Series of online events will look at Parkinson’s research and treatments
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People affected by Parkinson's disease are being given the opportunity to learn more about research and treatments at a series of online events this month.
The three sessions are being run by Parkinson’s UK Scotland along with research interest groups, and the organisers say they will allow those who have been diagnosed to "connect with others in the Parkinson’s community".
The first event will take place on Saturday, January 22, from 10.30am until 11.30am. It will be hosted by Professor Miratul Muqit from the University of Dundee and will examine the critical role that problems in mitochondria (the structures within all our cells that generate energy) play in Parkinson’s.
The session will also look at how Prof Muqit uses genetic and biochemical approaches to identify defects in the pathways that recycle damaged mitochondria and investigate new targeted therapies.
Registration for the event can be found here.
The second session will take place on Wednesday, January 26, from 2pm until 3.30pm, and will be hosted by Dr Vicky Marshall, consultant neurologist at the Institute of Neurological Sciences at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Dr Marshall will discuss advances in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's.
Registration for this event can be found here.
The third and final session is scheduled for Monday, January 31, from 12.30pm until 2.30pm.
It will be the first in a series of talks on the theme of "the gut and Parkinson’s" being organised by the North of Scotland Parkinson’s Research Interest Group (NoSPRIG) and the Dundee Research Interest Group (DRIG).
Those attending online will hear presentations featuring 4D Pharma’s research and development of live biotherapeutics for the treatment of neurological conditions including Parkinson’s.
Opportunities for patient involvement in the planning and execution of 4D Pharma’s upcoming clinical trials will also be highlighted.
Registration for that event can be found at this link.
Chloe MacMillan, area development manager for Parkinson’s UK Scotland, said: “These events are a great opportunity for people with Parkinson’s, whether they have been recently diagnosed or have lived with the condition for some time.
"There will be opportunities to hear more about research and treatments as well as a chance to connect with others in the Parkinson’s community.
“We hope to see you there if you are able to make any of the events.”
About 12,400 people in Scotland have the disease, which is around one in every 375 adults, according to Parkinson’s UK Scotland
Anyone can get Parkinson’s, young or old. Symptoms range from tremor and pain to anxiety. Some symptoms are treatable, but the drugs can have serious side effects.
Parkinson’s UK is the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe.
