Sunday, August 30, 2009

Southampton University to research Parkinson's disease

RESEARCH is to be undertaken at the University of Southampton into why people with Parkinson’s Disease are prone to falling. The Parkinson’s Disease Society has awarded a £183,000 grant to Dr Emma Stack to carry out the study.

She will look at what kind of activities are likely to cause most mobility problems and what stops people with Parkinson’s taking part in leisure activities.

Her team will also investigate tripping, stepping backwards and misjudging distances which are all commonly associated with the condition.

Dr Stack said: “By understanding what causes falls outside the home, we hope to create safer environments for people with Parkinson’s.”