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Men and Parkinson's Disease
Posted 26 March 2009
The work of PHI researcher Dr Joohyung Lee to explain gender differences in Parkinson’s Disease has captured the attention of some of Australia’s philanthropic organisations.
It is estimated that more than 70,000 Australians have Parkinson’s Disease. As well as the social stress placed upon families and carers this disabling brain condition poses a huge economic burden through the years lost to work.
What is much less well known is that men are about 50% more likely than women to be diagnosed with the condition and that progression is more rapid.
Associate Professor Vincent Harley has already linked the functioning of male specific gene SRY to brain and movement problems. In a novel proof of concept study Joohyung now aims to demonstrate and understand the link between the SRY gene and the development of Parkinson’s Disease in males.
The study is being supported by three philanthropic organisations; the CASS Foundation, the Helen Mcpherson Smith Trust and the Rebecca Cooper Foundation.