NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network

01/01/2026

✨ A New Year, New Opportunities for Research ✨
A new year brings new opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and make a difference in neuroprogressive and dementia research.

Here’s to progress, partnerships, and hope for the future. 💙

23/12/2025

As we approach the festive season, the Neuroprogressive & Dementia Network would like to thank everyone who has supported our work throughout the year — participants, families, colleagues, and partners across Scotland.
Your involvement helps drive research forward and improve care for people living with neuroprogressive conditions.
Wishing you a peaceful and restful festive season 🎄⛄

19/12/2025

❓Are you living with dementia, or do you support someone who is?
Your experiences can help shape future research. Help increase understanding of what makes it easier or more challenging to get involved in research-related activities by completing this short questionnaire, which takes around 10–15 minutes.

👉 Find out more and take part at: https://edinburgh.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2959Tcw91fmkjrg?Q_CHL=qr

✉️ If you have any questions, please get in touch at: tay.ppipartners@nhs.scot

16/12/2025

CTAD 2025: Advancing Alzheimer's Research

On 29th November, Jacqui Kerr, NDN Network Manager, and Catriona McNeill, NDN Lead Nurse, represented the Neuroprogressive & Dementia Network at the Clinical Trials in Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) 2025 conference in San Diego.

The conference brought together researchers, clinicians, and individuals with lived experience to discuss the latest advances in Alzheimer's disease research, including:
• Blood-based biomarkers to enable earlier diagnosis and support precision medicine
• Emerging therapies, including anti-amyloid treatments
• Diversity and inclusion in clinical trials, ensuring research reaches all communities

A key takeaway from the conference was the invaluable contribution of research participants worldwide. Their dedication allows researchers to develop new treatments, improve care, and better understand Alzheimer's disease.

To learn more about our work or how to participate in clinical research, please visit:
https://www.nhsresearchscotland.org.uk/research-areas/dementia-and-neurodegenerative-disease

24/11/2025

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