Health

Des O’Connor: Star hid her progressive illness for three years before her death


A tribute to the primetime star who has topped theatrical bills globally, including over a thousand solo appearances at the London Palladium to be broadcast tonight on ITV, with many friends Famous and his admirers talk about the legacy he left behind. However, in an interview his wife Jodie Brooke Wilson gave after his death in 2020, revealed some shocking revelations about the star’s health prior to his passing.

During production, the star began noticing a tremor, but at the time didn’t think it was a sign of Parkinson’s disease.

“In one scene, he had to be put on a hot air balloon and taken to the sky. He has to be there for a bit,” Jodie continued.

“He remembers thinking it was weird, but never thinking it had anything to do with Parkinson’s disease.

“Des wants people to be uplifting talking to him, rather than thinking about his illness. It’s a very gradual thing.

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“He handled it and said, ‘Yes, I get it, but I’m going to keep taking the pills and keep smiling.’ That’s what he did: grab the tablets and keep smiling.”

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains that Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that results in shaking, stiffness, and difficulty walking, balance, and coordination.

Symptoms appear gradually over time and tend to get worse as the condition develops. Individuals may also notice that they experience changes in their behavior and memory.

The NIA goes on to explain that an obvious risk factor for the condition is age, with most people developing the disease around the age of 60, and 5 to 10 percent of others developing “onset” Parkinson’s disease. early” at the age of 50.

Key symptoms to look out for include:

  • Tremor (shaking) in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
  • Stiff limbs and torso
  • Slowness of movement
  • Impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls.

However, other symptoms can include depression, urinary problems, constipation, skin problems or sleep disruptions, all of which can easily be dismissed as normal effects. usually of the aging process.

People with Parkinson’s will often develop what is known as a ‘parkinsonian gait’ which consists of a tendency to lean forward, taking small quick steps while reducing the swinging motion of the arm. They may also have trouble starting or continuing movements.

It is important that people who notice these symptoms seek medical advice immediately, as treatment can be achieved – although there is no cure for the condition.

Similar to Des, the main treatments for Parkinson’s disease include medications, surgery, and supportive therapies that aim to help relieve symptoms and help the person cope with daily life.

Therapies such as physical therapy work to reduce muscle stiffness and joint pain through movement and exercise. This will not only improve fitness levels, but also make movement easier and improve walking ability and flexibility.

Speaking to Metro about Des’ diagnosis, Steve Ford, former chief executive of Parkinson’s UK, commented: “The news that Des O’Connor had been living with Parkinson’s disease for a few years before his death, must have been pretty clear. sure to inspire members of the Parkinson’s community.

“He shows that you don’t have to be defined or held back by a diagnosis. The fact that he continues to do what he loves, by entertaining us all and keeping his sense of humor throughout, is a reminder that although Parkinson’s disease can wreak havoc on our lives, live, but that’s not necessarily the case. “

Source: | This article first appeared on Express.co.uk



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