What is Parkinson's disease?

 

Parkinson's Disease, or PD as it is sometimes referred to, is a progressive, neurological condition. It is predominantly characterised by problems with body movements, known as ‘motor symptoms’ – the most identifiable, perhaps, being the Tremor. Other difficulties that are not related to movement can also occur, such as pain, sleep disturbance and depression - these are known as ‘non-motor symptoms’.

 

According to the Global Declaration for Parkinson’s Disease, 6.3 million people have Parkinson's worldwide, affecting all races and cultures. The age of onset is usually over 60, but it is estimated that one in ten people are diagnosed before the age of 50, with slightly more men than women affected.

 

In Malta it is estimated that around 1400 people have Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is life-altering, but it is not life-threatening.

 

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