Parkinson's UK

"I decided to ride 350 miles through Wales as I wanted a really tough challenge that would take around 5 days so that I could share our story and people would hopefully be engaged by it." Eilish Gilbert age 28, took on an amazing cycle challenge to raise funds for Parkinson's UK. She cycled off road a total of 350 miles in August from north to south Wales. "Things at home had been more difficult over the last 12 months prior to the challenge due to Dad’s Parkinson's and I felt frustrated and upset by it. I felt that there was a lack of understanding of Parkinson’s in the community as there had been several occasions where people had either looked at Dad oddly, as if he was drunk, and even close family members didn’t understand the disease and hadn’t a clue as to what he deals with every day and also what Mum and we as a family are going through." "I hope that Parkinson’s UK can use the money for further research into medicines to enable those with the disease to have a better quality life. I also hope the money will be used to help support loved ones (for example the spouse) of those with the disease. And obviously, it would be nice to think that fundraising will help find a cure in the future."

"It is crucial that we discover a cure, which requires significant funding for research. This way, if we cannot find an immediate cure, we can at least pave the way for future generations." Jagdeep has been living with Parkinson's since 2021. Since his diagnosis, Jagdeep has dedicated his time to raising awareness of Parkinson's and supporting others with the condition. This includes creating a boxing class specifically for people with Parkinson’s. Jagdeep always champions the work of Parkinson’s UK and never says no when asked to speak at an event, or to join us in raising awareness and vital funds. In September, he will embark on a 150-mile trek in Nepal around the Annapurna Masif (Circuit). He is set to trek to altitudes of up to 6000m, visiting Thorung La Pass, Annapurna Base Camp, High Camp and much more, and is hoping to complete this in 21 days. Thank you so much, Jagdeep, for everything you do for the Parkinson’s community and wishing you the best of luck with your challenge. 👏 To follow Jagdeep on his journey, and for more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/eghevnRZ.

Today is Grief Awareness day. It's never easy to lose a loved one and with it comes a range of emotions, so we're bringing to you some useful contacts during a time of bereavement: The Befriending Network offers supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to anyone who is socially isolated. Carers UK has a website that has information on coping when caring ends. Care for the Family helps those facing family difficulties, including bereavement. The Child Bereavement Network offers support for bereaved children and young people, their parents and carers. The Cruse Bereavement Network offers help to bereaved people, whatever their age, nationality or belief as well as free counselling services. Hope Again is designed for young people by young people, to offer support after the death of a loved one. And Winston’s Wish is a child bereavement charity that helps young people readjust to life after the death of a parent or sibling. Additionally, you can always contact our free helpline for help and support: 0808 800 0303. For more information head to our website 👉 https://prksn.uk/4dDPPLd.

"I can still do lots of things I want, yes it can take a lot longer, and I may have to do them differently but there’s tons to enjoy." Suzi, who lives with Spina Bifida & Parkinson’s, is a three-time Paralympic Fencer - winning a bronze medal at the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games. After Suzi’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, she was prescribed medication which worked well for approximately five years, after this, she began to feel the impact of Parkinson’s and the effects it had on her independence which she has always highly valued. "To keep my independence. I now accept more help and support." Through therapy, she worked hard to reframe her way of thinking. Now she is much more focused on what she can do, rather than what she can no longer do. Suzi can now appreciate that retirement has enabled her to take on the role of listening volunteering at the Samaritans, she has since expanded her role to act as a mentor for new volunteers and is now a part of the Samaritans training team. This has helped her to rediscover a sense of real purpose and regain her independence.

Want our latest research news? 🔬 Find out what's happening with Parkinson's research, what we've been up to and studies looking for people to get involved and take part. Click to read the latest issue of Progress 👉🏾 https://prksn.uk/3T75Cd5

Meet Mabel, an avid supporter of Parkinson’s UK, who can’t wait for this year's Walkies for Parkinson’s. To celebrate International Dog Day we’re giving a shout out to Mabel, and all our other four legged friends, who support us in raising awareness and vital funds. If you and your fur baby would like to find out more about how you can take part in our paw-some 30 or fur-nomenal 60 walk options, then please visit: https://prksn.uk/4fTbY9R

A small study shows that adaptive deep brain stimulation is better than the standard version at controlling movement symptoms day and night for people with Parkinson’s. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco explored whether adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS) could improve movement symptoms for 4 people living with Parkinson’s when compared to standard DBS. Results show that adaptive DBS can respond to falling dopamine levels in the brain to better control symptoms around the clock. "Current DBS can be life changing and has the promise to be even more effective if it could be responsive to the needs of the individual. This research represents a major step towards this." Read the full story 👉🏼 https://prksn.uk/3Ma1dlQ

“My husband and father both have Parkinson’s. My husband was diagnosed at the age of 40, which was 4 years ago. My father was diagnosed 18 months ago. "As a qualified personal trainer and group class instructor, I thought I would put all my skills into hosting our very first Parkinson’s Games. A physical endurance competition where athletes compete in pairs. "We had 60 athletes complete 4 time capped workouts, to become our first ever winners. It was a huge success and raised £2,900! The feedback has been incredible, and I’m sure 2025 will be even better.” Thank you Jacquie Gee Fitness for organising 'The Parkinson’s Games', raising awareness and much needed funds for the Parkinson’s community. We’re incredibly touched by the event, and so grateful to everyone who took part to make it a success. Everyday we’re amazed at how incredible our community is, and all the wonderful things they get up too. From fitness events and challenges to bake sales and raffles, thank you 💙

If you have Parkinson's, you may find it more difficult to carry out everyday tasks. There is a variety of equipment that is available to help you to continue with tasks and activities more easily. Click here to find out what is available, how to get the equipment and what funding options are available to pay for it 👉 https://prksn.uk/3KGv04X

We’re incredibly grateful to Ryan Reynolds for raising awareness around Parkinson’s, including the lesser known symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Here are some tips about how you can support someone who experiences hallucinations or delusions, including looking after yourself, what you need to know about them, and the research and clinical trials taking place to further our understanding. Some people with Parkinson’s may experience hallucinations and delusions, and they’re more common in advanced Parkinson’s. A hallucination is when you see, hear or feel things that aren’t there. Delusions are unusual thoughts, beliefs or worries that aren’t based on reality. Typically when people with Parkinson’s experience these symptoms, it will be a side effect of their medication rather than a direct symptom of Parkinson’s. They can be frustrating or frightening for those living with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers. They can be treated and managed in different ways. Your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse can advise on how best to manage these symptoms and the distress they often cause. There are also some simple steps you can take to manage and reduce your hallucinations or delusions. This includes framing your experience in a positive way, checking for patterns in your symptoms, lifestyle changes, activities and exercise. We’re funding research to investigate whether CBD is an effective treatment for hallucinations and delusions. To find out more about this clinical trial and the research we’re undertaking, and for more information around hallucinations and delusions, please visit: https://prksn.uk/3X4oD2p