University of South Australia Research Study: The impact of gender in Parkinson’s

Friday, 24th October 2025

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Researchers at the University of South Australia are inviting participants for a research project titled, “Investigating the impact of gender on living with Parkinson’s disease”. Your involvement will provide insight on your experience living with Parkinson’s. This increased understanding in the research field could help contribute to future applications to improve your quality of care.

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this research project is to investigate the impact of gender on living with Parkinson’s disease. Since Parkinson’s disease is primarily known as a ‘movement’ condition, there are many aspects that are affected beyond this that are overlooked. Existing knowledge suggests that there are sex differences in Parkinson’s disease, which are mainly related to symptoms, genetics, hormones, and reaction to treatment. However, there is much less knowledge on how gender contributes, this is how social expectations can contribute to Parkinson’s disease developing or the experience living with it.

Your contribution to this research project will expand and improve current understanding of Parkinson’s disease. This will help inform whether gender needs to be considered in the treatment and care of Parkinson’s disease patients, which may lead to improved symptoms and quality of life.

Who is eligible to take part?

Anyone who is over 60 and has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (but not Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease).

What does participation involve?

Your participation will involve a face-to-face interview discussing your personal experience living with Parkinson’s disease. However, if you are unable to travel to the Adelaide CBD, this can be arranged over a video call (Microsoft Teams). These questions will discuss your ability to complete daily tasks, your self-identity, mental health, and relationships. The interview will run for approximately 20 minutes. As we’d like the interviews to feel informal for your comfort, whilst capturing all information, we will be audio recording the interview. Shortly afterward, this audio recording will be transcribed to written format. In no way will the transcription of the interview be able to be linked back to your identity.

Who is organising and funding the research?

This research project is being conducted by PhD candidate Tahnee Thatcher. It is not being sponsored or funded as it will contribute to Tahnee’s thesis.

How do I participate?

Contact Tahnee Thatcher on the below details to register your interest in participating.

Research contact person

Name	Tahnee Thatcher
Position	PhD student
Telephone	0422241223
Email	Tahnee.thatcher@mymail.unisa.edu.au