Summary
Laura Cockram, Head of Policy and Campaigning at Parkinson's UK, and regular blogger for the hub, shares with us what Parkinson's UK will be doing to support World Parkinson's Day.
Content
Not enough people understand what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s. They don’t know it’s a serious condition. They don’t realise that treatments are limited and that there is no cure.
That’s why on World Parkinson's Day (Monday 11 April 2022) we want to get the world talking about Parkinson’s.
Key facts about Parkinson’s you might not know
- Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.
- There are over 40 symptoms. From pain and stiffness, to problems with sleep and mental health. Everyone’s experience is different.
- Around 145,000 people in the UK are currently diagnosed with Parkinson's.
- 1 in 37 people today in the UK will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime.
- Every hour, 2 more people are diagnosed. That's around 18,000 people every year.
- Up to 40% of people with Parkinson’s experience depression and up to 31% experience anxiety at any one time.
- At any time, around 3 in 10 people with Parkinson's experience dementia.
This year, Parkinson’s UK is supporting two activities – Poems for Parkinson’s and Light Up Blue for Parkinson’s – chosen and led by a group of our dedicated and passionate volunteers:
Poems for Parkinson’s
Everyone with Parkinson’s, their carers and family has a story to tell about the condition. We are encouraging our community to write a limerick or five-line poem to share what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s. We want to tap into the creativity of the Parkinson’s community and share how the condition affects them, to improve awareness. Here are some examples from our Cherry Hill Parkinson's cafe on Teesside.
Parkinson's nights have hours to kill
Did I forget to take a pill?
Stand sit, Stand and sit,
Twirl around a little bit
FOR GOODNESS SAKE, KEEP STILL! JUST CHILL!
Saturday night and Strictly’s on telly
If I could dance I’d give it some welly
But my Parkinson’s shuffle
Has got me in a kerfuffle
And I’d end up like wobbly jelly
Light Up Blue for Parkinson’s
Iconic landmarks across the country have been lighting up blue to mark World Parkinson’s Day for several years.
Our volunteers are asking more iconic public buildings to light up, but also some of our community are also lighting up their own homes blue to mark the day. They’ll then share this on social media and tell their local press, to spread awareness of Parkinson’s.
How you can show your support for World Parkinson’s Day
- Light up blue at home or at work. Use this guide to find out more.
- Follow @ParkinsonsUK on Twitter and retweet any content we share on World Parkinson’s Day.
- Sign up to the Excellence Network newsletter for health and care professionals who want to work together to improve care for people living with Parkinson’s
Further blogs in the Parkinson's series
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