As a researcher specialising in neurogenetics, Dr Fahey also knows there is work underway that could one day lead to a cure.
Neurogenetics is concerned with the link between our genes and the diseases and disorders of the nervous system. Dr Fahey's research focuses on using neurogenetics to understand the causes of movement disorders and diseases of the muscle and nerve. These include Cerebral Palsy, a disease that affects thousands of Australians.
While scientific researchers of Dr Fahey's standing - he has undertaken research and training with Monash University, Melbourne University, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the Alfred Hospital, Sydney Children's Hospital and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute - are cautious about raising expectations about the possibility of finding a cure for disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, he is excited by the insights genetic research is generating.