After more than 30 years in research, respiratory consultant Professor Andrew Bentley has swapped sides to take part in research himself.
Andrew was diagnosed with the neurological condition Parkinson’s disease in 2022 at the age of 60. From the start of his treatment, he informed his neurology team at Northern Care Alliance that he’d be willing to take part in studies if anything suitable was available.
So this year he started on the ASPro-PD study, which is investigating whether the drug Ambroxol can slow progression of motor symptoms such as tremor, stiffness and balance issues in Parkinson’s. Ambroxol is widely used in several countries in Europe for people with respiratory conditions to break down thick mucus and as a cough medicine. The study is to see if it can be re-purposed for therapeutic benefit in Parkinson’s disease.
As well as being hopeful that the treatment will improve care for people with Parkinson’s, Andrew says it has been fascinating to see research from a fresh perspective as a patient. “It feels very fulfilling – for years, I’ve been asking patients to take part in studies and this has given me a better understanding of what it entails from their perspective.
“As a doctor and researcher, it’s also important to see things from the patients’ point of view and to understand the commitment it requires and their reasons for taking part.”
Extra reassurance
The study, funded by the charity Cure Parkinson’s, will continue for six years and Andrew will need to visit regularly over 30 months. “It’s quite a large commitment,” he said, “but this sort of research is the way we can discover new treatments and also new uses for previously well known medications. It’s a sacrifice that’s well worth making.”
For many patients, the ongoing relationship with the research team, which includes principal investigator Professor Monty Silverdale, offers extra reassurance.
Andrew added: “If you’re being seen by the research team, it complements your routine clinical care and gives you an opportunity to highlight any clinical issues you have– it helps to provide that additional attention to detail and deliver high quality care. The team here have been fantastic and very supportive. They have answered any questions I’ve had fully and keep me informed with the progress of the study.”
For now, Andrew is fitting in his visits to Salford Royal alongside his own clinical work and research at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Although retirement is on the horizon, he promises it will be a very active one, with plenty of gardening with his wife Ruth, lots of time with their young grandchildren, travelling and regular exercise to help manage his symptoms.