DUNFERMLINE East MSP Helen Eadie is to donate her brain after she dies to aid research into Parkinson's disease.

She will have her brain stored at -80°C to help research efforts into the neurological disorder for which there is currently no cure.

Mrs Eadie is one of six MSPs out of 168 Scots who have pledged to donate their brains after an appeal to mark the 40th anniversary of the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS).

She said, "After hearing of the death of my colleague's mother I wanted to do something that would help.

"This research is essential and I hope that Fifers will show their usual public-spirited nature and get involved in this great campaign.

"There can be few things more important than tackling this awful disease." She added, "I also know from speaking to the Fife branch of the PDS how much Parkinson's affects people's lives.

"It is essential that we improve treatment and find a cure and I will do everything I can to support that." Research using donated brain tissue has already led to major medical breakthroughs in the treatment and understanding of the disease.

This includes the development of Parkinson's drugs which have revolutionised the way symptoms of the condition are controlled.

Fourteen Fifers are among 2332 new brain donors to have come forward from across the UK in response to the call for people to join the Brain Donor Register.

Andrew Sim, Scotland manager of PDS, said, "We are absolutely delighted that so many people have responded to our campaign.

"We are passionate about finding a cure and better treatments for people with Parkinson's.

"The generosity of those who have pledged their brain will help us to do the research we need to make the breakthrough.

"We're particularly grateful to Helen Eadie who has shown such a positive and practical commitment to helping us find a cure for Parkinson's." To request an information pack telephone 0808 800 0303 or visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/brainbank.