Parkinson’s disease news: Patients face ‘bleak future’ after no cure found in FIFTY years – Express.co.uk

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The condition - which affects around 127,000 people in the UK, can also cause hidden symptoms such as poor sleep, bladder or bowel problems, dementia and depression.

A charity has warned research into new treatments for Parkinson's disease is falling behind and in urgent need of extra funding.

Parkinsons UK said that without greater progress, patients with the progressive shaking disease face a 'bleak future'.

The main drug prescribed to people with Parkinson's, levodopa, has not changed in more than 50 years.

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The charity has launched its first public fundraising campaign as it marks 200 years since the disease was first identified by physician James Parkinson.

Although some of the symptoms of Parkinson's are treatable, currently there is nothing available that can halt or reverse the condition.

"In the past 200 years we have made many strides forward, but people with Parkinson's are still waiting for a treatment that can tackle the condition head on, said Steve Ford, chief executive of Parkinsons UK.

"Parkinson's can leave people struggling to walk, talk and sleep. Today, we say we won't wait any longer.

"That's why Parkinson's UK is spearheading, with the expertise of the research community and the support of those living with Parkinson's, the step change needed to deliver better treatments and a cure faster.

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Tremor - One of the most noticeable signs of Parkinson's is a tremor that often starts in the hands or fingers when they are relaxed

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That's the thing with Parkinson's, it varies day to day and people don't understand that.

Alison Ottaway

"But we can't do this alone. That's why we're urgently asking people to donate, in our first ever public fundraising campaign, whatever they can to support our vital work.

"We won't tolerate Parkinson's treatments falling behind."

Alison Ottaway, 50, a mother of one, from Guildford, Surrey, was diagnosed in 2006 the day before her fortieth birthday.

She said: "I take 15 tablets a day. Sometimes they work like clockwork, but I have had times when the medication stops working halfway between doses.

"That's the thing with Parkinson's, it varies day to day and people don't understand that.

"I experience stiffness, sometimes I can walk fine but other times I'll be crawling along the floor.

"Even simple things like holding a shopping bag can be impossible when the tablets are not working as effectively.

"When I'm having a good day people don't realise that the medication is masking a terrible condition and unfortunately, it can come for anyone.

"If there was the chance to reverse the progression of Parkinson's it would give me a second chance to live my life how I wanted to."

Parkinsons UKs We Wont Wait fundraising campaign will raise essential funds that will drive forward crucial developments in Parkinsons research.

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Parkinson's disease news: Patients face 'bleak future' after no cure found in FIFTY years - Express.co.uk