World-Leading Research into Parkinson's Disease Can be Found
Just Beyond the Trees of Pacific Spirit Park
Published in November 2018 by Don Anderson of Legato
Just Beyond the Trees of Pacific Spirit Park
Published in November 2018 by Don Anderson of Legato
"One of the best research teams looking into Parkinson's Disease is right here at UBC? Why have we not heard about this before?
As our group walked together in Pacific Spirit Park last month, these questions were asked with total surprise. "Yes, world-class scientists have gathered their substantial talents and are collectively working towards the goal of a day when Parkinson's Disease won't just be managed, it will be cured," was my response while dodging tree roots and avoiding dogs running off-leash.
The Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre (PPRC) is a leader in translating scientific insights into tangible solutions that ease the burden on the people with Parkinson's and hopefully find a cure one day soon. Their research scientists operate a patient clinic in the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at UBC, allowing them to gain first-hand knowledge of the challenges and changes experienced by people suffering from the disease: it is visited by almost every person across British Columbia suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.
As our group walked together in Pacific Spirit Park last month, these questions were asked with total surprise. "Yes, world-class scientists have gathered their substantial talents and are collectively working towards the goal of a day when Parkinson's Disease won't just be managed, it will be cured," was my response while dodging tree roots and avoiding dogs running off-leash.
The Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre (PPRC) is a leader in translating scientific insights into tangible solutions that ease the burden on the people with Parkinson's and hopefully find a cure one day soon. Their research scientists operate a patient clinic in the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at UBC, allowing them to gain first-hand knowledge of the challenges and changes experienced by people suffering from the disease: it is visited by almost every person across British Columbia suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.
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Earlier this week, in front of a packed house in the Centre for Brain Health, Dr. Martin McKeown and his team presented their 2018 Scientific Update to members of our charitable organization Pacific Parkinson's Research Institute (PPRI) and our invited guests.
Speaking with simplified terminology for the majority of us who possess a lower level of scientific understanding, the five leading scientists reviewed the progress of their work and clearly outlined their goals over the medium and long term. |
Thought it would be worthwhile to review three of the recommendations offered to patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease. If you know someone impacted personally, please pass these thoughts along:
- 1/ Every British Columbian with Parkinson’s Disease is is invited to be a clinical patient at the Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre at UBC. Currently, new staff are being hired to reduce the long wait lists. Call or email the Centre to make arrangements.
- 2/ Exercising is vital: do it every day. The human body releases more dopamine through habitual exercise than irregular activity; this helps regulate movement and emotional responses. The Parkinson's doctors recommend a stationary bicycle for patients facing balancing issues.
- 3/ Play or listen to music. By enjoying music, patients help their PD-affected brain relax and "take the foot off the brake," as the scientists say.
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At this 2018 Scientific Update, projects like brain wellness, longitudinal monitoring, clinical trials, microbiome studies lead by Dr Silke Cresswell, PET/MRI imaging, alpha-synuclein biomarkers and more were presented.
The scientists also made it clear that while this research is being carried out at UBC, it forms part of a collaborative effort worldwide, where scientists share their findings and results instantly, so other researchers can build on that information. |
We could not help but feel very grateful for these brilliant men and women who've joined the PPRC team from around the world to find a solution for Parkinson's Disease.
Don Anderson
Legato
Don Anderson
Legato