HSP Research Foundation
Welcome to the HSP Research Foundation – created in 2005 to find an effective treatment for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) – an inherited, degenerative disease affecting mainly the legs, causing spasticity, muscle weakness and severely impairing walking.
The HSP Research Foundation is an incorporated, registered Australian charity that facilitates and funds research to find an effective treatment. The Foundation is also the community hub for HSPers in Australia, creating awareness and providing information, education and support. Read More »
Autumn Edition 2021
Winter edition to be published early June 2021
Vital role of lipids in upper motor neurons
Implications for HSP and its treatment
Lipid disruption key in SPG3A cells
Impaired cholesterol metabolism restored
Mild cognitive impairment in some SPG11
Study of sporadic, late-onset cases
Spinal cord damage in HSP
Marked differences between HSP types
Significant brain changes in pure HSP
Potential biomarker of disease progression
HSPs linked to lysosome defects
Some commonalities with Alzheimer’s
New HSP-associated gene FAR1
AD form with different disease mechanism
New HSP genotypes and phenotypes
Research from China, Australia, Greece, the UK, Republic of Moldova, France, Cyprus, Italy, the USA, Japan, Sweden, Algeria, Portugal, Turkey, Belgium and India
COVID-19, Vaccination & HSP
What are the issues?
Chair-based exercise
Get fit while you sit
Learning & stimulation
Free online courses
Progress with SPG50
Investigative drug approved
Travelling with HSP
Planning & flexibility the secret
Dry needling treatment for spasticity
Improves spasticity & range of motion
Genetics at the heart of advances in HSP
Continuous technological innovation the key
Research program update March 20214 comments
Get the latest!
Rare Disease Day 28 February
Together we are strong
HSP community survey2 comments
What you told us
HSPer Col Harris (1937 – 2021)
In Memoriam
Major funding for HSP research
Drexel University team recipients
NDIS update March 2021
Independent Assessments the focus
US support group
Latest newsletter
Your Say »
This space is for you to have your say. Email us
Foundation Research Team
Here are the researchers working on the HSP Research Program facilitated and funded by the Foundation
Fundraising for HSP Research
Securing the supply of drug treatments needed for the Phase 1 clinical trial is the current focus of the HSP Research Program. The aim of the clinical trials is to find an effective treatment for HSP.
There are technical, medical, ethical, regulatory, logistical, legal, financial and organisational challenges to address and take action on. The Foundation is fully committed to pushing ahead despite restrictions and limitations imposed by the global coronavirus pandemic.
Consistent funding support helps attract outside funding. The effort to get close to the target in 2020 is admirable in the circumstances – Thanks to those who gave! We need to reach $120,000 again in 2021 and need everyone’s support more than ever.
An effective treatment for HSP is now within reach!
