We want to let you know about a study called DELIRIUM-PD. The study started in 2019 and over 100 people with Parkinson’s admitted to hospitals in Newcastle (either the RVI or the Freeman) tool part in the study. DELIRIUM-PD will look at delirium in people with Parkinson’s admitted to hospital. The study is funded by Parkinson’s UK. This study received Section 251 support from the Confidentiality Advisory Group. This support helps us to identify people with Parkinson's who may be eligible to take part in the study.

Delirium is a medical word used to describe a change in how the brain works that makes a person become suddenly confused.  Delirium is usually caused by an illness such as an infection.  It is very common, particularly among older people and those in hospital, but we think it may be more common in people with Parkinson’s.  We want to improve our understanding of delirium in people with Parkinson’s, find out how common it is in people with Parkinson’s, how it is identified and to improve the care of people with delirium and Parkinson's.

Who is eligible to take part?

If you attend one of the Newcastle Movement Disorder clinics for the management of your Parkinson’s and you are admitted to either the RVI or Freeman hospital in the next 18 months, a member of the DELIRIUM-PD study team may come and see you in hospital and talk to you more about the study. If you are happy to take part, they will ask you for written consent to take part and complete assessments with you.  If you are not admitted to hospital, you will not take part in the study.

You do not have to do anything now but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of the DELIRIUM-PD study team.                                            

If you do not wish to be visited by a member of the DELIRIUM-PD research team if you are admitted to hospital in the next 18 months and do not wish them to have access to your hospital number, I would be grateful if you would contact us to let us know of your decision within 6 weeks. You can call, email, or write to us using the  contact details below:

Dr Rachael Lawson, Janet Owens Parkinson’s UK Senir Research Fellow

Tel: 0191 208 1277                                              Email: rachael.lawson@ncl.ac.uk                       

Florence Gerakios, Clinical Trials Associate

Tel: 0191 208 1194                                             Email: florence.gerakios@ncl.ac.uk

Address:       

Clinical Ageing Research Unit                         

Newcastle University                         

Campus for Ageing and Vitality                       

Newcastle upon Tyne                                     

NE4 5PL

For how long is the study running? The study will be open until 28th February 2028.

For more information about the study, please click on the link below to read the Participant Information Sheet.