To kick start this year's Parkinson's Awareness Week, the Parkinson's Brain Bank Appeal will be launched in a bid to double the number of registered brain donors in 2009. Brain donation is vital in the search for a cure for the condition.

To coincide with the launch of the appeal, new research will be released which will look into public attitudes to organ donation.

Filming opportunities will be offered at the Parkinson's Brain Bank alongside interviews with PDS president Jane Asher and chief executive, Steve Ford. Interviews will also be available with people living with Parkinson's, individuals who have pledged to donate their brains to the Brain Bank and donor family members.

WHEN?

Launch of Brain Bank Appeal: 20 April 2009.
Parkinson's Awareness Week: 20 - 26 April 2009.

WHO?

Led by the national charity Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS).

WHY?

One in 500 hundred people in the UK have Parkinson's disease. Forty years ago, very little was known about Parkinson's. A huge amount has been achieved since then, and thanks to research funded by the PDS we are closer to a cure. But to achieve this, research at the Parkinson's Brain Bank is essential which is why it's vital that more people register as donors.

About the Parkinson's Disease Society

The Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) is the leading authority in the UK on the condition and a world leader in research. We campaign for a better quality of life for people with Parkinson's wherever they live in the UK. We provide expert information on all aspects of Parkinson's and a local support network for people with Parkinson's, their carers, families and friends. We are the UK's leading non-commercial funder of research into the cause, prevention and improved management of Parkinson's and are confident that our work will help lead to a cure. We are totally dependent on voluntary donations.

The Parkinson's Disease Society