Parkinson’s NEC-RIG Research Engagement Day (March 23rd 2023)

Written by Stephen from the Sunderland Branch, Parkinson’s UK

The Copthorne Hotel in Newcastle was the venue for the Research Engagement Day organised by PD UK regional office. Main speakers were Prof David Burn (Professor of Movement Disorder Neurology and Honorary Consultant Neurologist for Newcastle Hospitals and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University) and Caroline Rassell (Chief Executive Officer of Parkinson’s UK).

The main speakers were followed by a series of ‘table-top’ talks by each of the following:-

Dr Alison Yarnall, Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Older Peoples Medecine, Newcastle University

A Handheld device to help reduce falls. This will be used to stimulate the vagus nerve in the neck, with the intention of improving walking and reducing falls. A larger study will start shortly where participants will have two stimulations per day for 12 weeks, and a check again at 24 weeks.