Parkinson’s Awareness Week

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition characterised by a lack of dopamine in the brain caused by the death of nerve cells. While the underlying cause of the disease is unknown, genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute.

Parkinson’s UK is heading up a campaign to support research into the illness affecting approximately 127,000 people in the UK – that’s one in every 500 people.

Parkinson's is not fatal in and of itself however symptoms such as tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement typically worsen over time and often become debilitating. Parkinson's or Parkinsonism describes a number of related conditions that share these symptoms.

Non-motor indicators for Parkinson's can also include symptoms like depression/ anxiety, bladder/bladder difficulties and memory problems, the commonness of which can make diagnosis difficult.

Researchers need to make significant breakthroughs if the lives of people with Parkinson's are to improve, and the first step in achieving this is to spread awareness of the condition.  To get involved in the cause you can:

• Order a Parkinson's UK supporter pack
• Organise an event during Parkinson's Awareness Week
• Use the #UniteForParkinsons hashtag

See the following links for further information:

• European Parkinson's Disease Association
  
• Parkinson's Disease – NHS Choices

Dr Vasa Gnanapragasam, Clinical Director for Planned Care at Merton Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Much is unknown about Parkinson's disease. The disease affects each person differently with great variation in severity of symptoms and the order in which they appear."

"Treatment and appropriate care can allow people to manage symptoms and retain a degree of normality in their lives. "

The Merton Branch of Parkinson’s UK provides information, friendship and support to people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers.  The group also organises regular social events. 

The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the All Saints Centre at 7pm. 

For more information, contact Rahima Islam on 0344 225 3705, vc.south3@parkinsons.org.uk or click here. 

The South London Younger Parkinson’s Network provides a valuable support network for local people diagnosed with Parkinson’s at a young / working age.  The network arranges regular coffee meet ups, dance sessions and social evenings enabling people to meet other people in a similar position in their local area.  For more information, contact Sue Roberts at sue.roberts@slypn.org.uk or click here. 

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