What it's like to live with Parkinson's in your thirties

To mark Parkinson's Awareness Week (April 10-16), designer and writer Emma Lawton talks about her diagnosis at 29, and how it's affected her life as a young creative
Samantha J. Gross10 April 2017

For a disease that affects one in 500 people in UK, there's still an astounding lack of awareness surrounding Parkinson's.

To mark the beginning of Parkinson's Awareness Week (April 10-16), a new campaign reveals how little people know about the challenges those afflicted face while managing their illness. The progressive neurological condition is caused by the loss of cells in the brain, which reduces the amount of dopamine production.

The chemical affects functions like muscle control and balance, so the disease often triggers a tremor and slow, stiff movements. This can make everyday activities like eating and getting dressed difficult.

There is currently no cure for Parkinson's, but medication that works to restore dopamine levels is often used to manage symptoms. Other therapies include deep brain stimulation and physical therapy.

A common misconception of the disease is that it exclusively affects older people. While most people diagnosed over 50, young people can be diagnosed as well.

Advocate for the Parkinson's UK "We Won't Wait" campaign, designer and writer Emma Lawton, was diagnosed with the condition at just 29, after she went to see a physician with what she thought was a trapped nerve.

"I just want to live a normal life," she said. "I've got plans and aspirations for my future and I don't want to have to not do them. I have dreams like everyone else does, you know, like having a family and keeping my job."

The campaign fits in with how she sees her future with Parkinson's. "I won't wait," she said. "My life won't wait. I need a cure. I need a new treatment."

Watch the video above to hear Lawton's story.

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