Gloucester branch Winter 2016

Our Research: Be part of a study CoOucharity directly.

We advise those who are considering taking part in the research to speak to the professionals who are managing the projects for more in-depth information. These contacts can be found on our website.

“Research does not always involve taking pills and going to hospitals. Much of the research I have been involved in was done at home!”John Whipps, who has Parkinson's

For more information and to see full details of all the clinical trials available, visit our website: www.parkinsons.org.uk

Contacts

Co-ordinator, Jane Henderson: 03442253694j henderson@parkinsons.org.uk

Committee Member, Pam Beston: 01452 410497bestonp@outllook.com

Nurses:0300 4218109Parkinsons.team@glos.nhs.uk

Local Information Support Worker, Rekha Tanna Hirani: 0344 225981rtannahirani@parkinsons.org.uk

Would you like to get involved with something amazing? We’re asking for volunteers who would be willing to actively take part in a scientific study, to help our researchers work towards a cure for Parkinson’s.

There are many projects in the UK that we need volunteers for, such as ‘Investigating the Early Onset of Parkinson’s’ and ‘Mindfulness Theraphy for People with Parkinson’s’.

You are able to pick which research project you would like to contribute to and, no matter which you choose, we will keep you updated on how your contributions are helping the

Our Research: The Anxiety Project “Is anyone out there?”

“We are currently supporting around 70 groundbreaking Parkinson’s research projects worth over £20million across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island.”

Continuation of research projects within Parkinson’s UK allow new treatments to be found which, one day, may lead to a cure. Our research is incredibly important to us, and we’re striving for new and better treatments in years, rather than decades.

One of the studies that we are currently undertaking is ‘exploring anxiety in Parkinson’s’, which will help us better understand the anxiety many people experience as part of their Parkinson’s and lay the foundations for developing new and effective treatments. It has been running since March 2016 by Professor Richard Brown from King’s College in London.

So, what will this project do? Our team is investigating if the symptoms of anxiety differ between people with Parkinson’s and people without.

If so, researchers will test if they are able to reduce extra-alertness using a single thirty minute session of a very simple computer task.

How the research will affect people with Parkinson’sImproving the understanding of anxiety in Parkinson’s is an outcome of this research project. If successful, it will give researchers the information they need to decide if a trial of computer based treatment for anxiety in Parkinson’s is worth testing.

All of our projects aim to improve the everyday lives of people with Parkinson’s, and our teams are working hard to improve knowledge on how new treatments could be developed.

To find out about more projects, visit our website: www.parkinsons.org.uk

Parkinson’s UK have a online discussion forum, which you could be a part of.

Anyone who is affected by Parkinson’s can share and discuss their experiences, and provide or seek support from others.

It’s a great way to connect with new people, even if you just want to chat. At any time of day or night, you can find information or advice from others. The forum is free, accessible and easy to use, so support is never more than a few clicks away.

Did You Know?Our online discussion forum has more than 7,000 members! So come and join the conversation at:www.parkinsons.org.uk/forum

What do Parkinson’s UK offer?This charity’s main job is to provide better care and guidance to those affected by Parkinson’s. Whether that means raising money to fund research, answering the helpline at two o’clock in the morning, or just simply being there for a chat, we make it our goal to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s, as

well as for those around them.

There are monthly meet-ups in Gloucester, which allows you to meet new people and get involved in social and therapeutic activities.

The events for 2017 are on the next page, we hope to see you soon!

LOCAL EVENTS IN GLOUCESTERWE MEET ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH AT 7.30PM AT APNAR GHAR COURT IN BISHOPSTONE ROAD, GLOUCESTER GL1

4BQ

5TH JANUARY: SOCIAL AND BRING & BUY EVENING

2ND FEBRUARY: ‘GARDENING FOR BEES’ WITH ALLAN WELLS

2ND MARCH: AGM DANIEL REYNOLDS TELECARE

6TH APRIL: ‘PUB SIGNS’ WITH ANGELA PANRUCKER

Save the Date!

During Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2017 the GloucestershireParkinson’s UK groups arejoining forces for the fourthtime and hosting a conference for local peopleaffected by Parkinson’s. The 2017 conferencewill take place on Wednesday 12th Aprilat Gloucester Rugby Club, Kingsholm Gloucester, wholooked after us so well at the2015 conference. The day is being plannedat present but will probably runfrom 10-3 with an engaging keynote speaker, workshops and lunch. More informationwill be available in the NewYear.

We’re the Parkinson’s support and research charity. Help us find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.

Young Parkinson’s Network: TwitterTwitter is infamous for getting people talking and connecting with others, but does anyone talk about Parkinson’s?

Gradually, more and more users of Twitter are sharing their experiences and finding others who want to tweet about it too.

Young Parkinson’s Network (@youngpdnetwork) is an account founded by David Sangster, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of twenty-nine. The account shares blogs, articles and videos about how different people are learning to cope with the disease.

A Blog to Followmarietterobijn.comMariette Robijn writes about her personal experiences of Parkinson’s, as well as: ‘How to talk to my Doctor: ten tips’, ‘Can I have that disease in English, please?’ and ‘Ten things I’d tell myself if I were my friend’. Her humorous take on coping with Parkinson’s brings a new perspective and fresh look on PD.

An Article to ReadStanding tall: the fashion blogger and young onset campaigner who’s back in heels (thanks to DBS)Parkinson’s Life speaks to Tonya

“A peer support group run by people with #Parkinsons. Connecting the #yopd community to increase engagement &

awareness #youngpdnetwork”

Walker, whose ‘Shoe Maven’ blog raises awareness of young onset Parkinson’s disease while celebrating her love of high heels which she’s able to wear again after regaining her balance through successful deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatments.

A

Video to Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7VJfaGitAE&feature=youtu.be David Sangster talks about working with Parkinson’s Disease.

T 01234 567 890E jsmith@parkinsons.org.uk

Free* confidential helpline 0808 800 0303. Monday to Friday 9am–8pm, Saturday 10am–2pm. Interpreting available. Textphone 0800 111 4204.*calls are free from UK landlines and most mobile networks.

Visit us online at parkinsons.org.uk Drop us a line at hello@parkinsons.org.uk

Parkinson’s UK is the operating name of the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales (00948776). Registered office: 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1EJ. A charity registered in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554).© Parkinson’s UK, January 2010