The foundation has marked the launch of its annual appeal week by announcing grants of more than $1.3million for brain research throughout the country, in its July round.
Lead investigator Prof Cliff Abraham, of the university psychology department, received $180,342 to stimulate nerve cell growth in the brain and potentially "rescue memory function''.
Prof Abraham, who is co-director of Brain Research New Zealand, a national centre of research excellence, was "delighted'' to gain the funding, and to "have the opportunity to undertake this work''.
Prof Abraham and Otago co-investigators Dr Stephanie Hughes and Prof Warren Tate, both biochemistry, plan to investigate the ability of a naturally occurring neuroprotective protein, called secreted amyloid precursor protein-alpha, to enhance the birth of new nerve cells in the adult brain, using an experimental model.
The protein could also potentially be used to treat traumatic brain injury and stroke, the researchers said.
Prof Neil McNaughton, also of psychology, received $199,605,to investigate brain activity involved in impulsivity, a common side effect in treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Dr Louise Parr-Brownlie is part of the research team.
Associate Prof John Reynolds, of anatomy, has received $192,307 to investigate a new approach to brain stimulation, to improve recovery after a stroke.
Stroke was the leading cause of adult disability in New Zealand, caused "devastating effects'' on individuals imposed a "heavy social and financial burden'' on society, Dr Reynolds said.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation used an externally-placed magnetic coil to repeatedly and non-invasively stimulate the brain.
This therapy had potential to generate lasting changes in brain function, but had not yet shown "sustained enhancement'' for stroke recovery.
Prof Reynolds and his team will use a different approach, and the outcomes could suggest a rethink of how the stimulation was applied, he said.
Associate Prof Dorothy Oorschot, of anatomy, received $190,383 to measure changes in brain circuitry to increase knowledge of "the anatomical basis of schizophrenia and ADHD-like hyperactivity''.
Other Dunedin grants: Dr Shakila Rizwan, pharmacy, $12,000; Dr John Ashton, pharmacology and toxicology, $7012; Associate Prof Neil Waddell, oral rehabilitation, $12,000.
