Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Its symptoms include tremor, loss of movement and muscle control, discomfort, fatigue and sleep disturbances, and mental and psychological problems. These effects worsen over time and as Parkinson’s disease is incurable, can lead to significant impairment and loss of quality of life. The causes of Parkinson’s disease are currently unknown, although a small proportion of cases have a genetic component. It predominantly affects people aged 50 years and over, with only 20% of cases affecting younger people. Parkinson’s Disease leads to about 1% of the total burden of disease among Australian men and women. [1,2,3]
NHMRC funding for Parkinson's disease research
In the period 2004-09, NHMRC contributed over $31.2 million to Australian research into Parkinson's disease.
|
|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Expenditure ($) |
1,743,352 |
2,016,465 |
1,315,384 |
6,130,266 |
7,382,301 |
7,794,410 |
|
Number of active grants |
18 |
20 |
16 |
20 |
25 |
31 |
|
Number of Researchers Involved |
||||||
|
People Support Grants |
7 |
10 |
9 |
12 |
13 |
16 |
|
Research Support - New Project Grants |
12 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
23 |
22 |
|
Research Support - No of Researchers |
17 |
17 |
28 |
39 |
63 |
58 |
Some NHMRC-funded research projects into Parkinson's disease
Developing a novel therapy for Parkinson's disease
Chief Investigator Dr Robert A Cherny, University of Melbourne
By the time a patient first presents with symptoms of Parkinson's disease at the clinic, a large proportion (60-70%) of the cells in a specific part of the brain have been destroyed. This degeneration progresses until, within a few years, most of the cells have died. This project investigates the mechanisms involved in the continued death of cells and a possible new therapy that interrupts the progression. If the aims of this proposal are met, the drug could rapidly go to clinical trial.
NHMRC Project grant
Training dual task performance during gait in Parkinson’s disease
Chief Investigator Dr Sandra G Brauer, University of Queensland
Difficulty performing more than one task at a time is a common & disabling problem experienced by people with Parkinson's Disease (PD), a progressive neurological condition that affects the ability of people to perform well-learned movements like walking with normal speed and size. This research will investigate how to best train people with PD to dual-task when walking. Teaching people with PD how to dual task will enhance their everyday activities and has potential to reduce falls incidence.
NHMRC Project grant
Home based rehabilitation to reduce falls and disability in Parkinson’s disease
Chief Investigator Professor Meg E Morris, University of Melbourne
Falls occur in more than half of the 80,000 Australians living with Parkinson’s disease. This research will examine the extent to which a program of home rehabilitation using exercises, movement strategies and falls education is effective in reducing the number of falls, the injuries from falls and disability. We will also examine the effects of home based rehabilitation on quality of life. We shall compare the outcomes of the integrated rehabilitation home program with a life-skills program.
NHMRC Project grant
Sources
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2008. Australia’s health 2008. Cat. no. AUS 99. Canberra: AIHW
- Begg S, Vos T, Barker B, Stevenson C, Stanley L, Lopez AD, 2007. The burden of disease and injury in Australia 2003. PHE 82. Canberra: AIHW
- Parkinson’s Australia. What is Parkinson's disease? Accessed 28 October 2009