Local Parkinson’s Disease sufferers often ‘mistaken for being drunk’

PEOPLE suffering from Parkinson’s disease commonly encounter a range of reactions to their condition - from irritation at slowness at a supermarket till to being mistaken as a drunk.

Now the public in Ballymena and surrounding areas are being urged to show their support for people with Parkinson’s, and take some time to find out more about the condition, through an Information Stand for Parkinson’s Awareness Week.

The Information Stand is being held on Friday 19 April in The Tower Centre, Ballymena at 10.30 – 2.30pm to give local people the chance to find about the condition and what help is available locally.

This year’s Parkinson’s Awareness Week, which runs from 15-21 April, aims to change attitudes by highlighting the difficulties that people with Parkinson’s can face. The public is being asked to put themselves in the shoes of people with Parkinson’s by arming themselves with basic information about the condition.

Parkinson’s is a complex neurological condition, with varying symptoms which get worse over time. For some people having Parkinson’s can be a frustrating and isolating experience, and this can be compounded by a public lack of understanding of the condition.

Jimmy McClean, Chairman of the Ballymena Branch Parkinson’s UK said: “People with Parkinson’s often tell us they have to deal with daily discrimination in public. From being tutted at for moving slowly at a supermarket till, to being mistaken for being drunk – the attitudes that people with Parkinson’s encounter can be almost as distressing as the condition itself.

“This event is a great opportunity to learn a little more about the condition, show your support and find out how Parkinson’s UK can help.”

For more information about Parkinson’s Awareness Week, visit parkinsons.org.uk. or contact Paula McLarnon on 0844 225 3684, or email [email protected]