Parkinson's 'silent' warning signs as Jeremy Paxman leaves University Challenge
Jeremy Paxman will host University Challenge for the final time on Monday night after he decided to leave the show amid his devastating Parkinson's diagnosis.
The 73-year-old veteran broadcaster, who has been in the quizmaster's seat for a commendable 29 years, revealed he was diagnosed with the brain disorder in 2021.
At the time, he confirmed he had been receiving "excellent treatment" and that his symptoms "are currently mild".
Last year, after first fronting the quiz show in 1994, Paxman announced he would step down.
"No one is indispensable - it'll become obvious that there is something unusual about me, so I don't want to spoil it for them," Paxman admitted.
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As he passes the reigns to BBC's media editor, Amol Rajan, we take a look at some of the warning signs, causes, and treatments for Parkinson's...
Tonight will be Jeremy Paxman's final episode (PA)Parkinson's symptoms
Parkinson’s disease, which affects around 145,000 people in the UK, is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.
There are three major warning signs - tremors or shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.
Other symptoms include problems with balance, loss of smell, nerve pain, excessive sweating and dizziness.
Some people can also experience a lack of sleep, excessive production of saliva and problems swallowing - which can also cause malnutrition and dehydration.
Symptoms can start gradually, sometimes beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one part of the body, before worsening over time.
In the early stages, people may show little or no expression, their arms may not swing when they walk, while speech can also become soft or slurred.
Jeremy Paxman started presenting the quiz show in 1994, taking over from Bamber Gascoigne (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Causes
Some scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors can cause Parkinson’s disease.
It occurs after a person experiences loss of nerve cells in a part of their brain.
While it is not known why the loss of nerve cells associated with the condition takes place, research is ongoing to identify potential causes.
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Scientists say genetic factors can increase a person's risk of developing the disease, and can therefore it can run in families.
The NHS says other factors that can contribute to the condition include environmental problems such as pollution, however, such links are inconclusive.
There isn't a test that can conclusively confirm a person has the disease, therefore doctors can only diagnose patients on the basis of medical history, symptoms, and a physical examination.
A specialist will ask the person to write or draw, walk or speak to check for any common signs of the condition.
They may even check for difficulty making facial expressions and slowness of limb movement.
Paxman announced he had the brain disorder in 2021 (PA)
He said his symptoms were "mild" initially (BBC/ITV Studios/Rachel Joseph)Treatment
Although there is no cure, a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms.
These include medication, exercise, therapy and surgery, which can help people in different ways.
Medication can be helpful in improving the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as shaking and movement problems.
There are three main types which are commonly used, levodopa, dopamine agonist or a MAO-B inhibitor.
However the drugs do have some side effects, including impulsive and compulsive behaviour, hallucinations, sleep issues and blood pressure changes.
There are several therapies available to those with Parkinson’s through the NHS.
Among them are physiotherapy to reduce muscle stiffness, occupational therapy to help with completing day-to-day tasks and speech and language coaching.
Most people’s life expectancy will not change a great deal, though more advanced symptoms can lead to increased disability and poor health.
Those with Parkinson’s are encouraged to exercise more often, with scientists saying 2.5 hours of exercise a week is enough to slow the progression of symptoms.
Charity Parkinson’s UK warns that it is a legal requirement to contact the DVLA, as a diagnosed person will need to have a medical or driving assessment.
The organisation also advises people to contact any insurance providers and find out about financial support available.
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