People living with Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s in South London are invited to a supportive and free Information Day on Saturday 11th March. The event is co-organized by the British Parkinson’s Disease Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society and Alzheimer’s Association and welcomes all who have or are caring for someone with these neurological conditions.
Parkinson’s disease is the most rapidly progressing neurological disease in the world, with an estimated 13,000 people living with it in Greater London. It has over 40 symptoms and affects everyone differently. Encountering and sharing experiences with Parkinson’s disease can help you feel less isolated.
Living Well with Parkinson’s, MS and Alzheimer’s events are free and open to all. Families in African and Caribbean communities are especially welcome to access support and advice from local and medical professionals. The panel will discuss how Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s affect Black and Asian people It also provides insight. Their experience is often underestimated in support services and research.
Model and presenter Linda E joins the panel. She has experience caring for a parent with Parkinson’s disease.
“When my father Stanley got his diagnosis, there really weren’t any other friends or people from my background that I could look up to and talk about it with. It didn’t even look like it.It’s great that this event is being held in Brixton for a family like mine.When dealing with the daily struggles and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it’s great to see a local professional It is imperative to get practical support from and make social connections.”
Liz Nash, Research Support Network Manager, Parkinson’s UK, said:
“I am delighted to be teaming up with the MS Society and the Alzheimer’s Society for this South London event. We can connect them to specialists and health care professionals, and introduce them to some great activities that can help them manage their symptoms and make friends. It’s the first time I’ve met someone from the United States or talked about Parkinson’s disease.”
“We want our guests to be interested in our research too. Parkinson’s disease affects people of all ethnicities across the UK, but we know that this diversity is not reflected in Parkinson’s research.” This lack of representation means that new treatments may not be suitable or available to everyone. We need to be involved, engaged and represented.In Parkinson’s UK, our Racial Equality in Research project tackles this issue head-on.What Parkinson’s research entails and how we ourselves It explains how everyone’s experience is critical to finding effective treatments for , loved ones and communities.”
Sam Walker, Executive Director of Services and Support, MS Society, said:
“In London alone, it is estimated that more than 17,000 people are living with multiple sclerosis. MS damages nerves in the body, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as walking, speaking, eating and thinking. Events like this are very important to reach out to more people in the MS community, bring them together to share their experiences and hear about the services available in London.
“Multiple sclerosis is constant, painful and disabling. Through research, campaigns and support, we are here to make life better for everyone living with the condition. Those attending the event will be able to learn skills and strategies for addressing the challenges posed by multiple sclerosis and learn more about our ongoing life-changing multiple sclerosis research projects.”
