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, Dr David Foxe’s team observed that individuals with PPA develop additional symptoms beyond the language disorder. Importantly, some individuals with PPA experience minor movement 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 travel award provided Dr Foxe with a unique opportunity to travel to the UK and work closely with distinguished PPA experts at the University of Cambridge. He accessed their extensive datasets and gained proficiency in a new statistical method (event-mased modelling) to comprehensively understand the evolution of motor dysfunction in PPA. He visited the Rare Dementia Support (RDS) team at University College London and met with the founder to discuss how similar services could be introduced in Australia to support those impacted by PPA and other rare dementias. 

During his travel, Dr Foxe also shadowed experts in frontotemporal dementia at Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery London. He was able to observe rare cases of dementia not commonly seen in Australia and learned clinical procedures to inform his own practice.

Data from this project is being analysed and Dr Foxe has commenced a new study in collaboration with the University of East Anglia, focusing on carer distress in rare cases of dementia including frontotemporal dementia. Results from these studies will generate clinically relevant findings that will help inform strategies for dementia diagnosis and support for carers.

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