Local MP Mims Davies has pledged to help improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s on World Parkinson’s Day, Wednesday 11 April.
Parkinson’s affects 145,000 people in the UK, with one in 350 people in Eastleigh managing symptoms.
Given that numbers of people affected expected to increase by a fifth by 2025, Parkinson’s UK is aiming to change attitudes about Parkinson’s to make life better for everyone living with the condition.
Mims said:
“Every hour, two people in the UK are told they have Parkinson's – and yet those with Parkinson’s continue to face so many barriers, including being mistaken for being drunk, when out in public. I’ve had friends affected by this condition, which has really impacted upon their quality of life and the way they are perceived when they’re out and about.
“A recent a survey found that 32 per cent of people with Parkinson’s have been stared at in public and 11 per cent have been laughed at.
“Having spoken with affected constituents from our local area, it’s saddening to hear how serious symptoms such as tremors or slow movement continue to be so misunderstood.
“My office staff and I want to be better equipped to improve the lives of everyone affected by the condition in Eastleigh and better understand the issues faced by those who come to my advice surgery.”
Steve Ford, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, said:
“Lack of public understanding can make simple things like getting the bus, going to work, or even heading out to the pub with friends daunting for people with Parkinson's.
“That’s why one small action like signing up to learn more about the condition can have a big impact on people with Parkinson's. We look forward to seeing the difference Mims’ support can make for their constituents in Eastleigh.”