Parkinson’s Awareness Week
April 10-16 2017
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:
See the following links for further information:
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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