Worm could offer Parkinson's clue

[Still Waters]

Scientists believe that worms could hold the key to why some people develop Parkinson's Disease.

Worms share 50% of their genes with humans, including those involved with inherited Parkinson's.

Dundee University researchers will study a simple worm called C. elegans to try to work out why the condition causes patient's brain cells to die.

The Parkinson's Disease Society has given the university £190,000 to carry out the research.

There are about 120,000 people with Parkinson's in the UK. In up to 5% of those cases, the disease is believed to be directly inherited.

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition affecting movements such as walking, talking and writing. It occurs as a result of a loss of nerve cells in the brain.

Dr Anton Gartner, who is leading the study, said: "Research leading to an eventual cure for Parkinson' s disease is a daunting task and requires a very broad and multidisciplinary approach.

"I am grateful to the Parkinson's society to recognise this and to so generously support our research."

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