Actor in UK hit series ‘Father Ted’ reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis

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Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 20 October 2015

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Irish acting legend Frank Kelly who played Father Jack in hit UK TV show ‘Father Ted’ has revealed that he has Parkinson’s disease.

Speaking to The Irish Sun, Kelly, 76, said that he may have had the condition for years but his daughter was the first one to notice the symptoms.

Kelly said: “I was shaving with my left hand with my right hand down by my side, which my daughter Fiona noticed was shaking. That was a very long time ago. No one ever noticed that little shake in my hand, I just got on with it.”

He has no plans of retiring and said: “A shaky hand certainly won’t stop me. I remain open to offers for work on stage and screen. I’m quite available and my mobile is always on”.

“I’m not going to let Parkinson’s beat me. I’m just not that kind of person”.

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Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

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Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

A saliva test carried out by doctors may be able to both diagnose Parkinson’s and detect the severity of the condition, according to a recent study published in medical journal ‘Neurological Sciences’. Several indicators of the development of Parkinson’s, including problems in the production of energy, can be easily detected in saliva. As part of the study, carried out by a team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, saliva samples were collected from 76 patients living with Parkinson’s, and 37 participants with good general health. They found that the saliva of those with Parkinson’s reflected evidence of alteration in neurotransmitters – chemical messengers that allow nerve cells to communicate. The researchers said the test “may highlight the characteristic changes in metabolite levels during the onset of Parkinson’s”.

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Actor in UK hit series ‘Father Ted’ reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis

News

Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 20 October 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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In my country

Telemedicine: how Sweden is reducing waiting times for Parkinson’s treatment

Special reports

The future generation of advanced therapies for Parkinson’s

Perspectives

Painter with Parkinson’s: John McLean shares some of his favourite works

Can awakening dormant neurons reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms?

Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

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Actor in UK hit series ‘Father Ted’ reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis

News

Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 20 October 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Share this story

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Related articles

In my country

Telemedicine: how Sweden is reducing waiting times for Parkinson’s treatment

Special reports

The future generation of advanced therapies for Parkinson’s

Perspectives

Painter with Parkinson’s: John McLean shares some of his favourite works

Can awakening dormant neurons reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms?

Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

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