Parkinson's UK

Across the globe, dedicated researchers are exploring every angle in the search for new treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s. We are currently funding 12 research projects through the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, including testing if an inflammation-busting molecule could stop the early causes of Parkinson's. Watch the video below to find out more about 4 of these pioneering projects. Will you help fund promising research this Christmas? 👉 https://prksn.uk/3Z48jzK

What's it like to take apomorphine? We learn more about the drug, and hear from Paul and Vicki about how it has helped them with movement symptoms during ‘off’ periods. Click to read the full story 👉🏻 https://prksn.uk/3ZwrqBp

"People often start by saying, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know whether you can help me, and I always say, ‘There’s no need to apologise.’" Steven and the Helpline team take hundreds of calls a month from people at all stages of their Parkinson’s journey. There’s no typical caller. Some are newly diagnosed and want to understand more about Parkinson’s before they start telling the people around them. "Most of all we give you time. We won’t leave you on your own." Our helpline team is there if you need us. You can reach them at 0808 800 0303 and our friendly team will offer as much support as they can. For more information 👉 https://prksn.uk/4gi9nWG

"My everyday care out of hospital is superb...that seemed to stop at the hospital door." Hear how Margot's, and her daughter Vicky's, lives were impacted when a lack of communication and understanding from hospital staff meant that she couldn't self administer her Parkinson's medication during a hospital stay. Find out more 👉🏼 https://prksn.uk/4gcYEwu

“The DBS has been amazing. It’s worked really well. I definitely know that it’s not a cure, but for the last 18 months I had a real honeymoon period where it did feel curative almost.” Two years ago, we followed Jo through her deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. From managing symptoms to remembering to charge her device, in this update, Jo tells us how DBS has changed her life, and the impact it's had on her Parkinson's.

"What does this all mean for me and my family?" Today we bring to you a topic on our forum where members of the community, both newly diagnosed and those who have been diagnosed for a long time, share their insights and experiences on their condition and how it might affect their family. Our forum is a place where members can ask questions and discuss the reality of Parkinson's, share personal journeys or aspects of one’s life living with Parkinson’s. Read more about the topic here 👉 https://prksn.uk/4eBiO21

“It showed me how much love and support I have. I couldn’t have come this far without the kindness of my friends and family.” A big thanks to Northallerton resident Leah Forster, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014, for raising an impressive £40,000 in support of Parkinson’s UK. Leah marked her 10-year milestone by hosting a fundraising party at a local hotel, generously supported by her family, friends, and the local business community. The event comes as one of many in Leah’s decade-long contribution to the Parkinson’s community, which has seen her host a number of fundraising activities, from zip-wire challenges to pub quizzes. Each fundraiser has been meaningful for her, yet she recalls her first-ever event, which raised over £8,000, as the most memorable, explaining how much love and support she received from it. Thank you once again to Leah who in addition to her fundraising, also actively participates in Parkinson’s UK’s support services. From joining local support groups to working with Parkinson’s UK staff on their quarterly magazine.

Parkinson's UK have followed Jo on her DBS journey for 2 years to film a series of candid videos of her experiences with deep brain stimulation. Here is a small glimpse into the final update of Jo's story which will be coming to our channels soon.

"Not every photo needs to be of publishable quality or look ‘professional’. Just aim to capture a moment." Mike Read has a life-long passion for nature photography and the outdoors. He tells us how getting into nature helps him manage his Parkinson’s. "Parkinson’s has certainly posed some challenges when I’m out photographing, especially my tremors. Sometimes, when I’m birdwatching, my hands shake, which can make it difficult to focus on the birds. "I now use Opticron Imagic binoculars, which are image stabilised, to minimise the impact of the motion from my tremor. "If you like your photos, then they’re good photos. Don’t compare yourself to others. Just be happy and set your own standards. Then you can enjoy taking photos for their own sake and the mental and physical benefits the process hopefully brings." Click to read the story 👉🏾 https://prksn.uk/4fUbVtU

The government has promised to create a 10 Year Health Plan to fix the NHS in England. The government asked what should be in its 10 Year Health Plan for England. The Parkinson's community has told them what needs to happen to improve healthcare. Read our response to the government’s consultation on the future of the NHS in England 👉🏿 https://prksn.uk/3ONAWet