Brain Donor Appeal a success but more brains needed

22 December 2009

The Parkinson's Disease Society today reveals that it has more than doubled the number of donors on the Parkinson's Brain Donor Register, but more brains are needed.

Following an appeal in April, more than 2,300 people around the UK were inspired by the campaign and have joined celebrities Jane Asher, Jeremy Paxman and John Stapleton in pledging to donate their brain to Parkinson's research.

Younger donors still needed

Despite the success of the appeal, there is still a need for additional donors, in particular younger people with Parkinson's.

The number of women signing up outnumbered men by two to one, so more men are also needed.

Parkinson's also affects younger people, with 1 in 20 people with Parkinson's diagnosed under the age of 40.

Parkinson's can have a major impact on the lifestyle of people living with the condition. This may have a particular effect on younger people with Parkinson's, many of whom are still working and bringing up children.

Why study brains?

By studying the brain tissue, along with the medical and lifestyle histories of younger people with Parkinson's, scientists will be able to study the progression of the condition from an earlier stage.

This could help diagnose and treat the symptoms earlier and ultimately help find a cure.

The search for a cure

Jane Asher, our President, comments:

"Our appeal for more brain donors this year has been hugely successful, but we still need more help.

"This distressing condition doesn't only affect older people – sadly, young people can also be diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's."

Dr Kieran Breen, our Director of Research and Development adds:

"We are passionate about finding a cure and better treatments for people with Parkinson's.

"We are delighted with the response to our appeal so far. Scientific research on brains from people both with and without Parkinson's is essential to help us move closer to our goal."

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