David Jensen has been talking about the hallucinations he sometimes has that are caused by Parkinson’s and has urged people to join a trial into a drug for the disease.
The Radio and TV presenter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011 and has revealed that hallucinations are a part of his life, including seeing a dog that doesn’t exist or bumping into someone on the stairs.
Now, David is taking part in a world-first clinical trial with Parkinson’s UK who have partnered with University College London. The pioneering phase 2 clinical trial, TOP HAT is investigating if the drug ondansetron is beneficial, safe and effective at alleviating hallucinations in people with Parkinson’s.
David, who is a Parkinson’s UK celebrity ambassador, is calling on those who have loved ones with these conditions to encourage them to consider taking part in this and other pioneering research.
He says that since being diagnosed, he’s found that Parkinson’s is a condition full of surprises.
“Although hallucinations aren’t something that most people identify with the condition, around three-quarters of people with Parkinson’s may experience them at some point,” says David.
“From going to pet a dog who doesn’t really exist while out walking, to ‘bumping into’ a strange figure on the stairs when I get up in the night, hallucinations are very much a part of my life. I count myself lucky that the mythical figures that appear before me are pretty friendly,” adds David.
David is part way through participating in the clinical trial, which he says, has left him feeling empowered and hopeful for future treatments for Parkinson’s.
You can find out more at the Parkinson’s UK website.
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk