Parkinson’s disease

Our Parkinson's disease experts work collaboratively under a robust multidisciplinary team (MDT) model, which is a well-established, evidence-based treatment approach.

The MDT approach means that patients are often seen by several doctors in the same room at the same time.

During consultation, patients receive a detailed assessment. Our doctors discuss the options and agree on a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.

The team collaborates with other medical professionals from MQ Health as required, including psychologists, physicians, pain specialists, physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists.

A clinical nurse consultant provides patients with close support and education during their treatment journeys.

Our team

• Professor Dominic Rowe AM — neurologist
• Madelaine Ranola — clinical nurse consultant

Our researchers are investigating the causes of Parkinson's disease and potential therapies for it. They are also researching other types of neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammation.

Our research uses funding from the Michael J Fox Foundation to explore the normal processes of brain function and how these change in response to ageing and Parkinson's disease.

MQ Health and Macquarie University's Professor Rowe lead one of 24 official study sites for The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), and it is the only site in the Southern Hemisphere. The study uses a combination of advanced imaging, biologics sampling and behavioural assessments from sites across the world to validate biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease progression.

Our research is working towards better healthcare and treatments for patients with Parkinson's disease, as well as novel approaches to neuroimaging.

Neurodegenerative diseases clinical fellowship

MQ Health offers a full time 12-month clinical fellowship position in neurodegenerative diseases with opportunities for integrated research and teaching.

The Fellow receives comprehensive training in evidence-based, cutting-edge diagnosis, and multidisciplinary treatment of patients with a range of neurodegenerative disorders including MND, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Fellows are supported and mentored to support career progression. Appropriate candidates can potentially undertake higher degree research training pathways through Macquarie University. There may also be opportunities to join our specialist Neurology clinical team post-fellowship.

Higher degree research

Since 2014, we have formed the most comprehensive and all-encompassing research centre in Australia, where researchers and clinicians work side by side to decipher MND.

Opportunities for higher degree research include working with our experts to complete a:

• Master of research
• PhD program

Annual Neurodegeneration Meeting

The Macquarie Neurodegeneration Meeting is an annual event hosted by the Centre for MND Research, Macquarie University.

This event aims to empower Australian neuroscientists to showcase their research and to stimulate conversation and foster collaboration to develop treatments for a range of diseases, including MND, Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease and other degenerative brain disorders.