University launches Parkinson’s research

One of the biggest challenges for treating the disease is the unpredictable nature of the condition which can affect patients differently and progress in individuals in different ways.

Now researchers including a team from Sheffield University are working to create a computer model that will be able to 
accurately predict how a person’s condition will develop over 
time.

The work is being done by Insigneo – the Institute for in silico Medicine, a partnership between the university and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Professor Kevin Gurney, from Insigneo, said: “This project aims to lay the foundations for a step change in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

In the future health professionals will be able to tailor treatment to each individual and help people and their families to plan for the future.

“Here at the University of Sheffield Insigneo is leading the way in in silico medicine.

“Working in partnership with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals 
NHS Foundation Trust we aim to put computers at the heart of healthcare making it possible 
to individualise and improve healthcare treatment and reduce costs.

“We are very proud to be part of this research project which is an excellent example of how in silico medicine can develop and improve the treatment options of devastating diseases like Parkinson’s.”

The three-year project, called No Tremor, has been given £2.4m funding from the European Commission.

Universities and researchers from across Europe are working in partnership with the charity Parkinson’s UK.

The scientists involved aim to develop new clinical tools for use by Parkinson’s healthcare professionals and also by pharmaceutical companies for the development of new drug treatments.