Major research announcement launches Parkinson's Awareness Week

16 April 2012

Today - the first day of Parkinson's Awareness Week 2012 - we're launching the biggest in-depth research study tracking people with Parkinson's ever mounted anywhere in the world.

And there are lots of other things happening during the week too.

Tracking Parkinson's, a world first in our bid to find a cure

We are investing over £1.6 million into the new Tracking Parkinson's research study to unlock further secrets about Parkinson's and to boost the chances of finding a cure.
 
3,000 volunteers - both recently diagnosed people with Parkinson's (in the last 3 years) or those aged under 50 at diagnosis - are needed to take part in its groundbreaking clinical study.

We'll also be asking a smaller number of brothers and sisters of people with Parkinson's (who are enrolled in the study) to participate.

If you're not eligible yourself please help by telling others about it.

The research will be led by Dr Donald Grosset (pictured right) at the University of Glasgow. It will link eventually to around 50 centres around the UK.

For more information about the study and how to take part:

• Watch our Tracking Parkinson's film and find out how to take part
• Read the full Tracking Parkinson's press release

What would a cure for Parkinson's mean to you?

We're also launching today a new way for you to share your messages about what a cure would mean to you, to help raise awareness of just how urgent it is to find a cure.

Share your story now: What would a cure mean to you?

We're looking for as many people as possible to take part - people with Parkinson's, carers and family members, health professionals, researchers and supporters.

We'll be adding messages of support from our celebrity supporters throughout the week.

Take a look at who's backing our work to improve life for everybody affected by Parkinson's.

Other ways to get involved during Parkinson's Awareness Week

There are more than 200 events taking place across the UK to raise awareness and vital funds for Parkinson's research. Find out what's happening near you:

Parkinson's Awareness Week 2012 map of events

It's not too late to add details of your own events.

Visit our main Parkinson's Awareness Week page now to find out what else is going on, how you can make a difference, and watch our video.

Media coverage so far

We've already had some great media coverage in the run up to the week. Highlights so far include Prima, Mature Times, My Weekly, the Daily Record in Scotland, S magazine (Sunday Express) and You magazine (Mail on Sunday).

We're working hard to get as much media coverage as we can. We'll keep you posted with more highlights during the week.

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