JK Rowling boost for desperately needed neurological research.

Excellent news picked up in a few places today.  JK Rowling is putting £10m into a new neurology research centre in Edinburgh.  (Well, the new kitchen's finished, so what else would be next?)

 

As well as carrying out research into MS (Multiple Sclerosis), which affected her mother, the centre will also look into other degenerative neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Motor Neurone Disease.

 

Almost everyone has heard the figure that 1 in 3 of us will be affected by cancer, but it's much less known that 1 in 6 will be affected by a neurological condition.  Despite this massive need, funding for research and care is currently less than 10% of that of cancer research and care.  This means we're not nearly as far along in understanding or treating these conditions as we could – and in my view should- be.

We're fortunate in Aberdeen to have a specialist long-term care centre, but it too is over-subscribed and underfunded.  The only dedicated respite centre in Scotland is likely to be closed by the end of next year.

 

Hopefully, as well as providing valuable research, JK's donation will also inspire others to support neurological charities, and push for better neurological care.

Posted via email from mikemuses's posterous