Researchers developing new way to treat Parkinson’s disease

Queensland researchers are embarking on a groundbreaking new trial to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Transcript

00:00 It's at this lab behind me that a team of scientists have been working to develop a

00:06 novel approach to treating Parkinson's disease.

00:10 Around 50 Australians are diagnosed with the neurological condition every day in Australia

00:15 and that's why the team of scientists at the Translational Research Institute are looking

00:20 at developing new ways of treating the condition.

00:23 There is emerging evidence to suggest that poor gut health in people with Parkinson's

00:27 disease could be linked to inflammation which eventually damages their neurons which produce

00:32 dopamine.

00:33 That's why scientists have been investigating a new way to treat the disease by targeting

00:37 the gut microbiome.

00:40 Scientists here will be conducting human trials and animal studies in an attempt to develop

00:44 treatments which would restore gut health and prevent damage to the neurons.

00:49 The prevalence of Parkinson's disease has been growing worldwide and it's believed to

00:53 be linked to chemical exposures from industries and occupations like farming, firefighting

00:59 and the military.

01:00 That's why the US Department of Defence is backing this Brisbane based research with

01:04 $4 million in funding.

01:07 It's hoped that a breakthrough here will help change the lives of millions of people around

01:12 the world diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

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