Star of the Chase Paul Sinha says he is “fighting as hard as ever” in his battle with Parkinson’s disease, a degemerative condition he was diagnosed with in 2019.
Paul will discuss his health on ITV's Loose Men on Thursday, where he will appear alongside Vernon Kay, Tommy Fury and Martin Kemp, reports The Mirror.
Paul said: “I have Parkinson’s. It is a tough call, and it will get tougher for me. In the years that I have ahead of me, I want to do my best to show that it doesn’t have to ruin your quality of life, and that you can fight against the stereotypes others have of you.
“For that reason, when I’m out and about, I try even harder to look my best. I want people to know that I am not vanishing, I’m still fighting as hard as ever.”
Paul said he was delighted that the show, on air as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. continued to smash taboos talking about men’s mental and physical health.
He said: “It’s important for everyone, not just men, to realise that however hard we try, we are not perfect, either physically or mentally.
“Traditionally, men have been discouraged to seek help, by believing that it’s a sign of weakness.
“But in all walks of life, a problem shared is a problem halved; or at the very least reduced. I hope that the message is getting through, but if it isn’t, I’d like to do my bit to help.”
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the motor system. It is named after Dr. James Parkinson, who first described the condition in 1817. Parkinson's disease gradually impairs the brain's ability to control movement, leading to a variety of symptoms.
The disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in a specific region of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that plays a crucial role in facilitating smooth, coordinated muscle movements. When dopamine levels decrease, it disrupts the communication between the brain and the body, resulting in the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.
The most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors (involuntary shaking or trembling), rigidity (stiffness and resistance to movement), bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability (balance problems). Other non-motor symptoms may also occur, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cognitive changes, and autonomic dysfunction.
Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive condition, meaning that symptoms worsen over time. However, the rate of progression can vary widely among individuals. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, treatments are available to manage its symptoms and improve quality of life. These treatments may include medication to increase dopamine levels in the brain, physical therapy to improve mobility and strength, and in some cases, surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation (DBS).
* Watch Loose Men on Thursday at 12.30pm on ITV1 & ITVX
