Highlighting Huntington’s Disease research at The Walton Centre
By Dr Richie Paul Carreon, PhD, MCSP, FHEA
At The Walton Centre, we have been marking Huntington's Disease Awareness Month, with staff highlighting a growing programme of research aimed at improving care for people living with Huntington's disease (HD).
A central part of this work is the Neuroscience Research Centre's (NRC) long-standing involvement in Enroll-HD, a worldwide study that has been running locally since 2013. Led by Principal Investigator (PI) Dr Rhys Davies, alongside Deputy Investigator Dr Rosie Heartshorne and Associate PI Dr Paul Carreon, the study has recruited nearly 180 patients. Supported by study coordinator Jenni Burns and our research nurses, the study collects ongoing clinical and genetic data from participants, helping researchers better understand how the condition develops over time.
The Walton Centre works closely with a wide multidisciplinary network, including Huntington's Disease Association adviser Lucy Clarke, genetic counsellor Lisa McGrath, neuropsychiatry consultant Dr Afia Arun, and Cara Hearst with Integrated Neurology Nurses Team. This integrated approach reflects how care for HD is delivered across the Trust, combining clinical expertise with research to support patients and families.
In 2026, the team is set to expand its research activity further by joining HD-Clarity, a global initiative collecting cerebrospinal fluid, blood and plasma samples. The study aims to identify biomarkers that can improve diagnosis and track disease progression more precisely. Emma Campbell and Dr Farham Abdulla, LP practitioners will support this research alongside the clinical laboratory team.
Additional clinical trials are expected to open in summer 2026, offering patients access to emerging therapies. The NRC is also contributing to other HD studies including the Health ERND project, which is exploring how e-health platforms can make it easier for patients to access coordinated care across services.
Data generated at The Walton Centre feeds into national and international research networks, including NHS-linked rare disease collaborations. By contributing to shared datasets and clinical trials infrastructure, the centre helps ensure that patients in the UK are represented in research shaping future treatments. Findings from studies such as Enroll-HD and HD-Clarity are already informing trial design and guiding the development of new therapies.
Ultimately, this work supports a shift towards earlier diagnosis, more personalised care, and improved access to clinical trials within the NHS. For patients and families affected by Huntington's disease, research taking place here at The Walton Centre is helping translate scientific progress into practical improvements in patient care.