Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition which can effect peoples motor and non motor skills often resulting in shaking (tremors) and rigidity. The condition is caused by a loss of nerve cells within the brain resulting in a lack of the chemical dopamine (which is known to help with movement). Alongside the tremors and rigidity, sufferers may experience pain and depression.
The condition effects one in 500 people (approximately 120,000 people within the UK), may of these people are aged 50+ however 1 in 20 people are diagnosed under the age of 40.
The main symptoms (effecting approximately 70% of all sufferers) of Parkinson's are the tremors, which often begin within one hand whilst the muscles are relaxed but often spread down one side of the body over time. These tremors are uncontrollable but can be suppressed if the sufferer is active however, for example rolling a ball (or similar object) in the hand has been noted to reduce tremors.
Another common symptom is that of slowness of movement which can effect the way a person walks through to the way that they produce their facial expressions, which in turn reduces their ability to remain independent but also reduces their ability to communicate through the use of facial expressions (the combination of these symptoms can often lead to bouts of depression). Also many sufferers experience rigidity within their muscles which can often result in painful cramping of the muscles.
Alongside all of the physical symptoms many patients experience the introduction of mental health issues, such as dementia, memory problems, depression, anxiety and even hallucinations.
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