Parkinson’s disease may be not one but several conditions, an expert has said as an awareness week is launched.
Research has found differences in the brains of patients backing up concern about the wide-ranging symptoms, according to Professor Peter Jenner, of King’s College London.
He set out his theory in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease ahead of the launch of Parkinson’s Awareness Week.
Professor Jenner said there was growing evidence of genetic differences causing different kinds of disease.
He said there was a continuing discussion about how the disease is defined.
As well as the most well-known symptom of the disease, the shakes, victims can suffer from stiffness, slurred speech and a range of mental health problems.
He said: "In the future, recognising different types of Parkinson’s may help us move towards ‘patient specific medicine’, where treatments can be tailored to the individual".
Parkinson’s UK is meanwhile using the week to highlight discrimination against people with the condition.
It says 40% of sufferers report experiencing some kind of discrimination or misunderstanding monthly.
Chief executive Steve Ford said: "Time and again people with Parkinson’s have to fight against the old stereotype that the condition is just a tremor."
Journal of Parkinson’s Disease 11 April 2013
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