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Help us find answers to even the most complex conditions, like cerebellar ataxia.
We’re researching new ways that can help improve the lives of people like Dianne.
Dianne’s Story
Dianne used to be a hairdresser. She used to drive. She used to care for her grandchildren.
But as the years have passed, simple everyday tasks have become impossible.
“I don’t like the person I’ve had to become.”
Cerebellar ataxia is a cruel degenerative neurological condition that has slowly stolen Dianne’s independence, her confidence, and the life she once knew.
Associate Professor David Szmulewicz and his team at the Bionics Institute are developing revolutionary wearable sensor technology to measure and track the progression of cerebellar ataxia.
These devices could change everything because there is no clinical way to do this.
Cerebellar ataxia symptoms often resemble those of being drunk, because both affect the cerebellum
Help fund pioneering research
What is cerebellar ataxia?
Cerebellar ataxias are degenerative diseases that affect the same part of the brain as alcohol.
You become increasingly out of control of your speech, balance, vision and ability to swallow.
There’s no way to accurately measure it, slow its progression, or treat it – without research.
Our solution
Associate Professor David Szmulewicz and his team are developing wearable sensors powered by artificial intelligence. These sensors will provide real-time data on movement and coordination, allowing doctors to track cerebellar ataxia progression accurately.
Will you please help to discover new ways to measure and treat currently untreatable conditions like cerebellar ataxia?
What can you do?
– You can break down barriers to diagnosis and care
– You can help develop respectful and equal medical care
– You can enable more tailored and timely interventions to slow progression and improve her quality of life
“If Dianne were to gain access to this technology and know how her cerebellar ataxia is progressing, it could make a huge difference in her daily life.
For starters, it would provide her with objective, measurable data about her condition, helping her and her healthcare providers better understand how her ataxia is evolving, and remove confounding factors that can contribute to misleading impressions of true disease progress and manifestations.”
– Associate Professor David Szmulewicz
Cerebellar ataxia does discriminate
In East Arnhem Land communities, it is estimated that the most common form of this condition can occur up to 180 times more frequently than worldwide.
Cerebellar ataxias disproportionately affect Indigenous Australians living in remote communities.
“My father walked strangely before he died 100 years ago. Now, people are getting sick younger and younger”
– Gayangwa, Angurugu on Groote Eylandt Elder
Want to support the future of research like this?
Research for life-changing devices & treatments like this is made possible by donations from our supporters.
Your support today could help progress new treatments for the future.
Find out how you can support research innovation here.
