Goulmima - Parkinson’s disease is a widespread condition whose symptoms start to show between the ages of 40 and 60.
The chances of developing the disease increase with age. It is caused by the death of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra, which is a region in the midbrain that maintains balance of human body.
Most people suffering from the Parkinson Disease start to experience symptoms such as uncontrollable body shaking, slow movements, loss of balance, the disappearance of facial traits, speech difficulties, anxiety, depression, swallowing difficulties, constipation, and sleeping disorders.
April 11 is the International Day of Parkinson’s. Each year research reveals new shocking statistics on the number of people affected by the disease. In Morocco, statistics revealed that about 50,000 Moroccans suffer from Parkinson’s; internationally, one person out of every 1000 has it.
Most of the cases are discovered at a late stage, which makes it more difficult to treat, especially because medicine for this disease is very expensive. Nevertheless, the neurologist Dr. Ahmed Ashouri explained, “medicine alone is not enough and family’s psychological support is prerequisite at the different stages of the disease.”
He added that “people suffering from Parkinson tend to feel ashamed of their disease which makes it hard for them to cohabitate with their families.”
Edited by Melissa Smyth
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