The PINK1 clue in Parkinson's disease

A genetic form of Parkinson’s disease is found at unusually high rates in some Pasifika communities. It affects people who are much younger than the typical Parkinson's patient. Researchers are working with patients to understand PINK1 Parkinson's, raise awareness, and explore new treatments.

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Parkinson’s New Zealand provides information on symptoms, treatments, support services and local support groups around Aotearoa.

But PINK1 sometimes presents differently, so Dr Christina Buchanan says if you’re a young Pasifika person with unusual stiffness you should talk to your GP and you can reach out to her at: [email protected] 

Learn more:

• In 2023, Our Changing World explored how researchers are helping families affected by inherited neurological conditions in Aotearoa.
• The Neurological Foundation featured more on the PINK1 Parkinson’s discovery and ongoing research in their magazine.
• Nine To Noon reported on hopes that Parkinson's disease could one day be slowed or prevented through a New Zealand-led breakthrough into the biology of the disease.
• Katie Kenny of RNZ explains the implications of proposed changes to New Zealand's genetic technologies legislation.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details