Five clinical researchers at Addenbrooke's have recently embarked upon new research into Parkinson's, thanks to a kind gift
in a Will from a grateful patient.
in a Will from a grateful patient.
One of the researchers, Dr Caroline Williams-Gray (above), works at the John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, based on the Addenbrooke's site. Her research examines whether the immune system has a part to play in the progression of the disease.
has a part to play in the progression of the disease.
One person in every 500 has Parkinson's, which equates to around 127,000 people in the UK. There is currently no cure and the symptoms and how quickly they progress are different for everyone.
As Dr Williams-Gray explains: "If we look at people with Parkinson's who have been diagnosed at the same time and compare them 10 years later, they will have developed quite different symptoms at different rates
.
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"For example, some individuals have problems restricted to issues with movement control which can be well-managed with medication. However, others will develop significant memory and balance problems at an early stage in their disease which are much more difficult to treat."
significant memory and balance problems at an early stage in their disease which are much more difficult to treat."
"If we can establish that the immune system contributes to how quickly Parkinson's progresses, it will ultimately lead to new ways of treating the disease. This research would not be possible without the award received thanks to a gift in a Will."
Alice Macek, Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust (ACT) Legacy Giving Manager, said: "It is wonderful to see how a gift left in a Will is making a difference, supporting local research that will not only bring benefits to local patients at Addenbrooke's but could also have a global impact on how Parkinson's is treated in the future."
to local patients at Addenbrooke's but could also have a global impact on how Parkinson's is treated in the future."
For information about the projects, like this, that ACT supports and how you can help, including information about leaving a gift in your Will, visit act4addenbrookes.org.uk or call 01223 217757.
Read more: http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Scientists-Addenbrooke-8217-s-carry-new-Parkinson/story-28213416-detail/story.html#ixzz3sKs1HeIj
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