North East community comes together for Parkinson’s research day
People affected by Parkinson’s, researchers, and health professionals gathered at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, last month for the annual Parkinson’s North East and Cumbria Research Interest Group (NEC-RIG) Research Day.
Supported by Parkinson’s UK and the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, the fully-booked event showcased research developments and involvement opportunities from across the region, including presentations from keynote speaker Dr Uma Nath, Consultant Neurologist and Parkinson’s Specialist at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Louise Anderson, Parkinson’s Speech and Language Therapist at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, and Claire Wilkinson, PhD Student, NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University.
Speakers discussed symptom tracking, brain changes in people with Parkinson’s, responses to swallowing problems, Parkinson’s and psychiatric symptoms, and more.
They highlighted the vital role of volunteers and co-design in driving research progression, and the importance of clear pathways for participation.
Kirsty McDowell, Area Development Manager, Parkinson’s UK, said: “We had a fantastic day in Sunderland! The Parkinson’s community is the driving force behind our research, so it was great to bring people together to hear the latest developments and how they can shape and take part in research.
“I encourage anyone interested in learning more about Parkinson’s research to get in touch with the NEC-RIG or sign up to our Research Support Network.”
Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is no cure.
Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes - in the North East and North Cumbria, an estimated 8,065 people live with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research and here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way.
For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
More information on Parkinson’s research opportunities is available on the Parkinson’s North East and Cumbria Research Interest Group (NEC-RIG) website, and at: parkinsons.org.uk/research/get-involved.