Parkinson’s case study: ‘You think of this condition as something that affects old men’

OWEN O’Brien, 56, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his early 40s and has seen his condition gradually deteriorate ever since.

The father-of-three, who lives in Cumbernauld and works as a chauffeur, has already signed up to take part in the study.

He said: “It’s so long ago, that I don’t really remember exactly what the first signs were. I noticed a slight tremor when I picked up a spoon or cup of tea, but I didn’t know what it was.

“I went to my doctor, but he said I was too young to have Parkinson’s, as I was only 42 or 43.

“I finally got to see a specialist and he told me straight away. He said he could tell by my mannerisms, just from looking at me.

“I went for further tests and it was confirmed. I was sort of half expecting it, but it was still a shock. You think of Parkinson’s as something that affects old men.”

CHRIS MARSHALL