#UniteForParkinsons around the world

Global update

Author: Aurore GroultPublished: 2 May 2018

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The 11 April marked World Parkinson’s Day and the second #UniteForParkinsons campaign. From Africa to Asia, we take a look at how campaigners around the world marked the events

On World Parkinson’s Day the world came together to join the second ever #UniteForParkinsons campaign.

The campaign – launched by the European Parkinson’s Disease Association and Parkinson’s UK – was a huge success, connecting with 199 different countries across the globe. The special #UniteForParkinsons hashtag was also used over 17,000 times – more than double last year’s figure – and the campaign reached a total of 8 million people.

#UniteForParkinsons also received support from key policy makers around the world – including UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, Maltese president Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and European Union commissioner for research, science and innovation Carlos Moedas.

To support #UniteForParkinsons, and mark the day in general, campaigners from all corners of the world teamed up to raise awareness.

Dinner in Rome

The Parkinson’s Centre at the San Raffaele Pisana hospital in Rome, Italy, supported the campaign with a charity gala dinner. The event was attended by a variety of famous faces – such as actress Tosca D’Aquino and TV presenter Massimo Boldi – who enjoyed a charity auction with prizes including a football shirt signed by former Italian footballer Francesco Totti.

Unite for Parkinson's dinner in Rome

Dancing in Malaysia

The Malaysian Parkinson’s Disease Association and the University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre supported the campaign with a dance performance at a “Pause for Parkinson’s” themed event held at the hospital.

Exercise in Victoria

In Victoria, Australia, the Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital encouraged all staff to take part in an intensive exercise regime to support World Parkinson’s Day and #UniteForParkinsons.

Don vale Rehabilitation Hospital

Raising awareness in Pakistan

The Neurology Awareness and Research Foundation, Pakistan, and the Movement Disorder Society of Pakistan held a special walk on World Parkinson’s Day to raise awareness about the condition.

WPD Pakistan walk

Cricket in Dubai

In honour of World Parkinson’s Awareness Month, campaigners in Dubai participated in the VFS Tasheel and Movement Mantra Hold Indoor Cricket Tournament.

Dubai Cricket tournament

Education in Egypt

The Neurology Department at the Kasr Al Ainy University, Cairo, Egypt celebrated #UniteForParkinsons with an educational event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=NSjaGwSSgIA&app=desktop

For more information on the #UniteForParkinsons campaign please visit the EPDA website.

#UniteForParkinsons: the story so far

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EPDA signs new charter on workplace rights

The European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA) has signed the Dying to Work Charter – a pledge protecting the workplace rights of people with serious conditions. The charter – part of the Trade Union Congress’ wider Dying to Work campaign – has so far protected over half a million workers in the UK. The Dying to Work campaign group, chaired by MEP Rory Palmer, is calling on the European Union to amend its current legislation. The campaign is asking for serious conditions to be identified as a ‘protected characteristic’ – meaning employees would enjoy a protected period after diagnosis which would ensure the couldn’t be unfairly dismissed. Russell Patten, secretary general at the EPDA, said: “At the EPDA, we are committed to improving employment conditions, reducing stigma and ensuring accessibility to essential services for all people with Parkinson’s disease.” Image: Rory Palmer MEP (left) and Russell Patten, secretary general at the EPDA…

New wearable device could counteract gait

Scientists at the National University of Ireland Galway have created a wearable device that they believe will help people with Parkinson’s to walk more easily. The device, named cueStim, is worn around the waist and delivers fixed rhythmic sensory stimulation to the wearer. This will counteract ‘freezing of gait’ symptoms that are often experienced by people living with the condition. The scientists collaborated with professionals from UK medical board NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to test the device, and found that it significantly reduced the time taken for a person with Parkinson’s to complete walking tasks. Gearóid Ó Laighin, professor of electrical engineering at NUI Galway, said: “We are now seeking additional clinical partners to work with NUI Galway in carrying out a comprehensive long-term clinical evaluation of cueStim in enhancing the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease through a funded programme of research.”

Could robots replace animals in Parkinson’s medical trials?

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, are testing new treatments for Parkinson’s disease on robots. Academics at the university – who are collaborating with the International Institute for Neurosciences of Natal, Brazil – will use computer models of the human brain to simulate the effect medication has on people living with Parkinson’s. The study – which is the first of its kind – could lead to a major shift in the way that Parkinson’s treatments are tested in the future, and potentially put an end to animal testing. Dr Patricia A Vargas, the lead collaborator of the study said: “Our hope is two-fold – to reduce and replace animals in research, and to help and inform new therapies, treatments and even the cure for this debilitating disease.”

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#UniteForParkinsons around the world

Global update

Author: Aurore GroultPublished: 2 May 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Parkili: moving mountains for Parkinson’s

EPDA signs new charter on workplace rights

New wearable device could counteract gait

Could robots replace animals in Parkinson’s medical trials?

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#UniteForParkinsons around the world

Global update

Author: Aurore GroultPublished: 2 May 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Agenda

December 2016

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December 2015

Perspectives

Parkili: moving mountains for Parkinson’s

EPDA signs new charter on workplace rights

New wearable device could counteract gait

Could robots replace animals in Parkinson’s medical trials?

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