After more than a decade of dedicated research, scientists at the University of Sydney have achieved something remarkable that could transform the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease worldwide. Professor Kay Double’s team discovered that a malfunctioning protein called SOD1 clumps inside brain cells and fuels Parkinson’s progression, but they found a way to fix it using a targeted copper supplement. In their groundbreaking study, every single mouse treated with the special supplement showed dramatic improvement in motor skills, while untreated mice continued to decline.
The researchers were so amazed by the results that even they admitted being “astonished by the success of the intervention,” especially since the treated mice didn’t develop the movement problems that typically worsen over time. This discovery offers hope for the more than 150,000 Australians living with Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurological condition after dementia. While the team emphasizes that multiple treatments will likely be needed to fully combat this complex disease, this breakthrough represents a crucial step toward slowing or potentially stopping Parkinson’s progression. The next phase involves preparing for clinical trials to determine if this protein-targeting approach could help human patients reclaim their mobility and quality of life.