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So far Deborah Johnson has created 1517 blog entries.

3D micro brain models speed MS research

Tiny 3D models that mimic vital aspects of the human nervous system have been developed in a step that could accelerate drug research for neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The millimetre-wide models - created using stem cells from human skin samples - will be used to study myelin, an insulating substance that helps nerve cells communicate with each other. Researchers say the models are the most natural representation of human myelination developed in a lab and are a promising platform for studying neurological diseases and for testing drugs for conditions linked to myelin loss, including MS. Nerve cells are found in the brain and the spinal cord and connect to each other with branch-like links called axons, which have an insulating coat similar to electric cabling.  This insulating coat is called myelin, and it aids the electrical and chemical information flow between cells.

By |2024-07-04T17:43:21+01:004 May 2021|Multiple sclerosis|
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Opening date confirmed for Calvert Reconnections and Calvert Lakes

Two groundbreaking outdoor therapy centres to support people with brain injury and disabilities are opening their doors on June 21, it has been confirmed today. 

Calvert Reconnections, a neurorehabilitation centre which has developed a first-of-its-kind residential brain injury programme, is to open for the first time next month.  Based on the outskirts of Keswick in the Lake District, the centre’s opening has been eagerly awaited nationally - although has been delayed due to COVID-19 - with its combination of traditional clinical therapies with physical activity in the outdoors providing new possibilities in brain injury rehabilitation. 
By |2026-02-11T11:41:52+00:004 May 2021|Brain injury, Care & services, Inpatient neuro rehab|
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New type 2 diabetes link with dementia revealed

New research may help explain why people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop dementia.

The findings could help identify risk factors for dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and inform interventions to help prevent or delay the condition. The Imperial College London research emphasises the importance of carefully managing cardiometabolic factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels from the earliest stage.  The research, funded by Diabetes UK, analysed ‘cardiometabolic factors’ – such as blood pressure, blood sugars and cholesterol levels – in people with type 2 diabetes across two decades. The team identified changes in these factors during this period that were associated with developing dementia in later life.
By |2024-07-04T17:43:21+01:004 May 2021|Dementia|
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Brotherwood secures official recognition from Volkswagen

Wheelchair accessible vehicle specialists Brotherwood has secured official recognition from Volkswagen, building its long-standing relationship with the motor giant further.  

Brotherwood has been recognised as an official Volkswagen WAV convertor and integrated partner of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The business underwent a rigorously-auditing process by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to ensure that they comply with demanding engineering and quality control standards.  Brotherwood’s entire production process was examined, from design to build, and from delivery to ongoing support.
By |2026-02-12T12:19:46+00:0030 April 2021|News, Brotherwood|
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Achieving my ambitions – however long it takes

When Jessie Ace woke on her last day of university, unable to feel the whole left hand side of her body, her dreams of becoming an illustrator lay in tatters. 

Having already clinched a book deal, which had been her ambition since childhood, Jessie’s future career plans had seemed to be in the ascendancy.  But from that moment, and with her subsequent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the age of only 22, Jessie was forced to delay her ambitions - but was adamant she would never give up.  And now, eight years on, the determination and positivity which characterise Jessie’s everyday life have resulted in her publishing her first illustrated colouring book for children. 
By |2024-07-04T17:43:22+01:0030 April 2021|Multiple sclerosis, Patient stories|
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First UK patient recruited in landmark HD trial

The first UK participant has been recruited onto the new Proof HD trial into medication for people with Huntington’s disease. 

The PROOF-HD study will enrol up to 480 people with early-stage Huntington’s at around 60 sites across the US, Canada, and Europe. Aberdeen University has now engaged its first patient, spearheading efforts in Scotland and the wider UK in the landmark study.  PROOF-HD, sponsored by Prilenia Therapeutics, is a phase three clinical trial. It will investigate the drug pridopidine as a treatment for the disease. In contrast to some other treatments being investigated, participants are required to take a capsule orally twice a day.
By |2024-07-04T17:43:22+01:0029 April 2021|News|
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Specialist care centre marks first anniversary

Having opened a new purpose-built neurological care centre at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Lancashire were able to celebrate its first anniversary in rather less trying circumstances. 

The centre first opened its doors on April 20 last year, only weeks after national lockdown was imposed, to help bring much-needed specialist neurological care provision and relieve pressure on the NHS frontline.  While the centre - which had been in the planning for 15 years and was subject to an 18-month construction and development project - had initially anticipated welcoming patients later in the year, its speedily-delivered opening meant it was able to take neuro patients out of hospitals to begin their specialist rehabilitation at the earliest opportunity.  
By |2026-02-11T11:42:22+00:0029 April 2021|Inpatient neuro rehab, Care & services|
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Concussion and Alzheimer’s: further links established

Brain changes seen through concussion have close similarities with those seen in Alzheimer’s disease, new research has found. 

TBIs affect millions of people worldwide every year and are often followed by changes in brain structure and function and by cognitive problems such as memory deficits, impaired social function and difficulty with decision-making.  Although mild TBI — also known as concussion — is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, prior studies haven’t quantified the extent to which these conditions share patterns of neural degeneration in the brain.
By |2024-07-04T17:43:22+01:0028 April 2021|Brain injury|
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Women veterans seeking support quadruples during pandemic

An organisation established to support military veterans adapt to civilian life has seen its case load from women quadruple during the pandemic, with support now being offered on a global scale through its adoption of technology. 

Forward Assist has traditionally supported both male and female former service personnel in and around its native North East, although has made waves nationally through its campaigning work.  However, during the past year, its reach has extended exponentially through its use of virtual sessions, with its engagement with women growing particularly strongly. 
By |2024-07-04T17:43:22+01:0028 April 2021|News|
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Mobility after stroke – what options exist?

There are more than 100,000 new incidences of strokes in the UK each year - that is around one stroke every five minutes. 1.2 million people in the UK live with the after effects of stroke every day, making stroke one of the most resource-intensive indications faced by the NHS today, and a huge challenge for many years to come. The NHS and social care costs of stroke are around £1.7 billion a year in England. Therefore, stroke inevitably demands medical and therapy solutions founded on sound scientific principles, such as those provided by Ottobock.

By |2024-07-04T17:43:23+01:0028 April 2021|News, Stroke, Therapy|
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