MP PATRICIA GIBSON UNITES FOR PARKINSON’S
North Ayrshire & Arran MP, Patricia Gibson, has pledged to support efforts to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s on World Parkinson’s Day (Wednesday 11 April).
The push for greater awareness is part of the charity’s activity to encourage people to Unite for Parkinson’s on World Parkinson’s Day, as a survey found that 32 per cent of people with Parkinson’s have been stared at in public and 11 per cent have been laughed at. In addition, 32 per cent of people do not feel that their symptoms are socially acceptable.
Parkinson’s affects 145,000 people in the UK, which is one in 350 people in North Ayrshire & Arran. With numbers of people affected expected to increase by a fifth by 2025, the charity is aiming to change attitudes about Parkinson’s to make life better for everyone living with the condition.
It is important that communities learn more about the progressive neurological condition, the complex symptoms people face, as well as how to recognise and best support constituents with Parkinson’s.
Patricia Gibson MP said: “It is shocking that people with Parkinson’s face so many barriers, including being mistaken for being drunk, when out in public.
“We all need to be better equipped to improve the lives of everyone affected by the condition and better understand the issues faced by those who live with Parkinson’s
Steve Ford, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, said:
“Lack of public understanding can make simple things like getting the bus, going to work, or even heading out to the pub with friends daunting for people with Parkinson's.
“That’s why the more people who learn more about the condition can have a big impact on people with Parkinson's.
ENDS
About Parkinson’s UK
Every hour, two people in the UK are told they have Parkinson's.
It affects 145,000 people in the UK - which is around one in 350 of the population.
Parkinson's is a degenerative neurological condition, for which there currently is no cure. The main symptoms of the condition are tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity.
Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.
For advice, information and support, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or call the free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
