PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurological
disorder, which is treated mainly with drug therapy. It
can affect all activities of a person’s life, including
talking, walking, swallowing, and writing. It occurs when
cells in the part of the brain that controls movement are
lost. These cells produce dopamine, a chemical messenger
that enables people to perform smooth co-ordinated movements.
It is not known why the cells that produce dopamine die.
Once 80% of these cells have been destroyed the symptoms
of Parkinson’s will occur. Symptoms include shaking,
muscle stiffness, and slowness of movement. There is no
known cure.
Approximately 120,000 people in the UK have Parkinson’s,
one in 500 of the general population. This increases to
one person in 100 over the age of 65 and one in 50 over
the age of 80.
10,000 people are diagnosed each year. Most people are
diagnosed over the age of 60, but it is estimated that one
in 20 are under 40 when diagnosed.
Each person with Parkinson’s is different, and the
ability to perform movements may differ from one day to
the next. Parkinson’s has a dramatic effect on a person’s
quality of life. It can affect everything they do, from
getting out of bed in the morning to hugging and kissing
a partner, or even being able to smile at them.
Drug treatment for Parkinson’s, to restore the level
of dopamine in the brain, is very effective initially. In
the long-term drug treatment results in severe side effects,
which can include confusion, hallucinations, and fluctuations
in the ability to perform movements.
Much more work is needed to help improve the treatment
offered to people with Parkinson’s.
Information Courtesy of:
Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS)
215 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London
SW1V 1EJ
NATIONAL PARKINSON’S FREEPHONE HELPLINE: 0808 800
0303 Monday to Friday 9.30am-5.30pm
email : helpline@parkinsons.org.uk
Administration
Tel: 020 7931 8080
Fax: 020 723 39908
email: enquiries@parkinsons.org.uk
For Further information visit the website
www.parkinsons.org.uk
