A ROSSENDALE mother died after a nine-year battle with a rare neurological condition similar to Parkinson’s Disease, an inquest heard.

Barbara Powell, 63, of Caernarfon Road, Haslingden, was first diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration in 2005 following the death of her husband, East Lancashire Coroner’s Court was told.

Her daughter, Claire Smith, said in a statement that her mother had been ‘fit and active’ but she took the death of her partner ‘badly’.

Initially it was noticed she was having trouble with fastening buttons before her condition deteriorated and she was sent to see a neurologist at the Royal Preston Hospital.

Her diagnosis with corticobasal degeneration, otherwise known as CBD, eventually saw her give up her job and she was eventually bed-ridden by the condition.

Ms Smith said that the doctors never discussed life expectancy with her mother, as she didn’t want to be aware of such facts, but she was given medication to ease muscle spasms caused by the disease.

The court was told that Mrs Powell did have one visit from a specialist Parkinson’s nurse but cancelled at least two appointments with her specialist, as she sought to maintain her independence.

But on January 12 this year, when carers came to attend to her at around 8.20pm, it was found she had passed away.

Consultant pathologist Dr Walid Salman said that while the medical cause of her death could not be directly ascertained, he believed it could be attributed to ‘Parkinsonism’ and the progress of her condition.

Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.