Parkinson's disease affects youngsters too - MPDA President

She said in Malaysia, the disease could affect anyone, regardless of age and gender, including those in their 20's and 30s, and that men suffered more than women.

"However, one per cent of individuals over 60 years of age and three percent older than 80 have PD," she said at a news conference after announcing a collaboration between Quest Group of Companies and the MPDA to raise up to RM30,000 for the association here today.

Lew said based on unofficial statistics, the progressive disease had affected about 50,000 people in Malaysia and the number was growing.

She said the most common symptoms of PD included uncontrolled tremors in the hands or feet, stiffness of the limbs, slowness of movement and difficulty with balance.

"The problem may become worse if left untreated or incorrectly treated.

Therefore, it is important to be diagnosed carefully by a neurologist to ensure that it is Parkinson's," added Lew, whose father had PD for 21 years before he passed away, four years ago.

She said PD was a progressive neurological disorder that attacked nerve cells in the brain. While there are treatment options, there is no cure currently.

"Whilst PD is still not curable, it can be treated with a number of medications to eliminate symptoms and help patients live as normally as possible," she said.

Lew urged those with PD to remain positive in their outlook in life, be active in their social life and at the same time, not forget to exercise for their physical well-being.

Some of the well-known names with Parkinson's are former world boxing champion Muhammad Ali, Hollywood actor Michael J. Fox and more recently, the late Robin Williams, also Hollywood actor.