NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network

21/11/2025

This week in Inverness, Andrew Gibson (ENRICH) and Joanna Matheson (NDN), both from the Clinical Research Facility at Raigmore Hospital, joined Jacqui Kerr (Network Manager) and Emma Law (Strategic Manager) at the Confident Conversations in Research Training to meet with Alzheimer Scotland staff and discuss local research opportunities.
The training supports staff to feel confident and prepared when discussing dementia research with the people they work with. These conversations are an important part of helping people understand research opportunities and make informed choices about participating.

A big thank you to everyone involved — your engagement helps strengthen research across the Highlands. 💙

20/11/2025

"Very often it is difficult to understand why you’re not successful [in joining a clinical trial] so having this particular guide is a very good way - just as a check and balance - to say the reasons we were rejected is these, I now understand why and I’m not put off“.

In the video below, members of our Patient and Public Involvement (PPIE) group, Partners in Research, share how the 'Clinical Trials for Parkinson's: A Companion Guide' may help others understand what’s involved in research participation, including when a person may not meet criteria to join a particular clinical trial.

🎥 Watch now to learn about this co-created guide and how co-production is helping make research more accessible.

19/11/2025

🎙️ Have you heard Jessica Crossan’s story?
Jessica, Senior Clinical Studies Officer at the Neuroprogressive & Dementia Network (NDN), is on the Clinical Research Career Conversations Podcast!
She talks about:
Her journey from Research Nurse to Principal Investigator with the NIHR PIPP programme
Coordinating and delivering research across Scotland
Why nurses and midwives play such a key role in clinical research
🌍 It’s a fascinating listen for anyone curious about clinical research, leadership, or making a real difference in dementia and neuroprogressive studies.
💙 Listen here:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451656/episodes/18217541-from-research-delivery-to-leadership-a-research-nurse-s-journey

18/11/2025

🗓️Join us online on Tuesday 2 December at 2pm!

We’re excited to welcome Sarah Patrick, part of the team behind Parkinson’s Exchanges—an art-card activity created to support meaningful conversations across the Parkinson’s community, including carers, families, friends, scientists and health professionals.

Sarah will be collaborating with our Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group, Partners in Research, as well as Enrich Scotland's RICH Voices, to explore how this activity could be adapted for dementia and care home communities.

The session will include a short presentation from Sarah about the project so far, followed by a Q&A.

To join us (or have the link to the recorded session) email: tay.ppipartners@nhs.scot

14/11/2025

Kevin Sinfield is back with his incredible “7 in 7: Together” challenge! 🏃

On Saturday 6th December, he’ll be in Dundee for the penultimate leg of his epic journey. Join the Extra Mile – run, walk, or wheel 1 mile alongside Kevin and be part of this amazing show of community spirit and support for people affected by MND.

Don’t miss out – let’s cheer him on together! 💙

Join now: www.mndscotland.org.uk

for more information: createsend.com/t/r-756A41C78374EF3A2540EF23F30FEDED

13/11/2025

Have you seen our new Clinical Trials for Parkinson’s: A Companion Guide?

This free guide was created by people with Parkinson’s, for people with Parkinson’s - to make taking part in research easier to understand and more accessible.

We’re now working on making the online guide more interactive, with FAQs and Recommended Resources and we’d love your input! 💬 What would you like to see added next?

📘 Download the guide → https://tinyurl.com/y23e42tm
📬 Request a printed copy → https://forms.office.com/e/qY8qvzB1T3

12/11/2025

🧠 Want to take part in life-changing research?

The NHS Neuroprogressive & Dementia Network is inviting people to join our Permission to Contact database.

Simply scan the QR code to register — it only takes a few seconds!

Your participation helps advance studies on dementia, Parkinson’s, and other neuroprogressive conditions across Scotland.

07/11/2025

🧠 Keep your brain active — it’s just as important as keeping your body healthy.

06/11/2025

What a great shot from an excellent event.

We were also very proud to support this important event and to connect and collaborate with colleagues from across Europe. We have certainly come away feeling inspired!

🔗 Learn more about the European Alzheimer's Disease Consortium (EADC): https://eadc.online/

📸 A moment to remember: Delegates gathered on the Playfair Library Hall staircase as we wrapped up the EADC Meeting here in Edinburgh.

Together with NHS Lothian’s Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network (NDN), we were proud to host colleagues from across Europe for two days of discussion, collaboration, and connection. We’re incredibly grateful for the energy and insight everyone brought to the table.

We hope you left feeling inspired, energised, and equipped with new ideas to drive dementia research forward. Thank you for being part of it!

🔗 Learn more about the European Alzheimer's Disease Consortium (EADC): https://eadc.online/

NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network

04/11/2025

🧠 Your brain is your most powerful asset.

At the NHS Neuroprogressive & Dementia Network, we’re dedicated to improving brain health through research and awareness.

By understanding how our brains work, we can protect them — and help people across Scotland live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

03/11/2025

🧠 We’re excited to share a new opportunity to take part in Parkinson’s disease research.

The NEULARK clinical trial is open to people aged 40–80 with early-stage Parkinson’s disease who are not currently on dopamine replacement therapies.

Be part of the research that could shape the future of Parkinson’s care.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.nhsresearchscotland.org.uk/research-areas/dementia-and-neurodegenerative-disease/study-portfolio

31/10/2025

While we are reflecting on ...we did find a bit of time for fun and were persuaded to try our first trend! Team effort with Enrich Scotland How'd we do? 😂🫣