Using appropriate animal models

This week, I was excited to see new research, in Neurobiology of Disease, showing that gene therapy can improve the condition of mature monkeys with Parkinson's-like symptoms.

This study is groundbreaking because the researchers used older monkeys, the equivalent of 55 year old humans, instead of the 'teenage' animals that are usually used.

Younger animals tend to be used in science because they are more easily available. But, for age-related conditions like Parkinson's, where the vast majority of people are over 50, this simply doesn’t make sense.

Using inappropriate animal models means new treatments can look promising but do not work for real people with Parkinson's. This is not only an irresponsible use of animals, and a waste of time and money, but also means we may be missing out on drugs that could work to more effectively treat people with Parkinson's.

Coming up with models that reflect the real condition is crucial to finding a cure for Parkinson's. The Parkinson's Disease Society is funding projects exploring new animal models, while recent breakthroughs have created yeast models of nerve cells and even fruit flies with Parkinson's-associated dementia

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

Running for people with Parkinson's

In the current economic climate, we have to think of new, innovative ways to raise money for people with Parkinson's. At the moment, many charities are struggling to fill places in major races, such as the Great North Run

But running events are still a popular way of fundraising for the Parkinson's Disease Society. Last year, around 1,300 runners took part in events across the UK and their combined efforts raised an incredible £580,000.

In recognition of this, and to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we decided to organise an exclusive Parkinson's Disease Society running event this year. The first ever PDS10K will be held at the National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham on Sunday 22 November 2009 and you can register to take part online right now.

Fundraising events like these are fantastic to be a part of because everyone is coming together for the same reason, to show their support for people with Parkinson's and to help us continue our work.

But events like these are not the only way you can help and every contribution is valued. If you're looking for inspiration on how you can get involved with the Parkinson's Disease Society and show your support, why not take a look at the support us page on our website?

Paul Jackson-Clark is Director of Fundraising at the Parkinson's Disease Society

A call to the world from Glasgow

It's very exciting when experts and people with Parkinson's get together from all around the world to share the latest developments in Parkinson's disease - so far this has only happened once.

But in 2010, the second World Parkinson’s Congress will be held in the UK, and the Parkinson’s Disease Society is one of the four leading partners. We’ve made a financial contribution, I am on the Steering Group and PDS staff are already involved in various planning projects.

The Congress, which takes place in Glasgow from September 28 to 1 October 2010, is open to anyone touched by Parkinson’s - and that’s what makes it unique. Scientists, healthcare professionals, experts in support and educators from over 50 countries will attend, and it's hoped a third of attendees will be people with Parkinson’s, their carers and families.

We hope that this event will generate really significant awareness of Parkinson's across the UK, and help us play a stronger role in this international community - sharing our best practice and learning from others.

The Parkinson’s Disease Society website will have more information about our involvement over the next few months. In the meantime put the date in your diary and let’s look forward to working together.


Steve Ford is Chief Executive of the Parkinson's Disease Society

Increase dementia funding or pay the price

This week I added my name to a list of scientists and experts calling on the Government to triple the amount of money invested in dementia research

Dementia affects about 700,000 people in the UK, and is present in some form in 1 in 3 of the 120,000 people with Parkinson's.

But there still isn't the same form of funding from the Government for dementia research as for other conditions like cancer. This means that even though the UK has some of the greatest talent in research, a lack of funding is stopping us finding a way to slow or even reverse the effects of dementia.

In a generation, there will be more than 1.4million people living with dementia in the UK. In economic terms this will cost the UK £50billion per year for care of those people with dementia, not to mention those with the 'double whammy' of Parkinson's disease with dementia.

The Parkinson's Disease Society is currently investing £1.2million in a five year dementia research project, but if the Government triples its annual support for dementia research over five years, this would add £96million to the cause.

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

Support our Fair Care for Parkinson's campaign

It was encouraging to see the coverage of our Fair Care for Parkinson's campaign last week. This followed the publication of the All Party Parliamentary Group's Inquiry into Parkinson's disease services. This was picked up by a number of radio stations, newspapers and online news

We launched the campaign in Parliament last Wednesday and were encouraged by the number of MPs and Lords who attended. Jim Henry, from Northern Ireland, and Brian Lymberry, from London, gave powerful presentations on their experiences of accessing health and social care.

Jim's powerful message compared the poor service he got for his Parkinson's with the comprehensive care given at the time he was diagnosed with diabetes.

Jim Henry is pictured right speaking at the parliamentary launch.

Brian highlighted how the failure to provide people with the necessary preventative care and support costs more in avoidable NHS treatment and social care support in the long run. So there is no excuse for the inequalities in services that people with Parkinson’s are experiencing.

In my talk, I made the point that we shouldn't be surprised that services are so poor for so many people. There are currently no effective mechanisms to make sure that local services meet national guidelines. So it will always be a lottery until the Governments of the UK give this a strong national focus.

That is why I asked Ann Keen, the Health Minister, to undertake a mid term review of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Long term neurological conditions for England. In 2010, the NSF will be halfway through its 10 year implementation so now is a perfect time for the Government to review progress and make sure that NHS and Social Care make this a priority.

Ann Keen said that she welcomed the inquiry and supports our campaign. I am looking forward to meeting with her to soon, to see what this really means in practice.

We want Fair Care for all people with Parkinson's and I want all members and supporters to help us get our message across by supporting our Fair Care for Parkinson's campaign. Visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/faircare

Steve Ford is Chief Executive of the Parkinson's Disease Society