This Parkinson's Awareness Week Caroline Dinenage MP has pledged her support for Parkinson's UK's 'We Won't Wait' fundraising campaign.
The charity's first ever public fundraising campaign aims to raise money to support vital research into the development of treatment options, enabling those affected by the disease to enjoy a better quality of life. Parkinson's Awareness Week runs from the 10th -16th of April, and World Parkinson's Day, which marks the birth of Doctor James Parkinson, is the 11th of April.
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disease which is thought to affect around 1 in every 500 people. It is estimated that 5, 600 people are currently living with the condition in the South East. Despite advances in treatment, available drugs don't currently stop, slow down or reverse the condition or its effects. Rather, they mask some symptoms for a limited time, and can have distressing side effects.
Research released by the charity has revealed an enduring lack of public awareness about the disease, with nearly 50% of people in the South East believing that it is possible to prevent Parkinson's. More than four in five people do not know that the amount of time Parkinson's medication works for is limited.
Commenting, Caroline said 'Parkinson's Awareness Week is an incredibly valuable initiative, which I am glad to be a part of. Parkinson's UK has been pioneering research into a cure for nearly 50 years, and I would urge everyone to get behind this important campaign, whether by donating, participating in local events, or sharing stories about how Parkinson's has affected you, a family member or a friend. Parkinson's is such a cruel disease, and those affected desperately need to see the progress that only cutting-edge research will deliver.'