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How carers can help us find a cure for Parkinson's

22 June 2012

During Carers Week, we'd like to highlight the ways that carers, as well as people with Parkinson's, can get involved in our research - and in doing so help us move towards a cure.

Contributing my ideas and thoughts to the Research Support Network is a way I can feel something positive can come out of what my husband had to go through.

Mary Shorter

We know that our research to find a cure for Parkinson's and improve treatments will not only transform the lives of people with Parkinson's but also their loved ones and those who provide care.

Our research work is all about a future where no one has to live with the debilitating effects of the condition.

Getting involved

We're building a new Research Support Network that is open to anyone interested in Parkinson's research.

And we'd be delighted to hear from carers who would like to get involved in this and plan our future lines of research.

This includes funding for research to help people with Parkinson's and carers manage day-to-day life with the condition.

Research includes uses for technology around the home, alleviating sleep problems and minimising risk of falls.

If you'd like to find out more, contact Emily Hughes, Research Support Network Manager on rsn@parkinsons.org.uk or 020 7963 9376.

Why Mary is involved with research

Carers Week logoMary Shorter cared for her husband Peter who had Parkinson's for 12 years. She joined the Research Support Network in 2011.

Mary explains:

"Contributing my ideas and thoughts to the Research Support Network is a way I can feel something positive can come out of what my husband had to go through.

"Knowing that in the future others might be spared from the effects of Parkinson's is what drives me forward.

"Once you stop being a carer, you can feel at a loss, but getting involved has really given me something to focus on."