Dementias and Neurodegeneration (DeNDRoN)

Health & Social Care Research Across North East & North Cumbria.

Dementias and Neurodegeneration (DeNDRoN)

The Dementias and Neurodegeneration specialty covers four neurodegenerative diseases - dementia, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and motor neurone disease, each with a sub-specialty lead. We work across our region to help support the delivery of our research.

How to get involved

Get in touch

Please contact Dr Bob Barber, specialty lead for DeNDRoN with any questions relating to this specialty.

Join Dementia Research

Promote the Join Dementia Research (JDR) register with colleagues and patients - this is a great way for people to find out what research is taking place and how to get involved - there are already over 50,000 volunteers. You can find out more about JDR here

Refer to our registry

We also run a local registry and are currently accepting referrals for studies. Once a study is available, we will get in touch to see if you are interested. You can refer people via [email protected]

Meet and shadow

Meet and shadow the clinical trials team - this can be a great way to see what the team do especially if you're thinking about a career in research. Contact Bob Barber for more information.

Explore

Explore our national specialty page here

For Parkinson's disease specialists

If you are interested in Parkinson's disease research, sign up to the Clinical Research Network specialty meetings, such as the Parkinson's disease specialty meeting. These meetings take place on a bi-annual basis. Contact Alison Yarnall for more information.

Brain and Movement Research Group

Explore and join the brain and movement research group, this research group aims to deliver innovations in the assessment and treatment of mobility issues across diverse health conditions using the latest technology and digital health resources.

Biomedical Research Centre involvement

Explore research into dementias and neurodegenerative diseases taking place in the Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre

Spotlight topics

Sarah Edwards is our regional Practice Lead Facilitator for the recently launched NIHR Rater Programme. This programme aims to help staff develop the experience and training to become a rater. Sarah is a nurse in CNTW with lots of experience as rater and she will help guide you though this programme. She can be contacted via [email protected]

Research stories from our region

Vicki Hetherington - Clinical trials officer and physiotherapist

"The patient and carer contact is definitely my favourite part of the job"

Vicki’s Research Story

Dr Alison Yarnall - Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Honorary Consultant in Older People's Medicine

"Join our Brain and Movement research Group"

Alison's Research Story

Dr Bob Barber - Old Age Psychiatrist

"Without research and the evidence it generates, it's hard to see how we progress!"

Bob's Research Story

What's happening in DeNDRoN research?

Dementia

There are many different types of studies across the dementia portfolio including clinical trials.

We also have some leading dementia researchers based in the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre.

Researchers here have a major role to play in the delivering the latest dementia research. The work has led to impacts on:

early, accurate diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies, particularly in prodromal stages
understanding of the Lewy body disease course and potential modifiers
understanding of the pathophysiology of key Lewy body disease related symptoms
novel biomarkers for tracking Lewy body disease in terms of prognosis, predicting dementia conversion and response to treatment
trialling of dementia with Lewy bodies specific interventions
the role of frailty, sarcopenia and delirium in Lewy body disease.

We also run many of our clinical trials in dementia via the Clinical Ageing Research Unit in Newcastle.

Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, it is progressive and with no known cure, research is needed to discover new and revolutionary treatments to manage the condition and promote the quality of life for those living with Parkinson's.

Parkinson’s research in the North East has helped in understanding the underlying mechanisms of impairments in cognition, gait and falls in the condition, biomarkers for tracking disease progression, and changes in treatment. There are multiple opportunities to join clinical trials and work in this exciting area including our Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

Dr Alison Yarnall, Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Honorary Consultant in Older People's Medicine, leads the Parkinson's disease specialty group in the North East and North Cumbria. Meetings are held on a bi-annual basis, bringing together consultants and specialists from across the region to discuss current and future research. Get in touch if you are interested in being added to the distribution list. You can also find examples of the research we do by visiting the Clinical Ageing Research Unit.

Biomedical Research Centre

Motor Neurone Disease

Motor neurone disease, a rare neurodegenerative condition, impacts the brain and nervous system. Although motor neurone disease is ultimately a fatal disease, thanks to research and innovation, many patients with motor neurone disease continue to live with their condition for many years, maintaining a quality of life. Research has allowed new drugs to be trialled, as well as new diagnostic and monitoring techniques for those in the early stages of the disease.

Dr Timothy Williams (consultant neurologist and regional motor neurone disease care centre director) is the regional medical lead and principal investigator for motor neurone disease research. If you are interested in working with Tim to support research, please get in touch, the regional motor neurone disease research centre is based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

Huntington's disease

Huntington’s disease, a hereditary condition, is a disease that damages nerve cells in the brain, impacting on a patient’s movement, cognition and mental health. Huntington’s disease cannot be cured, however, there are studies that endeavour to establish the underlying genetic cause of the disease, as well as treatments that manage the symptoms to allow those living with Huntington’s to enjoy a quality of life.

Dr Suresh Komati leads research activity as a principal investigator into Huntington’s disease across the North East and North Cumbria, working in collaboration with the Clinical Research Network.

Helpful resources

The "Dementia Researcher" website and its companion podcast provide the latest information and support for early career dementia researchers (ECRs), based within the UK and across the world.

Dementia researcher

The "Alzheimer's Research UK" is the UK's leading dementia and Alzheimer's disease research charity. Find out about Alzheimer’s Research UK, our journey so far, and our vision of a world where people are free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.