Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative condition in the elderly population. In Brazil, according to a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Development (47677), it is estimated that approximately 200 thousand people live with the disease, which is chronic and progressive due to the decrease in the neurotransmitter dopamine in the basal ganglia. The month of April is dedicated, in Brazil and around the world, to raising awareness about Parkinson's Disease, which can affect men and women, in most cases, from 50 years of age onwards. 

Next Monday, April 11th, patients, family members and health professionals from the municipality of Macaíba will participate in an event with the theme “Beyond Parkinson's”, promoted by the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD). Users of the ISD Parkinson's Clinic, in addition to their families, recorded video statements about living with the disease, prejudices and difficulties faced after the diagnosis and how they envision the future. The videos will be shown during the meeting. 

The objective is to show society that “parkinsonians” do not lose their identity, their past. Worldwide, according to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1% of people over 65 years of age have Parkinson's Disease. With the progressive aging of the population, these numbers are expected to increase in the coming years. 

Lectures with researchers Dr. Edgard Morya, manager of the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neurosciences (IIN-ELS); Hougelle Simplício, neurosurgeon; and Prof. Maria Elisa Pimentel Piemonte, who represents the Neuromat Support Network for Friends and People with Parkinson's Disease (Amparo). The in-person event is intended for guests. The general public will be able to follow it through the ISD YouTube Channel, starting at 8:30 am on April 11th.

“This event seeks to broaden our view of the capabilities of people with Parkinson’s and, with this, contribute to the movement of showing society how we can better embrace the difficulties and strengths of these people”, highlights Miliana Galvão, multi-professional psychologist preceptor at ISD .

Historic

Parkinson's disease is a condition that was first described in 1817 by the English doctor James Parkinson. According to the Brasil Parkinson Association (parkinson.org.br), is a neurological disease that affects a person's movements. It causes tremors, slowness of movement, muscle stiffness, imbalance, as well as changes in speech and writing.

It is not a fatal or contagious disease, it does not affect the memory or intellectual capacity of Parkinson's patients in the early stages. As the disease progresses, a person with Parkinson's may experience difficulties with executive functions (a type of cognitive function). There is also no evidence that it is hereditary. Despite scientific advances, it remains incurable, is progressive (variable in each patient) and its cause remains unknown to this day.

Parkinson's disease occurs due to the degeneration of cells located in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. These cells produce a substance called dopamine, which conducts nerve currents throughout the body. The lack or decrease in dopamine affects the patient's movements, causing the symptoms indicated above.

Healthy Aging

The Decade of Healthy Aging 2021-2030 is the main strategy to achieve and support actions to build a society for all ages. It builds on previous guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), including the WHO Global Strategy on Aging and Health, the United Nations International Plan of Action on Aging and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, which supports the actions of the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD).

In May 2020, the UN General Assembly declared 2021-2030 the Decade for Healthy Aging. This global initiative will consist of ten years of concerted, catalytic and sustained collaboration. Older people will be at the center of the plan, which will bring together governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, academia, media and the private sector to improve the lives of older people, their families and communities.

The implications of current demographic changes and the epidemiological transition are crucial for societies to be prepared to care for an aging population. In the Americas region, it is even more important, as population aging occurs rapidly with many misconceptions. Although people are living longer, this does not mean that they are living healthily and having their needs met.