PARKINSON'S DISEASE: LASODA ADVOCATES EMPATHY, DEBUNKS MISCONCEPTION

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The General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal has urged members of the society to extend empathy to those with Parkinson’s disease, just as she emphasised the importance of dispelling myths and encouraging early medical intervention for improved quality of life.

She made the plea at the annual Parkinson’s disease symposium, tagged, “Educating, Engaging, and Empathizing: Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Parkinson’s Awareness and Care”. organised by the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at the Owukori Crescent Alaka Estate, Surulere- Lagos recently.

She added that Patients of the disease encounter Physical Struggles, Fatigue – which affects energy levels and motivation, Emotional and Psychological issues, Depression and Anxiety, Social Isolation – Stigma and misconceptions which often isolate patients from their communities and communication challenges.

The General Manager stated that it is important for stakeholders and policymakers in the disability community to focus on advocacy and organising discussions on the challenges of Parkinson’s disease and explore ways of educating the society on this health condition inorder to improve the quality of life of the people affected with the disease.

She expressed the belief that such proactive steps will ensure that challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson’s disease remains at the forefront of peoples collective consciousness.

She said, “We all must stand together as advocates for understanding, compassion, and inclusion. By fostering a society that embraces diversity, thereby uplifting those affected by Parkinson’s disease and create a more compassionate world

“It is crucial that every individual actively engages with this issue to dismantle the stigma faced by PD patients in our society and ensure adequate support to enhance their quality of life”.

While enjoining PD patients to seek professional guidance, which is extremely important to significantly improving their quality of life, she reiterated the mandate of LASODA to create a Lagos where inclusion and rights are enjoyed by people with special needs.

In her words, “For us at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, we will not relent in our Mandate of ensuring that the rights of PWDs are protected”.

Also speaking at the event, Founder and CEO of Wellpath physiotherapy and wellness Ltd, Mrs. Boroji Osindero call for more engagement and awareness at the community level. She said there should be more educational platforms set up to create awareness for members of the society to enlighten them.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves.