Imagine being unable to control your own body. In your mind, everything is exactly like it was; but your brain seems to have forgotten how to tell your body to do everyday tasks like tying up shoes or using a toothbrush.
This is how it feels to live with Parkinson’s. A real challenge for the 10 million people diagnosed with Parkinson’s around the world. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease – an illness that affects nerve cells in the brain. For those who live with these symptoms and for their families, Parkinson’s means much more than just physical symptoms: it also means a loss of their independence.
In order to raise awareness and help people not lose their self-esteem, people with Parkinson’s were invited to star on a video that shows them at their best, focusing on what they can do instead of what they cannot do: buttoning up shirts, putting on make-up, tying up shoes or even dancing and playing guitar. Simple everyday tasks alongside a cheerful, feel-good tune developed specially for the campaign. People suffering from Parkinson’s are always finding new ways to maintain a level of independence, for example electric toothbrushes are believed to be quite effective at helping people with mobility issues. Finding out what’s the best electric toothbrush model to have can be confusing, but looking at online reviews can sometimes help you to decide which one will be best.
António Portela, BIAL CEO, explains the positive tone of the campaign: “Parkinson’s can really change people’s lives, but it’s very important that they do not lose their self-esteem. That is why we wanted to counter the negative portraits of people with Parkinson’s and show everyone what they really can do. Hopefully, we can inspire and empower the millions of people living with Parkinson’s to never give up on their dignity. BIAL’s aim is to help the lives of people with Parkinson’s even if it’s to help with one small thing at a time.”
Other initiatives and health issues equally need awareness such as depression, drug use as a report by Essex Star recently found but with World Parkinsons Day around the corner, this needs support right now.
