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Shake It Up Progress Update February 2025

Monday, 3rd February 2025

As we progress into 2025, Shake It Up Australia Foundation is excited to share significant advancements in Parkinson’s research and our ongoing commitment to finding a cure.

1. CEO Vicki Attends NeuroImpact Coalition Summit in New York

In November, I attended the NeuroImpact Coalition Summit in New York, where experts from research, industry, and the community gathered to discuss disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s.

Discussions highlighted shared biology across Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and Alzheimer’s, the challenges of clinical trials, and the importance of engaging government early to ensure access to future treatments. A key takeaway was the need for patient-centered trial design—many trials fail because they don’t account for the real-world impact on participants. We must ensure that trials reflect what is meaningful to patients, including quality of life, function, and access to results.

2. Publication of Gait Standardisation Manuscript

A gait standardisation paper, led by The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) and international experts, has been accepted for publication. This research will enhance the consistency and reliability of gait analysis, improving how Parkinson’s progression is assessed and ultimately leading to better-targeted interventions.

3. Australian Parkinson’s Genetics Study (APGS) Recruitment Milestone

The APGS has now recruited over 10,000 participants, marking a major step forward in understanding the genetic factors behind Parkinson’s disease. This large-scale study will help identify potential genetic markers, supporting earlier diagnosis and the development of personalised treatments.

4. New Research Collaborations with Professor Ooi

Shake It Up is funding two new projects led by Professor Lezanne Ooi, focusing on biomarkers for earlier diagnosis and novel therapeutic strategies to slow Parkinson’s progression. These projects have the potential to improve how we diagnose and treat the disease, ensuring better outcomes for patients.

5. New Fellowship to Address Parkinson’s Care Shortage

We are excited to announce Dr. Gerard Tao as the first recipient of the Shake It Up Australia Movement Disorder Fellowship, generously funded by the Trawalla Foundation.

Dr. Tao will complete his final year of training at The Alfred in 2025, specialising in movement disorders. Alongside his clinical work, he will undertake a PhD focused on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson’s, aiming to optimise patient outcomes. This fellowship is an important step in addressing the growing shortage of Parkinson’s specialists in Australia, ensuring more people have access to expert care and cutting-edge treatments.

6. Launch of Dr. Simon Lewis’s Gait Study

We are pleased to support a new gait study led by Dr. Simon Lewis, investigating ways to improve mobility in people with Parkinson’s. By identifying key gait disturbances and testing targeted interventions, this research aims to reduce falls and improve quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s.

Looking Ahead

Our commitment to funding high-impact, patient-focused research remains stronger than ever. With our partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation, we are ensuring that the most promising projects receive the funding they need to drive breakthroughs in Parkinson’s treatment.

Thank you for your ongoing support—together, we are making real progress toward a future without Parkinson’s.