Study could lead to Parkinson's breakthrough

Scientists at the University of Sheffield are part of a major European project which could revolutionise treatment for Parkinson's sufferers.

One of the biggest challenges for treating Parkinson's is the unpredictable nature of the condition as it affects everyone differently and progresses in individuals in different ways.

Now researchers from the University's INSIGNEO, Institute for in silico medicine, are among those working to create a computer model that will be able to accurately predict how a person's condition will develop over time.

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 funded by the European Commission to the tune of €2.9m (£2.4m) and sees the University and researchers from across Europe working in partnership with Parkinson's UK.

The scientists will make models personalised to each patient using their specific clinical data enabling prediction of disease progress on an individual basis.

By using these unique models, along with existing data sets, they aim to develop new clinical tools for use by both Parkinson's healthcare professionals, and by pharmaceutical companies for the development of new drugs.

Provided by University of Sheffield