Will you fund research this festive season?
£25 could pay for a 3 month supply of ginger supplements for a participant in the gut health study.
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The Parkinson’s community wants us to address the day-to-day challenges of living with Parkinson’s. While drugs play a key role in managing Parkinson’s, non-drug solutions are vital too. These types of projects can move faster, address symptoms sooner, and help improve life for people without the need for more medication.
With your help, we’re funding researchers who are among the best in their fields. We are confident that their projects can bring real, life-changing differences for people living with Parkinson's.
Exploring tech-free solutions
We involve people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones at every stage of choosing what we fund, this means our research can target the highest priority symptoms that matter the most.
This year, one project is investigating a new approach to help improve Parkinson’s gut symptoms, such as constipation.
Can ginger help improve gut health?
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Gut problems like constipation cause significant discomfort for people with Parkinson’s and can interfere with how well medication is absorbed.
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Research shows that people with Parkinson’s often have lower levels of a gut hormone called ghrelin, making gut health a top priority.
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Dr. Caroline Williams-Gray is investigating whether ginger, a common household spice, can boost ghrelin levels, reduce inflammation, and ease gut symptoms.
Harnessing new technology
With donations from supporters like you, we funded the successful well-being app PACT, which was launched earlier this year. PACT is a form of mental health support for people with Parkinson's that uses mindfulness and behaviour change to improve mental well-being. It’s already making a big difference to people’s everyday lives.
Technology, which has transformed how we work, communicate, and live, is being used by researchers, like Dr. Julie Jones, to develop innovative ways to support people with Parkinson’s:
Can augmented reality improve mobility?
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Many people with Parkinson’s experience difficulties walking, and traditional physiotherapy is often too short-term.
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Dr Julie Jones is trialling an augmented reality (AR) device called Reality DTx® by Strolll, which uses AR glasses to combine interactive digital exercises with the real world around you.
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This technology allows people with Parkinson’s to access specialist physiotherapy at home.
Your support matters
One day, we’ll find a cure for Parkinson’s. Until then, people living with the condition need support now. Help us fund these exciting non-drug solutions and improve everyday lives.
Our Tech Guide helps people learn about the many existing devices and apps that could improve their life with Parkinson’s. It features a range of products that are on the market, including those that can help with speech, exercise, eating and many issues you may face.
We don’t endorse or recommend any products, but help people decide which products are right for them.
If you would like to find out more about the other non-drug research projects we're funding to manage Parkinson's symptoms, including Professor Stephen Jackson's non-invasive treatment using a wrist-worn device and innovative speech therapy with Professor Anja Lowit, read their stories in full here.