The “Parkinson’s Research in Ireland” event series took place virtually over three evenings in November (12th, 19th, 23rd). The sessions were chaired by Dr. Niamh Connolly of the RCSI University of Medicine & Health Science (formerly Royal College of Surgeons Ireland). Each evening consisted of two short talks followed by a question and answer session. Links to the presenter’s profiles and selected videos from the event are below:
12th November
- Representing the Parkinson’s Association in Ireland, Gary Boyle discussed his journey with Parkinson’s in his talk entitled ‘Parkinson’s, Progression and Me.’
- PD-MitoQUANT Coordinator Prof. Jochen Prehn of the RCSI presented the objectives and tasks involved in the ‘PD-MitoQUANT’ project.
19th November
- Dr. Eilis Dowd of the School of Medicine at the National University of Ireland in Galway presented the variety of potential ‘Cell therapies for Parkinson’s’ and her group’s research on the use of collagen hydrogels to improve cell-based therapies.
- Caitriona McLoughlin, a Movement Disorder Nurse Specialist at The Dublin Neurological Institute based at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin provided several tips for ‘Self-care in Parkinson’s,’ concentrating on practical problems and solutions.
23rd November
- Prof. Suzanne Timmons gave an overview of University College Cork‘s Parkinson’s research portfolio in her talk, ‘A flavour of Parkinson’s Disease research within UCC.’
- Dr. Jeremy Skillington, Inflazome‘s VP for Business Development presented the potential for an ‘NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibitor for the Treatment of Parkinson’s.’
The series was very well-received by attendees, with more than 80 attendees at each session. The audience was active in the ‘chatbox’ with questions, links to news stories, and suggestions as to where to learn more. More information on some of the topics discussed can be found here. We want to thank all participants and attendees who made the series so informative and interactive!
The event was organised as part of the PD-MitoQUANT project by Dr. Niamh Connolly, Dr. Orla Watters, Danielle Nicholson and Kylie O’Brien. The team is planning a second ‘Parkinson’s Research in Ireland’ series in the coming months.
Here are a few comments from the audience.
“Thank you for doing the research talks, it’s so great to see, especially when I see other countries doing great webinars. I’ve often wondered why we don’t in Ireland.”
Richelle Flanagan, Member of Young Parkinson’s Ireland & Ambassador for the World Parkinson Congress 2022
“As a Parkinson’s patient from outside Ireland, I was very impressed with the amount of research for the comparatively small population of the country. However, I was left with the concern that, at the level of individual treatment and clinical need, the experience of some of the speakers suggested that there was scope for much improvement, despite the best efforts of the front line staff. The series of talks gave much practical information on how people can live well despite their Parkinson’s.”
Richard Campbell, PPI (patient and public involvement) volunteer with Parkinson’s UK and PD-MitoQUANT
“I just wanted to say that the talks these past two weeks have been phenomenal. Although it may be unrealistic to have these talks every week, I hope there are more seminars throughout next year as well.”
Carmen Jeanette Stepek, PhD candidate at RCSI
*Special thanks to PD-MitoQUANT’s patient representative, Richard Campbell, who contributed to this piece.