Parkinson’s UK

Creating awareness about this destructing condition

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. It can lead to a lot of can’ts.

Clare was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016. She had felt unwell for a number of months, and had noticed her handwriting had deteriorated. After having a fall and hurting her shoulder, she’d developed a mild tremor in her left arm.

“It was a huge shock to receive the news of my diagnosis. I knew about Parkinson’s because I am a trained specialist neuroscience nurse. But this didn’t necessarily make receiving the diagnosis any easier.”

Clare’s tremor is spreading which can make her feel clumsy. She also experiences dystonia, painful and uncontrollable muscle cramps, which can make her feel embarrassed.

“My Parkinson’s makes my world feel a little less broad. The pain is incredibly debilitating. It can impact on your enjoyment of life. It can ruin a day.

“A lot of people still have that very stereotypical impression of Parkinson’s. They have no idea about the anxiety, the lack of sleep, the hallucinations, the problems with sweating, the drooling.”

Clare can’t stand by. She knows that there is hope in research. That’s why she and her family take part in research trials to drive forward better treatments for Parkinson’s. And one day, a cure.

“A cure would mean everything to me. It would bring the light back into the world for me.

“Research is so important. And the more research that takes place the more understanding we’ll have about the condition. And the better placed we’ll be to make life as normal as possible for people with Parkinson’s.

“If we don’t put energy into finding a cure, then we won’t find one. We can all make a difference.”

Over the past 50 years, we’ve invested over £100m in ground-breaking research that can improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s.

From a world-first clinical trial to investigate whether cannabidiol (CBD) could treat hallucinations and delusions in Parkinson’s. To a pioneering study inspired by Joy Milne who can ‘smell’ Parkinson’s, which aims to diagnose the condition sooner.

Now, we’re funding Dr Kirsty Bannister’s research into pain that could see personal pain profiles become part of NHS practice. which could make a huge difference in future for someone like Clare.

Your gift can bring us closer to major breakthroughs. Together, we can keep pushing. Donate now.

Visit the Parkinsons UK Website

Helpline 0808 800 0303