EPDA signs new charter on workplace rights

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 6 February 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

The European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA) has signed the Dying to Work Charter – a pledge protecting the workplace rights of people with serious conditions.

The charter – part of the Trade Union Congress’ wider Dying to Work campaign – has so far protected over half a million workers in the UK.

The Dying to Work campaign group, chaired by MEP Rory Palmer, is calling on the European Union to amend its current legislation.

The campaign is asking for serious conditions to be identified as a ‘protected characteristic’ – meaning employees would enjoy a protected period after diagnosis which would ensure the couldn’t be unfairly dismissed.

Russell Patten, secretary general at the EPDA, said: “At the EPDA, we are committed to improving employment conditions, reducing stigma and ensuring accessibility to essential services for all people with Parkinson’s disease.”

Image: Rory Palmer MEP (left) and Russell Patten, secretary general at the EPDA (right).

To support the charter, please click here.

For more information on working with Parkinson’s please visit the EPDA website.

Could robots replace animals in Parkinson’s medical trials?

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Interviews

Jessica Mann: writing with Parkinson’s

We talk to the British author about living with Parkinson’s for two decad

CrowdLabbing: research by people with Parkinson’s, for people with Parkinson’s

People with Parkinson’s are being invited to conduct their own experiment

Parkinson’s in the news: May

A roundup of Parkinson’s news stories in May

New biotech to drive forward GDNF treatment for Parkinson’s disease

UK charity Parkinson’s UK is creating a new company, Vivifi Biotech, to develop a treatment with potential to stop or reverse Parkinson’s disease. The experimental therapy surgically distributes GDNF, a protein that is naturally produced by the brain to protect cells, directly into the brain. The charity previously funded a clinical trial to investigate whether boosting GDNF levels could regenerate dying brain cells in people with Parkinson’s. Over the next two years, it will invest up to £800,000 to prepare for a second trial. Arthur Roach, head of research at Parkinson’s UK, said: “While our initial trial didn’t meet its critical endpoint, it did reveal robust evidence indicating that GDNF can possibly reverse Parkinson’s. This is why Parkinson’s UK is committed to continuing research into this potential treatment.” Vivifi Biotech, Roach added, will “bring the right people together to plan a new trial that meets the needs of patients, regulatory…

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

The Imperial College London Innovation Fund, UK, has invested £205,000 to support UK-based tech company Charco Neurotech in its development of a non-invasive medical device for people with Parkinson’s disease. CUE1, a circular device that attaches to the sternum with medical adhesives, uses specialised vibration to help alleviate physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Initial user testing among people with the condition found that the device improved movement by an average of 16%, with testers reporting benefits for walking and fine motor tasks. Lucy Jung, CEO and co-founder of Charco Neurotech, said: “We believe that CUE1 has the potential to significantly improve [Parkinson’s disease] symptoms through its unique controlled vibration technology. We are excited to continue our work on the device and we look forward to the outcome of our proposed clinical trials.” Charco Neurotech will use the Imperial College investment to initiate a clinical trial and fund the device’s manufacture for…

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

A new study from scientists at the University of Cambridge, UK, has brought researchers “a vital step” closer to discovering the origins of Parkinson’s disease. The research, published in the scientific journal ‘Nature Communications’, offered insights on the protein alpha-synuclein, which clumps together in the neurons of people with Parkinson’s. The study focused on how the protein functions in those without the condition and revealed that it sticks to the inner side of the plasma membrane of nerve cells, but not the outer membrane – an insight that could help in the search for a cure. Lead study author, Dr Giuliana Fusco, said: “This study could unlock more information about this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that can leave people unable to walk and talk. If we want to cure Parkinson’s, first we need to understand the function of alpha-synuclein, a protein present in everyone’s brains.”

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

EPDA signs new charter on workplace rights

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 6 February 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Image: Rory Palmer MEP (left) and Russell Patten, secretary general at the EPDA (right).

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Interviews

Jessica Mann: writing with Parkinson’s

Advances

CrowdLabbing: research by people with Parkinson’s, for people with Parkinson’s

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: May

New biotech to drive forward GDNF treatment for Parkinson’s disease

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

{title}

Subscribe

EPDA signs new charter on workplace rights

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 6 February 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Image: Rory Palmer MEP (left) and Russell Patten, secretary general at the EPDA (right).

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Interviews

Jessica Mann: writing with Parkinson’s

Advances

CrowdLabbing: research by people with Parkinson’s, for people with Parkinson’s

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: May

New biotech to drive forward GDNF treatment for Parkinson’s disease

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in