Our third and final keynote speaker, Dr Mark Cookson from the National Institute of Ageing, discussed what we've learnt from looking at the genetics of Parkinson's.
Over the past 10 years, researchers have found changes in a number of different genes that affect the risk of a person developing Parkinson's. Mark described his research which focuses on unravelling how these subtle gene changes cause problems inside the nerve cells that die in Parkinson's.
Next, we heard from Nazir Rampersaud who presented his exciting research into exendin-4 (a drug currently used to treat diabetes) which helps rats with early stage Parkinson's to recover.
And Parkinson's UK research fellow Patrick Lewis described how his research is investigating how changes in the LRRK2 gene cause Parkinson's.
In the final session we heard from researchers on physiotherapy, potential new treatments for uncontrollable movements (dyskinesias), and the long-term effects of taking levodopa.
Our Director of Research, Dr Kieran Breen, sums up:
"Our mission is to inspire, nurture and develop the next generation of Parkinson's researchers. It was fantastic to see so many talented and enthusiastic scientists here in York, and to know that Parkinson's research in this country is in safe hands".
Listen to Kieran's interview with BBC Radio York that was broadcast yesterday.
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