Funding boost for Parkinson’s research projects in New Zealand

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Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 30 December 2015

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Researchers at the University of Otago, Christchurch, have been awarded a grant to study the suppression of voluntary tremors in Parkinson’s disease.

The grant is part of a NZ$1.1m research fund from the Neurological Foundation, which is the primary non-governmental sponsor of neurological research in New Zealand.

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The award-winning Parkinson’s Life podcast is back this month. Helping to amplify the voices of the international Parkinson’s community, the podcast has so far reached more than 12,000 people around the world. Thanks to the support of pharmaceutical companies, and the backing of a grant from the Boston Scientific Foundation Europe, the second series will bring together people with Parkinson’s disease and experts in their field to explore topics such as sleep hygiene, exercise and mental health, and to offer advice to listeners. Sandrine Bazile, president of the Boston Scientific Foundation Europe, says: “We fully support this project because it mirrors perfectly our mission to improve patient wellbeing using innovative solutions. We believe in the importance of the [Parkinson’s Life] podcast series, with its aim to improve the information and education available to people with Parkinson’s and their families – to help them live life to the full.”

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Researchers at Florida State University, US, have found that neuroticism – a personality trait that affects how people experience negative emotions – is associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The scientists analysed data collected by biomedical database UK Biobank on nearly 500,000 participants aged 40 to 69. Using health records to determine the incidence of Parkinson’s disease in these participants, they found that those who scored in the top quartile of neuroticism were 80% more at risk of developing Parkinson’s than those who scored lower. Antonio Terracciano, lead researcher of the study, said: “Our findings suggest that some emotional vulnerability is present early in life, years before the development of Parkinson’s disease. It kind of gives you a better understanding of the risk factors for the disease and what could be a contributing cause […] The evidence is convincing.”

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Funding boost for Parkinson’s research projects in New Zealand

News

Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 30 December 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Can studying our immune systems help combat Parkinson’s?

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How the drug-addicted William Burroughs inspired a world-renowned Parkinson’s professor

Stay tuned for series two of the Parkinson’s Life podcast

How Parkinson’s disease could impact the way you see art

Neuroticism may increase risk of Parkinson’s disease, research finds

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Funding boost for Parkinson’s research projects in New Zealand

News

Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 30 December 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

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Resources & Tools

Can studying our immune systems help combat Parkinson’s?

Recipes & Nutrition

Try making this delicious tropical fruit almond milk smoothie

Perspectives

How the drug-addicted William Burroughs inspired a world-renowned Parkinson’s professor

Stay tuned for series two of the Parkinson’s Life podcast

How Parkinson’s disease could impact the way you see art

Neuroticism may increase risk of Parkinson’s disease, research finds

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