{"id":68863,"date":"2023-11-01T20:30:54","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T20:30:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celeband.com\/?p=68863"},"modified":"2023-11-01T20:30:54","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T20:30:54","slug":"parkinsons-signs-and-symptom-as-emmerdales-eric-pollard-character-receives-diagnosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celeband.com\/tv-movies\/parkinsons-signs-and-symptom-as-emmerdales-eric-pollard-character-receives-diagnosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Parkinsons signs and symptom as Emmerdales Eric Pollard character receives diagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the years, several of our favourite Emmerdale characters have battled with gruelling illnesses, with everything from vascular dementia and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, through to terminal cancer and schizophrenia.<\/p>\n

But the latest dales resident to sadly suffer a life-changing illness, is fan favourite Eric Pollard, who received a devastating diagnosis of Parkinson\u2019s disease in heartbreaking scenes which aired on Wednesday, 1 November.<\/p>\n

As regular viewers will know, Eric has been behaving a little oddly in recent weeks, with the truth finally emerging in emotional scenes as he tearfully confided in Mandy Dingle about what he had been going through, before sharing the news about his health with her.<\/p>\n

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Opening up about just how important the storyline is for viewers, show producer Laura Shaw commented: \u201cWhen Eric Pollard is diagnosed with Parkinson's, he's naturally very scared and unsure of what the condition means for his future. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe unique position of a show like Emmerdale means we can tell this story really authentically over a long period of time and we can really shine a light on what a diagnosis like this means and follow Pollard on his journey of learning to live with it. <\/p>\n

She then added: \u201cWorking closely with Parkinson's UK, who have been guiding us through every step of the way, we hope seeing Pollard's story helps to raise awareness of Parkinson\u2019s and show the day to day reality of those living with it, as well as the impact it can have on friends, family and the local community.\u201d<\/p>\n

But what exactly is Parkinson\u2019s disease and what are the symptoms of the illness?<\/b><\/p>\n

What is Parkinson\u2019s disease?<\/h3>\n

Parkinson\u2019s disease is a neurological condition, in which the brain becomes progressively damaged over many years.<\/p>\n

It affects around 153,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed with the life-changing illness.<\/p>\n

Typically, most people affected by the disease start to experience symptoms after the age of 50, although some people can also experience symptoms prior to the age of 40.<\/p>\n

Although the disease also affects both men and women, men are slightly more likely to get Parkinson\u2019s than women.<\/p>\n

What causes it?<\/h3>\n

Parkinson\u2019s is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain that produces dopamine, the substantia nigra.<\/p>\n

Dopamine is a vital chemical that helps the central nervous system to function, and is needed for everything from movement control and cognitive executive functions, right through to regulating emotional activity.<\/p>\n

Exactly what causes the loss of nerve cells is unclear, but most experts think that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is responsible.<\/p>\n

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What are the symptoms?<\/h3>\n

Like many diseases, Parkinson\u2019s doesn\u2019t just have one set of symptoms, with everybody\u2019s case being different – however there are several common symptoms that typically affect those living with the condition.<\/p>\n

The three main symptoms are:<\/p>\n