We were delighted to welcome Frank McNally MP for Coatbridge and Bellshill, to the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh. Mr McNally was hosted by UK DRI Director Prof Siddharthan Chandran for a tour of our research labs and clinic to hear about our research and trials for motor neuron disease (MND).
During the visit Mr McNally met with scientists using expertise in a variety of approaches including working with zebra fish and human stem cells in the lab to understand how MND interrupts healthy brain systems to identify biological markers that signal brain changes and potential onset earlier.
Mr McNally also visited nursing staff at the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, where Prof Chandran is also Director, to see first-hand how the UK DRI’s research links directly to clinical practice. Mr McNally spoke to the team conducting the innovative MND-SMART clinical trial, led by UK DRI Group Leader Dr Suvankar Pal. MND-SMART is a first of its kind multi-stage, multi-arm trial for MND, testing multiple potential therapies at once enabling better access to potentially transformative therapies for people with MND.
Reflecting on the visit Frank McNally MP said:
“In Parliament, I have put questions directly to the Prime Minister and his ministerial colleagues about how government can support research into treatments and cures for MND.
The UK DRI is doing incredible research which could revolutionise the way that we diagnose, treat and care for people with neurodegenerative conditions, such as dementia and MND. It was inspiring to see the breadth of research from discovery and inception, through groundbreaking clinical trials and delivering person-centred care in the clinic with specialist MND nurses.
By supporting research institutions like UK DRI we can make sure Scotland is at the forefront of global life sciences, delivering for the economy and for people living with MND and dementia today. "
“It was a pleasure to host Frank McNally and showcase the breadth of our groundbreaking research, from fundamental discovery through to clinical application with innovative clinical trials.
As the UK's national research institute for dementia and related neurodegenerative conditions, it is important we demonstrate to policymakers how our research is leading transformative change that will lay the ground for predictive, preventative, and personalised treatment and care to ensure healthy brain ageing for all.”
Director & CEO