Dr Bushra Ahmed, Principal Lecturer in Biochemistry will provide an update on Parkinson’s research at the University and across the international community.

The Parkinson’s awareness session will be held at the University’s Campus Centre 11am to 2pm and will provide locals the chance to discuss activities they would like developed in Luton to support those living with Parkinson’s. It will also address the support currently available, including from the local Parkinson’s UK branch.

Dr Ahmed’s fascination with the human brain led to a breakthrough in Parkinson’s research in 2013. She discovered that neurons in patients with Parkinson’s disease die as they cannot detoxify the chemicals produced during metabolic reactions that are normally non-toxic in unaffected individuals. The next step in finding a cure is to prevent those cells from dying.  

Dr Ahmed recently received a grant from Daiwa Foundation, to visit Japan to initiate collaborative research into understanding the Parkinson' disease mechanism and investigate potential therapies. She said: “Now we have been working together and our results are very promising.”

Dr Ahmed also commented on the awareness event saying: “It is vital to educate and support people with Parkinson’s through local engagement, exploring their ideas and requirements for support, which in turn will help us to understand the problems and issues that Parkinson’s patients are facing in their daily lives.”

Attendees will also have the chance to speak to a Parkinson’s UK Helpline Nurse who will be able to answer any general questions and The Disability Resource Centre and Age Concern Luton will also be there providing information on services they offer.

There will be an opportunity to take part in exercises and sensory sessions during the day, entirely free of charge. Refreshments will also be included on the day. The awareness event will take place in Room G004, Campus Centre, University of Bedfordshire, Luton LU1 3JU.