Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has made a personal appeal for people to mark World Parkinson’s Day this weekend by learning more about the condition.
People from across the UK are being urged to share their experiences and educate themselves about Parkinson’s this Saturday (April 11).
When Mr Duguid was a teenager, his grandfather died from the condition.
The MP for Banff and Buchan said: “Many people throughout Banff and Buchan understand the toll that Parkinson’s can take.
“My family are only too aware, from when my late grandfather died from the condition when I was a teenager.
“Since then, there have been many improvements in the understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s but there is always more that can be done.”
“That is why I am pleased to play a small part as a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Parkinson’s in the House of Commons.
“Parkinson’s not only affects those with the condition, but also has a significant impact on family, friends and carers.
“This World Parkinson’s Day, I’m raising awareness to support everyone impacted by this cruel condition.
“This support is particularly critical now with Parkinson’s making so many people more vulnerable in the current coronavirus outbreak.”
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure.
It affects around 145,000 people in the UK, including 12,184 in Scotland. With population growth and ageing, we estimate that this will increase by a fifth, to around 172,000 people in the UK, by 2030.
Parkinson’s UK estimates that there are more than 40 symptoms of the condition. As well as the most widely known symptom - tremor - these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia, but Parkinson’s affects everyone differently.
Gary Shaughnessy, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Parkinson’s UK, said: “People with Parkinson’s often tell us - and I know from my own experience of the condition - that a lack of understanding is one of the biggest challenges they face, leaving them open to harassment and discrimination when out in public.
“This World Parkinson’s Day, we’re encouraging members of the public to learn more about the condition by visiting our online platform and searching for the hashtag #knowparkinsons.
“Chances are, you know somebody affected by Parkinson’s. But do you know Parkinson’s?”
