
and promote excellent health as an act of gratitude, for not
succumbing to terminal illness.
First name:
Surname:
Address:
Supporter Matt’s marathon
for mental health research –
icy water no barrier
;
The Florey is truly fortunate to be supported by community
fundraisers who often go far and beyond normal human endurance
to help us continue our brain research. Here we meet Matt Harry,
38, an open water swimmer who is pushing all boundaries in the
name of mental health.
Matt has a fantastic blog, describing his preparation for the
“Everest” for all swimmers, to cross the English Channel in August.
Matt is raising funds to help our research into mental illness. Here
are some words from his blog about the path to the big swim:
“It is the task of any individual intent on living an interesting and
fulfilling life to continually find ways to create new memories.
Some of these memories can be created in an instant with nothing
more than deciding to act on an impulse; others require prolonged
planning, dedication, sacrifice and hard work. And so it goes when
the memory you desire is that of successfully swimming across the
English Channel.
“For the past two winters I have been undertaking cold water
acclimation which really is nothing more than a fancy term for
turning your brain off and diving into the (Port Phillip) bay in the
middle of winter to swim for as long as you can survive. The most
challenging of these were the pre-work swims, most of which took
place for me this past winter on a Friday morning with the alarm
clock blazing away at 5.30am. The problem with an alarm clock is
that what seems reasonable when you set it seems absurd when
it goes off.
“Family and relationships are as important to me as the challenge
I have set myself and this is something that I have found pretty
challenging. How do we know if we are doing enough in all areas to
get from life all that we want My answer to that is pretty simple –
we don’t! All we can do is walk the line and hope that we are doing
enough. Time will reveal all.
“Having had close family experiences with mental illness I am
aware of just how vital a healthy mind can be to one’s ability to
enjoy and live life for all it’s worth. So please, get on-board, click on
the link (below) and chip-in for the folks working towards cures and
greater understanding of these debilitating illnesses.”
And so we at the Florey say “Swim strong, Matt and thank
you!”. If you want to read of his tales along the way (especially
the story about the jellyfish) please visit his blog online at
www.marathonforthemind.wordpress.com
There have been nervous moments in the family’s health
history as epilepsy robbed her grandson of fruitful years of
school before he outgrew the brain disorder in adulthood.
Traced back to her husband’s father who is reported to have
suffered grand-mal seizures, which Evelyn feels were never
properly diagnosed, the epilepsy has not made a further
appearance anywhere in the family.
Evelyn is greatly relieved about the absence of the condition,
her grandson’s recovery and her own.
Evelyn’s last word on the subject ... “Without research, you
can’t find out anything!”
Without research,
you can’t find out anything!
If you would like to find out how you too can put family first,
and still leave a bequest to help advance research at the
Florey, please contact Hazel Westbury – Donor and Alumni
Relations: by email : hazel.westbury@florey.edu.au , or by
phone on (03) 8344 9678, or mobile: 0438 411 145
Students visit the DAX Centre.
The Florey, together with the Dax Centre and the Mental Illness
Fellowship provides an innovative program for school kids at our
Parkville campus, exploring mental health issues. The students
learn about mental illness from a personal viewpoint, a
neuropsychological and clinical perspective and through the
artwork exhibited at the Dax Centre gallery.
One of our neuroscientists presents current research into
schizophrenia or major depression. As well, a volunteer mental
health advocate talks about the experience of living with mental
illness and their recovery – an important part of the day as it helps
to demystify youth mental health issues. Finally, the group takes a
tour of the Dax Centre gallery, guided by a mental health clinician.
This year we have already conducted over 70 Mindfield sessions
with more than 50 schools participating. Next year we hope to
offer the program to an even greater number.
Those who have experienced the Mindfields program comment
that the program makes psychology and health issues real and
relevant to their students, and that our program emphasises that
mental illness is about people, not statistics.
Katherine Neall from Edenhope College said “I know that some of
the things my students learnt at the Dax Centre will stay with them
for the rest of their lives. It was definitely worth the five hour drive
to get there.”
If you are interested in the Mindfields program, please visit
www.daxcentre.org where you can book online or arrange to speak
to an educator Wednesday to Friday.
I know that some of the things
my students learnt at the
Dax Centre will stay with them
for the rest of their lives.
It was definitely worth the
five hour drive to get there.
Katherine Neall from Edenhope College
State:
Email:
Postcode:
I would like more information about making automatic
regular donations.
I would like more information about remembering the
Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health in my will.
I would like updates on brain research by mail by email
Enclosed is my cheque money order
or debit my
Mastercard Amex Visa Diners
Card number:
Expiry date:
Signature:
Thank you for your valuable support. All donations are tax deductable.
I would like to donate $
Ways to donate:
• Call our freecall credit card donation line on 1800 063 693
• Fax your donation to us on (03) 9035 3107
• Online at www.florey.edu.au
• Send your donation to the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental
Health, Reply Paid 83037, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health records information about its
supporters that includes address and donation details, and is used solely by the Institute
but is not sold, traded or passed on to any third parties.
Improving lives through brain research
Donate to the Florey at www.florey.edu.au

Festival of Ideas –
Questions of brains
and minds for a healthy
society
Date: Saturday October 5:
9.30am -6.15pm
A special day when we join with
the University of Melbourne for
stimulating discussion about
the role of the brain in human
behaviour. Hosted by ABC
broadcaster, Norman Swan, the
day promises to be amazing. It
will be suitable for a general public
audience. More details on the
Florey website closer to the day.
The Festival of Ideas is a University
of Melbourne initiative. Director,
Professor Fiona Stanley AC, will
lead participants on a stimulating
journey through key health
issues of concern to Australians.
Prof Stanley and the festival
team are assembling a powerful
international guest list to deliver
keynote speeches, debates,
performances and fringe activities.
Leading Australian academics,
intellectuals and thought leaders
will engage with audiences and
participants on the health of our
bodies, minds, society, economy
and democracy.
NEWS & EVENTS
;
Parkinson’s lecture with Professor Mal Horne
When, who and which…Advanced therapies in Parkinson’s disease.
Date: Wednesday, July 17: 6.30pm
Where: Ian Potter auditorium, Melbourne Brain Centre, 30 Royal Pde,
Parkville. (Disabled and other parking under the building).
This lecture will address the question of when to use therapies, such
as deep brain stimulators, apomorphine, and DuoDopa. What benefits
can be expected and what are the pros and cons of each
The lecture will be recorded and posted on our website for those
unable to attend.
Feel like an extreme challenge
Be part of the action and join the
One in Five Extreme Challenge team.
Want to get fit, meet new people,
join old friends – all while supporting
mental health research at the Florey
This year’s looks like being the biggest team with over 60 people
already entered for one or both of the following events.
September 21: The Surf Coast Century covers 100km as a trail run in
Anglesea, Victoria. You can participate as a member of a relay team or
for the truly brave, you can tackle it SOLO.
October 13: The Melbourne Marathon offers a range of options –
from the 3km walk to the VERY EXTREME 42.2km marathon.
Perhaps you will enter both events
If you are tempted, need convincing or simply want some more
information please email olivia@oneinfive.com
Melbourne Brain
Symposium
Date: October 25-29
An academic meeting of
neuroscientists from around
the world, hosted by the
Florey and the Melbourne
Neuroscience Institute.
The 2013 Culinary
Charity Challenge
- Melbourne versus
Sydney
Date: Friday August 16: 6.30pm
Where: Palladium at Crown
Australia’s greatest culinary event
is back – a fundraiser for the Florey
and a feast for the tastebuds.
Book now at
Florey@perfectevents.com.au or
(03) 9384 1190.
Earlybird discounts available
until June 30.
THANK YOU
;
The Florey thanks our recent major donors
Michael Aitken • Mrs R Andre • Raechel & Danny Ballinger • Graeme Bate • Sandra Benjamin OAM • Bethlehem Griffiths Research Foundation • BP
Employee Matching Fund • Robert Braby • Bupa Health Foundation • Elizabeth Butt • Jarrod Byham • Suzi Carp • The CASS Foundation Ltd • Edward &
Diana Cherry • Faye Clarke • Deirdre Collier • Community Enterprise Foundation • Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation • Michaelle Dart •
Dr & Mrs C M Deeley • Craig Drummond • Evelyn Fawcett • Rita Ferguson • Rosemary Geer • Giant Steps Sydney • The Hon Alan Goldberg AO QC •
Illabarook Pty Ltd • Estate of the late Pauline Marie Johnston • Mr A P Kelly • Joy Lambert • Lions Club of Somerville • Brian Little • The Lochtenberg
Foundation • Ian Marks • Alexander McMillan • MND and Me Foundation • Motor Neuron Disease Association of Victoria • Dr Bruce & Judy Munro
• Bruce Murrie • Sid & Fiona Myer Family Foundation • Sue O’Neill & Enid Telford • Miss M O’Sullevan • Jillian Pratt • RobMeree Foundation • Rotary
MS Awareness Committee • Donald Sanders AO • Sessions Funeral Services • ShareGift Australia • Robert & Elisabeth Sinclair • Miss P Smart •
Pauline Speedy • Dr Takako Subocz • Sammy Taleb • Jean Thomas • Dr Alan Wade Alzheimers Research Fund • Stan & Judith Wallis • Keith Williams
• Lyn Williams • Margaret Wilson • Lady June Zeidler
Donations in memory of
Tom Beer
Nathan Black
Dimitrus (James) Evangelou
Joan Margaret James
John Fyfield
Silvio Gionfriddo
Gifts in celebration of
Mary Lux’ 50th birthday
For more information contact the Editor, Amanda Place:
amanda.place@florey.edu.au or +61 411 204 526
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The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health is the amalgamation
of the Howard Florey Institute, the Brain Research Institute, The Mental
Health Research Institute and the National Stroke Research Institute.
Articles and photographs that appear in this publication remain the
property of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health and may
not be reproduced without permission.
Copyright © 2013