Wrexham man highlights need for greater Parkinson’s awareness

A Wrexham man is calling for greater Parkinson’s awareness after new research revealed an “alarming lack of knowledge” about the neurological condition.

‘Change The Future: Preventing a Parkinson’s Pandemic’, released by Cure Parkinson’s – a leading organisation dedicated to finding a cure for the disease – found that only two of more that 40 symptoms are widely recognised by the British public (shaking 69 per cent and problems with balance 52 per cent).

According to the report, 38 per cent of people in Wales think that drugs are the only way to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s, but many people with Parkinson’s find that exercise helps alleviate their symptoms too.

For Wrexham resident Simon Bland, who has lived with Parkinson’s since 2018, cycling has helped him cope with his symptoms.

In 2022 Simon took on the Raid Alpine cycle challenge for Cure Parkinson’s, covering a distance of 770km and 18,000m ascent in just over six days, and this year he took on the iconic Mont Ventoux.

“It can be hard work keeping on top of Parkinson’s and some days are more challenging than others,” explained Simon.

“For me, it is typically stiffness, cramps, fatigue and muscle spasms, and exercise is a great tonic at alleviating the symptoms.”

The report also identified a widespread belief that the majority of people with Parkinson’s experience tremor or shaking.

While this symptom is fairly common, it is not necessarily an early warning symptom.

The research showed that the majority of symptoms remain hidden and public perception of what the condition means to those living with it is very different from the reality:

• 74% of people were not aware that depression, anxiety and pain can be potential signs or symptoms of Parkinson’s
• 83% were unaware sense of smell can be lost, a symptom which can appear years before other symptoms develop
• Two thirds (66%) were not aware that freezing or the temporary inability to move can also be a symptom
• 87% had no idea that a reduction in handwriting size could be a sign of the condition

The survey results also showed that 45% of UK adults believe the government should be doing more to fund the search for a cure.

Cure Parkinson’s is calling for urgent action, including the immediate allocation of £90m from central government to find a cure, more information and awareness to get more people joining trials and an urgent recruitment drive to get more scientists working on finding a cure.

“It’s important that we invest in Parkinson’s now,” said Will Cook, CEO of Cure Parkinson’s.

“This charity and our co-funders are leading a global charge to find a cure.

“We have directly funded or helped facilitate funding for over £100m of clinical trials to date.

“But this is not enough: now it is not science but funding availability that defines urgent progress.

“Our research should be a wake-up call to everyone that a pandemic is coming and the only way to truly avert it is to find a cure.”