MJFF announces $5 million grant to study Parkinson’s genetics in Africa, East Asia and India

News

Author: AdminPublished: 5 September 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

The Michael J Fox Foundation has announced a US $5 million grant to three research teams studying Parkinson’s genetics in African, East Asian and Indian populations.

To date, most of the genetic research on Parkinson’s has been focused on people of European descent. However, it is hoped this new grant will broaden the research landscape – and help researchers to better understand the condition.

Brian Fiske, senior vice president of research programmes at The Michael J Fox Foundation, said: “While the field has made significant strides in genetic research, we know we have much more to learn about the changes in DNA that lead to Parkinson’s disease and impact its progression.

“This is an all-star initiative with world-class geneticists, clinic networks and study volunteers coming together to paint a global picture of Parkinson’s and work toward cures for everyone.”

To read more on this topic click here.

To find out more about causes of Parkinson’s, please visit the Parkinson’s Europe website.

Smartphone test predicts development of Parkinson’s symptoms, study says

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Special reports

£16,000 a year: the hidden price of Parkinson’s

Research reveals the monetary cost of Parkinson’s for UK families

6 free guides to help raise awareness of Parkinson’s

Start campaigning this Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Tasty, nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals for people with Parkinson’s

Interview with Parkinson’s recipe book producer Joan van Haaften

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham has won a World Parkinson Coalition (WPC) award for her contribution to the Parkinson’s community. Lizzie is one of four people set to receive the Robin Elliott Award – which is given out every three years to individuals whose efforts best embody the goals and ethos of the WPC. She will be presented with the award in a ceremony at the World Parkinson’s Congress, which will be held in Barcelona later this year. Commenting on the news of Lizzie’s award, Parkinson’s Europe President, Veronica Clark, said: “Lizzie is Lizzie, and we love her for who she is and what she has done for us all – for people with Parkinson’s past and present and, I’m sure, future.” Lizzie co-founded the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (renamed Parkinson’s Europe last year) in 1992. She has since held several roles within the organisation – including secretary general and…

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Cognitive impairment can affect some people with Parkinson’s – and may greatly impact their quality of life. Now, researchers in China have examined the possible risk factors for cognitive impairment in those with the condition. The study analysed data from 409 people with Parkinson’s within two years of their involvement in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) – an international study that follows people with and without the condition over time. The participants, who were newly diagnosed and experiencing normal cognitive function at the start of the research, were studied for at least five years. Published in ‘Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience’, the results indicate that older age at onset, high blood pressure and worse baseline motor symptoms may be among factors that could contribute to an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment. The researchers cautioned that “a larger sample and much more comprehensive assessment, and prolonged follow-up, will be required”.

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

Frailty can refer to a reduction in physical function, and its attributes – including a slow walking speed and weak grip – are commonly experienced by people with Parkinson’s. Until now, there has been limited insight into the link between frailty and the risk of developing the condition over time. This is what led researchers at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China to analyse data from a large UK study, which was gathered over a 12-year period. Published in JAMA Neurology, the analysis found that frailty may be linked to an 87% higher risk of developing the condition. Commenting on the results, the researchers said: “These findings indicate that physical frailty is a potential risk factor for [Parkinson’s], and the assessment and management of frailty might have clinical significance in the at-risk population.”

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

MJFF announces $5 million grant to study Parkinson’s genetics in Africa, East Asia and India

News

Author: AdminPublished: 5 September 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Special reports

£16,000 a year: the hidden price of Parkinson’s

Resources & Tools

6 free guides to help raise awareness of Parkinson’s

Recipes & nutrition

Tasty, nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals for people with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

MJFF announces $5 million grant to study Parkinson’s genetics in Africa, East Asia and India

News

Author: AdminPublished: 5 September 2019

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Special reports

£16,000 a year: the hidden price of Parkinson’s

Resources & Tools

6 free guides to help raise awareness of Parkinson’s

Recipes & nutrition

Tasty, nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals for people with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in