Chairman of Edinburgh Research Interest Group (ERIG) David Melton has passed on some opportunities to get involved in Parkinson’s research without leaving your home. The first two have come from Parkinson’s UK in London. The third one is from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.
1. Developing talking therapy for people with Parkinson’s who experience anxiety
Researchers from University College London want to develop Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that is tailored specifically for people with Parkinson’s. ACT is a form of talking therapy that helps people to learn new ways of dealing with distressing thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations. This therapy has been found to be helpful for improving wellbeing in other neurological conditions such as epilepsy.
Who do the researchers need?
15 people with Parkinson’s who experience anxiety
15 health professionals working with people affected by Parkinson’s
What is involved?
Taking part in a 1 hour interview either over the phone or on a video call
Researchers will ask for your thoughts on what may help or hinder people with Parkinson’s taking part in talking therapy and what Acceptance and Commitment Therapy could look like for people with Parkinson’s
For more information please read:
the participant information sheet for people with Parkinson’s
or the participant information sheet for health professionals
If you are interested in taking part or have any questions please contact Natasha Lyons by email at Natasha.lyons.18@ucl.ac.uk or contact Suzanne Reeves by phone on 07947 036 513.
The deadline for taking part in this research is 30 September 2024.
Find out more on the Take Part Hub
2. Exploring how people with Parkinson’s think and feel
A PhD researcher from the University of Reading is investigating whether there are changes in how people with Parkinson’s regulate their emotions. Experiencing problems with describing and communicating feelings can be a symptom of Parkinson’s. This can impact wellbeing and the ability to cope with difficult situations.
Who do the researchers need?
110 people with Parkinson’s who have access to the internet and a computer or laptop
What is involved?
A video call with the researcher which will take 90 minutes. The call will include answering questions posed by the researcher and completing online questionnaires. The researcher will be available for the duration of the call to answer questions and provide technical support
Interested in taking part?
First, please read the participant information sheet. Once you have read the Participant Information Sheet and are happy to proceed with participating in the study, please complete the consent form and demographics questionnaire on the study website.
If you have any questions please contact Caroline Seton by email c.seton@pgr.reading.ac.uk or phone 07367 301 262.
The deadline for taking part is 2 September 2024.
Find out more on the Take Part Hub
3. Exercise in over 55s with Neurological Conditions
Some Queen Margaret University students are doing their final year research project on factors that influence exercise participation and adherence in over 55’s with neurological conditions in Scotland. They would be very grateful if you could complete their survey.
The project expects to gather up to 40 responses and their data collection is going to last for another three weeks. Here is the link to their survey which also includes more detailed information, consent details:
Role of healthcare professionals in the rehabilitation of patients with long term neurological conditions