Parkinson’s Disease in Africa
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurological disorder (after Alzheimer’s) in the world, and it is currently the fastest growing — with cases across Africa expected to rise significantly in the coming years. With this projected increase comes an even greater need to address the lack of awareness, misconceptions and stigma surrounding PD in Africa.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease, or simply Parkinson’s, was described by Dr. James Parkinson, from London, in 1817; it is a chronic (lifelong) disease of the brain that slowly gets worse over time.
It mainly affects the substantia nigra – the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling movement. This affected region of the brain also plays a role in other important functions such as learning, behaviour, sleep, pain and memory. Parkinson’s may also affect other parts of the body such as the bowel, the bones and the eyes.
What causes Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s happens when the cells that produce the brain chemical, dopamine, stop working properly and die prematurely. Other chemicals in the brain are also involved. Researchers are not certain what causes this to happen, but they suspect that genetic factors (like gene mutations) and environmental factors (like exposure to toxic chemicals), in addition to the
ageing process, play an important role.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is characterised by motor symptoms (those that affect movement) and non-motor symptoms (those that do not affect
movement).
Who is at risk of getting Parkinson’s?
Increasing age is the biggest risk factor for developing Parkinson’s, and most people who get the disease are around 60 years or older.
Parkinson’s,however, is not a respecter of age, and people who are much younger can
get it as well.
Does Parkinson’s run in families?
Most people have what is called “idiopathic” Parkinson’s, meaning the cause is unknown. It is possible (although very uncommon) for people to pass Parkinson’s on to their children. However, specific genetic tests to
predict this are not available at this time.
Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation Dedicated In Lagos
The Adewumi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation officially opens its doors in memory of Dr. Adewumi Desalu, an accomplished engineer and inventor who lived courageously with Parkinson’s disease for a decade until his passing in 2019.
The inauguration ceremony began with praise and thanksgiving, marking the start of a new chapter in the fight against Parkinson’s in Africa. The foundation aims to provide awareness, education, and comprehensive support to people living with Parkinson’s disease—an often underreported condition across the continent.
Why Africans Misunderstand Parkinson’s Disease – Advocacy Groups
On World Parkinson’s Day, celebrated annually on April 11, the conversation centered around raising awareness and deepening understanding of Parkinson’s disease—an often misunderstood neurological condition. Joining the discussion were Omotola Thomas, founder and director of Parkinson’s Africa, speaking from London, and Monique De Salud, founding trustee of the Adewale De Salud Parkinson’s Foundation and CEO of Risk Watch Insurance Brokers Ltd., joining from Atlanta.
Parkinson’s Disease Awareness
This engaging radio segment on Wazobia FM brings together influential voices from the global Parkinson’s community to discuss Parkinson’s disease—its causes, symptoms, stigma, and management—while promoting awareness across Africa.
World Parkinson’s Day: Disease Survivors Seek Integrated Healthcare in Africa
Parkinson’s disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia Nigeria.
Nerve cells in this part of the brain are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine and any irregularities with this nerve cell can lead to involuntary body movement amongst others.
To create awareness and seek integrated health care, survivors and caregivers stage a walk in lagos, southwest Nigeria.