Alongside the search for better treatments and a cure, we know the Parkinson’s community wants us to address the everyday challenges of living with Parkinson’s. Your donation will help fund groundbreaking, non-drug solutions that tackle the most life impacting symptoms.
While drugs play a vital role in managing Parkinson's, these non-drug solutions are equally important. The projects can move faster, meaning they can address symptoms sooner and help to improve life for people with Parkinson's.
Fund research that makes an impact
Donate now to tackle the most life-impacting symptoms of Parkinson’s through innovative, non-drug solutions.
£45 could pay towards a blood test to better understand inflammation and gut hormone levels to support studies exploring ginger for Parkinson’s.
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We involve people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones at every stage of choosing what we fund. They helped us identify 4 key priority areas for research which included:
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Improving mobility
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Reducing gut issues
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Controlling tremor
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Supporting communication
Each of these symptoms has been addressed through new, innovative projects led by pioneering researchers with experience and specialist knowledge in their field. Your support will directly help advance these life-changing initiatives to make a real difference to everyday lives. Read on to learn more about these projects below.
Using technology to address symptoms of Parkinson's
Technology has revolutionised the way we work, communicate and live. Professor Stephen Jackson is tapping into its huge potential by developing a non-invasive treatment using a wrist-worn device, called Neupulse.
Tremor affects 75% of people with Parkinson’s, making everyday tasks difficult and limiting independence.
Unlike previous methods that stimulate the brain, Professor Stephen Jackson's research focuses on stimulating nerves in the wrist. This makes the device simpler, more accessible, and easier to use in daily life.
How will your donation help?
Professor Stephen Jackson says: “Your support helps to keep research like ours moving forward, allowing us to explore new treatment ideas.”
Dr Julie Jones is researching a new method to help people with Parkinson’s improve their mobility, using augmented reality (AR).
- Many people with Parkinson’s experience difficulties walking, and traditional physiotherapy often provides short-term benefits.
- Dr. Jones is testing a new device called Reality DTx®, developed by Strolll, which uses AR glasses to blend interactive digital exercises with the user’s real-world environment.
- This allows individuals with Parkinson’s to access specialised physiotherapy from home.
Through this technology, Dr. Jones hopes to offer a more effective and long-term solution for mobility challenges and make rehabilitation more accessible for those living with Parkinson’s.
Exploring tech-free solutions to improve everyday life
Gut problems like constipation cause discomfort for people with Parkinson’s and can interfere with medication absorption. Research shows that people with Parkinson’s also have lower levels of the gut hormone, ghrelin. Dr Caroline Williams-Gray is investigating whether ginger, a common household spice, can boost ghrelin, reduce inflammation, and ease gut symptoms.
- Participants will start a 12-week course of ginger root extract capsules.
- Clinical assessments will check both gut and Parkinson’s symptoms.
- Blood samples will measure: ghrelin levels, inflammation, and how well the gut is working.
- Four weeks later, the team will check for any long-lasting benefits.
Many people with Parkinson’s have access to speech therapy, but communication problems often go beyond speech and voice. They may struggle to find words, understand long sentences, or join in conversations. Although these issues have been studied, no treatment has been designed to help manage them.
Professor Anja Lowit is changing that with a 6-week programme enabling people with Parkinson’s to practise word finding, sentence building, and everyday communication.
How will your donation help?
Professor Anja Lowit says: “We want to empower people with Parkinson’s to participate fully in daily activities and maintain greater independence.”
Focus on what matters most
With donations from supporters like you, we funded the successful well-being app PACT, which was launched earlier this year. It’s already making a big difference to people’s everyday lives and goes to show what's possible with your support. Read more about PACT in our Tech Guide.
One day, we'll find a cure. Until then, help us fund innovative non-drug solutions that can support people with Parkinson's to manage symptoms and live better everyday.
Or choose a specific project to support
Founded in 2017, the Virtual Biotech is our pioneering drug discovery and development programme. Together, we’re working with the brightest minds and funding the best ideas to deliver life-changing treatments in years not decades.
There is no approved treatment for Parkinson's hallucinations. Professor Suzanne Reeves and her team are investigating if an existing drug may be the answer.
The Parkinson's UK Brain Bank was established in 1984 at Imperial College London. Scientists around the world access the Brain Bank to deepen their understanding of the condition whilst searching for better treatments and ultimately a cure.