Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), recently hosted events to mark World Parkinson’s Day and raise awareness about the disease among the wider community.

The institute initiated its Parkinson’s activities with a lecture, held in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, executive director at QBRI, presented an introduction to the pioneering research on Parkinson's disease carried out at QBRI's Neurological Disorder Research Center, and Dr. Gholam Adeli, consultant neurologist of movement disorders and neurophysiologist at HMC, delivered the lecture, providing attendees with an understanding of the disease, as well as its clinical features and practical tips for caregivers.

In addition to the lecture, QBRI and the Centre for Empowerment and Elderly Care (Ehsan), co-led a Parkinson’s disease awareness event at Mall of Qatar on April 12. The information booth provided detailed information about the disease, including early signs and ways through which individuals can care for relatives with the illness.

Dr. El-Agnaf said: “QBRI adopts a two-pronged approach through which it conducts relevant, state-of-the-art research while always remaining mindful of its duty to engage, inform, and educate the public. Our work is inseparable to our community and our duly mandate is to serve all segments of society. Our Parkinson’s awareness campaign has brought forward ideas, mechanisms, and tools through which we can identify early signs of the disease. Our collective effort – both as humans and scientists – is to one day assist with finding an ultimate cure to an illness that continues to afflict millions around the world.”  

Dr. Adeli said: “Awareness campaigns keep the public informed and help them identify early symptoms of the disease. As a clinician, I consider this very important. Through our research, we are now getting closer to the ultimate goal of earlier diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. This will unravel the challenges surrounding Parkinson's and help advance novel solutions.”

QBRI is home three research centers – Cancer Research Center, Diabetes Research Center, and the Neurological Disorders Research Center. 

The Neurological Disorders Research Center is currently working on diverse projects related to Parkinson’s disease, including the development of novel biomarkers to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, and screening for small natural molecules as potential novel Parkinson’s therapeutics. The institute is also working towards novel diagnoses and vaccines for the disease to accelerate the global quest for more effective diagnoses and improved treatment. 

QBRI is a pioneering research institute that aims to improve and transform the healthcare of the Qatari population and the region. In keeping with the national health priorities, QBRI is at the forefront of translational and innovative research.