Learning to live with Parkinson's

2:00pm Wednesday 30th July 2008

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PARKINSON’S has been a highly publicised disease but its symptoms are often ill understood.

The Parkinson’s Disease Society estimates that there are 385 people with Parkinson’s in the Swindon area.

This compares to 120,000 nationwide, or one in 500 of the general population.

Because Parkinson’s affects the part of the brain that controls our movements it impacts on activities we take for granted such as talking, walking, swallowing and writing.

The most common of symptom of the disease, which was discovered by James Parkinson in 1817, is shaking.

Despite being the most common symptom, 15 to 25 per cent of sufferers do not have any tremors at all.

As well as shaking, symptoms include slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.

After several years people with the disease may develop a shuffling walk without arm movement.

Beginning an activity may be difficult but once started people with Parkinson’s often move too fast and end up almost running.

Another common misconception is that Parkinson’s only affects the elderly.

Although the disease is more likely to strike those in late middle age it does also occur in younger people.

In recent years, an average of five to 10 per cent of newly diagnosed cases of Parkinson’s disease were found in people under the age of 40.

Younger patients don’t tend to suffer from walking or balance-related issues or have their thinking processes impaired as often as older patients, but they do often experience vibrations and involuntary movements.

Parkinson’s tends to develop gradually and it can be a number of months, or even years, before the symptoms become obvious enough for a person to consult a doctor.

It is not easy to diagnose Parkinson’s as there are no special tests that can prove whether or not someone has the condition.

Diagnosis is usually based on medical history and a clinical examination of the person. The symptoms of Parkinson’s can have other causes and laboratory tests and scans may be carried out to rule these out.

There is no cure but a lot can be done to relieve symptoms, particularly in the early stages.

The disease requires broad-based management including patient and family education, support group services, general wellness maintenance, physiotherapy, exercise, and nutrition.

For more information contact the Swindon branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society on 01793 728939 or go to www.parkinsons.org.uk.

Fans offer support

SWINDON Town fans have given messages of support following the news former manager Paul Sturrock has Parkinson’s Disease.

The current Plymouth Argyle boss has insisted his managerial career will not be hindered.

Mr Sturrock has lived with the condition for eight years, since his first spell with the south coast club.

He then managed two other clubs, before taking the reins of Swindon all the while keeping his condition under wraps. Fans on website Vital Swindon Town forum have shown continuing support and appreciation for their club’s former boss.

One town fan, APG_STFC, wrote: “Don’t think he’s the type to dwell on it, but just get on with life, and best wishes to him.

“He was one of the shrewdest managers I believe we have had at Swindon.”

Another wrote: “Awful news, horrible disease. Glad to see him manfully fighting it!”

Fan STFC_Gazza said: Luggy has had this for 8 years so I dare say he will be fine! All the best to Luggy!”

Mr Sturrock said: “There are all sorts of tablets you can take.

“They have a masking effect. At this minute, I’m on very mild tablets as far as the illness is concerned.

“As the specialist has told me, it’s a bog-standard version. It can be quite scary to watch some people who have Parkinson’s Disease, but I don’t have that kind of problem.

“I will stand by the success I have had as a manager so far, and I think it will continue.”

On November 7, 2006 Sturrock was confirmed as Swindon manager with Kevin Summerfield and John Blackley following him.

Sturrock’s first season in charge at Swindon was a great success.

Affectionately nicknamed ‘Luggy’, Town fans were at loss after his departure in 2007.

He left Swindon saying he hoped fans would appreciate the work he and his coaching staff had done to ensure the club was left in a better state than when he arrived.