Brain Health Day successfully united researchers, medical professionals, and the public for a day dedicated to brain health awareness and education. Supported by the ARUK North West Network, attendees had the opportunity to learn about brain diseases such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumours. 

Activities, stalls and health checks 

The day was filled with engaging activities, including discovery stalls showcasing groundbreaking research happening in Manchester, interactive brain games, and health check opportunities. Wendy Westoby, Heart Hero for Health Innovation North West, and a valued member of our PCPIE stroke group carried out atrial fibrillation checks using a Kardia ECG device. As a result, 9 advisory letters were issued, encouraging further investigations for better heart health.  

Attendees had the chance to meet and speak with researchers, ask questions and learn how they could contribute to ongoing research studies. Eileen Jones, Research Manager for the Stroke IMPaCT study which investigates the links between the immune system and cognitive decline after stroke, is looking for people who have not had a stroke to act as ‘control participants.’ On the day, five attendees met the criteria and signed up. If you’re interested in participating or want to learn more, you can sign up or find additional information here.   

 Left and middle: Eileen Jones, Research Manager for Stroke IMPaCT and Wendy Westoby, Heart Hero for Health Innovations North West with a brain health day attendee.    

The Natalie Kate Moss Trust  

The Natalie Kate Moss Trust, committed to preventing brain haemorrhages and funding innovative research, measured more than 50 people’s blood pressures. They educated participants about hypertension risks and provided valuable advice on lifestyle changes for prevention. 

Volunteers for NKMT and Director, Fiona Moss (Right) 

NF2 BioSolutions  

NF2 BioSolutions charity trustee and chief operating officer, Joanne Ward, PhD students Abigail Owen, Reygn Done and Jack Banks manned the NF2 stand sharing their research, raising awareness of NF2-related schwannomatosis and the charity’s work to End NF2. 

NF2 BioSolutions funded PhD Students Regyn Done (left) and Abigail Owen (middle). 

Parkinson’s Project film screening  

A highlight of the event was the special screening of “The Parkinson’s Project,” an inspiring film that follows British climber Chris Hamper as he navigates his Parkinson’s diagnosis through climbing. Sheffield filmmaker and director Jess James introduced the film and took part in a Q&A session with the audience along with Professor Perdita Barran, a researcher in our Parkinson’s theme, adding a personal touch to the screening. 

Professor Perdita Barran answering audience questions.  

Expert talks  

Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a series of insightful talks from leading experts in the field of brain health. Professor Monty Silverdale kicked off the discussions by exploring Manchester’s pivotal role in advancing Parkinson’s disease research and treatment. His talk highlighted both historical and current contributions to the field, emphasising the city’s significance in this area.  

Dr Claire Mitchell, a leading speech and language therapist, shared her expertise on stroke rehabilitation, discussing the latest research and treatments for speech and facial weakness after a stroke, providing insights into the progress being made in this critical area of recovery. 

Dr David Coope, an Academic Consultant in Neurosurgery at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, then took the stage to discuss brain tumours. His talk focused on the latest breakthroughs in brain tumour research and the cutting-edge treatments being developed in Manchester, offering hope and inspiration to those affected by this challenging condition and highlighting opportunities to be part of research as a healthy control in a current trial looking at the development of new tests to help diagnose brain and skull base tumours early.  

Bringing the day to a close, Dr Harry Pritchard spoke about how reduced blood flow in the brain in dementia affects overall brain health. He explained the ongoing research at The University of Manchester aimed at preventing these detrimental effects, shedding light on the innovative approaches being pursued to combat dementia.

Left to right: Monty Silverdale Claire Mitchell, David Coope and Harry Pritchard

Brain Health Day was a resounding success, bringing together people of all ages from across Manchester during Brain Awareness Week to learn, connect, and promote brain health research. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of Brain Health Day, including the ARUK North West Network, Dementia UK, Join Dementia Research, the students from the University of Manchester, the Manchester neuroimaging team, British Neuroscience Association, and colleagues from Manchester Metropolitan University and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.

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