The cause of this disease is still unknown and a cure has yet to be found.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, affecting an estimated four million worldwide.

Parkinson’s disease deteriorates one’s nervous system over time affecting breathing, balance, movement and heart function.
It can affect anyone regardless of age or gender.

However, as Parkinson’s awareness month nears, Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation Chairperson Mavis Darling-Hill said the organisation will use the month of April to highlight the disease.

“We believe very strongly that education is key in trying to sensitise the populace regarding the illness and of course this outreach ensuring that members of our society who are stricken with the illness receive the necessary care, attention and live a life of dignity,” she said.

“Research is paramount in this whole game, without research we cannot do anything because right now we do not know the cause or the cure for Parkinson’s so it cannot be over emphasised, the necessity of getting research going.”

One of the foundation’s major sponsors for this year is senior partner of Sigma Management Bahamas Frank Forbes who said the foundation needs more support.

“There are many diseases that strike our families and friends and a lot of them have the support of the business community but Parkinson’s is one that doesn’t have that support so for me it is an honour to assist in getting the awareness of Parkinson’s and financial help. My company and I will gladly assist.”

The foundation has a number of activities planned for the month of April which include a walk-run competition at Montague Beach Park April 5 and gala ball at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort on April 26.

Proceeds from the events will go towards educating the country and funding research for a cure.

For more information about the foundation and it’s fund raising events you can visit kingdorparkinson.org.