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PA & Sonia Sharma

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease as Jeremy Paxman steps down as host of University Challenge

TV presenter Jeremy Paxman is stepping down as host of University Challenge following his Parkinson's diagnosis.

The 73-year-old broadcaster will present his final edition of the BBC Two show on Monday at 8.30pm, ending his reign as the longest-serving current quizmaster on British TV. He has hosted the show, which pits students in teams of four against rival universities and colleges, since it was revived by the BBC in 1994.

In May 2021, Jeremy revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. As he hands over the reigns of University Challenge to Amol Rajan, here are some of the causes, symptoms and treatments for Parkinson's.

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What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, according to the NHS website.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS says there are three major symptoms, including 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 lack of sleep, excessive production of saliva and problems swallowing, causing malnutrition and dehydration.

What are the early signs?

Symptoms can start gradually, sometimes beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one part of the body. In the early stages, people may show little or no expression, and their arms may not swing when they walk.

Speech can also become soft or slurred, with the condition worsening over time.

What are the causes?

Some scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson's disease. It occurs after a person experiences loss of nerve cells in a part of their brain.

However, it is not known why the loss of nerve cells associated with the condition takes place but research is ongoing to identify potential causes. Scientists say genetics factors can increase a person's risk of developing the disease, and can therefore run in families.

Other factors attributed to causing the condition include environmental problems such as pollution, though such links are inconclusive, the NHS says.

How is it diagnosed?

No tests can conclusively show if a person has the disease, but doctors can make a diagnosis based on symptoms, medical history 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.

Can it be treated?

Although there is no cure, a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms. The main remedies include medication, exercise, therapy and surgery, which can help people in different ways.

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