U of T Bulletins
September 9, 2000
International expert appointed to Parkinson's Disease research chair
Anthony Lang will lead team of neuroscientists in quest of effective
treatments and cure
by Lisa E. Boyes
July 5, 2000 -- The appointment of Dr. Anthony Lang, a professor of
medicine
and neurology at the University of Toronto, to the Jack Clark Chair in
Parkinson's Disease Research establishes a new research specialty at the
university. After conducting a search across the continent, the
university chose Lang, who also heads the Movement Disorders Clinic at
Toronto Western
Hospital, for his expertise in bridging the distance from laboratory
research to effective treatment for Parkinson's Disease, and for his
commitment to working toward a cure.
"Dr. Lang brings immediate international profile and connections to our
efforts," explains Dr. David Naylor, dean of U of T's Faculty of
Medicine. "His appointment greatly increases our potential for a major
breakthrough in five years."
Lang is known for his trials of new drug therapies and surgical
treatments and for establishing one of the most reputable clinics
worldwide for the investigation and treatment of movement disorders. As
the Jack Clark Chair, he will draw U of T neuroscientists from different
areas of basic science, clinical research and treatment together as
their work relates to Parkinson's Disease. The chair will work within U
of T's world-renowned Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases.
Philanthropists Jack and Mary Clark have funded the chair, and their
donation is matched by the university. The chair's work will also be
supported by the newly established Parkinson's Disease Research Program,
funded through The
Parkinson Foundation of Canada, Jack and Mary Clark and other committed
donors, with additional support from the Faculty of Medicine. With
Lang's
appointment a second position is added, an assistant professor dedicated
to
Parkinson's Disease research.
"We are thrilled that a scientist of Dr. Lang's caliber will hold the
chair," says Mary Clark. "U of T has a powerful team of scientists,
along with our fellow philanthropists, working toward a cure for all
neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's Disease. We believe
that with Dr. Lang at the helm, the university will become the world
leader in Parkinson's Disease research."
Parkinson's Disease affects more than 100,000 Canadians annually. The
disease
progressively shuts down critical areas of the brain and seriously
impairs a
person's ability to function. Symptoms can begin even before age 40, and
the
incidence increases with age. Patients complain of tremors of the hand,
arm or leg, difficulty with writing, slowness of movement, stiff
muscles, halting speech, impaired gait, and a tendency to fall.
Lisa E. Boyes is a Campaign Communications writer.
http://www.newsandevents.utoronto.ca/bin1/000705a.asp
--
Judith Richards, London, Ontario, Canada
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