Mark Pawsey MP (right) presenting Dr Jeffrey Cotterill (left) PSP ‘red flags’ action poster in Central Surgery
Last week, Rugby and Bulkington MP Mark Pawsey presented Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Association’s (PSPA) ‘red flags’ action poster to a local GP surgery in support of PSP Awareness Week (16 to 22 May).
Mark visited Central Surgery in Rugby to discuss, and raise awareness of, this terminal degenerative condition with local GP Dr Jeffrey Cotterill. PSP is a neurological condition, similar to Parkinson’s, which is caused by the progressive death of nerve cells in the brain. Over time this leads to difficulties with balance, movement, vision, speech and swallowing.
Speaking after the meeting, Mark said:
“I was delighted that I was able to present Dr Cotterill with the PSPA’s ‘red flags’ action poster, which highlights the symptoms and warning signs of PSP. Due to the early symptoms of PSP resembling other neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, it is often difficult for GPs to identify symptoms of the condition.”
Mark continued:
“PSP is a very individual condition and symptoms can be experienced with varying degrees of severity and at different stages of progression. Early symptoms may include loss of balance, falls, stiffness and eye problems and like many other chronic conditions there is currently no cure for PSP.”
Mark concluded:
“Unlike other degenerative neurological conditions, PSP has a relatively short average life expectancy of seven years. That is why it is vital to raise awareness of this condition to encourage early diagnosis, so families can make the best use of the precious time they have available with a loved one.”