Parkinson’s patients learn more about research with monkeys

People with Parkinson’s have had the opportunity to learn more about biomedical research on the condition, involving the use of monkeys, at an EARA-coordinated event in the Netherlands.

As part of the EARA Patient Discovery project, which was launched last year, Parkinson’s patients and their companions visited EARA member the Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), in Rijswijk, for a guided tour, presentations and practical demonstrations.

The participants heard from researchers about the work at BPRC into brain conditions, such as Parkinson’s, involving both monkeys and non-animal methods, and how the Centre follows strict ethical standards to ensure the 1,000 monkeys that are kept there are cared for in a proper and compassionate way.

There was a tour of the animal facilities and enclosures – both indoor and outdoor – where the visitors saw where the monkeys are housed, including a demonstration of how they are trained for various tasks.

There was also the chance to visit the laboratories to examine brain samples, used in research studies, to see at first-hand how some techniques, that were discussed in earlier talks, are employed in a practical setting.

Although some attendees of the BPRC event were initially uncertain about monkey research and what they were going to see, they left feeling overwhelmingly positive about how and why these animal studies are carried out.

In a survey after the visit, all respondents strongly agreed, or agreed, that the event was relevant to understanding the importance of monkeys to Parkinson’s research, that they felt comfortable with the demonstrations and viewing the labs and animal facilities, and that they gained more knowledge about animal research in general.

One person said: “I came in with some reservations, but all respect for how they do it here!" While another said in their survey response: “It was an enlightening, professional visit in a pleasant atmosphere.”

The positive outcome of the event builds on the success of the initial Patient Discovery launch last September, and paves the way for reaching and engaging more people with Parkinson’s and other conditions about the science behind their condition, and the role that animal research can play.

The event was held as part of the Open Week (24-28 June) for signatory institutions of the Dutch Transparency Agreement on animal research (TA) to organise different activities, including lab talks at EARA member Charles River Laboratories, with a tour and Q&A,to discuss and highlight animal research – BPRC is part of the TA.

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