Sixth World Brain Day focuses on Parkinson’s disease

The Neurology Association of South Africa (NASA) partnered with the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society to support the sixth annnual World Brain Day (July 22).

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects multiple regions of the brain and produces the most well-known symptoms of tremor, slowness, stiffness and problems with walking and balance.

Symptoms generally develop slowly over years. The cause remains largely unknown. Although there is no cure, many highly effective treatment options exist.

Joining more than 126 global organisations, NASA is committed to supporting WFN in advocating for improved patient care, education, and additional research for those living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.

According to Dr Patty Francis, NASA president, while the distinctive symptom of PD is shaking and slowness of movement, it also affects sleep and cognitive ability, causes pain, gastrointestinal issues and provokes anxiety and depression, reducing motivation and quality of life.

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Early diagnosis and access to effective treatment are vital in order to help patients find relief and enhance their quality of life.

“Parkinson’s affects more than seven million people around the globe – that’s nearly equivalent to the entire population of New York City,” explained Professor Tissa Wijerante, the World Brain Day chair. “Our goal is to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease and its impact on society in an effort to improve access to quality neurological care and life-changing treatments.”

According to Professor Wolfgang Grisold, the WFN’s secretary-general, more than one in four people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed.

“Many symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are poorly recognised and undertreated, which is detrimental for those living with the disease. There is a profound need for improved standards of care across the globe. Many African countries are also overburdened by Malaria, TB, HIV and other infectious outbreaks, like Ebola. Hence, very few facilities and resources are dedicated to non-communicable illnesses.

“Medication is only available to 12.5 per cent of Africans with PD compared to 79 per cent in Europe. Sixty per cent of Africans live off less than $2 a day and are unable to afford the necessary treatment themselves. Treatments range from medication to highly selective surgical procedures (deep brain stimulation) supported by physical therapy, exercise programmes, social and psychological support.”

Move Together to End Parkinson’s disease

To advocate for patients, World Brain Day is spreading awareness by asking people all over the world to Move Together to End Parkinson’s disease through the use of the hashtags #WorldBrainDay and #WBD2020.

“Brain health has never been more vital or relevant,” said WFN president Prof William Carroll. “When the world unites against this crippling movement disorder on World Brain Day, we will demonstrate the power of advocacy and awareness.”

Throughout the coming months, NASA will stand together with other organisations in asking patients, caregivers and loved ones around the globe to share their stories about Parkinson’s on social media, and will also be providing vital information on how to navigate Covid-19 while living with Parkinson’s.

“When we all move together, we raise the voices of those impacted while uniting the world in a mission to end Parkinson’s disease,” said Carroll. “The World Federation of Neurology?s World Brain Day aims to energise those with PD to drive research and improve standards of care and advocacy for the seven million people living with this disease today and those who will one day be diagnosed.”

10 fast facts

1. Parkinson’s disease affects more than seven million people around the globe.
2. More than one in four people living with Parkinson?s disease were initially misdiagnosed.
3. Many symptoms of Parkinson’s are still poorly recognised and undertreated.
4. In African countries there are far fewer neurologists when compared to high-income countries.
5. The World Health Organisation recommends at least one neurologist per 100 000 people.
6. About 270 million Africans live in countries where there are less than five neurologists per country.
7. Less than 50 per cent of Sub-Saharan African countries have a neurological society.
8. South Africa has a crude estimate of one neurology service provider per 400 000 population in South Africa.
9. Parkinson’s disease is a daily challenge faced by all ages and people, but mainly by the elderly.
10. South Africa still has a comprehensive medical system to treat Parkinson’s patients.

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