Researchers at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane are undertaking ground-breaking research to help identify genetic factors influencing risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This research, named the Australian Parkinson’s Genetics Study (APGS), will contribute towards the largest study of Parkinson’s genetics ever undertaken, the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2), and is funded by Shake It Up Australia and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The APGS aims to crack the genetic code of Parkinson’s by helping to identify the hundreds of genetic variants that influence a person’s risk of developing the condition and its various symptoms.

Understanding how genes are implicated in the disease process can provide insights and revolutionise future research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of the illness and its progression. It also enables the development of new, more effective, and more personalised treatments for the disease.

Who can be involved?

Volunteers with Parkinson’s disease who are:

• Male or female
• Any age
• Diagnosed with and treated for Parkinson’s disease
• Residing in Australia at the time of participation

Volunteers who DO NOT have Parkinson’s who are:

• Male or female
• 45 years of age or older
• No family history or diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
• Residing in Australia at the time of participation

“We still have much to discover about the disease and its progression and this study will provide valuable new data for researchers working on new treatments to slow and stop disease progression. We are truly on the edge of a potential medical breakthrough in our lifetime, which could change the face of the disease.

To make that possible we need those living with Parkinson’s to sign up for this study so we can understand its complexities which they can do from the comfort of their own home.

For those without Parkinson’s, by participating in the APGS control group, you’ll play a vital role in revolutionising Parkinson’s research and the development of more effective and personalised treatments.  Let’s crack this genetic code so we can make a difference to what living with Parkinson’s looks like in the future,” said Clyde Campbell, Founder & Chairman, Shake It Up Australia Foundation.

Researchers are particularly calling for people from a range of cultural backgrounds, including Chinese, Indian, Maori and Pacific Islander Australians. This is so the scientists can better understand differences in the disease presentation, progression, and treatment response among different populations. Currently, only 7% of APGS participants identify as non-European, and researchers are aiming to increase this.

Click here for more information in English and Mandarin

How can I participate?

Simply click on the below link and select an option based on whether you have Parkinson’s disease.

Register to Participate in the Trial

Further information

A copy of the participant information sheet for people with Parkinson’s disease can be found here

A copy of the participant information sheet for volunteers who DO NOT have Parkinson’s disease can be found here

You can learn more through checking the fact sheet here

You can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the study here