Date: 28 April 2005

PARKINSON'S DISEASE FOCUS OF NEW TASMANIAN STUDY

New research at the Menzies Research Institute in Hobart and the Howard Florey Institute in Melbourne will examine the genes that cause Parkinson's disease in Tasmanian families.

The Tasmanian Parkinson's Disease Research Project will study Tasmanian families with more than one family member affected with Parkinson's disease. The research team hopes to examine the contribution of known Parkinson's disease-causing genes in the identified families, and to discover other genes that have not been linked to the disease before.

Parkinson's disease is a common brain disease, second in frequency only to Alzheimer's disease in people over the age of 60. It is estimated that at least 100,000 Australians suffer from Parkinson's disease.

Associate Professor Alison Venn says the disease is caused by a combination of a person's genetic make-up and environmental factors.

"Parkinson's disease sometimes occurs in a familial form, that is, it runs in a family. Identifying inherited risk factors will provide a better understanding of the way that Parkinson's disease develops," she said.

Because of the age-related prevalence of Parkinson's disease and the population demographics of Tasmania, it is a significant disease within this State. Tasmania is an ideal place to carry out this research, as genealogical records are extensive and the family trees of people with the disease can be identified.

Specialist Neurologist Professor Mal Horne of the Howard Florey Institute and St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne said: "Parkinson's disease was once thought to be the classic non-hereditary disease. However nine genes that play a part in its development have now been identified.

"Family-based linkage studies such as this are of great value. Confirming the genes involved is an important step towards preventing and treating this debilitating disease," he said.

The Tasmanian Parkinson's Disease Research Project is seeking the help of Tasmanian families that have at least two living members affected with Parkinson's disease.

Participants will complete a short telephone interview about their health in relation to Parkinson's disease, and will be asked about their other relatives with Parkinson's disease. Some families will be invited to participate further in the study by filling out a questionnaire and attending a specialist clinic.

Anyone who thinks they can help should telephone the Menzies Research Institute for more information. Project Officer Nicola Stephens can be contacted by phone on 6226 7714 or freecall 1800 638 124.

Released by:
Jill Butterworth
Communications Coordinator
Menzies Research Institute
Tel: 6226 7751