Global research efforts to slow, stop, or cure Parkinson’s are advancing, driven by innovative science and international collaboration.
Researchers are delving into the condition’s genetic and molecular underpinnings. Understanding this is crucial for developing therapies that can halt or reverse progression.
What kinds of research do they do on Parkinson’s?
Research on Parkinson’s disease in Australia and internationally spans a wide range of areas, aiming to improve diagnosing, understanding, treatment, and quality of life for those affected.
Research in Australia
- Genetics and Molecular Biology: Australian researchers are investigating genetic factors, such as mutations in the PINK1 and LRRK2 genes, which are linked to Parkinson’s. Recent breakthroughs include visualising the structure of the PINK1 protein, which could lead to targeted drug therapies.
- Clinical Trials: The Australian Parkinson’s Mission conducts clinical trials to test personalised treatments based on genomic data.
- Neuroprotection: Studies focus on protecting neurons from degeneration, exploring compounds that may slow disease progression.
- Symptom Management: Research includes developing better therapies for motor and non-motor symptoms, such as tremors, sleep disturbances, and cognitive decline.
International Research
- Global Prevalence and Projections: Studies predict a doubling of Parkinson’s cases by 2050, driven by ageing populations and environmental factors.
- Environmental Risk Factors: Research explores the role of pesticides, air pollution, and other toxins in increasing Parkinson’s risk.
- Immunology and Inflammation: International teams are studying how immune responses, such as T-cell activity, contribute to neuronal damage in Parkinson’s.
- Advanced Therapies: Efforts include developing stem cell therapies, gene editing techniques, and brain-computer interfaces to restore motor function.
Alternative Medications
- Natural Remedies: Some individuals explore supplements like coenzyme Q10, green tea extract, and alpha-lipoic acid for their antioxidant properties. However, evidence supporting their efficacy in Parkinson’s is limited.
- Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD oil is being studied for its potential to alleviate non-motor symptoms like anxiety and sleep disturbances.
- Dietary Adjustments: High-protein diets can interfere with levodopa absorption, so timing protein intake strategically may help improve medication efficacy.
Repurposed Medications
- Amantadine: Originally developed for influenza, amantadine is now used to manage dyskinesia in Parkinson’s.
- Simvastatin: This cholesterol-lowering drug is being investigated for its potential neuroprotective effects in Parkinson’s.
- Exenatide: A diabetes medication, exenatide, is under study for its ability to slow disease progression.
New Delivery Methods for Carbidopa/Levodopa
- Continuous Infusion Pumps: Innovations like the PRODUODOPA and VYALEV pumps deliver levodopa continuously under the skin, reducing “off” times and motor fluctuations.
- Inhalable Levodopa: Inhalable formulations provide rapid relief for sudden “off” episodes, offering a convenient alternative to oral medications.
- Extended-Release Tablets: New formulations aim to provide more stable dopamine levels throughout the day.
What do OTs do?
Holistic assessment
OTs conduct holistic individual assessments, considering physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors. They can then tailor interventions to the specific needs, goals and values of each person living with Parkinson’s to address their specific symptoms.
Maintaining independence
OTs help individuals maintain their independence by addressing daily living activities like personal care, driving and communicating. They provide strategies to overcome difficulties in tasks such as bathing and dressing, accessing the community, housework, laundry and gardening. See Personal care infosheet.
Home modifications
Occupational therapists assist in modifying the home environment to enhance safety and accessibility. This may include recommending adaptive equipment, rearranging furniture, or suggesting changes to improve mobility See Parkinson’s-friendly homes infosheet.
Communication devices
For those experiencing communication challenges, occupational therapists can introduce augmentative and alternative communication devices (such as iPads or dictation Apps on smartphones). See Communication infosheet.
Hand therapy
Occupational therapists address hand dexterity and fine motor skills. They provide exercises and techniques to improve hand function, which can be affected by Parkinson’s.
Driving
Occupational therapists guide individuals through the process of transitioning out of driving if necessary. They explore alternative transportation options and help maintain mobility. See Driving & Driving alternatives infosheets.
Preventative care
Occupational therapy emphasises preventive measures. Therapists educate individuals on energy conservation, fall prevention, and maintaining overall well-being. They can help with personal safety devices like personal alarm systems and how to use them. See Falls & Fatigue infosheets.
Fall prevention
Through home safety assessments and recommendations, OTs can help reduce the risk of falls by suggesting modifications to the home environment and personalised exercise programs to improve balance and strength. See Falls & Parkinson‘s-friendly homes infosheets.
Cognitive support
Occupational therapists can provide strategies to manage cognitive changes associated with Parkinson’s, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving difficulties. See Memory & thinking changes infosheet.
Fatigue management
OTs can assist in energy conservation techniques and time management strategies to help manage the fatigue often associated with Parkinson’s. See Fatigue infosheet.
Workplace modifications
For those still in employment, OTs can recommend changes to the work environment and work practices to accommodate their needs, ensuring they can continue working for as long as possible. See Parkinson‘s-friendly workplaces infosheet.
Leisure and social participation
OTs can help individuals with Parkinson‘s find new ways to engage in leisure activities or adapt existing hobbies to maintain an active and fulfilling social life.
Why should I go to an OT?
OTs that have experience working with people living with Parkinson‘s will be able to provide practical solutions to challenges and barriers you may be experiencing. They can help you identify and build on your strengths, adapt activities you love so you can stay engaged, and modify your environment at home or work so you can keep doing what you value most, safely.
What organisations do research in Australia on Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s Australia: We support research efforts and provide resources for people living with Parkinson’s. We collaborate with researchers to advance understanding and treatment of the disease through advocacy and recruitment.
Garvan Institute of Medical Research: The Garvan Institute conducts multidisciplinary research on Parkinson’s, including genetic studies and clinical trials. They lead the Australian Parkinson’s Mission, which combines genomics and biomarker technologies to develop personalised treatments. Explore their work here.
Australian Parkinson’s Mission (APM): A collaborative initiative involving the Garvan Institute, Shake It Up Australia Foundation, and international partners like the Michael J. Fox Foundation. APM focuses on precision medicine and clinical trials to slow or stop Parkinson’s progression. More details are available here.
NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia): NeuRA focuses on understanding and slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Their research includes investigating genetic factors that predispose people to Parkinson’s. Exploring how brain cells generate energy and ways to improve this function to slow neurodegeneration. Studying the spread of disease-related proteins and strategies to reduce their growth.
CMAX: CMAX is one of Australia’s largest early-phase clinical trial facilities. They conduct trials for new Parkinson’s treatments, such as testing potential therapies for motor and non-motor symptoms and xploring innovative drug delivery methods to improve patient outcomes.
Parkinson’s Organisations
Parkinson’s Australia: Is the national advocacy body promoting awareness and connection for people with Parkinson’s and lobbying government on issues that affect the Parkinson’s community.
State/Territory Parkinson’s organisations: Provides support, information, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s.
Universities
- University of Sydney: Collaborates with the Australian Parkinson’s Mission (APM) on clinical trials, genomics research, and biomarker analysis to develop precision medicine for Parkinson’s.
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute: Runs the Australian Parkinson’s Genetics Study, investigating genetic and environmental factors contributing to Parkinson’s.
- Macquarie University: Hosts researchers like Professor Simon Lewis, who leads clinical trials and studies targeting disease progression.
- Griffith University:
- Shake It Up Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
- Brain Foundation https://brainfoundation.org.au/
- Universities
- Clinical trials, e.g. CMAX
- Parkinson’s organisations often do surveys to collect feedback from the community.
