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Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative condition of the central nervous system, characterised by both motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms.

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a gradually progressive disorder of the brain that affects movement, causing tremors and stiffness. First described by English physician Dr James Parkinson in 1817, it can also include other symptoms like sleep disruption, loss of smell, speech and swallowing problems, cognitive impairment, depression and anxiety.

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The Australian Parkinson's Mission

The Australian Parkinson's Mission (APM) is the largest clinical research program for Parkinson’s disease in Australia. It combines clinical trials, biomarker technologies and breakthrough genomics for people living with the disease.

 

Key statistics

82,000

82,000

There are about 82,000 Australians living with Parkinson’s disease

3x

 3x

3 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s after 65

1 in 308

1 in 308

1 in 308 Australians live with Parkinson’s disease

37

37

37 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every day

Risk

Risk

Men are slightly more at risk of developing Parkinson’s than women

Parkinson's research at Garvan

Research into Parkinson’s disease at Garvan is multifaceted, focusing on early onset and its causes, new neuroprotection therapies to prevent progression, brain regeneration and repair, and of course, prevention. Two groups led by Associate Professor Antony Cooper (Neurogenomics) and Dr Daniel Hesselson (Neuroprotection) conduct innovative research in these areas using unique but complementary approaches.

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