23 June 2004

Children discovering Parkinson's

Researchers at the University of Dundee are aiming to introduce Parkinson’s Disease to children so they can better understand their grandparents or neighbours who suffer from the condition at a Parkinson’s Awareness Day. Tomorrow’s event will be attended by a representative of the Lord Provost, people with Parkinson’s, their carers, professionals working in the field and members of the Parkinson’s Disease Society.

60 children from Caledonian Road Primary School in Perth will dress up in clothes whilst wearing ski gloves to find out how difficult it can be to do everyday tasks, such as dressing, when you have Parkinson’s disease. The special workshop that introduces children to these difficulties with movement and dexterity will take place this Thursday in the Woodland’s Hotel.

Tracey Oliver, organiser of the event and PhD student in Psychology at the University of Dundee explained: "It may seem unusual for children to be introduced to Parkinson’s but we are aiming to make the connection between what children learn about in school and the things that happen in real life. We are also hoping to inspire them in the field of research so they consider going on to higher education and doing research that will make a difference to people’s lives.

Bailie Ian Borthwick will attend the event to meet some local people with Parkinson’s disease who have been taking part in a pioneering research project at the University of Dundee to establish if Parkinson’s affects the brain and people’s language abilities as well as their movement.

The Deputy Lord Provost will meet the researchers, volunteers, members of the Parkinson’s Disease Society branches in Tayside and Fife, University of Dundee Vice Principal James Calderhead, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and Parkinson's nurses as well as representatives from Glaxo drug company.

All the participants will be invited to take part in the "shaky hand game" where a loop of wire has to be guided along a buzzed wire without touching it to demonstrate how difficult having a tremor is - a common symptom of Parkinson’s Disease. The children will also show the visitors how to play giant Jenga, removing blocks from a tower which requires manual dexterity and forward planning, both of which can be difficult for people with Parkinson’s Disease owing to the motor and cognitive symptoms of the condition.

By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk