What is Parkinson’s? As Michael J Fox makes surprise Baftas appearance

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Parkinson’s progressively damages parts of the brain over many years, leading to symptoms including involuntary shaking, stiff and inflexible muscles, and slow movement – making everyday tasks difficult and it can result in a distinctive slow, shuffling walk with very small steps, says the NHS website. The charity say it’s not yet known exactly why people get the condition, although research suggests a combination of age, genetic, and environmental factors lead to the dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain to die. Although Fox ws diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the very young age, most people with the condition start to develop symptoms when they’re over 50, according to the NHS. Fox founded the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000, and his website says it has raised more than $1.75 billion dollars and moved the field closer to a cure.