Working together to improve clinical research

This week, the Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network (DeNDRoN) – who work to coordinate clinical trials – held their annual conference in Southampton.

DeNDRoN was set up in 2005 to support clinical research into neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s. Clinical trials are essential for testing new treatments and they will play a vital role in finding a cure for the condition.

People living with Parkinson’s have a crucial role to play. Not only in taking part in trials, but also in shaping the design of clinical research studies. Involving real people helps make research more relevant and more efficient.

A packed programme explored how healthcare professionals, researchers and people affected by neurodegenerative conditions could work together to improve the quality and speed of clinical research.

Claire Bale and Michelle Bendix from the Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS) research team along with researchers currently funded by the PDS and people with Parkinson’s, spoke with representatives from DeNDRoN about how to make Parkinson's research more effective.

We want there to be easier ways for people with Parkinson's to get involved in research and working closely with organisations like DeNDRoN will help this happen. We can't do it all by ourselves.

Dr Kieran Breen is Director of Research and Development at the Parkinson's Disease Society