Parkinson’s disease
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.
More about Parkinson'sThe 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
There are about 82,000 Australians living with Parkinson’s disease
3x
3 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s after 65
1 in 308
1 in 308 Australians live with Parkinson’s disease
37
37 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every day
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.
More about our research into Parkinson's