Dad hopes for new drugs to treat Parkinson's

A father-of-three, who suffers from Parkinson’s, is backing a charity’s appeal to raise vital funds.

Mr Keith Warren, 48, of Newark, was diagnosed with the condition five years ago.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain.

Mr Warren is supporting Parkinson’s UK’s urgent appeal to raise money to support research into the condition, which was first recognised 200 years ago.

The campaign, We Won’t Wait, coincides with Parkinson’s Awareness Week, which runs until tomorrow.

Research will look at possible treatments and medication.

Some new drugs have been developed but there is no current medication to slow down or stop the onset of symptoms, which can include shaking, rigidity and difficulty walking.

The main drug sufferers rely on is called levodopa, which hasn’t changed in more than 50 years.

"A new treatment would make the world of difference to me."

Mr Warren said: “I have had real problems with taking Parkinson’s medication.

“I have tried several different drugs and found that while medication might control some of the symptoms that I now have, drugs dull my reactions, make me lethargic, irritable and anxious, and disconnected from life.

“My voice sounds sludgy, not great with the work I do.

“If I don’t take medication my symptoms return and it becomes difficult to cope with the stiffness.

“A new treatment would make the world of difference to me.

“The condition affects everything from your lifestyle to your career — Parkinson’s is damaging.

“There are around 127,000 people with Parkinson’s in the country but there are just 6,000 who are under the age of 50.

“I am in a bracket of a minority of young people and I really feel for the younger ones.”
Mr Warren is a motivational speaker and has often presented his story to members of Parkinson’s UK, as well as schoolchildren and businesses.

“I tell people when I am presenting that I have Parkinson’s so that it helps them understand what is happening when my hands are shaking and my voice is wobbly,” he said.

“The children are mostly engaged in what I am saying but some teachers can be fearful, which is just down to ignorance, but it is about educating people about this condition.”

Mr Warren continues to keep fit by exercising six days a week, which also helps with his general mood and mental well-being.

His exercise regime includes running, cycling and rowing in the gym.

He described how, despite being fit and a keen runner, he began to suspect something was wrong.

“I started to notice that my left hand felt useless but I could not work out why,” Mr Warren said.

“When my daughter was holding my hand while watching television she would often notice my hand tremoring, almost like it was vibrating.

“I am the father of three teenagers. It is my responsibility to provide for them and now my life has changed completely.

“After being diagnosed, I almost felt ashamed and a failure to them, although all three of them are supportive and help around the house if needed.

“Being self-employed as a motivational speaker, I had to stand in front of people and present.

“I was full of fear for the future — how was Parkinson’s going to affect my ability to earn a living?”

Mr Steve Ford, chief executive at Parkinson’s UK, said: “In the past 200 years we have made many strides forward, but people with Parkinson’s are still waiting for a treatment that can tackle the condition head on.”

To support the campaign visit parkinsons.org.uk