MEDICUS May 2022

COVID-19 PRODUCT SALE! TAKE 25% OFF* EXCLUSIVE AMA MEMBER SALE APPLY CODE AMACOVIDSAVE25 www.amamedicalproducts.com.au *DISCOUNT APPLIES TO SELECT STOCK ONLY. effectiveness, lifestyle, and environmental factors. After completing the survey, eligible participants will be asked to donate a saliva sample. Researchers will send a saliva collection kit and a pre-paid return envelope to the selected participants. APGS researchers will then extract DNA from saliva samples to identify specific genetic variants associated with Parkinson’s disease and related phenotypes. The primary objective of the research is to establish a national cohort study of individuals with Parkinson’s disease to advance knowledge about its epidemiology and genetic architecture. Continued from page 35. Cracking the genetic code of Parkinson’s disease. Professor Nick Martin Professor Nick Martin is a human geneticist working at the QIMR Berghofer, where he heads the Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, and continues longitudinal studies with twins of a wide range of complex traits of medical and behavioural interest. Professor Martin is involved in several large studies of cognition and brain imaging (EEG and MRI). Most recently Professor Martin has initiated projects to recruit large patient samples for genome-wide association studies of anorexia, depression and other psychiatric disorders. He has published more than 1,200 papers and is a fellow of the Australian academies of Science, Social Science, and Health and Medical Science. Secondary objectives include: Identifying novel genetic risks for Parkinson’s disease by increasing the sample size and statistical power of genome-wide association studies. Identifying novel genetic loci associated with Parkinson’s disease symptomatology, progression, and treatment response. Participating in the GP2’s international efforts to characterise the genetic architecture of Parkinson’s disease. Eligible people are now able to participate in the study. To sign up for the Australian Parkinson’s Genetic Study, or to find out more information, visit www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/apgs ■ M AY 2 0 2 2 M E D I C U S 37 R E S E A R C H