LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali might be the public faces of Parkinson’s Disease but someone like Mark Pridgeon of Mineville, Nova Scotia can have a stronger affect on the everyday person with the illness.
 
Mark, 64, was diagnosed with the motor system disorder five years ago. Caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, Parkinson’s four primary symptoms are trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and impaired balance and co-ordination.
 

Those who think they have early onset can contact the Parkinson’s office by computer (www.parkinsonmaritimes.ca) or phone (1-800-663-2468). 
 
“Awareness is high on our list,” says Maritime Region board chair Rudy Knight. “The more information the public has about Parkinson's, the more they seem to be willing to support our cause."