According to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) statistics, there are almost 30,000 (12 per cent) of Cumberland residents who have Chinese ancestry and may be eligible to participate in the Australian Parkinson’s Genetics Study (APGS).
Parkinson’s affects more than 100,000 Australians and despite being the second most common neurological condition in the country, its causes are still poorly understood.
According to a spokesperson for APGS, the disease affects people from all ethnicities, but there are some variations in the genetic and clinical characteristics in Asian populations such as Indians and Chinese.
But with the help of Chinese Australians, scientists are hoping to better understand differences in the disease presentation, progression and treatment response among different populations.
While Parkinson’s affects people from all ethnicities, APGS said there were some variations in the genetic and clinical characteristics in Asian populations such as Chinese.
Lead researcher Dr Miguel Renteria said medical breakthroughs often relied on accurate patient data, and the APGS had the potential to provide this if they had the participants.
“If you’re eligible (with or without Parkinson’s), we encourage you to join us in this effort to revolutionise our understanding of Parkinson’s,” he said.
The confidential study involves a 25-minute commitment from the comfort of your home, which includes donating a saliva sample and completing a questionnaire.
You can get involved at qimrberghofer.edu.au/apgs.
