Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world. In Portugal, there are around 20 thousand diagnosed cases. Of these, two to three thousand were detected early, before the age of 60. This was the case with Irina.
The first symptoms were not immediately noticed by Irina Pires, but, shortly after, A tremor in his right hand left no room for doubt. She was diagnosed with early Parkinson’s, which changed her life, making her leave her career in nursing and adopt strategies to make up for what the disease made her lose.
Fourteen years later, the medication wasn’t working. The pain was severe and the multidisciplinary team accompanying Irina decided to place a diffuser pump, connected to the body, until surgery.
In Portugal, the prevalence of Parkinson’s has been increasing, with 20 thousand cases diagnosed. Of these, two to three thousand were diagnosed early, before the age of 60.
And it was precisely for these people, with early Parkinson’s, that the . The lack of answers, and even some support, gave rise to a community that reaches out to those who receive the diagnosis. This year, the association organized the fourth conference, with more than 200 people, at the Champalimaud Foundation, in Lisbon.
Parkinson’s disease can show signs 20 years before motor limitations appear. Symptoms include sleep changes, lack of smell and constipation.
