What is Parkinson's Disease and what are the symptoms?

The Chase star and comedian Paul Sinha has said he thinks ‘time is running out’ on his comedy career, as he struggles to perform amid his battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He recently told the RHLSTP podcast, ahead of his Edinburgh Fringe show, that despite the disease’s worsening symptoms he is determined to continue performing. 

The star went public with his diagnosis back in 2019.

After a two-year health battle, the 49-year-old announced his diagnosis on Twitter, saying: ‘I will fight this with every breath I have.’

Parkinson’s is a relatively common and serous disease, with, according to Parkinsons.org, two people in the UK being told every hour that they have the disease.

With that statistic in mind, it’s important to understand Parkinson’s Disease, along with its signs and symptoms.

What is Parkinson’s Disease and what are the symptoms?

Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative neurological condition which affects motor skills, and sometimes cognitive abilities and/or emotions.

The disease is caused by a reduction in the brain’s production of dopamine which happens as a result of there being a loss of nerve cells in the brain called the substantia nigra.

It’s not yet known what causes this loss of nerve cells, however we do know that dopamine is vital when it comes to regulating the body’s movement.

The NHS lists the three main symptoms of Parkinson’s as:

  • Slow movement
  • Inflexible and stiff muscles
  • Involuntary tremors of particular parts of the body

Someone with Parkinson’s can also develop other symptoms, such as:

  • Problems with memory
  • Problems with balance
  • Insomnia
  • Depression and anxiety
  • A loss of sense of smell

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Source: Read Full Article