Sarah Wakeman - Parkinsons UK

Sarah, as well as being an excellent speaker, is a fund-raiser for Parkinson’s UK to which we have donated £2000.  She gave us a very clear presentation on the activities of the group.  Their prime aim is to fund and increase the amount of research into the disease as it is generally felt they are not far from finding a cure.

At present they are funding 90 research projects spending £20million  per year.

There are around 127,000 people with Parkinson’s in the UK, but this is rising in incidence and not just with the ageing population.  Sarah felt the incidence was greater in farmers and screen printers leading her to wonder if it is caused by toxic chemicals.  It is generally not thought to be hereditary.

The Group also run support groups around the country and campaign for better awareness, fair access and give advice on Parkinson’s and the social difficulties it creates.

Unfortunately Parkinson’s medication has not changed for 25 years and it is difficult to take and does have many side effects.  These may be troublesome hallucinations or occasionally personality changes including compulsive behaviour such as gambling or stealing.

Her final plea was for volunteers to deliver talks like hers and they are also looking for brain donors – after death!
A warning to all – most people with Parkinson’s lose their sense of smell up to 10 years before they develop symptoms - but not all people who lose their sense of smell develop Parkinson’s!

An excellent and very informative talk which was helped by Alan’s comments on his troublesome symptoms which included anxiety.

We were also joined by our replacement ADG, Past District Governor, Martin Greaves.  Martin gave greetings from SEvern Vale and explained he was stepping in to replace Paul Kerrod, who  had to step down.

Martin with President Dave Threlfall.