People affected by Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s in South London are invited to a supportive, free information day on Saturday 11 March. The event is co-hosted by Parkinson’s UK, the MS Society and Alzheimer’s Society and welcomes anyone living, or caring for someone, with these neurological conditions.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and an estimated 13,000 people are living with the condition in Greater London. With more than 40 symptoms, it affects everyone differently. Meeting and sharing experiences of Parkinson’s can help people feel less isolated.
The Living Well with Parkinson’s, MS and Alzheimer’s event is free and open to everyone. Families from African and Caribbean communities are especially welcomed to access support and advice from local specialists and healthcare professionals. Experts will talk about the therapies on their doorstep, while people affected by the conditions will share their stories and practical tips for managing symptoms. The panel will also give insights on the ways Parkinson’s, MS and Alzheimer’s can impact black and Asian people, whose experiences are often underrepresented in support services and research.
Linda E, model and presenter, is on the panel. She has first-hand experience of caring for a parent with Parkinson’s.
“When my dad Stanley got his diagnosis, there weren’t really any other friends or people of my background that I could look up to and speak to about it. I couldn’t see anyone that was going through it from my heritage. It’s brilliant that this event is happening in Brixton for families like mine. When you are dealing with the daily struggles and symptoms of Parkinson’s, it’s vital to get practical support from local professionals and make social connections.”
Liz Nash, Research Support Network Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said:
“We’re delighted to team up with the MS Society and Alzheimer’s Society at this South London event. There may be people living with Parkinson’s in the local community who struggle to get advice and support. We can connect them to specialists and healthcare professionals, and showcase some great activities that can help them to manage their symptoms and even make friends. For some people these events are the first time they have ever met anyone else with Parkinson’s, or talked about it.”
“We’d love to get guests interested in research, too. Parkinson’s 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 appropriate for, or available to, everyone. We need to involve, include and represent everyone in the Parkinson’s community for this to change. At Parkinson’s UK, our Race Equality in Research project is addressing this head-on. We will explain what Parkinson’s research entails, and how everyone’s experiences are vital in finding effective treatments for themselves, for their loved ones and their community.”
Sam Walker, Executive Director of Services and Support at the MS Society, said:
“It is estimated that over 17,000 people are living with MS in London alone. MS damages nerves in your body and makes it harder to do everyday things like walk, talk, eat and think. Events like this are crucial in helping us to reach more people in the MS community, bringing them together to share experiences and hear what services are available in London.
“MS is relentless, painful and disabling and we’re here to make life better for everyone living with the condition through research, campaigning and support. People attending the event will be able to learn about skills and strategies to manage the challenges that MS brings and find out more about life-changing MS research projects that are currently taking place.”
