Mood 'impact' on disease studied

Parkinson's is a neurological disease

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are seeking people with Parkinson's Disease to help explore how depression affects their symptoms.

The study will investigate the way mood impacts on the thinking processes of those with the disease and look at how this mood disorder can be treated.

Experts at the university believe that if they can treat the depression, it may slow down other symptoms.

Volunteers are asked to contact the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

Research psychologist Anthoula Lioni, who is involved in the study, said: "Depression is very common in people with PD and we believe that their problems with elaborate thinking processes - for example, how the brain processes abstract thought and controls inappropriate actions - may be due to major depression.

Ability test

"Previous research has shown that PD patients with major depression show significant decline in their thinking processes after a one-year period, compared with PD patients with minor, or no depression.

"If we can identify and treat depression, it may prevent or delay the appearance of these thinking process symptoms."

The team, based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, is seeking 20 people over the age of 45 and fluent in English to take part in the study.

Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire and carry out a short ability test.

Information given to researchers will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes.

Volunteers should contact Anthoula Lioni on 0131 537 6282 or 662 1692.