2016 Participants
Aaron Jesuthasan
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a debilitating condition affecting the brain. The predominant features of PD are slowness of movement, rigidity and tremor. However, novel studies reveal a reduction of intellectual function in some patients as well, although the mechanism for this remains unclear. For my project, I aimed to investigate this further from a DNA perspective.
DNA is the framework from which the body produces proteins. These proteins are essential for the body to function normally. A fault in the DNA subsequently leads to abnormal protein production and a disruption in normal bodily function. I hypothesised acquisition of faults in the DNA of PD patients leads to a gradual decline of intellectual function. I proceeded to identify specific faults, which may be associated with the intellectual decline.
Funding source: Newcastle University
Supervisor: Prof David Burn