The PROSPECT STUDY and Network
PSPA has invested £1.3 million into the PROSPECT study, which is the flagship project of our Research Network and fulfils the core aims of our Research Strategy.
THE PROSPECT Network
A major step towards the fulfilment of our research strategy is the creation of the PROPSECT Study Network. The network is co-ordinated from the Institute of Neurology at UCL and currently involving seven primary centres with a strong history of PSP & CBD research and care.
The network brings together leading experts from many areas of biomedical research, including neuroimaging, clinical analysis, pathology and genetics. It will allow pooling of patient samples and data and will provide a basis for communication and collaboration through which proposals for further research can be built.
The network embarked on a major study across the UK known as PROSPECT beginning in 2015.
Professor Huw Morris, PROSPECT Network Chief Investigator
“We believe that the network can address some of the barriers to research and be providing better care for patients.”
PROSPECT Study
The PROSPECT study has two arms. One part of the study involves the collection of blood, spinal fluid (from a lumbar puncture), brain scans and clinical information from a cohort of patients over several years, enabling researchers to make new discoveries based on the way that PSP & CBD change over time. Participants can choose to undergo some or all of the tests.
A separate cross-sectional arm of the PROSPECT study collects one-off blood samples, generating a resource for investigating indicators of disease in blood as well as genetic data. Anyone with a diagnosis of PSP or CBD can take part in this arm of the study and you can give your blood sample at your local GP surgery.
Read about some of the findings PROSPECT has achieved so far, in our research achievements section.
The ExPRESS Study
Whilst the important work in the PROSPECT Study continues, in July 2023 news broke of further mapping work being conducted in the UK.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research announced an amazing £14 million investment into rare disease research.
As part of this investment, PSPA is pleased to see Professor Huw Morris at University College London has been awarded a grant to continue important work of mapping the journey of people with atypical parkinsonian disorders, which was started by the PROSPECT study. The Early Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson’s Plus Related Syndromes (ExPRESS) led by University College London, began in 2023 and aims to recruit 500 participants by 2028.
The purpose of the ExPRESS study is to improve the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s and Parkinson Plus conditions and improve the accuracy of both their diagnosis and prognosis.
The ExPRESS study team are looking for people who:
- Have been referred to clinic due to symptoms related to movement/walking, speech and language problems or autonomic symptoms.
- Will usually be suspected to have Parkinson’s or a related condition.
- Have not yet had a hospital appointment or have had their first appointment within the last year.
- Are 18 years or older.
What does ExPRESS involve?
- You will be invited to your nearest study centre to give consent and donate a blood sample.
- The blood sample will then be assessed for markers that may help identify Parkinson’s or other movement disorders.
- You will be asked to complete questionnaires and other optional assessments.
If you are interested in taking part please read the full advert here and to locate your nearest research site.
Interested in taking part in the PROSPECT or ExPRESS study?
If you are interested in taking part in either PROSPECT or ExPRESS please complete our ‘Expression of interest in research‘ form and your details will be sent to the study team. Alternatively you can contact the study coordinator below or the local site directly.
PROSPECT AND ExPRESS study coordinator
Riona Fumi
CONTACT US
For more information about our research activity, contact us on:
Tel: 01327 322418
