Steve McCabe MP is backing Parkinson’s UK Parkinson’s Is campaign, which launches on World Parkinson’s Day (11 April). It aims to shatter public misconceptions about the condition by highlighting the reality of everyday life for those living with it and their families.
Parkinson’s is a serious neurological condition with more than 40 symptoms that affects people of all ages. It causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. Currently there is no cure.
But according to recent research from Parkinson’s UK, 8 in 10 people with Parkinson’s believe that awareness and understanding is low because people don’t consider it to be a serious condition – and only associate it with one symptom – a tremor.
Currently 145,000 people in the UK are living with the condition. By 2025 the number of people with Parkinson’s will rise by nearly a fifth to 168,582 and by 2065 it is expected to have doubled, due to an ageing population. Parkinson’s not only affects those with the condition but also has a significant impact on family, friends and carers.
Parkinson’s UK is urging people to visit its website www.parkinsons.org.uk/parkinsons-is to learn more about the condition
Steve said:
“The number of people suffering with Parkinson’s is rising however there are still are large number of misconceptions about the condition. Parkinson’s Is campaign helps raise awareness about symptoms and the daily lives of those suffering with Parkinson’s. I am proud to support Parkinson’s UK’s goal to end the stigma and shine light on the common misconceptions people have about Parkinson’s”
Steve Ford, Parkinson’s UK Chief Executive, said: “Despite the fact that Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s, many people still don’t understand what Parkinson’s is or how it affects people.
“We hope our new Parkinson’s Is campaign which sees people across the UK share how the condition affects their lives will raise awareness and help correct public misconceptions about this much misunderstood condition.
“We’re grateful for the support of Steve McCabe to help bring this message to a wider audience and help change the lives of thousands for the better.”
For more information about charity Parkinson’s UK’s new Parkinson’s Is campaign visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/parkinsons-is
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