World Parkinson’s Congress 2016: travel grant applications now open

Global update

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 25 February 2016

Prep: Cook: Serves:

The WPC 2016 Travel Grants programme is offering bursaries to help towards the costs of travelling to the 4^th World Parkinson’s Congress in Portland, Oregon, US in September 2016

More than 200 people were supported financially by the WPC Travel Grants programme to attend WPC in 2013.

Additionally, the WPC ‘Buddies Program’ runs an initiative to strengthen the global Parkinson’s community by matching people with Parkinson’s and carers who register to attend WPC 2016 in Portland.

We interviewed Pat Davies, a member of the WPC steering committee, about her experience at the WPC in 2010.

Pat said: “Most of all I was inspired by those with young onset Parkinson’s, who had been diagnosed at the height of successful careers as dancers, or professional athletes, or doctors or surveyors, but instead of giving in to the disease they had formed organisations or devised exercise programmes to not only fight their own disease, but also to help and motivate others.”

Pat-Davies

To apply for a grant for registration fees, accommodation expenses or travel expenses, click here

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

PD in Practice

Faces of Parkinson’s: “To restore a person’s dignity – that’s my calling”

Parkinson’s practitioners featured in new book of portraits

Meet the family members who #UniteForParkinsons in support of their loved ones

Parkinson's through the eyes of family members

Can virtual reality help you control your brain?

Scientists look at how futuristic gaming tech can control brain signals

World War II weapon antidote could treat Parkinson’s

Researchers at Purdue University, US, are studying a World War II chemical weapon antidote that they believe could be used to treat Parkinson’s. It is believed the antidote, called dimercaprol, may be able to remove acrolein – a toxin that poisons neurons and can lead to the development of Parkinson’s disease. In addition to this, researchers believe dimercaprol can increase the survival rate of brain cells, improve mobility and reduce symptoms of pain. Riyi Shi, professor of neuroscience and biomedical engineering at Purdue University, said: “Our studies show that by removing the toxin (acrolein) from the brain, we are not just reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease but also significantly reversing the damage of Parkinson’s disease. This could actually provide a new treatment for Parkinson’s patients.”

Repurposed cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson’s

Researchers at the Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre, UK, have repurposed an experimental cancer drug – called tasquinimod – as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s. The study – funded by Parkinson’s UK and published in science journal ‘Cell Stem Cell’ – has been tested on a total of 10 patients so far. As part of the research, the study grew brain cells from donated skin cell samples of people living with a rare genetic form of Parkinson’s – this process was then repeated on people with a common non-genetic form of the condition. Researchers found that tasquinimod can block HDAC4, a protein that causes Parkinson’s genes to become inactive. Professor Richard Wade-Martins, co-lead author of the study, said: “We think that switching off these genes in brain cells may play a vital role in the cell damage and death that occurs in Parkinson’s.”

Research survey assesses impact of holidays on Parkinson’s symptoms

The Radboud University Medical Center, Netherlands, is seeking participants for an online survey assessing the effects of a holiday on Parkinson’s. The study will assess whether a vacation can have physical and mental benefits for people living with the condition. It will also look at which specific factors, such as temperature and physical activity, can alleviate or increase symptoms. The Michael J Fox Foundation has approved the study’s protocol. Participants can sign up to complete the 20-minute survey online. The survey is open to anyone over 18 who has Parkinson’s and has been on vacation once or more between 1 June 2016 and 30 September 2018. Marjan Faber, the study’s daily supervisor, said: “If the study is able to identify decisive factors, those can act as a starting point for novel approaches in care for people with Parkinson’s disease.” To apply please visit research platform ParkinsonNEXT.

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.

World Parkinson’s Congress 2016: travel grant applications now open

Global update

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 25 February 2016

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

PD in Practice

Faces of Parkinson’s: “To restore a person’s dignity – that’s my calling”

Global update

Meet the family members who #UniteForParkinsons in support of their loved ones

Advances

Can virtual reality help you control your brain?

World War II weapon antidote could treat Parkinson’s

Repurposed cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson’s

Research survey assesses impact of holidays on Parkinson’s symptoms

{title}

Subscribe

World Parkinson’s Congress 2016: travel grant applications now open

Global update

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 25 February 2016

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

PD in Practice

Faces of Parkinson’s: “To restore a person’s dignity – that’s my calling”

Global update

Meet the family members who #UniteForParkinsons in support of their loved ones

Advances

Can virtual reality help you control your brain?

World War II weapon antidote could treat Parkinson’s

Repurposed cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson’s

Research survey assesses impact of holidays on Parkinson’s symptoms

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in