Recent findings suggest LRRK2 kinase inhibitors—a type of Parkinson’s drug now being tested in clinical trials—may benefit a broad array of patients. The research, published in the journal Neurobiology of Disease, was supported by The Michael J. Fox Foundation and built on previous research led by Tim Greenamyre, MD, PhD, at the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the University of Pittsburgh. Last year, Dr. Greenamyre transformed our understanding of LRRK2 and its role in Parkinson’s. We already knew that people with a ..read more

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), is Patron of the Shake It Up Australia Foundation. “I am delighted to become Patron of the Shake it Up Australia Foundation. “Shake it Up’s work and partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation has and continues to have a profound impact on the lives of Australians who live with Parkinson’s disease. “Their funding of world-leading medical research ..read more

There’s lots of ways to put the ‘fun’ in fundraising – And this time of year is the best for fun fundraising events!  Recently,  Sophie organised a ‘Paint n Sip’ night with friends and family to support Shake It Up. A paint n sip night is exactly what it sounds like – drinking wine and creating your very own artwork. The event was held at Pinot and Picasso and was a huge success! Congratulations to Sophie on raising $550 for Parkinson’s Research from this unique event ..read more

Our hero this week is Jess who ran the Melbourne Marathon on the weekend to honour her Dad. As a health professional, Jess is eager to help find a cure for others with Parkinson’s. What drives your commitment to find a cure for Parkinson’s? My dad died with Parkinson’s. I was at university when he got diagnosed and remember the phone call from my parents and the feeling of fear that followed it. I know my parents were in some way relieved to have an answer. My ..read more

Only recently diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s, Andy braved the Larapinta Trail with our Trek for Treatment participants in August. But it was not the physical aspects Andy found challenging – the trip became an emotive experience of reflection and goal setting for the future. What drives your commitment to find a cure for Parkinson’s? A little of 12 months ago, at the age of 47 I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease, although I have been af ..read more

New findings from a study funded in part by The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) are drawing connections between genetics, inflammation and the gut in Parkinson’s. Deeper understanding of the relationship between these pathways can help researchers better define, measure, and treat disease. Scientists are constantly learning more about Parkinson’s disease: Mutations in the LRRK2 gene are a leading genetic cause of Parkinson’s and cause higher levels of the LRRK2 protein, which are also found in people with the disease without a genetic con ..read more

Many people often think of memory when they talk about cognition, but what other functions are affected? Our Vice President of Medical Communications, Dr. Rachel Dolhun, moderates a conversation with Ava Butler, the wife of a person with Lewy body dementia; Dr. Katie Amodeo, assistant professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of Rochester; and Dr. Stephen Gomperts, assistant professor of Neurology and director of the Lewy Body Dementia Unit at Massachusetts General Hosp ..read more

Inspired by her Dad and creating a better future for those with Parkinson’s, our hero this week Rowena set out to complete 100km of running during the month of September. Rowena smashed her target and raised over $5,000 for Parkinson’s Research. Why Shake It Up Australia? I came across Clyde and Shake It Up whilst reading an article in the North Shore Times about my Dad’s neurologists Drs Cook and Silberstein. Clyde’s story immediately stru ..read more

The landmark Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study aims to better define and measure Parkinson’s disease so scientists can find new ways to treat it. Now following nearly 1,400 participants at 33 clinical sites around the world, PPMI collects data and biosamples over at least five years to better understand how the disease changes over time. Because PPMI makes data and biosamples available to qualified researchers, more great minds are analyzing an astonishing amount of information to ..read more

An inspiring hero story this week from Angela who participated in our Larapinta Trek a few weeks ago. Diagnosed over 8 years ago, Angela pushed through the challenging Larapinta trail walk with courage and determination, and came away with some rewarding lessons about herself. What drives your commitment to finding a cure? I have been living with Parkinson’s for over 8 years, it is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which means my symptoms will get worse ..read more