Improving life through research
Finding a cure will take time – so we also champion research to improve quality of life for people with Parkinson's and their families.
Alongside our groundbreaking research to develop better treatments and a cure, we also support research to improve quality of life.
To help us focus on what matters most, we worked with people affected by Parkinson's, their families and professionals to come up with a list of key priorities for improving everyday life in the shorter term.
What we did
We worked with the James Lind Alliance and researchers at UK universities to carry out a Priority Setting Partnership.
Well over 1000 people affected by Parkinson's, carers and health and social care professionals took part.
The findings were published open access in the British Medical Journal.
These priority areas will help direct research efforts in improving everyday life with Parkinson’s.
The top 10 priorities
1. Balance and falls
2. Stress and anxiety
3. Uncontrollable movements
4. Personalised treatments
5. Dementia
6. Mild thinking and memory problems
7. Monitoring symptoms
8. Sleep
9. Dexterity
10. Urinary problems
Beyond the top 10
Because Parkinson's is such a complex and variable condition we are also keen to support and encourage research that addresses important issues that did not make the top 10, including:
11. What treatments would ensure the medications were equally effective each day (prevented or managed wearing off, variability, on or off states) in people with Parkinson’s?
12. What drug treatments are best for the different stages of Parkinson’s?
13. What interventions are effective for reducing or managing unexplained fatigue in people with Parkinson’s?
14. Would the monitoring of dopamine levels in the body (eg with blood tests) be helpful in determining medication timing and amount (dose)?
15. What is the best treatment for stiffness (rigidity) in people with Parkinson’s?
16. What is the best type and dose of exercise (physiotherapy) for improving muscle strength flexibility, fitness, balance and function in people with Parkinson’s?
17. What best helps prevent or reduce freezing (of gait and in general) in people with Parkinson’s?
18. At which stage of Parkinson’s is deep brain stimulation (a surgical treatment that involves implanting a ‘brain pacemaker’ that sends signals to specific parts of the brain) most helpful?
19. What treatments are helpful in reducing bowel problems (constipation or incontinence) in people with Parkinson’s?
20. What treatments are effective in reducing hallucinations (including vivid dreams) in people with Parkinson’s?
21. What training to improve knowledge and skills do informal carers (family and friends) need in order to best care for people with Parkinson’s?
22. Can medications be developed to allow fewer doses per day for people with Parkinson’s (for example combinations of medications in one pill, slow release pills)?
23. What is the best treatment for pain in people with Parkinson’s?
24. What treatments are helpful for swallowing problems (dysphagia) in people with Parkinson’s?
25. What training, techniques or aids are needed for hospital staff, to make sure patients with Parkinson’s get their medications correctly and on time?
26. What treatments are helpful in reducing tremor in people with Parkinson’s?
Problems with stress and anxiety are very common in Parkinson's and have a significant impact on quality of life. We explore why people experience anxiety and the latest research into tackling this challenging symptom.
Dyskinesia - uncontrolled movements, including twitches, jerks, twisting and writhing - is a common side effect of Parkinson's medication. We're investing in the development of a new drug to address this debilitating problem.
Exercise is good for you. And it's especially good for you if you have Parkinson's. But weights or stretching, cycling or t’ai chi — what does the latest research say about different types of exercise for Parkinson’s?
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More ways research is improving life
Dealing with dystonia
Intense muscle spasms called dystonia are a common feature of Parkinson’s. In this blog we explore the research into this important and painful symptom.
Read our blog: Dystonia and Parkinson’s: ask the expert
Finding solutions to freezing
We look at a symptom of Parkinson’s that can be stressful, frustrating and lead to falls. How are researchers working to develop coping strategies for freezing of gait?
Read our blog: Freezing in Parkinson’s — and how to thaw.
Defeating dementia
The symptoms of dementia can include problems with memory, concentration and planning. In this blog we explore the relationship between dementia and Parkinson’s, and how research is looking to help.
Read our blog: Dementia and Parkinson's: ask the expert.
Understanding and easing pain
Many people with Parkinson's experience pain. We investigate the latest research into pain - why and how it affects people with the condition, and the progress being made to find treatments that can help.
Read out blog: Can we take the pain out of Parkinson's.
Towards personalised treatments
Parkinson’s is probably not simply one condition, but instead an umbrella term for many different types of condition. Researchers are making strides towards understanding how and why people with Parkinson’s differ, so that we will be able to choose the right treatments for the right people.
Read our blog: Parkinson’s. It’s time to get personal
Joining the network means you'll get updates on research news and opportunities to get involved. All you need is an email address to get started.
Research ranges from at home questionnaires to trialling new treatments. Whatever you're ready for, you can make a difference by taking part.
People with Parkinson's and those close to them are the real experts on the condition - we make sure their voices are heard in research and we're always looking for more people to get involved.