ParkinsonNL was nominated by Jan Damme.
Parkinson’s disease
Like many others, I experience first-hand what it means when you, or someone close to you, is confronted with an incurable disease. My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s years ago and even years before that time (in retrospect, 20 years ago) the symptoms already started. The disease creeps into your life and slowly makes everyday things more and more difficult with regards to the physical capabilities of your body but also your cognitive ability to process reality normally with very basic things such as arithmetics, language and your memory (with Parkinson’s you also have “Parkinson’s dementia”) and also less noticeable things such as impulsiveness and the ability to put things into perspective. Parkinson’s is ultimately a brain disease.
The disease is very recognizable in people with the well-known trembling muscles but less well-known are the people who mainly suffer from stiff muscles which makes movement increasingly difficult and combined with balance problems makes these Parkinson’s patients fall often, for example.
Parkinson’s cannot yet be cured, it is chronic and progressive. But there is no proof that you die faster from the condition. This means that you can grow old perfectly well while your quality of life steadily decreases. The impact is increasing for the patient, but certainly also for the partner, for example, who has to deal with a lot of intensive care that is not only physically but also mentally challenging. Depression, because patients are often too clear to know that things are going badly, and aggression, because the brain cannot apply social filters anymore and ultimately paranoia are a daily reality.
About ParkinsonNL
ParkinsonNL is an independent organization that raises funds for research, innovation and information. We are part of the Parkinson Alliance, a collaboration of organizations in the Netherlands that deal with Parkinson’s. This way we are always up to date with the latest knowledge and insights. And we spend our time and money on the right goals and topics. By working together, we achieve more in less time.
ParkinsonNL has a CBF recognition (Recognized Charity) and an ANBI status. It is also a member of “Goede Doelen Nederland”.
https://www.parkinson.nl/over-parkinson/
