High cost of living with Parkinson’s disease

Thousands of people in Scotland affected by Parkinson’s have to live with financial losses of more than £13,000 a year, according to researchers.

The Cost of Parkinson’s report by Sheffield Hallam University and the charity Parkinson’s UK shows a Scottish household loses about £257 per week because of reduced income and increased costs associated with the condition.

The research shows half of those diagnosed with the illness and a third of family members have reduced working hours or given up work entirely.

Households in Scotland affected by Parkinson’s experience a loss of income aver- aging £8,158 per year.

Around 11,000 people in Scotland are living with the incurable, degenerative neurological condition which can leave people struggling to walk, talk and sleep.

The report found most respondents with the disease had seen a decline in their health over the previous year, with two-thirds needing help with activities.

The charity is calling on the UK and Scottish governments to make changes to welfare support and increase social care investment.

Louise Buchanan, manager of the local adviser service at Parkinson’s UK in Scotland, said: “Anna’s story is all too common and this research shines a light on the full financial impact of Parkinson’s.