DEBBIE Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, is marking World Parkinson’s Day on Saturday, April 11 as people across the UK come together to share their experiences by contributing to a map of stories.
Mrs Abrahams said: “Parkinson’s UK say that if you know 66 people, chances are you know someone affected by Parkinson’s.
“But, they ask us, do you know what Parkinson’s actually is and that there are over 40 symptoms?
“I know from speaking to people of the toll Parkinson’s can take. It not only affects those with the condition but also has a significant impact on family, friends and carers.
“This World Parkinson’s Day, I’m raising awareness in an effort to support everyone impacted by this cruel condition.”
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure.
It affects around 145,000 people in the UK. With population growth and ageing, it is estimated this will increase by a fifth, to around 172,000 people in the UK by 2030.
Parkinson’s UK estimates there are more than 40 symptoms of the condition. As well as the most widely known symptom – tremor – these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia.
Gary Shaughnessy, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Parkinson’s UK, said: “People with Parkinson’s often tell us, and I know from my own experience of the condition, that a lack of understanding is one of the biggest challenges they face, leaving them open to harassment and discrimination when out in public.
“This World Parkinson’s Day, we’re encouraging members of the public to learn more about the condition by visiting our online platform and searching for the hashtag #knowparkinsons.”
This year is the first time ever the World Parkinson’s Day activity has been designed by members of the community and brought to life with the support of Parkinson’s UK and Cure Parkinson’s Trust.
As part of their Know Parkinson’s? campaign, the community are launching a map of stories from all over the UK to help people get to know Parkinson’s.
It’s not just people living with Parkinson’s that are affected by it. In the UK, a million friends, families, neighbours, colleagues and researchers have stories to tell.
Visit the map of stories and sharing any that inspire you on your social channels.
Join Team Parkinson’s. And if you’re already a member, wear your blue brain badge.
Around age 60 I noticed that my handwriting was getting smaller and I was writing faster. I also noticed a small tremor in my right hand. The doctor went over my different symptoms and he suspected I’d either had a small stroke or the beginnings of Parkinson ‘s disease. After finding a neurologist and some testing I was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Parkinson’s disease. That was 4 years ago. I took Sinimet four times a day to control my symptoms, which include falling, imbalance, gait problems, swallowing difficulties, and slurring of speech, A year ago, I began to do a lot of research and came across Rich Herbal Gardens (ww w. richherbalgardens. c om) and their Parkinson’s HERBAL TREATMENT. After seeing positive reviews from other patients, I quickly started on the treatment, I experienced significant reduction/decline in major symptoms, including tremors, muscle weakness, speech problems, difficulty swallowing, balance problems, chronic fatigue and others, The truth is you can get off the drugs and help yourself by trying natural methods, i live symptoms free.
My Parkinson disease symptoms started at the age of 47. The fingers on my left hand were stiff and were difficult to move. People noticed that my walk was not normal. I was often asked if I was hurt. I noticed nothing different about my walk. It was difficult getting up from a chair and getting out of a car. I was diagnosed a year later ,it was the onset of tremors starting in my right hand that caused my other symptoms to be recognized as Parkinson’s.. I am now 59. With the new herbal medicine for Parkinson I purchased from Multivitamincare . org was my only way to get rid of my PD,the herbal formula effectively reversed my condition and alleviated all my symptoms, people are suffering from this Parkinson disease due to lack of information.