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Parkinson Society Canada: Limbaugh's Comments on Michael J. Fox Indicate 'Lack of Awareness' |
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Written by Staff
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Friday, 27 October 2006 |
 As controversy swirls around Michael J. Fox's political ads and Rush Limbaugh's criticism of Fox, Parkinson Society Canada says the debate shows a lack of awareness about Parkinson's Disease.
"The Limbaugh comment on Michael J. Fox clearly indicates a lack of information and awareness of Parkinson's Disease," said Joyce Gordon, President and CEO, Parkinson Society Canada. "Parkinson's is a chronic, degenerative brain disease that affects every aspect of daily living for those with the disease and their families. The tremors and movement disorders associated with Parkinson's worsen with time. Many people are unaware of the devastating affects of Parkinson's."
At present there are no accurate figures of how many people in Canada have Parkinson's or how many are being diagnosed with the disease each year. Over 100,000 are estimated to have Parkinson's and half a million are affected by the disease. There are over 6.3 million worldwide who have been diagnosed with the disease. Gordon pointed out the need for more accurate numbers of how many people have Parkinson's in Canada as well as "much needed Research dollars to find a cure".
Next week, Parkinson Society Canada will be in Ottawa to make sure Parliamentarians know more about the disease and the impact it has, not just on the person with Parkinson's, but on entire families. Canadian researcher Jackalina Van Kampen, whose recent findings were published in The Journal of Neuroscience, will speak in Ottawa on November 2nd at the National Press Club on her five-year research project that proves brain cells can be encouraged to regenerate.
An aging population means more people will be diagnosed with the disease. With the current wait times to see a neurologist and a declining number of neurologists in Canada, people with Parkinson's are being underserved.
The average age of the onset of Parkinson's is 60 but it also affects people as young as 30 (Young Onset). Over time, people with Parkinson's are robbed of their independence. Many lose their ability to work and are forced to rely on disability benefits. The costs for individuals with Parkinson's increases dramatically as the disease progresses. |
