Adeje council has marked World Parkinson’s Day, working to help those affected gain visibility for their condition and needs. Today the front of the Town Hall and the surrounding zones in the Plaza España will be lit in blue.
“This is a day to inform the public, make people aware of the needs and challenges of Parkinson’s, a condition that is prevalent even though many people are unaware of the realities”, commented Amada Trujillo Bencomo, the Adeje councillor for health.
Among the actions taken by the council was inviting the Tenerife Parkinson’s Association to run an information table on the steps of the Town Hall today, Monday April 11th, with personnel and material explaining what Parkinson’s is, how it affects people, and the work and assistance the association has been offering in Tenerife for over 20 years.
The association took the opportunity to invite the Adeje public to the first in a series of events, on May 12th in the CDTCA at 6pm. This will be a space where people can learn first-hand the impact this illness has on people, with testimonies from sufferers as well as other information parallel events. The evening is open to all members of the public and free.
The council has also voiced its support for a campaign titled (translated) ‘the other side of Parkinson’s’, an initiative of the association, in conjunction with national bodies, aiming to demystify the erroneous image of Parkinson, and discuss how to change the social stigma, prejudices and stereotyping.
Parkinson’s in Spain
Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance and co-ordination. Parkinson's symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. One five people are under 50 when they are diagnosed, but many never actually develop full symptoms.
‘The other side of Parkinson´s’ works to change the image that is generally perceived to reflect the illness, showing real people who are living with Parkinson’s in different circumstance, and with different symptoms. There are many young people who are diagnosed but continue with their lives as previously planned with no visible tremors nor movement issues. The campaign also focusses on the vital role carers play. More information (in Spanish) www.laotracaradelparkinson.org
